Advice for First-Year Flower Farmers & Dreamers

Taking the leap to become a cut flower farmer and farmer-florist is both courageous and a little wild—maybe even both at once. I’ve been told it’s a bad idea; others have called it genius. The truth lies somewhere in between. I never planned for flower farming to be my future, but somehow, it found me. The journey has been full of hard work, sweat, and even a few tears. It’s physically demanding, emotionally challenging, and a big commitment. But without a doubt, it’s also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Flower farming isn’t for the faint-hearted. There are sore backs, early mornings, and inevitable setbacks, but each season brings moments that make it all worthwhile. New flower farmers often ask me what advice I’d give myself if I could go back to my first season. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here are a few insights I’ve gathered to help you along your journey. These aren’t just about growing and selling flowers—they’re about the growth of the farmer behind them.

Be Kind to Yourself

Looking back, I would tell myself to be kinder to myself. We’re our own worst critics, and learning flower farming and starting a business all at once can feel overwhelming. Each mistake feels massive, but it’s part of the journey. Yes, you’ll lose plants. Yes, you’ll make mistakes. But it’s okay. Take notes, learn, and don’t be too hard on yourself. There’s enough judgment from outside; you don’t need it from yourself.

You’ll meet critics who question your methods, your prices, and sometimes, even your dreams. Handle them with grace and patience, and remember that you don’t have to please everyone. Not every customer is the right customer for you, and that’s okay.

Be Patient

Patience is critical. It’s tough not to feel discouraged when things don’t go as planned or when customers aren’t lining up as quickly as you’d hoped. You’re building something unique, and that takes time. Your skills will grow, your flowers will flourish, and your intuition will guide you more each day.

People around you may not understand your passion or why you’re putting so much into it, but in time, they’ll see your progress. Be patient with family members and friends who may not quite “get it,” and seek support from other flower farmers and creatives who do. Your customers and community will follow suit as they see your hard work and passion.

Embrace Each Season

Be prepared to embrace all parts of the flower farming journey: the highs and the lows, the setbacks and the triumphs. You’ll lose plants to weather, pests, or plain bad luck. Some days, a bouquet might not sell, but others will bring a full schedule and customers who love your blooms. Embrace the beautiful, sometimes chaotic, flow of each season.

Don’t let the perfect Instagram moments mislead you; behind those are hours of hard work and even failures. The beauty of this path lies in its messiness, its unpredictability, and the satisfaction of seeing your hard work bloom. So, take a deep breath, embrace the dirt, and remember why you started.

Final Thoughts

Flower farming is a journey like no other, full of learning curves, joyful harvests, and growth—both in the fields and personally. If you’re embarking on your own flower farming adventure, know that there’s a community cheering you on.

Want more support on your journey?
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Looking forward to seeing you there!
– Jessica

We are looking forward to sharing more blooms with you soon.

Jessica & Graham