35. Wholesale, Markets & Weddings All Mean Different Flowers

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 learn: When to sow tomatoes (the simple 8-week rule) Heat + light basics for sturdy seedlings Potting on deeper to build roots (and get more trusses) Why flowers drop / trusses don’t set (and the quick fix) Feeding: avoiding too much nitrogen so you get fruit If you enjoyed this episode, share it and tag me — and come join my Grow-Alongs and growing guides for more UK-specific, no-fluff help.

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 selling out every week talk — consistently — about: what they’re growing why they’re growing it when it’ll be ready and who it’s for Often weeks or months before they expect anyone to buy. 🌱 Why marketing is part of the job (even if you hate it) If you want a sustainable flower business, you’ll likely spend more time marketing than growing. That doesn’t mean shouting, being cringe, or chasing trends.

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 and light (and why grow lights alone aren’t enough) When January sowing does make sense — and when it absolutely doesn’t How cold conditions lead to nutrient uptake issues and stalled growth Why tomatoes don’t need a greenhouse in the early stages — but do need the right setup How to give seedlings the conditions they need to grow strong from day one This episode focuses on early success, not firefighting problems later. 🍅 Who This Episode Is For UK growers starting tomatoes indoors Gardeners confused by mixed advice on seed packets Growers who want strong plants, not leggy regrets Whether you’re sowing your first tray or refining your timing, this episode will help you grow better tomatoes with less stress.

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 decorative seed pods. In this episode, you’ll learn: When to sow poppies for the best results in the UK Why poppies are ideal for autumn, winter, and early spring sowing The four main types of poppies, and how to grow each one: Which poppies are best for Garden displays, Cut flowers and Decorative seed pods for arrangements Why most poppies should never be sown in trays The one exception where trays make sense (Icelandic poppies) How to sow poppies by broadcast sowing or in rows for flower farming Ideal temperatures for poppy germination and early growth Why poppies struggle in warm conditions and on heated propagators How flower farmers use poppy seed pods as a long-lasting, high-value crop

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”) instead of mathematically. This creates a business that looks busy but earns nothing — and leaves you quietly resenting the work. The Four Costs Every Bouquet Must Cover I walk you through the full breakdown so you finally know your true cost per stem: COGS — seeds, compost, trays, elastic bands, sleeves… EVERYTHING that touches the product. Growing Overheads — polytunnels, irrigation, grow lights, repairs, insurance. Labour — weeding, watering, harvesting, conditioning, delivery, bouquet-making. Margin — not greed… survival. This is what pays for tax, quiet months, growth, and your future. As promised in the episode, here’s the exact margin formula: Margin % = (Selling Price − Cost Price) ÷ Selling Price × 100 This formula helps you instantly see whether your price is sustainable — and why lowering a bouquet from £20 to £12 destroys your margin. Why ‘Budget Customers’ Are Not Your Customers I share two real conversations with callers who wanted £20 bouquets INCLUDING delivery (yep…). And why saying no is not only allowed — it’s essential. The Trap Most Flower Farmers Fall Into Farmer A charges £12 “to be fair.” Farmer B charges £22 based on real maths. Same flowers. Completely different future.