Register for the Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-eed11a8c-b87c-42f7-b405-7747a71eafa2 In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the journey of building a flower farm business that thrives on sustainability and diversification. She emphasizes the importance of creating a smart farm ecosystem that not only focuses on selling flowers but also on building relationships with customers and exploring multiple revenue streams. The conversat...
Aug 11, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 54
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the often-overlooked responsibilities of flower farmers, particularly in the context of agritourism. She emphasizes the role flower farmers play in shaping public perception of agriculture and the importance of educating visitors about the realities of farming. The conversation explores the spectrum of farming, the balance between small and large farms, and the civic role that flower farmers take on when they open their farms...
Aug 04, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 53
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum, host Liz discusses strategies for managing extra flowers in a flower farming business. She emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and pre-selling to avoid excess inventory. The episode provides creative solutions for moving flowers, such as partnering with local businesses, utilizing QR codes for audience building, and running giveaways. Liz also warns against discounting flowers, as it can attract bargain hunters and undermine the business's ...
Jul 29, 2025•19 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Foundations of PPP: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPP Workshops: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/workshops In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses her recent intermission from selling and growing flowers, the evolution of her online course into a community membership, and the importance of taking breaks to refocus on business foundations. She shares insights on automating email marketing, the upcoming pivot of the podcast to include a...
Jul 21, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 51
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergan discusses the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities, particularly in Stearns County, Minnesota and the Stearns County Comprehensive Plan for 2040 that has a focus on agriculture. She explores the balance between growth and preservation, the importance of supporting small farmers, and the role of agritourism and value-added agriculture in sustaining rural economies. The conversation emphasizes the need for...
Jul 07, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 50
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergen discusses the numerous benefits of locally grown flowers, emphasizing the importance of having a well-prepared elevator pitch to advocate for local blooms. She highlights the unique qualities of local flowers, including their freshness, sustainability, and support for the local economy. Liz also introduces a new resource, FarmersToFlorist.com , aimed at fostering collaboration between flower farmers and florists. Takeawa...
Jun 30, 2025•15 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Free Download: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/cut-flower-care-tips In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses how to care for locally grown flowers from the perspective of the customer. She emphasizes the unique qualities of these flowers, the importance of educating customers on their care, and sustainable practices in flower farming. The episode provides practical tips for prolonging the life of bouquets and highlights the significance of supporting local agricu...
Jun 23, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 48
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the 'Miracle on 34th Street' philosophy, emphasizing the importance of customer service and community support in the flower farming business. She shares personal anecdotes about her journey in the floral industry, the challenges of meeting customer needs, and the significance of maintaining integrity and generosity in business interactions. Liz also opens up about her recent personal struggles, including a miscarriage, and an...
Jun 16, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz and guest Matt Diamante discuss essential marketing strategies for small businesses, focusing on social media and SMS marketing. They explore the importance of video content, the dynamics of going viral, and effective ways to build an SMS list. The conversation emphasizes the need for small business owners to adapt to changing marketing landscapes and engage their audiences meaningfully. Takeaways Social media should focus on audience ...
Jun 09, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 46
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the critical choice between chasing time or money in the context of flower farming. She shares her personal journey through the ups and downs of running a flower farm, emphasizing the importance of investing in systems and understanding the seasons of business. Liz highlights the challenges of growth, the necessity of organization, and the balance between working hard and maintaining sustainability. The conversation serves as a gu...
Jun 02, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 45
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses her experiences and strategies for growing dahlias at her farm in Minnesota. She shares insights on simplifying planting techniques, improving soil conditions, and innovative methods for extending the blooming season. Liz emphasizes the importance of efficient farming practices and the benefits of community support among flower farmers. Takeaways Dahlias are resilient and can thrive with proper care. Simplifying planting technique...
May 26, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 44
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the realities of flower farming when it isn't a full-time job. She shares her experiences balancing multiple revenue streams, the importance of flexibility in scheduling, and practical strategies for preparing for planting. Liz emphasizes the significance of adapting to weather conditions, maximizing limited time, and maintaining flower beds effectively. The conversation concludes with encouragement for flower farmers to embr...
May 19, 2025•21 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz and guest expert Mona Bavar discuss the intersection of smart marketing, authentic branding, and the use of AI strategies to enhance customer reach without sacrificing authenticity. They explore the importance of understanding one's brand story, the emotional connections that drive customer loyalty, and the role of AI in modern marketing. The conversation also touches on overcoming skepticism towards AI, effective content creation, and...
May 12, 2025•32 min
Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration In this episode, Liz wraps up the mini-series on finding your flower farm fit by discussing advanced revenue streams such as workshops, weddings, and selling to florists. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement through workshops, the complexities and profitability of wedding florals, and the nuances of building relationships with florists for consistent sales. Liz shares her personal experiences and insights on how to na...
May 05, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz delves into various business models for flower farming, including farm stands, subscriptions, cut flower garden kits, stem bars, U-Pick farms, and nursing home sponsorships. Each model is explored in terms of its benefits, challenges, and suitability for different types of flower farmers. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own business needs and communit...
Apr 28, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Sign up the the free webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz introduces a new mini-series titled 'Find Your Flower Farm Fit.' The series aims to help aspiring flower farmers identify the best model for their unique circumstances, focusing on personal resources, market needs, and financial considerations. The first episode emphasizes the importance of assessing one's time, money, infrastructure, and community to cr...
Apr 21, 2025•17 min•Season 2Ep. 39
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses effective strategies for marketing flowers to florists. She emphasizes the importance of understanding florist needs, pricing strategies, and building professional relationships. Key tips include selling in increments of ten, knowing market prices, and presenting flowers in a way that highlights their value. The conversation concludes with a reminder that successful marketing to florists is about creating partnerships that benefit...
Apr 14, 2025•15 min•Season 2Ep. 38
The Flower Farmer Forum podcast (formerly Sunny Mary Meadow podcast) is hosted by Liz Fiedler, a nurse practitioner turned flower farmer in central MN. Learn tips and tricks for growing and selling cut flowers. Located in Zone 4B, the shorter growing season offers some challenges. Her farm, Sunny Mary Meadow specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you pick flower farm experience. Look for the bonus PPP episodes on running a cut flower farm and growing your business. The PPP stands...
Apr 14, 2025•2 min
Sign up here: www.farmerstoflorists.com In this short but powerful episode, we’re talking about why florists need better options—and how YOU can be the one to provide them. Imported flowers dominate the market, but local blooms offer something truly special: unmatched freshness, sustainability, and heart. If you're a flower farmer who grows beautiful, high-quality stems and is ready to connect with florists looking for something better , visit www.farmerstoflorists.com . This brand-new directory...
Apr 09, 2025•7 min
$30 Crop Planning Offer: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/8qKFeNxG In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the critical aspect of crop planning for flower farmers. She emphasizes the importance of understanding fixed and flexible offerings, managing bloom times, and the mathematical calculations necessary for successful crop planning. Liz also introduces her crop planning course, designed to help farmers streamline their processes and improve profitab...
Apr 07, 2025•16 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Find Brandon online: https://seooptimizers.com/ In this episode, Liz discusses SEO optimization for small businesses with Brandon Leibowitz, founder of SEO Optimizers. They explore the importance of SEO for small business owners, particularly those in niche markets like flower farming. The conversation covers the basics of SEO, strategies for optimizing websites, the significance of content creation, and the role of video in enhancing online visibility. Brandon shares practical tips on keyword r...
Mar 31, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 36
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the intricacies of growing Ranunculus, sharing her personal experiences, challenges, and future plans. Over the course of the conversation, she reflects on her past growing seasons, the lessons learned from various experiments, and the adjustments made for the current season. Liz also outlines her strategies for future cultivation, including innovations in high tunnel farming and the importance of planning for seasonal flower...
Mar 24, 2025•19 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Reme's website: https://www.rememancera.com/story-connectors-1on1/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY5FvFboY6RqUIx3wsxSoGScfBr0YwbjH9DfjhUwbCiRzHKcmJ1R7Nzx-Y_aem_PUKn4Bv6QKREx_WEB6k3Dw In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with personal branding strategist Reme Mancera about the significance of storytelling in building a personal brand. They discuss how to find unique stories, the importance of authenticity and transparency in marketing, and strategies for ...
Mar 17, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 34
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, discusses the importance of embracing one's unique path as an entrepreneur without feeling the need to conform to societal expectations. She shares insights on the judgments faced by ambitious individuals and how to shift one's mindset to own their ambition without guilt. The conversation also touches on the significance of intentional living and surrounding oneself with supportive people to foster personal growth and success. Takeaways Embrace...
Mar 10, 2025•16 min•Season 2Ep. 33
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz interviews Cathy Nesbitt, the 'Laughing Bean Queen' and founder of Cathy's Crawley Composters . They discuss the benefits and methods of indoor composting with worms, including the science behind it, how to manage a worm bin, and the environmental impact of composting. Kathy shares her journey from being an accidental entrepreneur to educating others about the importance of composting and connecting with nature. The conversation emphas...
Mar 03, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 32
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz speaks with Marilyn about the significance of Google Business Profiles for local businesses. They discuss how to set up and optimize these profiles to enhance visibility, engage with customers, and gather reviews. Marilyn emphasizes the importance of regular updates and content creation to maintain an active presence on Google, which can lead to increased customer traffic and business growth. The conversation also touches on strategies...
Feb 24, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 31
First 20 farmers sign up here to waive the activation fee: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/offers/MaYLNyjv/checkout ? Learn more about Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/f2f-farmer In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz introduces FarmersToFlorists.com , a platform designed to connect flower farmers with florists. Liz discusses the challenges faced by florists in sourcing local flowers and how her platform aims to streamline the process. The conversati...
Feb 17, 2025•25 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the pros and cons of growing zinnias, a popular flower among flower farmers. She highlights their ease of growth, high yield, and vibrant colors, making them ideal for casual arrangements and you-pick farms. However, she also addresses challenges such as their tendency to bend, issues with water quality, and poor performance in cooler storage. Liz provides insights on the best varieties for different uses and concludes with a verd...
Feb 10, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 28
This conversation explores various aspects of flower farming, focusing on spring blooms, growing techniques, challenges faced by farmers, and the importance of both annuals and perennials. The speakers share their experiences, mistakes, and successes in cultivating flowers, particularly in colder climates. They discuss strategies for fall planting, overwintering techniques for specific plants like eucalyptus, and the significance of timing in seed starting. The conversation concludes with insigh...
Feb 03, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In this episode, Liz discusses the valuable lessons learned from attending wedding expos and how they can enhance revenue for flower farmers. She emphasizes the importance of networking, showcasing seasonal flowers, managing client expectations, and the significance of authenticity in building relationships with clients. Liz also shares insights on understanding wedding budgets and the educational role florists can play in the planning process. The conversation wraps up with key takeaways and fu...
Jan 20, 2025•23 min•Season 2Ep. 26
