From Plans to Petals: Gearing Up for the Growing Season

February might be the shortest month of the year, but on the farm, it’s packed with planning and decision-making. The days are slowly getting longer, and while it’s still winter outside, my mind is fully in spring mode. This is also our last change for a little bit of a getaway before the rush of seed starting and planting begins!

Most of my seed ordering is done, and my collection of little packets holds the promise of summer blooms. But now comes the tricky part—deciding how much of everything to grow. It’s a balancing act between favorite staples, new varieties I can’t resist trying, and making sure I have enough (but not too much!) to meet demand. That said, I'll be adding more plants specifically for drying to ensure I have enough for everlasting bouquets all winter long! I’m fine-tuning my plans, double-checking my seed inventory, and making sure I have a good mix of colors, bloom times, and textures to keep bouquets interesting all season.

I haven’t started any seeds yet, though! I’ve ordered some plugs for plants like eucalyptus and lisianthus because I need them and don’t want to rely entirely on my own seed-starting. But with our big projects—like building the cold room and grow room—I decided to hold off on starting seedlings for now. I want to be able to keep them at a constant temperature rather than exposing them to possible fluctuations from open doors during construction. I’m confident that once I do start, I’ll be able to catch up just fine!

With my seed selections almost finalized, it’s time to map out where everything will go. I’ve expanded my growing space for this year, which is exciting but also means more planning! I need to make sure flowers are rotated properly to keep the soil healthy, figure out the best spots for everything, and leave room for easy access when harvesting. The goal? A productive, beautiful space that makes the most of every inch of the garden.

Growing flowers is one thing—getting them into the hands of people who love them is another! February is a big month for planning how I’ll sell my blooms. My 2025 flower subscription is open for sign-ups (but there’s only a couple spots left!), and I’m excited to share bouquets all summer long with those who join. I’m also looking at market dates, special events, and ways to make it easier for people to bring fresh, local flowers into their lives. Another change for my sales this year is that I don’t plan to sell over social media. I’ll still be at markets and will post where I’m selling, but I’ll no longer post single bouquets for sale (unless there’s one that’s too special not to share!).

In addition to planning what’s growing in the garden, we have some exciting projects underway! We’re expanding and cleaning our dugout to ensure we have a reliable water source that lasts through the fall. Water is essential for keeping the flowers thriving, and this upgrade will make a big difference in how we manage irrigation.

We’re also building a cold room to store buckets of blooms during the summer and to keep tubers, bulbs, and root vegetables fresh through the winter. Having proper storage will help maintain flower quality and extend the life of harvested blooms. It'll also make sure that the vegetables I do grow, last rather than spoil early on!

Another big addition is a grow room, giving seedlings the best possible start before they head out into the field. This space will provide a controlled environment for young plants, making sure they’re strong and healthy when it’s time to harden them off and transplant them outdoors.

Right now, it’s all about laying the groundwork for the busy months ahead. It might not feel like much is happening on the farm just yet, but these winter planning sessions are what make everything run smoothly when the growing season kicks into full gear.

What are you most looking forward to this spring? Send me a message, or comment on a social media post and tag me. And if you want to guarantee fresh bouquets all season long, make sure to check out my flower subscription—it’s going to be a beautiful year! 🌿💐

Until the willows sway again,

Kaeley