Growing + Farming

Every gardener has had that moment. You walk out to your garden, spot holes in the leaves or a patch of yellow, and your stomach drops. But most plant problems are diagnosed backwards, starting with the treatment instead of the question. In Episode 127, I’m walking you through how to read what your plants are actually telling you, so you stop spraying things that never needed to be sprayed.

July and August bring the same question every year: how do I water? The honest answer is that most of us are watering too often, too shallowly, and at the wrong time of day. Here’s what we’ve learned after years of watering a working flower farm, plus a hoop house test that shows exactly what shallow watering does to your soil.

Seed packets contain far more than planting instructions—they’re packed with valuable information that can help you become a more successful grower. In this episode of The Flower Files, we explain the terminology behind germination rates, F1 hybrids, pelleted seed, primed seed, days to maturity, and more so you can confidently choose the right seeds for your garden or flower farm.

Have you ever wondered what happens before a flower seed arrives in your mailbox? In this episode of *The Flower Files*, we continue our exclusive behind-the-scenes series with the GeoSeed team to uncover the incredible journey every seed takes—from growers around the world to the packets we rely on each season. We explore how seeds are sourced, tested, packaged, and shipped, why some varieties cost more than others, how seed shortages happen, and what growers can do to plan ahead. If you’ve ever wanted a deeper appreciation for the work behind every bloom, this conversation offers an inside look at the people, processes, and expertise that help make every growing season possible.

We’re digging into the world of seeds with the team behind Park Seed, GeoSeed, and Twilley. From hard-to-find cut flower varieties to plugs, liners, catalogs, and industry trends, this conversation is packed with insight for flower farmers, gardeners, and growers.

When most people think of pollinators, they picture honey bees. But some of the most important pollinators in our gardens are native bees, hoverflies, beetles, moths, bats, and even birds. In this episode of The Flower Files, we explore why pollinator conservation is about much more than flowers—and how creating habitat may be the single most important thing we can do to support biodiversity.

Weeds are often viewed as the enemy of a beautiful flower farm, but they can reveal valuable information about soil health, growing conditions, and management practices. In this episode of The Flower Files, we walk through our fields to discuss the weeds we encounter, the suppression techniques we rely on, and the lessons we’ve learned through years of trial and error.

If your work or hobbies keep you outside, your skin is working overtime. In this episode of The Flower Files, we sit down with dermatology physician assistant Christina Da Leon to discuss skin cancer prevention, sunscreen myths, skincare trends, scalp health, and simple ways to protect your skin without sacrificing time outdoors. Whether you’re a gardener, farmer, florist, or simply someone who loves sunshine, this conversation is packed with practical advice that can help you care for your body’s largest organ.

In Episode 114 of The Flower Files, Liza Goetz visits Dr. Maddie Schofield of Chestertown Animal Hospital for a conversation every flower-loving pet owner should hear. From toxic lilies and curious cats to dogs eating green tomatoes, compost, mulch, and mystery plants in the yard, this episode is all about enjoying spring while keeping our animals safe.

Spring garden clean-up can do more harm than good when it’s done too early. Here’s what to trim, what to leave in place, and how to support pollinators, soil health, and stronger plant growth this season.

A soil test is more than a sheet of numbers! It is a decision-making tool that helps us understand what our soil can support, what needs attention, and how to make smarter choices for healthier flowers, better stem quality, and stronger yields.

In Episode 106 of The Flower Files, we dig into the soil myths that may be quietly costing you blooms, money, and confidence. From nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to compost overload and drainage issues, this episode breaks down what is really happening below the surface and how to grow with more intention.

From aerated static piles to pathogen reduction temperatures, we explore how commercial composting works and why compost is one of the most powerful tools for building healthy soil.

Soil amendments aren’t magic fixes — they’re support tools for healthy garden soil. In this episode, we explain organic matter, minerals, nutrient amendments, and compost so you can stop guessing and start growing with confidence.

When you're staring down a stack of seed catalogs or scrolling endlessly through dreamy garden...

This episode of The Flower Files is your permission slip to stop guessing and start growing with clarity. Whether you want more blooms, less stress, or a garden that finally feels like you, it starts with setting intentional garden goals. Here’s how.

Scaling a flower farm or creative business can feel like trying to bloom in a drought — too many ideas, too few resources, and the constant fear of burnout. In this episode of The Flower Files, we sit down with Ashish Gupta, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Scale Up Exec, to unpack what sustainable growth really looks like.