Bloommates

9. October Wrap Up

Bloommates

Show Notes

In this episode, Katie and Sarah discuss their experiences as flower farmers in Australia during October. They share insights on weather challenges, planting updates, and the success of their harvests, particularly focusing on Corn Cockle/Agrostemma. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and farming, the complexities of ordering and growing dahlias, and the introduction of new woody perennials to their farms. Additionally, they explore financial aspects of flower farming, including budgeting and profitability, while looking ahead to future planting and seasonal changes.

Chapters

00:00 October Wrap-Up: Weather Challenges and Planting Successes 04:53 Harvesting Corncockle: Yields and Lessons Learned 09:05 Weddings and Floral Design: Balancing Business and Personal Life 15:24 Jobs and Seasonal Transitions: Navigating Burnout and Motivation 22:10 Roses and Thrips: Challenges in Flower Farming 27:17 Insecticidal Soap and Dahlias 29:45 Ordering Tubers and Delivery Challenges 33:38 Selling Dahlia Tubers and Storage Issues 35:15 Woody and Perennial Shrubs 39:00 Taking Cuttings and Success Rates 41:05 Budgeting for Farm Expenses 43:32 Profitability and Revenue Insights 45:13 Current Blooms and Seasonal Changes

More from Bloommates

Oct 19, 2026

In this episode Sarah and Katie explore how they would plan each other's farms if they switched, considering space, crops, and business strategies. They share insights on crop choices, farm layout, and the realities of running a flower farm as a business.

Oct 12, 2026

In this episode, Sophie from Love Sophie Flowers shares her journey to wedding floristry and flower farming, her strategic approach to growing flowers, and her wish list of flowers she wishes more Australian flower farmers would grow from her perspective as a wedding florist including Phlox and Corn Cockle. Sophie also shares her insights on social media , and building a community around your passion. Discover practical tips for growing flowers such as Pansies and Sweet Peas, engaging audiences, and turning your hobby into a thriving business.

Oct 5, 2026

In this episode, Sarah and Katie share their latest farm updates, discuss the impact of heat on flowering, and explore pest management strategies for the upcoming season.

Sep 28, 2026

In this episode, Casey from Three Dogs Flower Farm shares her plans for her new rented one acre market garden including on farm events and subscription boxes. She aslo shares insights into her farm operations, seed and dahlia tuber production, and some of her favourite perennials including Windflowers, Silene vulgaris, and Rudbeckia triloba.

Sep 21, 2026

In this episode, Katie and Sarah join Luen on her new farm where she shares her journey of farm downsizing, plans for her roadside stand, and establishing her new flower farm. She discusses practical tips for crop planning, moving farms, and optimising small-scale flower production. Luke joins for segment on hot composting techniques, farm management, and how he and Luen manage disagreements about the farm.

See all episodes →