19. The Florist’s Guide to Building a Website That Sells While You Sleep
In this week’s episode, I’m diving into a topic many florists and flower farmers put off for far too long: your website. Not just having one — but making sure it actually works for you. Whether you're running a full-scale cut flower farm or designing bouquets from your kitchen table, your website should be attracting customers, answering questions, and taking payments (even while you’re elbow-deep in sweet peas).I’ll walk you through:The best platforms for flower growers and florists (Wix vs Shopify vs Squarespace)The non-negotiable elements every website needs to convert browsers into buyersHow to set up your site to take payment upfront — no more ghosting customersWhy SEO isn’t scary (and how to do it without jargon)A simple schedule for keeping your site fresh, seasonal, and sales-readyIf your site is out of date (or non-existent), this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to finally get it working for you — not against you. Resources & Links Mentioned:My wedding site: fuchsiabloomsflorist.comMy seed business: thehampshireseedcompany.comWebsite builders: Wix, Squarespace, ShopifyMy Business Blogs for more helpful information about setting up and running your business : Business Blogs
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18. Top 10 Foliage Plants Every Flower Farmer Should Grow
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, we’re diving into a topic that’s often overlooked — but absolutely essential:FOLIAGE!!!Not hedge clippings. We're talking intentional, scene-stealing, bouquet-building greens that add structure, drama, and serious sales power to your flowers. Whether you're sowing your very first cutting patch or you've already got blooms bursting at the seams, if your bouquets are missing that magic something — this is where you’ll find it.Here’s what I cover:Why foliage is the backbone of every good arrangementMy top 10 must-grow foliage plants (plus two bonus picks she couldn’t resist)Which varieties add structure, movement, contrast — or all threeHow to grow, prune, and cut them for maximum vase lifeSmart ways to mix perennial and annual foliage to build a profitable cutting gardenThe often-forgotten role foliage plays in making your flowers look expensiveWhether you’re building wedding bouquets, market bunches or mixed flower jars, this episode will change the way you grow — and value — your greens.Want to go deeper? The full foliage list (with sowing tips and more details) is now live on the blog! Read the Foliage Blog PostLoved this episode? Make sure you follow the show wherever you get your podcasts — it’s the easiest way to stay up to date with new episodes and never miss a moment of seasonal growing advice, insider tips, and real talk from the flower patch Until next time — keep sowing, keep growing, and give your greens the main character energy they deserve. 🌿
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Sowing in the Sunshine: The Smart Grower’s Shortcut to Next Year’s Blooms
Summer might look like the end of the flower farming season — but for those of us in the know, it’s actually when the real magic starts happening in the seed trays.In this episode, I’m talking all things biennials and perennials: what to sow right now in June and July, how to keep them happy during the hot weather, and why this quiet little sowing season can lead to some of your most spectacular blooms (and sales) next spring.Whether you’re running a flower farm or just want your garden to look smug in May while your neighbour’s tulips flop and their cosmos are still sulking — this one’s for you.In this Episode I You will learn: Why summer sowing is your not-so-secret weapon for spring colourMy go-to biennials for plugging the May Gap (foxgloves forever)The perennials I sow now to save time and space in springHow I keep seedlings alive in the heat (shade hacks + watering tips)Why I rarely direct sow (unless I want to be disappointed)How to get a head start while everyone else is winding downRead the blog: What I’m sowing this summer Follow me on Instagram @hampshireseedcompany
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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 mindHow 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 profitThe difference between COGs (cost of goods) and overheads—and why both matterHow 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 crowdResources & 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 ToolMore From MeFollow me on Instagram @thehampshireseedcompanySUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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!
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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 TakeawaysHow to reverse engineer your season around your income targetReal crop examples for early, mid and late season growingWhy fewer, well-priced bouquets are often more profitableA simple six-bed growing plan to produce 5,000+ stemsThe difference between growing for joy and growing for businessResources & LinksPlanning for Profit Blog Post Flower Farming Niche BlogFlower Farming Excel Crop Planner
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