The Dirt on Flowers
Learn from our mistakes as we talk business, marketing, and growing techniques to help you create the farm of your dreams. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get the dirt on flowers!
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EP 269 Tulip Season Rundown
<p>In this episode of Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon share an in-depth conversation about growing tulips. They cover planting techniques, including no-till and dump methods, harvest timing, and wet versus dry storage. The hosts discuss labor efficiency, pricing strategies for retail and wholesale, and calculating true bulb costs by factoring in roughly 30% waste. They also offer advice on handling blown-open tulips, managing short stems, and selecting reliable varieties. The episode wraps up with encouragement to plan carefully, avoid overordering, and approach tulip farming with realistic expectations.</p><p>Be in the know for DirtCon 2027</p><p>If you...
EP 268: Uncut Week 16 2026
<p>In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Shannon and Lyndsay dive into the reality of spring farming, where long days and unpredictable weather make flexibility essential. They share how they’re managing heat swings and timing crops like ranunculus for Mother’s Day. The conversation highlights a shift in thinking about tulips as a supporting flower that adds value to bouquets rather than the main focus. They also discuss the frustration of underpriced flowers at markets and the importance of standing by your pricing. The episode touches on tulip losses, tunnel space strategy, and adapting to tough field cond...
EP 267: How to Build & Run a Successful Outdoor Market
<p>In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon welcome Megan Duncan, founder of Minted Vintage, a thriving outdoor vendor market with over 100 vendors and a 90% return rate. Megan shares her journey running a creative business and launching the market in 2019. The conversation covers key topics including vendor curation, logistics, permits, marketing strategies, early bird ticketing, and creating memorable customer experiences through themes and photo opportunities. Megan emphasizes that prioritizing vendor success, clear communication, and authentic passion are the foundations of a well-run, profitable market.</p><p>Learn more about this weeks guest Megan Duncan (Minted Vintage...
EP 266: Uncut Week 15 2026
<p>In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, the two flower farmers catch up on their tulip harvests, with Shannon wrapping up a fast two-week season and Lyndsay dealing with hail damage in her fields. They discuss flower variety preferences, including a debate over yellow tulips, and share strategies for managing spring crops in tunnels. The hosts also offer practical advice on planning for Mother's Day when tulips are finished and peonies aren't yet ready. They close with a preview of Friday's episode featuring market expert Megan Duncan.</p><p>Be in the know for DirtCon 2027</p><...
EP 265: The Pre Season Pep Talk You Didn't know you Needed
<p>In this episode of The Dirt on Flowers, Lyndsay and Shannon deliver an energizing pep talk for flower farmers entering a new growing season. Drawing from their own six-figure farm experiences, they share five key reminders: stop comparing yourself to competitors and focus on your customers instead; embrace consistency as the foundation of long-term success; dream big and resist the urge to play small; invest wisely in essentials over trends; and build genuine connections with customers through authentic communication. Together, they inspire farmers to approach the season with confidence, clarity, and community.</p><p>Be in the know for...
EP 264: Uncut Week 14 2026
<p>In this episode of The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon, two flower farmers share an honest, unscripted conversation about the realities of farm life. They discuss tulip growing challenges, including unpredictable weather, harvest timing, and planting techniques. The duo also covers hiring farm help, planning summer crops like lisianthus and dahlias, and preparing for Mother's Day sales. Additional topics include a homemade calcium fertilizer recipe, a USDA regenerative agriculture program, and an upcoming wedding flower workshop. Throughout, Lyndsay and Shannon balance humor and frustration with genuine passion for flower farming, offering relatable insights for fellow growers..</p><p>Be...
EP 263: Growing Pepperharrow Farm with Jenn & Adam O'Neal
<p>In this episode of "The Dirt on Flowers," Lyndsay and Shannon interview Jenn and Adam O’Neil of Pepperharrow Farm in Iowa. The O’Neils share their 15-year journey growing from a small flower patch to a 60-acre farm, including a 12-acre lavender field. They discuss value-added products like dried flowers, lavender goods, workshops, farm dinners, and custom-bred zinnias. The conversation covers marketing, employee management, and creative ways to engage customers, offering inspiration and practical tips for flower farmers looking to diversify and grow their businesses sustainably.</p><p>Learn more about this weeks guest Pepperharrow Farm: Website, Facebook and...
EP 262: Uncut Week 13 2026
<p>In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," the flower-farming duo shares candid updates from their Ohio farms, discussing wild spring weather, the challenges of forcing tulips, and the realities of ordering and storing dahlia tubers. They offer practical advice on planting dahlias, emphasizing proper spacing, depth, and airflow. The episode also touches on labor updates, family involvement, and propagation techniques. With their trademark humor and honesty, Lindsay and Shannon provide relatable insights and real-life tips for fellow growers and flower enthusiasts.</p><p>Be in the know for DirtCon 2027</p><p>If you want to dive...
EP 261: What’s Slowing You Down?
<p>In this episode, Lyndsay and Shannon, owners of successful flower farms, discuss the common bottlenecks that slow business growth, such as the “owner bottleneck,” production gaps, labor challenges, and financial hurdles. They share personal stories and practical strategies for overcoming overwhelm, delegating tasks, building systems, and setting boundaries. Emphasizing the importance of a proactive CEO mindset, they encourage listeners to address problems head-on, adapt to change, and prioritize profitability. Their candid conversation offers actionable advice for flower farmers and small business owners seeking to streamline operations and create sustainable, thriving businesses.</p><p>Be in the know for DirtCon 2027</p><p...
EP 260: Uncut Week 12 2026
<p>In this episode of "The Uncut with Lyndsay and Shannon," they share an honest look at spring flower farming, discussing unpredictable weather, insurance frustrations, and labor shortages. Shannon opens up about the emotional toll of managing a growing farm and balancing family life, including her son’s journey with braces. They introduce a new “Chief Marigold Officer” job opportunity and answer listener questions about easy-to-grow flowers and foliage for market bouquets. The episode blends practical advice, personal stories, and encouragement, offering a real glimpse into the challenges and small joys of farm life.</p><p>Be in the know for Di...
