The Blooming Garden

The Hampshire Seed Company

Perfect for gardening enthusiasts at any level, this podcast is your companion to cultivating success and beauty in your own backyard or flower patch. Hosted by Jane Westoby from Fuchsia Blooms Florist and The Hampshire Seed Company.
Each episode is a treasure trove of practical tips, expert advice, and insider flower farming guides designed to help you sow and grow with confidence and harvest with pride. Whether you’re dreaming of rows of neat vegetables or cutting flowers for bouquets all year round, we’ll walk you through every step.
Let’s grow together!

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36 episodes
Updated March 3

Episodes36

Newest first

Jun 14, 2025 · 20 min
16. Pricing Flowers with Confidence — How to Charge Properly Without Apologising
Are you charging enough for your flowers—or just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best? In this honest and number-packed episode, I peel back the layers of pricing guilt and walk you through how to confidently price your flowers, whether you’re a grower, a florist, or both. From emotional undercharging to spreadsheets that make sense, I offer a clear, real-world guidance on valuing your time, your skills, and your stems. If you’ve ever ended a busy weekend with sore feet and no profit, this one’s for you. What You'll Learn: Why you're not just selling flowers—you're selling time, labour, expertise, and peace of mind How to calculate your overheads and fold them into your pricing (with real examples!) A step-by-step walkthrough for florists and flower farmers to price for profit The difference between COGs (cost of goods) and overheads—and why both matter How to calculate your cost per stem (even if you're terrified of spreadsheets!) Why it’s okay to be “too expensive”—you’re just not for the Tesco crowd Resources & Links: Pricing with Confidence Blog- with all of this weeks examples Planning for Profit Blog: How Many Flowers Do You Really Need to Grow? Flower Farming Planning Tool More From Me Follow me on Instagram @thehampshireseedcompany SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps me reach more growers who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks so much for for tuning in - See you next week!
Jun 7, 2025 · 18 min
15. Planning for Profit: How to Grow Smarter, Not Just More
Are you drowning in blooms but wondering where the profit is? In this episode, I cuts through the flower farming fluff and walk you step-by-step through how to set realistic financial goals — and actually grow enough stems to meet them. Perfect for growers who are ready to move beyond the “hope and hustle” model and start building a thriving, flower-based business. Whether you’re aiming for £10K or £100K, I show you how to turn your dream into an actionable growing plan using my real-world methods and trusty spreadsheets. Episode Takeaways How to reverse engineer your season around your income target Real crop examples for early, mid and late season growing Why fewer, well-priced bouquets are often more profitable A simple six-bed growing plan to produce 5,000+ stems The difference between growing for joy and growing for business Resources & Links Planning for Profit Blog Post Flower Farming Niche Blog Flower Farming Excel Crop Planner
Apr 26, 2025 · 22 min
14. Sow Smart: Direct Sowing, Soil Blocking, or Modules?
When it comes to sowing flower seeds, should you go high-tech, low-fi, or somewhere in between? In this episode I dive into one of the most spirited debates in the flower farming world: modules vs. soil blocks vs. direct sowing. I Cut through the noise, sharing real-life tips and lessons from my greenhouse and garden trenches. Whether you're surrounded by seed trays or armed with just a rake and a dream, this episode will help you find the sowing method that suits your flowers — and your life. 🌼 What You’ll Learn: The pros and cons of direct sowing, modular trays, and soil blocks Why “one size fits all” is a myth in seed sowing My no-fuss compost method for soil blocks Which seeds thrive with each method (hint: poppies love the wild life) The golden rule: Match your method to your lifestyle, space, and sanity Common mistakes to avoid (and why your cardboard pots might be the problem) 🔗 Resources & Links: Soil Blocking 101 Blog The Great Seed Sowing Debate Blog Loved this episode? Leave us a review and share it with a flower-loving friend. And don’t forget to follow so you never miss a bloom-filled conversation.
Apr 11, 2025 · 14 min
13. How to Start a Flower Farm: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Welcome to the Blooming Garden Podcast — the go-to space for aspiring and established flower farmers who want to grow beautiful blooms and build a thriving business. In this episode, I’m tackling one of the biggest questions I get asked time and time again: “How do I start a flower farm?” Whether you’ve got a tiny patch of lawn, a couple of raised beds, or a whole field to play with, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step plan to help you get growing — without the overwhelm. Here’s what we cover: Defining your goals — and why you need to know your "why" before you sow a single seed What to grow: my top 5 beginner-friendly, high-value flowers How to plan your first season like a pro (even if you hate spreadsheets!) Why marketing before your flowers bloom is your secret weapon How to find customers and make sales, even in your very first season Plus, I share why starting small is the best thing you can do to succeed long-term — and why fancy tools or acres of land are absolutely not required. Want to go deeper? If you're ready to go from idea to income with your flower farm, Then register your interest for our course which launcher later this year: Flower Farming 101: Start Your Business in 30 Days A practical 4-week roadmap to help you plan, grow, and sell with confidence. Register Now for our waiting list Free Resources Mentioned: Succession Planning Guide Planting Planners Loved this episode? Share it on Instagram and tag me @hampshireseedcompany — I’d love to see what you’re planning for your patch this season. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. See you next time!
Mar 29, 2025 · 35 min
12. Using Woodchip for Soil Health, Mulching & Composting
In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Raskin, Head of Agroforestry at the Soil Association and author of The Woodchip Handbook, to talk about one of the most underrated (and free!) resources in the garden: woodchip. We cover: What woodchip actually is (and the different types) How it supports fungi and microbial life in your soil The truth about nitrogen lock-up Why it helps with both drought and waterlogging How to use it around trees, borders, veg beds and more Where to get your hands on woodchip—without spending a fortune Key Quotes: “Woodchip is like fast food for fungi—full of cut ends, easy to break down, and full of potential.” – Ben Raskin “Every bit of woody growth in your garden is captured sunlight. Don’t let it leave your system.” – Ben Raskin 🌱 Resources & Links: Buy The Woodchip Handbook – by Ben Raskin (Chelsea Green Publishing) Arbtalk – Register as a woodchip drop-off site 🎧 Listen to more episodes at [Your Website or Podcast Page Link] 🪴 Keep Exploring: How to Make Nettle Tea Fertiliser – another free garden boost you probably already have growing. Quick Compost: The Fast Way to Feed Your Soil Grow Again Next Year – The Essential Guide to Seed Saving 📩 Stay in the Loop: Like what you heard? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and sign up to the newsletter for weekly growing tips, podcast updates, and first dibs on new resources.
Mar 16, 2025 · 38 min
11. The Circular Garden: Growing More with Less
Ever felt overwhelmed by gardening advice that tells you to buy more, do more, and battle nature at every turn? What if there was a simpler, more sustainable way? In this episode, I chat with Jim and Sonia from The Edible Gardeners about their revolutionary approach to gardening, as featured in their new book The Circular Garden. We’re talking: How to grow more with less – less waste, less cost, less stress Natural pest control that actually works Why “weeds” might just be your garden’s best friend The secret to composting without the fuss Simple ways to drought-proof your garden If you’re looking for a practical, low-maintenance way to garden in harmony with nature (instead of fighting against it), this episode is packed with tips you can start using today! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why gardening isn’t about perfection – and how letting go of control can make your garden thrive. ✅ How Jim & Sonia’s garden became a case study in resilience – plus the biggest lessons from writing The Circular Garden. ✅ The power of planting strategy & timing – and why changing when and how you plant can protect your crops. ✅ Composting made simple – the biggest mistakes people make and how to fix them. ✅ Water conservation tips – how to garden without constant watering. ✅ Natural pest control without chemicals – how to work with nature to keep pests in check. ✅ Why your entire garden is a habitat – and how even small urban gardens can support biodiversity. Links & Resources: Get Your Copy of The Circular Garden direct from Jim & Sonia : www.ediblegardeners.co.uk Follow Jim & Sonia on Instagram: @reasonablygoodlife Follow our blogs & Growing Guides : www.thehampshireseedco.com
Mar 14, 2025 · 14 min
10. Why Seeds Sulk - Understanding the Equinox
Ever sown seeds early in the season, only to watch them sit there doing nothing for weeks? Meanwhile, someone sows the same variety a few weeks later, and suddenly their plants are thriving while yours are still sulking. So what’s going on? The answer lies in daylight length and the Equinox. In this episode, we’re diving into how plants measure light, why some flowers simply refuse to grow before the Equinox, and how you can time your sowings perfectly for better results. I’ve learned these lessons the hard way—sowing too early and watching seedlings struggle, then waiting just a little longer and seeing them take off like rockets. Timing really is everything, and today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you don’t have to make the same mistakes! In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✔️ What the Equinox is and why it affects plant growth ✔️ How photoperiodism works and why some plants respond to light differently ✔️ Why Cosmos, Zinnias, and Sunflowers sulk if sown too early ✔️ The best timing for sowing short-day, long-day, and day-neutral plants ✔️ Real-life examples from my own seed sowing this year Resources & Links Mentioned: Read the Full Blog Post on the Equinox & Plant Growth →HERE Explore My Favourite Flower Seeds & Growing Guides →HERE Share & Subscribe! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow grower who might be sowing too early! And don’t forget to subscribe to The Blooming Garden Podcast so you never miss an episode. I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever had seeds sulk because they were sown too early? Let me know in the comments or tag me on @thehampshireseedcompany with your thoughts! Thanks for listening, and happy growing!
Mar 7, 2025 · 13 min
9. How to Grow More on Less Space
Do you want to double your flower harvest without adding a single extra row? Whether you’re a flower farmer, a backyard grower, or just someone who wants more blooms from less space, today’s episode is for you! I’m sharing the three essential techniques every grower needs to maximize production—without extra land, fancy tools, or complicated setups. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your flowers stronger, taller, and blooming for longer, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice to help you do just that. In this episode, you’ll learn about the 3 pillars of more blooms: The power of cut-and-come-again flowers—why some plants thrive when you keep cutting and which varieties are the best for it. Pinching for bushier, more productive plants—which flowers love a strategic snip (and which ones don’t!). Succession sowing made simple—how to keep your cutting patch producing all season long without that dreaded mid-summer gap. Must-Have Resources & Links: FREE Download: My cheat sheet of which flowers to pinch (and which ones to leave alone!) – [Grab it here] Read the Full Blog: A step-by-step breakdown of how to put these techniques into action – [Click here] Related Episode: Love this topic? Check out my Blogpost on Cut-and-Come-Again Flowers – [Click here] Let’s Connect! 📸 Share your success: Tried any of these techniques? I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @thehampshireseedco and let’s chat. ⭐ Support the podcast: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a quick review! It helps more growers find this content and keeps me motivated to share even more tips. 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: Never miss an episode! Follow The Blooming Garden Podcast on your favorite platform. Happy growing, and I’ll see you next time!
Feb 28, 2025 · 46 min
8.Growing Willow With Cherry Tree Farm
In this episode, I sit down with Rainy from Cherry Tree Flower Farm to talk all things willow. From growing it successfully in wet conditions to harvesting, weaving, and using it in floristry, Rainy shares her incredible knowledge built over years of working with this sustainable and versatile plant. Whether you're looking to grow willow for weaving, floristry, or even as a windbreak, this episode is packed with expert advice. Takeaways Willow thrives in damp soil but still needs full sun to grow well. The best way to plant willow is from a cutting—just push it into the ground and let nature do its thing. Harvesting is best done in winter when the leaves have dropped and the sap has gone down. Willow must be coppiced (cut back) every year to produce long, straight rods for weaving. Different varieties are suited to different purposes—choose the right type based on what you want to use it for. Dried willow can last indefinitely if stored correctly and can be rehydrated when needed. Willow is fantastic for wildlife, providing early-season pollen for pollinators. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Cherry Tree Flower Farm Flowers from the Farm ArbTalk – Free Woodchip for Gardens The Living Jigsaw – Book on Garden Ecosystems Ben Raskin’s Book on Woodchip Tolhurst Organic – Sustainable Farming Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and The Untamed Garden The Blooming Garden Podcast Instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow If you’ve enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show. It helps me create more episodes packed with useful, practical advice to help you grow with confidence. And if you haven’t already, make sure you’re following the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Feb 23, 2025 · 11 min
7. Growing Sweet Peas - All your questions Answered
In this special last-minute episode, I address the flood of questions I've received about sweet peas—from customers, journalists, and bloggers. I share my personal tips on when and how to sow sweet peas, the benefits of autumn versus spring sowing, and how to keep your plants strong and blooming from May through September. Whether you’re dealing with leggy seedlings or wondering if you should soak your seeds, I break down everything you need to know to enjoy a vibrant display of sweet peas all season long. Takeaways Sweet peas are hardy annuals that bloom best when sown in autumn for early flowering the following year. Sowing in a greenhouse or cold frame helps prevent leggy growth, while ensuring proper airflow minimizes the risk of damping off. Pinching out tall, floppy tips not only keeps the plants bushy but also lets you root the cuttings for extra plants.. Regular cutting every two to three days prevents seed set and encourages continuous blooming. After years of practice, I’ve discovered that soaking sweet pea seeds isn’t necessary Protect your seeds and seedlings from pests like mice, squirrels, and slugs with simple covers or barriers. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Growing Sweet Peas Blog Sweet Peas from Cuttings Blog Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and The Untamed Garden The Blooming Garden Podcast Instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow If you found this episode helpful, please consider rating and reviewing the show. Your feedback motivates me to continue sharing practical gardening advice and tips. And don’t forget to follow the podcast to stay updated with the latest episodes. Happy growing, and see you next time.
Feb 14, 2025 · 22 min
6. Growing Matthiola Incana for Stunning Summer Blooms
This week, I'll be diving into one of my all-time favorite flowers—Matthiola Incana, or scented stocks. If you’ve ever struggled to grow them, you’re not alone. I spent years getting it wrong before finally cracking the code. Now, they’re a staple in my cutting garden, perfect for weddings, arrangements, and filling the air with that incredible, spicy-sweet scent. In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—what works, what doesn’t, and how you can grow the most beautiful scented stocks from seed. Takeaways Stocks thrive in cool conditions, so sowing early is key to getting tall, strong stems.Only about half of your plants will produce double blooms, but there’s a way to identify them early. Spacing and staking make all the difference—too far apart or left unsupported, and they’ll flop. Heat stress ruins stocks. Anything over 21°C can affect flower development, so keeping them cool is essential. Stocks are a one-hit wonder. Once you’ve cut them, they’re done, which makes them great for succession planting. Resources Mentioned in This Episode How to Grow Matthiola Incana (Scented Stocks) – Blog Follow The Hampshire Seed Company The Blooming Garden Podcast Instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow If you love gardening and found this episode helpful, please take a moment to rate and review the show. It helps me keep going and create even more resources to help you grow and sow with confidence. And if you haven’t already, make sure to follow the podcast and let me know what you loved most about this episode.
Feb 7, 2025 · 16 min
5.Better Germination with Seed Stratification
In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, I discuss the essential aspects of seed sowing, focusing on the often-overlooked process of seed stratification. Explaining how to recreate natural conditions for seeds to germinate, emphasizing the importance of temperature, light, and moisture and providing practical tips for gardeners to improve their seed germination success. Takeaways Seed stratification is crucial for certain seeds. Understanding your seeds' needs to improve germination rates. Temperature and light play a significant role in seed germination. Water and oxygen are also essential for seed growth. Using heated mats to speed up germination. Moisture levels must be monitored closely during germination with lids to help maintain moisture Resources mentioned in this Episode: Seed Stratification Blog Growing Orlaya Grandiflora Blog Growing Bells of Ireland Blog Growing Lisianthus Blog Follow The Hampshire Seed Company : The Blooming Garden Podcast instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode.
Jan 24, 2025 · 43 min
4. Growing a Flower Farm
In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby from The Hampshire Seed Company talks to fellow Flower Farmer Jen from Jen on the Lot about her journey into flower farming. They discuss the importance of planning, market research, and the challenges of starting a flower farm. Jen shares her experiences transitioning from an allotment to a larger farm, the strategies she employs to decide what to grow, and the significance of pest management. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, including overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of community support. Jen offers valuable advice for aspiring flower farmers, emphasizing the need to balance growing with business acumen. Takeaways Utilize local resources to inform decision-making. Planning and forecasting are crucial for success. Don't be afraid to pivot your business strategy. Engage with your audience for market feedback. Start with a solid infrastructure for your farm. Pest management is a key consideration in farming. Enjoy the process and celebrate your achievements. Calculate your growing space for maximum yield. Be prepared for startup costs to be higher than expected. Community support is vital in the flower farming industry. Resources mentioned in this Episode: Business Resources Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and the untamed Garden : The Blooming Garden Podcast instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode.
Jan 17, 2025 · 47 min
3. Dahlia Breeding with The Untamed Garden
In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby talks all things Dahlia breeding with Pam Lyons from the Untamed Garden. Exploring Pam's journey from Alaska to the UK, her passion for growing and breeding dahlias, and the various challenges and joys that come with it. How The Untamed garden breeding programme started and essential topics such as isolation techniques, seed collection, and the unpredictability of growing dahlias from seed. Takeaways Dahlias can be grown successfully even in challenging climates like Alaska. Isolation techniques are crucial for successful dahlia breeding. The unpredictability of genetics in dahlias can be both a challenge and a joy and can lead to unexpected and beautiful results. Cutting blooms early encourages more branching and blooms. Let the bees do the work if you are starting out and don’t have any specific goals Resources mentioned in this Episode: Dahlia Breeding Blogpost Growing Dahlias Blogpost Follow The Hampshire Seed Company and the untamed Garden : The Blooming Garden Podcast instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode.
Jan 12, 2025 · 29 min
2. Preserving Seeds for Future Generations with The Heritage Seed Library
Heritage Seeds with The Heritage Seed Library In this episode of the Blooming Garden podcast, host Jane Westoby speaks with Catrina Fenton from Garden Organic about the significance of heritage seeds and The Heritage Seed Library in their 50th Anniversary year. Discussing the origins of the library, the importance of seed saving, and the role of volunteers in conservation efforts. Katrina shares insights on how to become a seed guardian, the process of saving seeds, and the viability of different seed types. The conversation also touches on the commercialization of heritage varieties and the future of sustainable gardening. Takeaways Heritage seeds are crucial for biodiversity and sustainable gardening. The Heritage Seed Library was founded to protect endangered seed varieties. Volunteers play a vital role in seed conservation efforts and anyone can become a seed guardian and help grow heritage seeds. Seed viability varies by type; some seeds last longer than others. Saving your own seeds is easy from open pollinated varieties. Resources mentioned in this Episode: How long do seeds Last Blog Post How to save your own seeds Bog Post www.gardenorganic.org.uk Follow The Hampshire Seed Company: The Blooming Garden Podcast instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. Scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate the stars, and select write a review. If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode.
Jan 4, 2025 · 32 min
1. Succession Sowing for your Garden or Cut Flower Patch
Are you ready to kick start your garden and improve your sowing & growing skills? Or are you a flower farmer wanting to be more profitable? In the first episode we talk about: Succession planting to ensure continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Know your frost dates for effective timing. Utilize planning tools like our Sowing Calendars and Planting SChedules Selecting a diverse mix of flowers for maximum space. Understanding your local growing conditions. The hungry gap! Timing is everything in flower farming and gardening . Listen in to discover how you can get organised and master your dream gardening goals for the year! _ Resources mentioned in this Episode: The Hampshire Seed Company Annual Seed Sowing Calendar The Hampshire Seed Company Excel Automated Calendar Growing Lisianthus Blog Post _ Follow The Hampshire Seed Company: The Blooming Garden Podcast instagram.com/thehampshireseedcompany thehampshireseedco.com Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts If you love gardening and you have found this podcast useful then please consider to rate and review the show. It helps us to keep going and produce even more resources for you to grow and sow better. Click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, tap to rate the stars, and select write a review. If you haven't done so already then do follow the podcast now and let us know what you loved most about this episode.