About this episode
I stumbled into growing annuals. I initially began planting perennials, but I quickly saw the error of my ways - I was going to run out of space, QUICK! As my business was gaining more demand than flowers I had-- I became a little crazy figuring out how to make the most of my total property of 1.17 acres that also had my home and outbuildings. I already had a nice stand of hydrangeas in our landscape and thought-- bingo, use it all. But then I needed a consistent supply-- I didn't see it yet but annual plants were knocking down my door. Then I got it! To maximize my space and to have a consistent supply I needed annuals. What I discovered along that journey is that annuals are the perfect fit for the small-space flower farmer. It's the recommended way all farmers get started to learn how to farm, maintain, seed start, harvest, and find customers: Low investment, Max production small space, Constant ability to change up-colors & varieties, The annual system has been so misrepresented A little-known reality of the "Annual Farmer" is that this style of farming can become an asset to your home. I could literally stop farming any day, plant trees or grass, and call it a life well lived. Mentions Online Courses from The Gardener's Workshop Sign up to receive our weekly Farm News! Shop the TGW Online Store for all your seeds and supplies! The Field and Garden Podcast is produced by Lisa Mason Ziegler, award-winning author of The Cut Flower Handbook, Vegetables Love Flowers, and Cool Flowers , owner of The Gardener’s Workshop, Flower Farming School Online, and the publisher of Farmer-Florist School Online and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa’s Story and connect with Lisa on social media!