January on the Flower Farm: An Update

January has been a quiet but essential month on the flower farm. While the fields rest, I’ve been busy preparing for the season ahead. It’s the perfect time for planning, getting my seed orders in, caring for the soil, and making sure the plants are protected.

This time of year is when I’ve been reflecting on the past season. I’ve been going over the sales data, noticing what worked well and what didn’t, and paying attention to customer preferences. It’s been a helpful process, guiding my decisions for the coming year. I’ve also been considering offering on-farm workshops or bouquet subscriptions. The budgeting side of things is just as important—making sure I’ve set aside enough for seeds, soil amendments, and any infrastructure improvements that might be needed. At The Flowerer, my focus has been on growing the highest-quality flowers using sustainable farming practices, so every bouquet can bring beauty and joy for as long as possible.

January has been the time for finalizing my seed orders. I’ve been making sure I have the right balance of reliable varieties and a few new ones to try. The classics like cosmos, ammi, and sweet peas are always on my list, but I like to experiment with something fresh each year, too.

The hardy annuals I sowed in the autumn, like cornflowers and larkspur, have been needing some extra attention to make it through the winter. Frost can be tough on them, so I’ve been keeping a close eye on the weather and adding fleece protection when needed. Regular weeding and light mulching help keep the soil healthy and reduce competition for nutrients. I’ve also been checking for any signs of disease or nutrient deficiencies early on. Last year, my cerinthe looked almost lost after a frost, but it made a full recovery and bloomed beautifully in the spring. It’s a good reminder to trust the process and let nature work its magic.

As January rolls on, I’ve been preparing for my second round of sowing hardy annuals to ensure a steady supply of blooms throughout the season. I’ve set up my propagation area with trays filled with fine compost, giving each seed the best chance to thrive. Some varieties need extra warmth, so I’ve been using a heated propagator to get them started. Clear labelling is essential to keep track of what’s germinating well and what might need a little more attention. By staggering my sowing every few weeks, I’ve been able to extend the harvest period, ensuring that there are always fresh flowers to cut and enjoy. Last year, sowing nigella on a cold, grey January day brought such a hopeful feeling when the first shoots started to appear. Those flowers went on to produce delicate, starry blooms and beautiful seed pods perfect for dried arrangements.

With the beds empty, I’ve been focusing on soil health. This is the time to apply organic matter, like well-rotted manure and homemade compost, to keep the soil rich and ready for planting. Crop rotation is an important part of the plan to prevent disease and ensure the soil stays healthy.

I’m really excited to let you know that flower subscriptions will be launching soon! If you’ve been looking for a way to bring fresh, seasonal blooms into your home regularly, these subscriptions will be a perfect fit. Whether you’re treating yourself or sending a thoughtful gift to a loved one, you’ll be able to receive a beautiful mix of locally grown flowers delivered right to your door. Keep an eye on The Flowerer for all the details and updates about the launch.

January has been all about setting the foundation for a successful season. It’s been a time for reflection, careful planning, and thoughtful decisions. By focusing on seed selection, nurturing the plants, and caring for the soil, I’ve been getting the farm ready for a productive year. While it’s been a quiet month on the farm, the work I’ve been doing now ensures a beautiful, bountiful spring and summer to come.

For more updates and to shop our seasonal flowers, visit The Flowerer today!