Are We Quitting YouTube...?

[@pattiklaus9580]

Hang in there!. You two are a force together - carry on! You tube is a revenue source eventually but family and business come first!

[@karenaubry9973]

My heart breaks for you and your family. I am not a flower farmer but watch your channel to learn for my personal flower garden and I have enjoyed your videos! Keep your chin up! Your doing great

[@rebekahlaflin3565]

I’m so glad you and your family are staying at it. I’m sorry someone was slandering your family. You guys have been a great inspiration and even with all the frustrations, you face, you guys have done so many things right. I think farming is just a difficult profession to start with and flowers specifically are affected quickly by the economy. I was really hoping to start my flower farm this year but my husbands on VA disability and when work full time I’m exhausted by just maintaining our farm. Then my dad had a stroke so been spending time helping them. They moved out here so we could be of help. Anyway I tried focusing on the flower garden portion and got a number of perennials started but I wasn’t able to bring in compost so I’m using my own chicken bedding and I couldn’t afford setting up a water system so I’m hand watering for now. The well went dry but I’ve been able to use city water. I suppose this year has just be frustrating for other reasons but I’ve failed in many areas I didn’t plant many of my seedlings because the ground wasn’t prepared I mean the list can go on. Right now I’m looking at what I have to work with trying to decide what needs to be done. I know much of my problem is I need to narrow my focus and hopefully find some part time position to just have a small stream of income to invest. I’m fortunate we own the land we’re on and I thought I was going to have a bit of money left over from the sale of our house but it didn’t pan out exactly the way I thought it would so I’m frustrated yes, but I’m not going to focus on what didn’t happen, and the plants I lost. I’m going to keep what I have going and look for an income stream. I don’t have any advice, you all are further along than I am. I just want to tell you that even though it’s a struggle, your struggle, your story means a lot to others in difficult positions. I can’t watch some of my favorite KZbinrs at the moment because their success is disheartening to me because I’m so far from it. I’ll get there, but I want to have the right attitude. I understand some of the frustration your dealing with now but I don’t believe you and your family will stay there.

[@tiffanysiegler5511]

Do not give up! Burn out can be overcome! Every year we flower farmers feel like quitting for one reason or another. You need to plan a time to step away for just a few days. 1 week or 2. Do something with your family that has absolutely nothing to do with plants or farming. Your mind will have a chance to defragment and refresh. Without this break, burnout will cause you to fail. I can't tell you how many times simply taking a break at the end of each season has stopped burnout in its tracks and turned stress/failure into profit. You cant focus properly if the stress from the season is clouding your vision for the business. Hang in there buddy! Plan a short vacation and jump right back in. You got this!

[@ritawelch4949]

Suggestion: add your email, Facebook and Instagram in the description. Also, set up an Amazon wish list. Things are tough out there but people are willing to help.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thanks for the advice! My wife and I will work on it!

[@christinast6346]

Appreciate your raw honesty. As a new small scale flower farmer it is good to see the good the bad and the ugly. Hang in there. Praying for you and your family. He is so good and carrying you through! God bless you, your family and your business! 💕💐💕💐

[@annbann6]

Someone once told me "Its what you do in the face of conflict that determines how far you succeed". I know this sucks now.. but every failure is growth. Every problem teaches you to find a solution. The beginnings of a business are kind of beautiful even with all their downfalls because one day when you look back at this time you will not feel this way (defeated). You will look back at it with nostalgic feelings towards this struggle. Like "remember when we had this and this all happen"... it wont feel like this forever. And meanwhile... while you're feeling a bit down.. enjoy the small things and be kind to yourself. This will make you a better business owner one day.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Good advice!

[@EvelynM-vlogs]

There is nothing more depressing than doing your best and having an unknown person trash you. Sadly, this is not something that has only happened to you, it is something that happens to every hard working, succeeding business person multiple times over the course of their livelihood. Take it as a compliment, your product and work ethic became a threat to someone else. It happens all the time. This is why many successful people seem hard and uncompassionate, they have had to put up with so much crap that they become numb. Not all, but some. Don't get numb. Slowly you will learn to be less emotionally affected by it. Develop more than one outlet for your product income so that you are also less affected by the effect. The honeymoon phase is over, but the lifestyle is not. Prove this first badmouth-er and all who follow wrong and succeed in spite of them. Above all else, keep your joy in both what you do and who have around you. I know it sucks, but this really was an important step to go through in your life. This scenario is all too often what causes businesses to fail and if someone hasn't gone through it until they are further into their business journey, the outcome can be far more consequential. Glad you made it through the first ugly phase.

[@rbLACA]

Hang in there. You're an awesome farmer and your tutorials are great. We all go through hard times so just remember there's light at the end of the tunnel. Things will get better somehow.

[@Prudence1733]

Thanks for sharing with us! Have you tried local sales at farmer’s markets and restaurants? Also here there’s a local flower truck that sets up at different businesses outside and sells to the public. Microgreens is our main seller right now especially during the hot months. Something you might want to consider to supplement flowers. Best wishes for you and your family!🙂

[@silencedflower8441]

Make a mix of 2tablespoons peroxide per litre of water for each plant. Soak them down. Return to regular waterings. If still worried, repeat a couple times over a couple weeks. This will treat the roots.

[@julieknowles7063]

Glad to see you put up a video. I was starting to get worried!! Hints and tips from you are good for all of us, but not at the expense of your business or your health. Take time out when YOU need it. Take care. It will work out eventually.

[@tinaholbrook9719]

Thank you for your honesty, Alex. This is my 4th year growing flowers, and it is definitely not for the faint of heart. Every year is so different, too and has it's different challenges. I'm curious, why haven't you sold any blooms yet? Is it because the plants aren't producing yet? I feel like my plants are slow to produce this year...probably because they had almost a month of zero rain the other month. I'm still selling some, but not as much as I'd like.

[@tinalee3328]

Hi - THANK YOU for sharing your heart! I have been having a similar struggle - I'm in a rural area and because of the economy my 7 florists (within 45 min) are not getting many orders so they are not buying much - it's been heartbreaking. People are having to chose between gas/food or extras like flowers and understandably they have to feed their families! But when you work so hard like we flower farmers do - it can get so discouraging. I will not give up - hopefully the economy will turn around. And I will do other things - just got into two gift shops which are slow but I am selling a few bouquets each week. And my husband is building me a stand for up near our road and I will put out bouquets each weekend to see about selling here - is that something you could try??? We don't have a farmer's market that is big enough to sell at (20 vendors and 4 are selling plants - barely). Anyway, my prayers are with you - please pray for me as well!! Sending hugs to your family :)

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you for your advice! We are having same issues !

[@ritawelch4949]

I am not a flower farmer but I have learned from you. Especially foraging for plants that I can grow in my own garden. Thank you & may God bless you & your family!

[@katipohl2431]

Gardening burnout happens sometimes. Keep up the great work and thank you from Germany.

[@fatimaperez9181]

Sorry I missed your live but I encourage you to keep fighting.❤ We love you here in Arizona

[@jenniferhenderson4674]

Love for your family, business and channel from southern BC, Canada! 🍁☄🌼

[@erikpeltzman3260]

Your an inspiration as we are starting a small hobby flower farm and learning so much from you! Thank you so much for doing this! Just got a free bee hive im trying to save!

[@chatugespringsflowerfarm]

There is a difference between laziness and over commitment. I’ve never met a lazy farmer, but many who load too much on their plate. That can be very frustrating.

[@benarnoldson297]

I’d take a $50 bouquet a week. I’m sure the community would do the same!! 200 ppl doing the same every month is good money!! Keep your head up and know you have blessings from Alaska!!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

We have family that lives in wasilla and Juneau!

[@notalkjustnails6101]

Maybe they have roots rotting because there's not enough air flow/drainage in those bags. I would try real grow bags

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

These are real grow bags. They are just not fabric.

[@heatherj3030]

You are definitely Not lazy, but probably overwhelmed and stressed. Not only are you hard working but you are smart and ambitious in a good way. You'll learn from your minor mistakes and come out stronger and better off in the long run. I pray God blesses you and your sweet family. Also, I'm sorry someone attacked your family with slander. Your work ethic and character will shine through in the long run.

[@donnabauerofbrilliancebyde1178]

You are not alone, Alex. Challenges as entrepreneurs always occur however what they really are, I have come to learn are opportunities in the end…..I am in my third year growing n selling flowers and this year the end of March when I should have been planting, I pinched a nerve in my neck which had me down for 3 weeks and a month later another flare up. I do everything myself, I am 64 and still not healed, pain, tingling and numbness in the arm constantly. Then…about half of what I planted never germinated what did is not growing at the same rate as last year. Right now, I have very few flowers to cut for market. The good news, it appears as of now sunflowers will be the main product, not at all what I had planned. Bottom line, I am learning another level of what it means to trust God~

[@lazarramona9957]

I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles. I believe you can make it, because you have the ambition and passion for growing flowers! What happened to the dahlia field you farmed last year? I remember you had around 1600 dahlias in there.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Most died sadly !

[@AkLady907]

Hey, Wasilla, AK here, good to see you have another video! You’re not alone in your tribulations, for real. Considering your sedum, have you thought of selling it in bare root form? I purchased some bare roots this spring and they sprouted right up. Not sure how they winter over here in Alaska but we’ll see. It could be another viable option to consider or look into.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

We have family in wasilla ! Yes, I would considered selling some! Shoot us an email! [e-mail]

[@45jessiemad]

Glad I'm not the only one struggling this year. I know for me it's a combination of no time and when I finally get time I don't feel like doing what needs to be done. I also have a full time job and have decided that I need a day or two sometimes. It means my KZbin isn't nearly consistent as it was, but it we can't make good content when we're not in the right mindset.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Your right !

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Your right !

[@mmcreads]

Try Organic whole milk or whey as a foliar treatment for powdery mildew! But the aphids? Whew 😥 they’re kicked my butt too this year. It’s normal to get discouraged and burnt out then be disappointed in yourself for “slacking” on dumb things that end up costing you- at least it is for me lol Thanks for being so candid

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

I will keep that in mind to maybe try out !

[@jeremystevens8789]

Hi Flower Guy, I've been watching you for sometime. I realy like your videos. You have to stop being so hard on yourself. Life is all about learning and moving forward. I think it's interesting that a lot of the Dahlias are having problems in the hoop house. If i go back and watch your videos from a year ago when you where growing in the field everything looked great and healthy. Maybe the hoop house for growing specific Dalhias is not really a good idea. I would use the hoop house for more upscale flowers like ( Ranunculus or Lisianthus) I'm just saying your Dalhia plants seemed healthier and happier not under plastic. Just a thought...Stop worrying. You got this!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

I have them outside as well! I need to make a video on it !

[@Thingys-Jill]

It's called burn out because you're trying to accomplish too many different things. Slow down and breathe. I'm so sorry you've been slandered because you're a good guy. If you have actual proof of it, you might want to have an attorney write a cease and desist letter. It has been a hard year in many ways. Family first. You can't be all things to all people. God Bless You and your family. Editing to add, if your soil is too heavy in those plastic bags and so it is staying soggy, poke some holes in the sides. It's not like the plastic bags will last more than a season or two.

[@StandForFreedom1776]

I to have had difficulty with my garden this year and have been battling. Thing are not growing, plants not growing fast enough or to the height they normally grow by this time of year. fungus on the sweet potato leafs. blue berries not producing, peach tree not producing...etc. At the end of this year I am going to for a soil test for gardens. It is a little more expensive but it will tell me what the soil is lacking. So when I put my grand to rest for the winter I can add the missing ingredients and allow it to break down over the winter. Maybe you can do a video on the different type of Soil test and what is best for the consumers needs

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

It is rough this year on fungus.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

It is rough this year on fungus.

[@StandForFreedom1776]

@@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead hang in there my friend hang in there. BTW we're are somewhat neighbors, Chesterfield VA here

[@StandForFreedom1776]

I sent you my contact info in an email

[@marthahershberger392]

I liked your video, but it also makes me so sad that another person is so desperate for financial gain that he would slander competition. As hard as it was, thank you for sharing this part of your journey and my prayer is that God will lead and direct you in ways you will stand back in awe of His faithfulness!!

[@maryannfoster4734]

Don't give up hun. Your doing a beautiful thing here. God bless you

[@dwilliams16273]

So glad to see you again! It doesn’t seem like you are really to give up, so learn from your mistakes and press on! You’ve done that before! I believe you have a mentor so lean on them a bit more! Don’t shoulder everything.

[@kathrynburgess8987]

Are you still growing flowers? I loved your channel and its been a long time since you have made any posts. Just wondering how its going?

[@bernicehoggsfav]

I'm so glad you posted because I hadn't seen you for a while. Please, I will buy some of that sedum from you! Let me know how to make contact!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Here is our email: [e-mail]

[@AnnMarieConwaySC]

Is there drainage in the bags?

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Yes they have drainage

[@deborahcreppon6709]

I was wanting Sedum. Your curly willow made it ok. Deborah.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Send me an email. [e-mail]

[@deannewilliams3321]

Maybe test a few out in the sunlight? I just had to up-pot due to moisture issues and now they look so much better in fresh soil and better drainage. Be sure and claim business losses on your taxes. Sounds like you’ll have plenty deductions. All we can do is what we can do, we’re just a bunch of humans trying to figure it out lol. How can you make that truck make money? Deliveries for others? Rent it out? Just thinking out loud. Thanks for the update!

[@jb5959]

Great to see you back! Always remember... it's never failure if you learn from the situation! Hang in there and continue to work hard and smart!! Blessings to you and your family as you continue on your journey... 🙏

[@StandForFreedom1776]

When you hit a road block, do a video on it. Others are probably in the same and may be able to give creative ideas on how to get around it. KZbin is filled with creators that only show their successes, It is equally import to so the downsides and how to work through them. Document document document. Ask for help.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

What do you mean by ask for help?

[@StandForFreedom1776]

@@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead as people we don't know everything. There are plenty of people out there that have had similar experiences but may have a different solution you didn't think of. For example, on the business side of things,I don't know if you have an Instagram or Facebook, but posting on both every week and driving people to your business. It doesn't have to be much,. Maybe a flower arrangement or two and how they can obtain it. Once you reach a number of subscribers you can look for affiliates that will pay you to send people to their website for their products. They would supply you with a product like an aquaponic system to review and use plus funds for every person that buys from them. Maybe you can barrow a refrigerator van once a week from another company in exchange for advertising on your change. Okay, remember you stated you had lost accounts because someone was speaking bad about you and your company over the foraging. Continue to do the foraging but have the home owner sign a document say they have granted you permission to do so. That can never be questioned against and if it is sue for defamation and loss of business. I know you want to start class to teach people but start with being a speaker at a homestead convention. How have a lot of knowledge and sometimes running a business you put all the pressure on yourself but sometimes we are not good at everything aspect of running a business. For example I am not an accountant so I would find it difficult to do QuickBooks/.the accounting side. But I do like digging in dirt watching thing grow, talking to people and getting the to buy. Well then farm out the account side of it. Barter for their business like you do breakfast. Take some of the pressure off yourself so you can enjoy what you are doing more. The more you enjoy it, the less work it will feel like. If you ever want to chat just reach out. I am always happy to give a helping hand, whether it is a physical helping hand or just conversation.

[@divinelovebath]

Are you guys coming back to KZbin this year? I love your videos!!

[@tammysarrazin7078]

i would be charging the slander person and you have proof of non-theft with all your videos hugssssssssss

[@tammysarrazin7078]

keep on doing what you can when you can i will still be around either here or fb hugsssss

[@tammysarrazin7078]

road side stands with veggies in it could help maybe turn one row into food hugsss

[@ashalatasoans9222]

Obstacles do come and go as well, hang in there and stay strong. Don’t let dreams die Plse…

[@vinvin1715]

May I suggest. You slow down! He who tries to do everything falls because he spreads himself to thin. You are trying to run before you have even learnt to walk. Bigger is not always better. More stress less money. Focus more on the core of your business. Take the time to read listen and watch some other successful flower farmers. KZbin is a heavy burden you can do without, at this time. Make plenty of slits in those polythene bags to help drainage apply vermiculite to the surface of the soil or even sharp gritty sand which will wash down into the soil. To improve drainage. Also make an hourly work schedule and keep to it. You've had some good ideas. Consolidate n survive. Good luck.

[@sarafranklin3500]

There are so many who support you and don’t want to see you fail....and for those who do want to see you fail, don’t give them the satisfaction. You know what you are doing, just keep growing.

[@danieltalis7711]

I like that you are using Bags. I use them too.

[@terryhenderson424]

There has been a problem with some bagged compost.

[@kendastaudenmaier3689]

Nothing worth having ever comes easy just slow down and take bites instead of inhaling all at once.

[@donnalebert409]

You can do it. Hang in there

[@lilliankurtz3511]

You can't eat the grass. Canadian flower farmer on KZbin. Have a look at her videos, may be helpful for you.

[@iamHis888Heismine]

guess you did. lol