The Flower Podcast

Using Beneficial Insects in Cut Flower Production with Erik van der Sluys

In this episode of The Flower Podcast, Scott welcomes Erik van der Sluys of Beneficial Insectary for a deep dive into natural pest control strategies tailored specifically for flower farmers. They explore practical, real-world approaches to managing common pests such as thrips, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and fungus gnats, and discuss how integrating beneficial insects into your growing system can dramatically improve plant health and resilience. Erik breaks down how growers can strengthen their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through foundational cultural practices (watering, fertilizing, crop rotation), sanitation practices (removing plant debris, cleaning tools, controlling weeds), and mechanical controls (sticky traps, insect screens, targeted water sprays). He also explains how and when to release beneficial insects—such as predatory mites, parasitic wasps, lacewings, and lady beetles—to support the natural ecosystem of your fields, tunnels, and greenhouses. Listeners will learn how to read seasonal pest patterns, track insect lifecycles, monitor temperatures for pest activity, and build habitats that attract and sustain beneficial insects. The conversation highlights why understanding the biology of both pests and beneficials is essential for long-term success, especially when dealing with repeat issues in crops like dahlias, lisianthus, zinnias, snapdragons, and more. Whether you're looking to reduce chemical pesticides, improve your biological control strategy, or create a more sustainable, resilient flower farm, this episode is packed with actionable guidance and expert insights to help you manage pests naturally—and grow stronger, healthier blooms. Learn more about this topic by visiting Beneficial Insectary [https://insectary.com]. Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers: Learn more and join at ascfg.org [https://www.ascfg.org] Visit RootedFarmers.com [https://www.rootedfarmers.com] and use code TFP25 for $75 off your new membership. The Gardener's Workshop — Helping flower farmers grow smarter at thegardenersworkshop.com [https://www.thegardenersworkshop.com] Visit accentdecor.com [https://www.accentdecor.com] and be inspired for your floral design containers and decor. Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast.

Rethinking Growth with Lindsey Mizock of Pompelmo Floral

Scott Shepherd sits down with floral designer and grower Lindsey Mizock of Pompelmo Floral to talk about creativity, freelancing, and what it means to intentionally keep your business small. Lindsey shares insights from her years working on small farms along the California coast, her fine-art background, and her approach to design rooted in observation and authenticity. Together, they explore favorite flower varieties, the freedom of freelancing, and how staying small can create space for deeper creativity and connection in your floral business. Don't miss the Sell Your Flowers Summit, a free three-day online event happening November 20–22. Join host Lennie Larkin and 15+ experts to gain clarity, confidence, and community in selling your flowers. Learn more at SellYourFlowersSummit.com [https://flower-farming-for-profit-academy.mykajabi.com/syfs?mc_cid=3235104a3b&mc_eid=b54af48fbf]. Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com] Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast. You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a minute.

The Science and Art of Plant Breeding with Dr. Keith Hammett

This week, Scott explores the intersection of science and artistry in the world of flower breeding. Dr. Keith Hammett, New Zealand's leading ornamental plant breeder, shares his passion for developing Dahlias, Sweet Peas, and Clivias that blend genetics, color, and creativity. Together, they discuss the delicate balance between science and art, the importance of scent in breeding, the joy of discovery, and how breeders quietly shape the world of floristry through their vision and dedication. This episode is made possible by our sponsors: Rooted Farmers: Connecting flower farmers and florists through one simple, trusted platform. Visit RootedFarmers.com [https://www.rootedfarmers.com] and use code TFP25 for special offer of $75.00 off any individual plan (essential or pro) with Rooted Farmers. ASCFG: Supporting flower farmers with education, research, and community. Learn more at ascfg.org [https://www.ascfg.org]. Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com] Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a minute.

Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas, Micro Flower Farm

Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas Building a new flower farm from the ground up! In this episode, returning guest Galena Berkompas of Micro Flower Farm shares what it's like to start over on a new piece of land in Vancouver, Washington. She talks about prioritizing perennials, choosing cover crops, and balancing short-term crops with long-term investments. Galena also dives into her watering schedule, dahlia care, and the lessons she's learning as she rebuilds her micro farm from the ground up. Highlights: 1 Starting fresh on new land 2 Planting perennials for long-term success 3 TEFF as a cover crop 4 Midnight watering schedule & overhead irrigation 5 Dahlia care and nitrogen timing 6 Managing pollinated blooms 7 Building structure with shrubs & greens 8 Balancing quick-income crops with long-term growth Sponsors: Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers — Learn more and join at ascfg.org [https://www.ascfg.org] The Gardener's Workshop — Helping flower farmers grow smarter at thegardenersworkshop.com [https://www.thegardenersworkshop.com] Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com] Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast. You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a minute.

What Is Your Most Important Tool: Madeline Hooper of Gardenfit

What Is Your Most Important Tool? Madeline Hooper has such a great story. After years in public relations, competing as a ballroom dancer, and teacher she turned her focus to gardening and helping others. Together with her husband, she's spent over three decades creating and caring for their Rockland Farm in New York. She's also the co-creator of the TV series GardenFit, and she shares down-to-earth ways we can take care of our most important tool—our own body. Whether you're planting, weeding, hauling buckets, or marathon wedding installations, her tips will help you move smarter, avoid aches, and enjoy the work we love for years to come. It's all about self-care and taking care of our bodies to let them continue to take care of us. Learn more about today's episode and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com [https://www.theflowerpodcast.com] Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! If you have a minute, it would be great if you could leave a review wherever you listen to our podcast. You can also watch our conversations on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe5pE8qG36DG6xGFyMuD8XA], in addition to tip-filled videos and educational Lives. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a minute.