Flower Farmer Forum

Flower Farmer Forum A resource for cut flower growing tips and tricks, and troubleshooting soil and pest management.

Banner year for Roses 🥰
05/27/2025

Banner year for Roses 🥰

Stinging Nettle - don’t know about you, but we have nettle growing en masse around our farm.  It’s so versatile, so we a...
06/09/2024

Stinging Nettle - don’t know about you, but we have nettle growing en masse around our farm. It’s so versatile, so we are going to give using it as fertilizer a try. Normally we compost it, but can’t let it go to compost without trying it as fertilizer first.

How do you use stinging nettle?

https://www.ruralsprout.com/stinging-nettle-fertilizer/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2HR4vLpmbmZdFaToHLikJ84Sp0oJOrFQecO8vTUXqB2lSa14bKcfO_l2I_aem_AV69hid6SqZknG3eKIjHCyciO6OGlD_xgezZgRJ0zGhgOGImEgylKiVsQQQYjPUYuc-fKglWV36SZDComtUYrJzS

When asked about stinging nettle, most folks have a story involving a brush with this prickly plant that left them howling in pain and itching for days. From others, you’ll hear groans about how this

It’s time for Peonies here in USDA Zone 6b!  What’s your favorite peony?  What zone are you growing in?Pictured:  Coral ...
04/20/2024

It’s time for Peonies here in USDA Zone 6b! What’s your favorite peony? What zone are you growing in?

Pictured: Coral Charm Peony, courtesy of Wisewood Farm

Utilizing Baker’s Yeast as Fertilizer: A Sustainable Solution for Healthier Plants. Baker’s yeast, typically known for i...
04/18/2024

Utilizing Baker’s Yeast as Fertilizer: A Sustainable Solution for Healthier Plants.

Baker’s yeast, typically known for its role in bread making, can also serve as an effective fertilizer for plants. Rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, yeast provides an organic and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Here’s a simple guide on how to use baker’s yeast to nourish your plants and promote healthy growth:

1. **Preparing the Mixture**: Start by mixing baker’s yeast with water in a ratio of 1 tablespoon of yeast to 1 gallon of water. Use warm water to help activate the yeast and facilitate the breakdown of nutrients.

2. **Allowing Fermentation**: Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the yeast to ferment. During this time, the yeast will release beneficial enzymes and nutrients that plants can readily absorb.

3. **Application to Soil**: Once the mixture has fermented, you can apply it directly to the soil around your plants. Pour the solution evenly over the soil, ensuring that it reaches the root zone where it can be absorbed by the plants.

4. **Frequency of Application**: For best results, apply the yeast fertilizer once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. This will provide a steady supply of nutrients to support healthy plant growth.

5. **Observation and Adjustments**: Monitor the health and growth of your plants after applying the yeast fertilizer. If you notice any signs of nutrient deficiency or excess, adjust the frequency or concentration of the fertilizer accordingly.

6. **Complementing with Other Practices**: While baker’s yeast can provide valuable nutrients to plants, it’s important to complement its use with other sustainable gardening practices such as composting, mulching, and crop rotation.

7. **Storage**: Store any unused yeast fertilizer mixture in a cool, dark place to prevent it from spoiling. Use it within a few days for optimal effectiveness.

By incorporating baker’s yeast into your gardening routine, you can enrich the soil with essential nutrients, improve plant health, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This natural alternative to chemical fertilizers not only benefits your plants but also contributes to a healthier environment. Experiment with different concentrations and application methods to find the optimal balance for your garden's needs.

Baker's yeast fertilizer can benefit a variety of vegetable plants, especially those that prefer slightly acidic soil conditions. Some examples include tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, and cucumbers. The yeast helps improve soil fertility by providing nutrients and promoting microbial activity, which can enhance plant growth and productivity.

Flowers that benefit from baker's yeast fertilizer include those that prefer slightly acidic soil conditions and benefit from improved soil fertility. Some examples include roses, hydrangeas, camellias, and begonias. The yeast helps provide nutrients and promote microbial activity in the soil, which can enhance flower growth, bloom quality, and overall plant health.

Fleischmann’s Dry Yeast did not sponsor this content. Photo (via Google) is for illustration purposes only.

The Art of Companion Planting: A Green Thumb’s Secret to Garden HarmonyCompanion planting, an age-old gardening techniqu...
04/04/2024

The Art of Companion Planting: A Green Thumb’s Secret to Garden Harmony

Companion planting, an age-old gardening technique, involves strategically placing certain plants together to maximize their growth and health benefits while minimizing pests and diseases. This method fosters symbiotic relationships between different species, creating a harmonious ecosystem in your garden.

One of the most well-known examples of companion planting is the Three Sisters method used by Native American tribes. Corn, beans, and squash are planted together, with each plant serving a unique purpose. Corn provides support for the beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the corn and squash, while squash acts as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture.

Beyond the Three Sisters, there are numerous other combinations that gardeners employ to promote plant health and yield. For instance, planting aromatic herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary alongside vegetables can deter pests with their strong scents, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Additionally, certain plants have natural pest-repellent properties that can protect neighboring crops. Marigolds, for example, emit a scent that repels pests like nematodes, protecting nearby plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers.

Companion planting isn’t just about pest management; it also enhances soil fertility and nutrient uptake. Legumes, like peas and beans, have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots, enriching the soil with this essential nutrient for neighboring plants.

Furthermore, companion planting can improve pollination rates by attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Flowers such as lavender, sunflowers, and cosmos not only beautify the garden but also serve as nectar sources for pollinators.

In essence, companion planting is a holistic approach to gardening that mimics the diversity and interdependence found in natural ecosystems. By carefully selecting plant combinations and observing their interactions, gardeners can cultivate healthier, more productive gardens while reducing the reliance on synthetic inputs. Embracing this ancient wisdom unlocks the potential for a thriving and sustainable garden, where plants work together in perfect harmony.

Photo From Floret - Giant Orange Marigold

Heirloom Chrysanthemum - if you’re notgrowing them then you are missing out.  Growing these will give you a whole new ap...
10/14/2023

Heirloom Chrysanthemum - if you’re not
growing them then you are missing out. Growing these will give you a whole new appreciation for these under used Fall blooming beauties.

They provide a food source for pollinators all the way to frost. They add beauty to your Fall landscape, and they are amazing cut flowers. If you use them in bouquets they often last more than 2 weeks in a vase.

They are best planted in Spring. They are reasonably easy to care for. They do need to be dis-budded up to the 4th of July. A lot of the varieties can grow up to 30+ inches tall, and produce blooms that can average 3-4 inches. That being said, they may need to be pruned back (prior to July 4th) to keep your plants manageable. The only con is that they attract aphids. So if you don’t mind managing that nuisance then these plants are for you!

Do you add any of these Amendments to your soil?  Tell me about the results if you do. If you do not use any of these Am...
03/08/2023

Do you add any of these Amendments to your soil? Tell me about the results if you do. If you do not use any of these Amendments let me know why. I’m anxious for your feedback.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2062343647295474&id=220703084792882&mibextid=ncKXMA

It’s time to get those seedlings planted in the garden. Whether you’ve spent the past few months growing them yourself or picked up some starter packs at the local nursery, now is the time to

Soil improvement is so important this time of year. Here’s some great tips on how and why you should add blood meal to y...
02/27/2023

Soil improvement is so important this time of year. Here’s some great tips on how and why you should add blood meal to your soil.

* BONUS: this grower can confirm that blood meal IS a great pest (herbivore)repellent. We have seen it work to repel rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, and deer.

Don't let the name put you off, blood meal fertilizer is a safe, organic and inexpensive fertilizer you should be using.

Good Morning!  Fun Fact: Mature Hellebore can easily produce up to 50 (you read that right) stems in a season.  Wholesal...
02/25/2023

Good Morning! Fun Fact: Mature Hellebore can easily produce up to 50 (you read that right) stems in a season.

Wholesale Hellebore are sold in 5 or 7 stem bunches and range in price from $17.99-$22.99 per bunch or if sold by the stem they fetch $3.30-$3.80 per stem (based on today’s pricing).

🌺 Post updated to add fun fact and pricing information.

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