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 blocksWhy “one size fits all” is a myth in seed sowingMy no-fuss compost method for soil blocksWhich seeds thrive with each method (hint: poppies love the wild life)The golden rule: Match your method to your lifestyle, space, and sanityCommon 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.
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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 seasonPlus, 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 GuidePlanting PlannersLoved 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!
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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 soilThe truth about nitrogen lock-upWhy it helps with both drought and waterloggingHow to use it around trees, borders, veg beds and moreWhere to get your hands on woodchip—without spending a fortuneKey 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 SoilGrow 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.
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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 gardenIf 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
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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 yearResources & Links Mentioned: Read the Full Blog Post on the Equinox & Plant Growth →HERE Explore My Favourite Flower Seeds & Growing Guides →HEREShare & 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!
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