Wondering if poppies make good cut flowers? Curious about the proper harvest stage and how to condition both flowers and pods? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the ins and outs of harvesting Iceland Poppies (Papaver nudicaule) and Giant Poppy Pods (Papaver somniferum) for use as cut flowers. They cover the proper harvest stage, conditioning tips, and the expected vase life for both Iceland Poppies and Giant Poppy Pods. Plus, the girls provide an update regarding the podcast schedule going forward. ...
Mar 06, 2025•19 min•Ep. 131
Looking forward to bouquets filled with snapdragons this spring? Wondering which varieties to grow, how tightly to space the plants, and whether or not to pinch? In this excerpt from episode 36, Layne is joined by Gretel Adams of Sunny Meadows Flower Farm in Columbus, Ohio to discuss one of her farm's top five Mother's Day flowers - snapdragons. Layne and Gretel cover why snapdragons are such an important crop for Sunny Meadows, information about snapdragon groups, favorite colors and varieties,...
Feb 27, 2025•10 min•Ep. 130
Wondering what's happening at the flower farm this month? Curious about which tasks should be on your radar? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss what's going on at the farm in February, offer a tip of the month, and cover recent questions from listeners. Listen to the podcast and learn about the goings-on at a southeastern Virginia (USDA zone 8a) flower farm! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener’s Workshop’s YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes a...
Feb 20, 2025•17 min•Ep. 129
Wishing you could add a pop of powder blue to your bouquets? Interested in learning how to grow Tweedia as a cool flower? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the delightful flowers of Tweedia 'Heavenly Blue' (Oxypetalum coeruleum ). They cover why home gardeners and flower farmers should consider growing it and offer tips on spacing, pinching, harvesting, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to boost your bouquets with the true blue, star-shaped flowers of Tweedia! The video version of Lisa a...
Feb 13, 2025•13 min•Ep. 128
Confused about how often to water your soil blocks? Wondering what to do if your blocks seem to stay wet for too long or dry out too quickly? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss tips and tricks for watering soil blocks. They cover how to water the blocks, including recommended equipment and frequency, and troubleshoot overly wet or dry blocks. Listen to the podcast and learn how to properly water your soil blocks for seed-starting success! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be pos...
Feb 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 127
Debating whether or not to grow calendula on your farm or in your garden? Wondering if the stems are long enough to include in mixed bouquets, or if there are any tips for dealing with the stickiness when harvesting? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss some common questions about Calendula officinalis (aka pot marigolds). They cover a myriad of queries and concerns regarding timing, stem length, stickiness, conditioning, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to make the most of these colorful ...
Jan 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 126
Wondering which cool flowers to plant in very early spring? Curious what to do if the ground is frozen, or if you live in a warm, frost-free climate? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss frequently asked questions about planting cool flowers (aka cool-season hardy annuals) in very early spring. They describe how to determine your optimal very early spring planting window and cover a myriad of questions and concerns. Listen to the podcast and learn how to make the most of your very early spring planting...
Jan 23, 2025•16 min•Ep. 125
Is a winter storm heading your way, or has one just passed? Wondering how to protect the cool flowers overwintering in your field or garden? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss preparing for a winter storm and dealing with the aftermath when growing cool-season hardy annuals outdoors. They cover helpful steps to take before, during, and after a storm, and offer real-life stories from past winter events. Listen to the podcast and learn how to give your cool flowers their best chance of survival! The vi...
Jan 16, 2025•20 min•Ep. 124
Wondering how to keep track of your seed starting and planting times throughout the year? Confused about which dates to mark on your calendar and how to determine them? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss planning your growing season using a wall calendar. They cover why a physical calendar may be a good choice and walk through the steps to fill out your first and last frost dates, planting windows, and target seed starting dates. Listen to the podcast and get organized for a year of beauty and bounty...
Jan 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 123
Happy New Year, everyone! Interested in integrating the Pantone Color of the Year into your garden or floral arrangements? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the Pantone Color of the Year for 2025 ('Mocha Mousse') and a plant that produces unique, geometric seed heads that embody this color story (Scabiosa stellata 'Ping Pong'). Listen to the podcast and find out why 'Ping Pong' starflower is a must-grow plant for your garden or farm! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted ...
Jan 02, 2025•23 min•Ep. 122
Wondering why a cut-flower grower might focus on annuals rather than perennials? Interested in learning how an urban flower farm's seed-starting operation scaled up over time and which crops were essential to its success? In this excerpt from episode 6 ('How Seeds Changed My Life - Lisa Mason Ziegler Edition'), Layne interviews Lisa about her seed-starting journey as a gardener and flower farmer. They discuss the reasons why Lisa decided to focus on growing annuals on her flower farm, how her se...
Dec 26, 2024•18 min•Ep. 121
Wondering which tools and supplies you need to get started in flower arranging? Looking for a last-minute holiday gift for a flower lover? In this excerpt from episode 14, Lisa and Layne are joined by Ellen Frost of Local Color Flowers to discuss the essential tools and supplies to include in a floral design kit. Listen to the podcast and get ready to build the ultimate flower arranging kit for yourself or a flower-loving friend! The video version of Lisa, Layne, and Ellen's conversation will be...
Dec 19, 2024•7 min•Ep. 120
Looking for the perfect gift for a gardener or flower farmer this holiday season? Lisa and Layne have you covered! In this excerpt from episode 13 ('Great Gifts for Gardeners'), the girls discuss five fantastic gift ideas for gardeners. Listen to the podcast and find the perfect presents for all the gardeners in your life, including yourself! The video version of Lisa and Layne's conversation will be posted to The Gardener’s Workshop’s YouTube channel, where all “Seed Talk” episodes are organize...
Dec 12, 2024•11 min•Ep. 119
Do you love brightening up your home with the spectacular blooms of amaryllis throughout the winter season? Wondering how often to water or fertilize the plants, or how to prevent the flower stalks from curving, leaning, or flopping? In this excerpt from episode 15, Lisa and Layne are joined by Val Schirmer of Three Toads Farm to discuss tips and tricks for growing amaryllis (Hippeastrum) indoors. They cover watering, fertilizing, where to locate your amaryllis, tips for keeping the stalks strai...
Dec 05, 2024•11 min•Ep. 118
In honor of Thanksgiving Day in the United States, Lisa and Layne spotlight something they are thankful for - all the hardworking growers of the world who produce the seed that allows us to grow so many wonderful plants at home and on our farms. In this excerpt from episode 17 ('Seed Production & Saving Celosia Seed with Emily Nekl'), Dr. Emily Nekl of Fuggles Flowers joins Lisa and Layne to discuss her experiences growing 'Texas Plumes' celosia for seed production, providing valuable tips a...
Nov 28, 2024•14 min•Ep. 117
Are you distressed to see your fall-planted cool flowers budding up heading into winter? Wondering if you should pinch the plants, start over, or leave them be? In this excerpt from episode 63 ('Troubleshooting Premature Blooms on Fall-Planted Cool Flowers'), Lisa and Layne cover how to handle premature cool flower blooms on both branching and single-stem plants. Listen to the podcast and learn what to do when your fall-planted cool flowers start budding up or blooming before winter sets in! The...
Nov 21, 2024•10 min•Ep. 116
Confused about how much seed to order? Wondering if you should stock up for multiple seasons or buy fresh seed each year instead? In this excerpt from episode 11 ('Seed Storage - Tips for Buying, Storing & Saving Seed'), Lisa and Layne cover how long seeds last, the meaning of "viability", which flower seeds tend to have a particularly short shelf life, when to order, and how much seed to order depending on your intended sowing method. Listen to the podcast and learn some helpful tips to kee...
Nov 14, 2024•11 min•Ep. 115
Wondering when to put your row covers up or take them down based on temperatures? Confused what to do when you are anticipating rain, wind, or snow? In this excerpt from episode 68 ('Row Cover Do's & Don'ts'), Lisa and Layne cover which temperature and weather conditions should prompt you to put up or take down your row covers when overwintering cool-season hardy annuals (a.k.a. cool flowers). Plus, they discuss when to consider implementing a double layer of row cover. Listen to the podcast...
Nov 07, 2024•12 min•Ep. 114
Looking for the perfect crop to grow for fall decor? Wishing you could add something unique to your autumn lineup as a flower farmer? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss 'Pumpkin-on-a-Stick' (Solanum integrifolium), an ornamental eggplant and fall favorite. They cover why home gardeners and flower farmers should consider growing it, how to space the plants, pinching tips, when to harvest, vase life, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to amp up your autumn with these whimsical beauties! The ...
Oct 31, 2024•14 min•Ep. 113
Wondering if starting from seed is always the best option? Curious about what plugs are and if the benefits outweigh the seemingly higher upfront costs? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss all things plugs. They cover what plugs are, pros and cons versus starting from seed, and when and where to order. Plus, they list some plants that many flower farmers opt to order plugs for (rather than start from seed themselves). Listen to the podcast and learn about plugs and why they can be such a valuable reso...
Oct 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 112
Do you grow eucalyptus for its unique, fragrant blue-green or silvery-blue foliage? Wish you could leave your existing plants in place to get a head start the following year and harvest more stems from larger plants? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss tips and tricks for overwintering eucalyptus in the field or garden. They cover the benefits of overwintering eucalyptus plants, which USDA hardiness zones may want to give it a try, how to prepare the plants for winter, mulching and using a double laye...
Oct 17, 2024•12 min•Ep. 111
Would you like to grow your own material for dried flower crafts or arrangements? Wondering which warm-season flowers to include in your garden for drying purposes? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss the results of this year's warm-season tender annual flower drying experiments. They cover a variety of warm-season flowers, describing how the flowers look when air dried, whether they hold their shape and color, and why they are valuable as dried flowers. Listen to the podcast and learn which warm-seas...
Oct 10, 2024•18 min•Ep. 110
Do you look forward to enjoying the charm and fragrance of sweet peas in your home and garden every year? Wondering whether or not to soak your seeds before sowing, or how to prevent your transplants from becoming tall and leggy? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss various tips for sowing and overwintering sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus). They cover the benefits of fall planting for growers in warm climates, sowing tips (including the ideal temperatures and whether soaking the seeds is necessary), spac...
Oct 03, 2024•12 min•Ep. 109
Do you struggle with poor germination when sowing cool flower seeds outdoors in the fall? Wondering how to prevent weeds from overtaking your direct-seeded beds or how to ensure a thick stand of plants come springtime? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss various cool flower direct seeding troubles. They describe the optimal conditions when sowing cool flowers outdoors in the fall and cover a variety of common questions and concerns. Listen to the podcast and learn tips and tricks to improve your succe...
Sep 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 108
Do your cool flower seedlings seem to wither away shortly after sprouting? Are your transplants discolored, stunted, or slow to grow? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss various seedling troubles commonly encountered with cool flower transplants. They describe the importance of proper watering and the ideal air temperatures when growing cool-season hardy annuals indoors and cover a variety of common questions and concerns. Listen to the podcast and learn how to grow strong, healthy cool flower transpl...
Sep 19, 2024•20 min•Ep. 107
Struggling to get your cool flower seeds to sprout? Looking for some tips to improve germination on surface-sown seeds? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss various germination troubles with cool flower transplants. They describe the ideal environmental conditions when starting cool-season hardy annual flowers indoors and cover a variety of common questions and concerns. Listen to the podcast and learn how to troubleshoot and overcome your cool flower germination challenges! The video version of Lisa a...
Sep 12, 2024•23 min•Ep. 106
Worried you are starting your cool flower seeds too early or too late this fall? Wondering when to plant cool-season hardy annual flowers in a frost-free climate? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss various cool flower timing troubles. They describe how to calculate your optimal fall and very early spring cool flower planting windows and cover a variety of common questions and concerns. Listen to the podcast and learn when to plant cool flowers in your climate and what to do when your timing is a bit ...
Sep 05, 2024•19 min•Ep. 105
Wondering which perennials you should consider adding to your farm or garden this fall? Today, Lisa and Layne are joined by Dave Dowling of Ball Seed to discuss three perennials grown for cut-flower use that he recommends planting this autumn. They cover why each plant is worth growing, USDA hardiness zones, growing and spacing tips, favorite varieties, and more. Listen to the podcast and get ready to grow peonies (Paeonia), phlox (Phlox paniculata), and yarrow (Achillea)! The video version of L...
Aug 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 104
Do your transplants struggle when planted out in the extreme summer heat? Have you had to delay putting your fall cool flower transplants in the ground due to extended warm weather? Today, Lisa and Layne discuss how to protect your transplants in extreme heat with a "suncap". They cover what a "suncap" is and when you may want to install it, the benefits of using insect netting, installation tips, how and when to remove it, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to ease your transplants' ...
Aug 22, 2024•17 min•Ep. 103
Confused by all the Sweet William varieties available? Wondering how to choose which ones to plant, if there are benefits to growing multiple varieties, and when to start your seeds? Today, Lisa and Layne are joined by Dave Dowling of Ball Seed to compare and contrast six varieties of Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus / Dianthus x barbatus). They discuss which varieties are true biennials, which can be grown as cool-season hardy annuals, planting times, what makes each variety unique, and more. L...
Aug 15, 2024•23 min•Ep. 102
