Surviving the Heat: Summer Tips for Thriving as a Flower Farmer
Summer has arrived, bringing sweltering heat and high stakes for flower farmers. Unlike hobbyist gardening, flower farming demands constant attention to ensure healthy crops and satisfied customers. Yet, with the intense sun, unrelenting schedules, and soaring temperatures, burnout and crop failure can quickly become real threats.
How can you keep yourself and your field thriving during the hottest days of summer? With smart planning, hydration, and protective strategies, you can maintain your farm’s productivity without sacrificing your well-being. Here’s how.
Stay Cool with Smarter Watering Techniques
Watering Tips for the Field
Keeping your plants hydrated is the foundation of a successful flower farm. For us, drip irrigation has been a game-changer, especially in our arid climate.
Why Drip Irrigation Works:
Deep Root Watering: Encourages deeper, more robust root systems.
Efficiency: Reduces water loss due to evaporation.
Conservation: Uses less water while delivering better results.
Automation: Saves time and ensures consistent watering, even on busy days.
In addition to drip irrigation, we use weed cloth to maintain moisture and regulate soil temperatures. This combination has allowed us to extend the blooming season of temperature-sensitive crops like sweet peas and ranunculus well into the summer heat.
Hydration Tips for Farmers
Dehydration is a serious risk, especially at higher altitudes like ours in the Tahoe region. Start your day hydrated and stay ahead of thirst with these tips:
Morning Hydration: Begin with water and a splash of lemon or coconut water for an early boost.
Electrolytes: Add a pinch of Celtic salt to your water or opt for clean electrolyte mixes.
Refresh with Fruit: Keep prepped fruit like watermelon or hydrating snacks like popsicles on hand.
Cut Back on Caffeine and Alcohol: Replace your second coffee with iced herbal teas or sparkling water for a refreshing alternative.
Protecting Your Field and Yourself
Shade Cloth: A Game-Changer for Plants
For fields exposed to full sun, shade cloth can make all the difference. Here’s how we use it:
Extend Blooming Seasons: Keep crops like anemones and ranunculus blooming longer by mitigating heat stress.
Reduce Transplant Shock: Cover newly planted seedlings to protect them during their critical adjustment period.
Temperature Control: Use shade cloth over propagation houses to create a cooler environment for starting biennials or shielding high tunnel crops.
Cover Up, Flower Farmer!
While a tank top and shorts may seem tempting, protecting your skin is non-negotiable when working long hours in the sun.
Field Essentials:
Lightweight Flannel Shirts: Protect your arms from sunburn while staying breathable.
Wide-Brim Hats: Keep your face and neck shaded to reduce heat-related headaches.
Moistened Towels: Drape a cold, wet towel around your neck for instant relief from the heat.
Sunglasses: Invest in affordable, slip-resistant options that can handle the rigors of farm work.
The Golden Rule: Avoid the Field Midday
Why Timing Matters for Plants
Transplanting or spraying during the heat of the day can stress plants unnecessarily. Instead, schedule these tasks for early mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler and plants are less vulnerable. This will lead to better growth and quicker recovery.
Make the Most of Midday
Use the heat of the day to tackle non-field tasks. Here’s a list of productive indoor activities:
Designing bouquets or preparing orders.
Updating inventory or placing fall orders.
Managing social media or drafting email campaigns.
Resting, rehydrating, and recharging for the evening ahead.
For those feeling adventurous, consider the “vampire schedule” some flower farmers adopt: working under the cool night skies with headlamps and floodlights.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
The flower farming season is a marathon, not a sprint. By implementing these strategies, you can avoid burnout, protect your crops, and maintain a thriving field even in the hottest months.
Remember: your health and well-being are just as important as your flowers. A hydrated, rested, and protected farmer is the cornerstone of a sustainable and successful flower farm.
We are looking forward to sharing more blooms with you soon.
Jessica & Graham
