26. How to Start Breeding Dahlias (Without Losing Your Mind)
What do you get when you cross patience, petals, and a little bit of chaos? Dahlia breeding.In this episode, I’m sharing the real process behind breeding your own dahlia varieties — from hand-pollination tips to spotting the traits worth keeping. Whether you’re dreaming of your own exclusive varieties or just curious about how new dahlias are born, this is a peek behind the curtain of one of the most exciting (and unpredictable) parts of flower farming.You’ll learn: Why dahlia breeding is part science, part gamble — and why that’s the fun of it How to hand-pollinate dahlias for more control over your crosses The dominant vs recessive traits that shape form, colour, stem length, and vase life Why keeping records, tagging plants, and growing over multiple years is essential What beginners should focus on first (hint: start small and enjoy the surprises)I’ll also share how I grow out my own seedlings, what I look for in keepers, and the traits that often don’t make the cut. And if you’re already dreaming of filling your garden with dahlias — including some from my own breeding patch — you’ll want to be on my launch list for November.Links & ResourcesBreeding Dahlias BlogDahlia propagation BlogRegister for our weekly newsletter where you'll get information all out our new season Dahlias for 2026. Dahlia tuber pre-sale opens 1st November 2025 (dispatch early 2026) & Dahlia breeding seeds release 1st January 2026 — the perfect New Year’s Day startLet’s ConnectIf you loved this episode, leave a review and let me know what you’d like me to cover next. And don’t forget — the best varieties always go fast, so join my list to get first dibs.
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25. Five Numbers Every Flower Farmer Should Know
If you’ve ever thought “I just need to grow more flowers” or “I don’t know if I’m charging enough” — this episode is for you.In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the five core figures every flower farmer needs to know. These aren’t fluffy numbers; they’re the ones that make or break your business. From calculating your true cost per stem to spotting which crops are quietly draining your profits, these are the figures that will help you move from guessing… to growing a profitable business with confidence.You’ll learn:How to calculate your true cost of production per stem (yes, even your labour counts!) Why knowing your target stem price is essential for profit — not just covering costs How to measure your yield per bed so you can ditch low performers and scale what works The power of setting weekly and monthly stem targets (and why this changes everything) How to work out your revenue per bed so you know exactly which crops are paying the rentBy the end, you’ll see how these five numbers give you clarity, confidence, and control over your flower farm’s success.Links & ResourcesFlower Farming Calculator — plug in your beds, crops, and get instant clarity on costs and yieldsPricing Flowers with Confidence BlogPlanning for Profit BlogLet’s Connect - If this episode was helpful, share it with a fellow grower who’s still guessing their numbers. And don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss an episode.
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24. AI for Your Flower Business - Chat GPT Prompts Every Beginner Needs
Are you a flower farmer or florist staring at a blank screen trying to write your website, social posts, or emails? AI tools like ChatGPT can help — but only if you use them right. In this episode, I’m sharing the first prompt every floral business owner should try, especially if you’ve been burned by cringey AI results in the past.I’ll walk you through how to train ChatGPT to sound like you, how to build a brand voice from scratch (even if you don’t think you have one), and how to make AI your marketing sidekick — not your worst nightmare.Whether you’re growing flowers or growing your audience, this episode will give you a total mindset shift around AI in your creative business.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most florists get disappointing results from AI (and how to fix that)My exact foundational prompt to help you define your brand voiceHow to train ChatGPT to sound like you — not like a copy-and-paste robotThe importance of giving AI real brand context (like quoting Mary Portas or David Ogilvy!)How to use AI to brainstorm captions, content, and copy that actually sellWhy ChatGPT is a liar (yep!) Resources & Links:Blog with Free AI Prompts Starter Pack for Flower Farmers & Florists: Grab it hereMy Top 5 Begginers AI Prompts download
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23. Cut Flower Secrets - When to Harvest & How to Condition for the best Vase Life
In this episode, I’m getting into the not-so-sexy but absolutely essential topic of flower conditioning — what it is, why it matters, and how to do it properly. Whether you’re a newbie with your first bucket of cosmos or a seasoned grower supplying weddings, this one’s for you.I walk you through the best time to cut specific flowers (including tulips, dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons, sweet peas, and poppies), and explain how to actually condition them for long-lasting vase life. Expect practical tips on:Exactly when to harvest each flower for maximum vase lifeWhy conditioning isn’t optional (and the most common mistakes to avoid)My go-to routine and tools for healthy, hydrated, flop-free stemsThe difference between soft, sappy, and woody stems — and how to treat themWhy your zinnias are turning the water brown (and how to stop it!)PLUS: You can download "The Ultimate Flower Conditioning Guide" When to Harvest & How to Condition the Top 50 Cut FlowersAND: read the blog - Cut Flower Vase Life & Conditioning Guide - How to Make Your Blooms Last Longer If this episode helped you upgrade your post-harvest routine, I’d love it if you could do just one thing to help thsi podcast to grow and reach more people: Follow the show so you never miss an episode or Leave a review — it genuinely means the world and helps me shape future episodes.If you are feeling more generous then you could do both but that may be one step to far for my ask, I know !
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22. Succession Sowing 101
Ever wonder how some gardeners already have armfuls of colour while you’re still rummaging for your seed trays? It’s not magic — it’s timing. And in this episode, I’m pulling back the compost curtain on succession sowing — specifically why August is prime time to start.You’ll learn:Why autumn-sown hardy annuals give you earlier, stronger blooms (and the Instagram bragging rights to match)The secret to succession sowing that fills your garden with colour every week, not just in MayExactly what to sow now (and what to save for later)The difference between cool flowers, biennials, and tender annualsHow I stagger sweet peas and cornflowers across the seasons to hit every bloom window and wedding dateThis one’s jam-packed with tips, timing tricks, and real talk on growing smarter — not just more.LINKS & RESOURCESRead my Succession Sowing Guide (PDFs, sowing charts, and month-by-month cheat sheets) Read the Cold Stratification BlogJoin the Weekly Newsletter — you'll be first in line for autumn grow-alongs, seed launches, and new-season DahliasFollow along on Instagram: @thehampshireseedcompanyYOUR TASK THIS WEEKGrab your phone, walk your plot, and dictate notes as you go. Spot the colour gaps and bald patches — then play matchmaker with hardy annuals to fill them. August you is planning. Future you is thriving.FOLLOW: If this episode got you itching to grab your seed trays and plan your best spring ever — make sure you hit ‘follow’ on The Blooming Garden Podcast so you don’t miss a single sowing tip, marketing strategy, or grow-along update.New episodes drop every week — and if you’re feeling generous, I’d love it if you left a quick rating or review. It helps other growers find the show and lets me know what’s blooming in your world.Subscribe, share it with a flower friend, and I’ll see you in next week’s episode! 🌸
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!
UK