Podcast · Leisure & Travel

The Blooming Garden

by The Hampshire Seed Company · English · Leisure & Travel

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 advic

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 18 min
Latest: 3 Mar 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

3 Mar 2026 · 31 min

36. Tomato Growing - But Make it Simple

Today I’m joined by Lance Turner from Tomato Revolution (Wiltshire) — a proper tomato obsessive — and we break down what actually matters if you want strong plants and loads of fruit (not just a leafy jungle). In this episode we cover the 8-week sowing rule , how to avoid leggy seedlings , why you should remove heat after germination , how to pot on deeper for stronger roots, what causes trusses not to set , and the feeding mistake that creates lots of leaves and hardly any tomatoes . We also talk blight — what helps, what doesn’t, and why ventilation is everything. In this episode, you’ll…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E36 · 22 Feb 2026 · 18 min
35. Wholesale, Markets & Weddings All Mean Different Flowers
Wholesale, Markets & Weddings All Mean Different Flowers In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see beginner cut flower farmers make: trying to grow one crop list for wholesale, markets, and weddings. On paper, it sounds like diversification. In reality, these are three very different businesses — with different priorities, pressures, and flower requirements. What I Cover - Why “a bit of everything” creates stress and waste Wholesale, markets, and weddings aren’t just different sales outlets — they need different flowers. - Wholesale vs markets vs weddings Wholesale…
E34 · 8 Feb 2026 · 18 min
34. Growing Flowers Is Easy — But Customers Don’t Magically Appear
This isn’t about algorithms, dancing on Reels, or becoming someone you’re not. It is about understanding what running a flower business actually involves. Here’s what we unpack: 🌱 Growing flowers ≠ selling flowers Most beginners are better growers than they think. The problem isn’t the flowers — it’s that no one knows they exist. Posting occasionally, quietly launching a website, or mentioning it to a neighbour isn’t a marketing strategy. That’s hope. And hope isn’t a business model. 🌱 Why the growers who sell out aren’t “better” growers They’re better communicators. The growers you see…
E33 · 24 Jan 2026 · 12 min
33. Tomatoes — How to Start Seeds Early Season with Success
In this episode of The Blooming Garden Podcast , I’m breaking down how to start tomatoes properly for an early crop — and why most failures happen before the plants ever reach the garden. If you’ve ever sown tomatoes in January, watched them stall, sulk, or turn into sad little sticks… this episode explains exactly why — and how to avoid it. Spoiler alert: It’s not about fancy kit. It’s about timing, temperature, and understanding what tomato seedlings actually need . What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why starting tomatoes too early is one of the most common mistakes The real role of heat…
E32 · 18 Jan 2026 · 14 min
32. How to Grow Poppies Successfully (When to Sow, Where to Plant & Which Types to Choose)
In this episode, I’m diving into how to grow poppies properly — from sowing method to variety choice — and explaining why poppies are one of the easiest flowers to grow when you stop fighting their nature . If you’ve ever had poppies stall, sulk, or fail after transplanting, this episode explains exactly why. Most poppies hate root disturbance , thrive in cool conditions , and grow best when direct sown outdoors — no greenhouse required. I also break down the different types of poppies , which ones are best for the garden, which work for cut flowers, and which are grown mainly for their…
E31 · 7 Dec 2025 · 17 min
31. How to Price Your Flowers Properly - The Beginner’s Guide to Profitable Flower Farming
Most beginner flower farmers aren’t undercharging a little — they’re undercharging a lot , and usually without even realising it. In this episode, I break down exactly why pricing “by gut feel” is the fastest way to burn yourself out… and how to switch to real, sustainable, confidence-building pricing instead. If the numbers feel scary, don’t worry — I used to be hopeless at maths. But once you understand the formula and the four cost categories, everything clicks into place. Here’s what we dig into: The Real Reason Beginners Undercharge Most growers price emotionally (“£10 feels fair”)…
E30 · 27 Nov 2025 · 16 min
30. Profit, Pricing & Knowing Your Numbers - The Break-Even Formula Every Flower Business Needs
Hey flower friends — in today’s episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new mini series all about making money in your flower business… and more importantly, how to stop quietly losing it. This episode is your friendly nudge (or loving shove!) to finally look at your numbers in a way that feels simple, empowering, and totally doable — even if maths has never been your thing. I’m breaking down the exact break-even formula I used at a recent Christmas market — the one that told me by lunchtime on Day 1 that we wouldn’t make our money back. Not because I’m negative… but because once you know your…
E29 · 12 Nov 2025 · 26 min
29. Seed Sowing for Beginners - Preventing Damping off
In this episode, I’m stripping things right back to basics — how to sow seeds successfully. Whether you’re new to gardening or just want better germination rates, this is your no-nonsense guide to getting it right from the start. I’ll walk you through everything from timing your sowings (and why enthusiasm isn’t a planting strategy!) to choosing the right compost, containers, and watering methods. You’ll learn why some trays fail , how to avoid damping off, and the simple habits that turn seed sowing from guesswork into success. This episode is perfect for anyone who’s ever stared at an…
E28 · 5 Nov 2025 · 16 min
28. Autumn Sowing Secrets - Your Growing To-Do List for a Flower-Filled 2026
In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest game-changers for your growing season — autumn sowing . Forget the idea that autumn is the end of the gardening year; it’s actually the beginning of the next one . Whether you’re a home grower dreaming of an early flush of colour or a flower farmer chasing those lucrative May stems, this episode shows you how to sow now for serious results later. I’ll walk you through my seven must-grow crops for autumn sowing — from Orlaya grandiflora and Larkspur to Lupins and Ranunculus — plus why these hardy plants will outperform every spring batch…
E27 · 30 Aug 2025 · 25 min
27. Finding Your Ideal Customer
When you’re growing for everyone … you’re really growing for no one. In this episode, I’m unpacking the power of finding your ICA — your Ideal Customer Avatar . This isn’t just a marketing buzzword. It’s about building a flower business that works for you — your lifestyle, your crops, and your goals. I’ll share the mistakes I made in my early days (think late-night bouquet deliveries, impossible wedding requests, and those dreaded houses with no numbers 🙃), and why saying yes to everything nearly burnt me out. More importantly, I’ll walk you through how finding your ICA gives you the clarity…
E26 · 23 Aug 2025 · 18 min
26. How to Start Breeding Dahlias (Without Losing Your Mind)
What do you get when you cross patience, petals, and a little bit of chaos? Dahlia breeding. In this episode, I’m sharing the real process behind breeding your own dahlia varieties — from hand-pollination tips to spotting the traits worth keeping. Whether you’re dreaming of your own exclusive varieties or just curious about how new dahlias are born, this is a peek behind the curtain of one of the most exciting (and unpredictable) parts of flower farming. You’ll learn: Why dahlia breeding is part science, part gamble — and why that’s the fun of it How to hand-pollinate dahlias for more…
E25 · 16 Aug 2025 · 18 min
25. Five Numbers Every Flower Farmer Should Know
If you’ve ever thought “I just need to grow more flowers” or “I don’t know if I’m charging enough” — this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the five core figures every flower farmer needs to know . These aren’t fluffy numbers; they’re the ones that make or break your business. From calculating your true cost per stem to spotting which crops are quietly draining your profits, these are the figures that will help you move from guessing… to growing a profitable business with confidence. You’ll learn: How to calculate your true cost of production per stem (yes, even your…
E24 · 9 Aug 2025 · 19 min
24. AI for Your Flower Business - Chat GPT Prompts Every Beginner Needs
Are you a flower farmer or florist staring at a blank screen trying to write your website, social posts, or emails? AI tools like ChatGPT can help — but only if you use them right. In this episode, I’m sharing the first prompt every floral business owner should try , especially if you’ve been burned by cringey AI results in the past. I’ll walk you through how to train ChatGPT to sound like you, how to build a brand voice from scratch (even if you don’t think you have one), and how to make AI your marketing sidekick — not your worst nightmare. Whether you’re growing flowers or growing your…
E23 · 2 Aug 2025 · 16 min
23. Cut Flower Secrets - When to Harvest & How to Condition for the best Vase Life
In this episode, I’m getting into the not-so-sexy but absolutely essential topic of flower conditioning — what it is, why it matters, and how to do it properly. Whether you’re a newbie with your first bucket of cosmos or a seasoned grower supplying weddings, this one’s for you. I walk you through the best time to cut specific flowers (including tulips, dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons, sweet peas, and poppies), and explain how to actually condition them for long-lasting vase life. Expect practical tips on: Exactly when to harvest each flower for maximum vase life Why conditioning isn’t optional…
E22 · 27 Jul 2025 · 22 min
22. Succession Sowing 101
Ever wonder how some gardeners already have armfuls of colour while you’re still rummaging for your seed trays? It’s not magic — it’s timing. And in this episode, I’m pulling back the compost curtain on succession sowing — specifically why August is prime time to start. You’ll learn: Why autumn-sown hardy annuals give you earlier, stronger blooms (and the Instagram bragging rights to match) The secret to succession sowing that fills your garden with colour every week, not just in May Exactly what to sow now (and what to save for later) The difference between cool flowers, biennials, and…
E21 · 19 Jul 2025 · 18 min
21. Snapdragon Secrets for Long, Straight, Florist-Grade Stems
Snapdragons might look sweet and cottagey, but don’t be fooled — these are serious cut flower powerhouses. In this episode, I’m diving into everything you need to know to grow tall, straight, florist-grade snapdragons from seed, whether you're a hobby grower or scaling up for serious sales. From understanding snapdragon group classifications (yes, that’s a thing) to sowing tricks, pinching hacks, and how to stop them curling in a vase — this episode is packed with practical growing tips you can apply right now. Why not all snapdragon seeds are created equal — and which ones to avoid What the…
E20 · 13 Jul 2025 · 20 min
20. The Florist’s Guide to Finding Dream Clients
Sick of posting “Bookings now open!” and hearing nothing but crickets? This episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down how to actually attract better clients to your floral business — the kind who value your work, pay on time, and come back for more. From defining your niche to fixing your website and building a proper marketing system (yes, more than just a pretty Instagram post), this one’s full of practical advice to help you grow sustainably — and profitably. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why dream clients don’t fall from the sky (and how to find them instead) How to speak…
E19 · 5 Jul 2025 · 20 min
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…
E18 · 28 Jun 2025 · 13 min
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…
E17 · 23 Jun 2025 · 10 min
17. 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…
E16 · 14 Jun 2025 · 21 min
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,…
E15 · 7 Jun 2025 · 19 min
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 Takeaways How to reverse engineer your season around your…
E14 · 26 Apr 2025 · 22 min
14. Sow Smart: Direct Sowing, Soil Blocking, or Modules?
When it comes to sowing flower seeds, should you go high-tech, low-fi, or somewhere in between? In this episode I dive into one of the most spirited debates in the flower farming world: modules vs. soil blocks vs. direct sowing. I Cut through the noise, sharing real-life tips and lessons from my greenhouse and garden trenches. Whether you're surrounded by seed trays or armed with just a rake and a dream, this episode will help you find the sowing method that suits your flowers — and your life. 🌼 What You’ll Learn: The pros and cons of direct sowing, modular trays, and soil blocks Why “one…
E13 · 11 Apr 2025 · 14 min
13. How to Start a Flower Farm: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
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, I’m tackling one of the biggest questions I get asked time and time again: “How do I start a flower farm?” Whether you’ve got a tiny patch of lawn, a couple of raised beds, or a whole field to play with, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step plan to help you get growing — without the overwhelm. Here’s what we cover: Defining your goals — and why you need to know your "why" before you sow a single seed…
E13 · 29 Mar 2025 · 35 min
12. Using Woodchip for Soil Health, Mulching & Composting
In this episode, I’m joined by Ben Raskin , Head of Agroforestry at the Soil Association and author of The Woodchip Handbook , to talk about one of the most underrated (and free!) resources in the garden: woodchip . We cover: What woodchip actually is (and the different types) How it supports fungi and microbial life in your soil The truth about nitrogen lock-up Why it helps with both drought and waterlogging How to use it around trees, borders, veg beds and more Where to get your hands on woodchip—without spending a fortune Key Quotes: “Woodchip is like fast food for fungi—full of cut ends,…
E12 · 16 Mar 2025 · 39 min
11. The Circular Garden: Growing More with Less
Ever felt overwhelmed by gardening advice that tells you to buy more, do more, and battle nature at every turn? What if there was a simpler, more sustainable way? In this episode, I chat with Jim and Sonia from The Edible Gardeners about their revolutionary approach to gardening, as featured in their new book The Circular Garden . We’re talking: How to grow more with less – less waste, less cost, less stress Natural pest control that actually works Why “weeds” might just be your garden’s best friend The secret to composting without the fuss Simple ways to drought-proof your garden If you’re…
E11 · 14 Mar 2025 · 14 min
10. Why Seeds Sulk - Understanding the Equinox
Ever sown seeds early in the season, only to watch them sit there doing nothing for weeks ? Meanwhile, someone sows the same variety a few weeks later, and suddenly their plants are thriving while yours are still sulking . So what’s going on? The answer lies in daylight length and the Equinox . In this episode, we’re diving into how plants measure light , why some flowers simply refuse to grow before the Equinox , and how you can time your sowings perfectly for better results . I’ve learned these lessons the hard way—sowing too early and watching seedlings struggle, then waiting just a…
E9 · 7 Mar 2025 · 14 min
9. How to Grow More on Less Space
Do you want to double your flower harvest without adding a single extra row? Whether you’re a flower farmer, a backyard grower, or just someone who wants more blooms from less space, today’s episode is for you! I’m sharing the three essential techniques every grower needs to maximize production —without extra land, fancy tools, or complicated setups. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your flowers stronger, taller, and blooming for longer , this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice to help you do just that. In this episode, you’ll learn about the 3 pillars of more blooms: The…
E8 · 28 Feb 2025 · 47 min
8.Growing Willow With Cherry Tree Farm
In this episode, I sit down with Rainy from Cherry Tree Flower Farm to talk all things willow. From growing it successfully in wet conditions to harvesting, weaving, and using it in floristry, Rainy shares her incredible knowledge built over years of working with this sustainable and versatile plant. Whether you're looking to grow willow for weaving, floristry, or even as a windbreak, this episode is packed with expert advice. Takeaways Willow thrives in damp soil but still needs full sun to grow well. The best way to plant willow is from a cutting—just push it into the ground and let nature…
E7 · 23 Feb 2025 · 11 min
7. Growing Sweet Peas - All your questions Answered
In this special last-minute episode, I address the flood of questions I've received about sweet peas—from customers, journalists, and bloggers. I share my personal tips on when and how to sow sweet peas, the benefits of autumn versus spring sowing, and how to keep your plants strong and blooming from May through September. Whether you’re dealing with leggy seedlings or wondering if you should soak your seeds, I break down everything you need to know to enjoy a vibrant display of sweet peas all season long. Takeaways Sweet peas are hardy annuals that bloom best when sown in autumn for early…

About The Blooming Garden

The Blooming Garden is a English leisure & travel podcast from The Hampshire Seed Company. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Hampshire Seed Company
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 18 min
Latest episode: 3 Mar 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1788690210

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