NEW FLOWER FARMERS NEED TO HEAR THIS!

[@IAMADWEBSTER]

This was the most authentic flower farming video I have watched. I hope you and your family are reaping the rewards of your hard work.

[@dinobernardi170]

Just found your channel. We are in our early 60's and have a very little homestead. You......young man are a breath of fresh air not only do we enjoy your videos but we mostly enjoy your approach simple and do with what you have around. No internet no tv no car payments etc. Great feeling isn't it. Enjoy your children as we enjoy our grandchildren, 7 & 9.

[@marm2371]

OMG!! I have a new appreciation when buying flowers at markets. I am tired just watching your day in the life of a flower farmer.

[@canadiangirl5159]

Farm families use to be large, and farmers grew their own food, and as their kids got older, they help with the chores. Make Large Families Cool Again!

[@audhdcreativity5899]

Or team up with a couple families if you are a small or very young family! ♡

[@OfftoShambala]

I suggest this to people who always seem to be struggling, but the parents often buy into the bs idea that they should treat their children like princes and princesses. I’m older… sure some of these kids are doing ok … but, a lot of them literally cannot handle life and the parents continue to enable them well into their thirties.

[@leahharbison3189]

They are gorgeous. Your hard work shows. Hoping God will give you bounties of blessings with your business.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

We just have to be determined? That’s what I suppose. Thank you for your comment.

[@Tuckerx6]

My family has been farming for many years but this is my second year growing flowers. It is the best place to raise your children! Memories made with them on the farm is priceless. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your journey!

[@JP-sf5er]

I'm so impressed with your love of family, work ethic, and dedication to keeping the most precious things in this world provided for. ❤ God bless you and your family. I hope you continue to prosper.

[@Autumnpeace]

You are very helpful. Nice to see a real man caring for his family. Hope you infinitely prosper.

[@clarissakoederitz2743]

Wow, I love your videos. I just started watching and I will no longer try to get the vendors (at the farmer's market) to lower their prices. I can now appreciate the work that goes into this.

[@margowhiterussian]

Good job hard working man

[@kristiryan740]

I'd love to do this rather than my office job. Much happier way to earn a living. Peaceful.

[@marthahershberger4969]

Reminds me of our farmers market days. Long hours and a lot of hard work to be ready to set up. I like your set up, beautiful flowers and the Husband/Wife team, Daddy/Daughter ~ Grandma/Grandson moments make it extra special and creating memories.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

I’m glad I can be flexible like that. That makes it enjoyable to be able to have our family come out for a picnic in the middle of the day, or take my grandma with me. Making memories and experiences are the best thing

[@AnneSaluppo-t2p]

Flowers add sweetness to life💛 You have a beautiful farm.

[@laradas6043]

You are a true inspiration for so many young people who dream about easy money. Very proud of you...The dahlias and your farm is awesome. Wish we had more young men with that determination and devotion.

[@denisetauben1930]

You’re an Amazing young man. If the world had more it would truly be a Wonderful World! I’m 58yrs young and spent my early decades in the floral industry. I don’t think most ppl realize how hard the work is with fresh products. But can be very rewarding. Think you are on the right track. Bless you and your family. Here’s to all your dreams coming true.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

It’s never ending work. There is always something to do and so perishable! Thank you for the encouragement.

[@kimberlygreidanus5639]

love what your doing and especially as a husband/wife/family team...keep doing what your doing!!!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you! It’s a big change from living the American life. A lot of sacrifices are made

[@kathypope3010]

God Bless You and your family are wonderful along with all your beautiful flowers you can't miss. You and your wife's hard work and sacrifice are very commendable.

[@blookieblay]

WOW! Thank you for sharing this “day in the life”! You are a great inspiration. I am starting a flower market garden in the spring. I have been doing my research, studying flowers, how they grow, pests etc. I almost jumped for joy to hear you grow organically! That was one of my biggest worries is pest control organically. I am a life long gardener of the vegetable and fruit variety…gardener of herbals medicinal and culinary and yes I have dirt under my nails but I love it. Nothing like having your hands and feet in connection with the earth. I am now a loyal subsciber and I am looking forward to anything you can offer to help me and others like me on our path to growing flowers and a good wholesome life. Thank you!!!

[@roxannern9393]

Which sodium chloride tablets do you use? We have no plans for selling flowers but, I do grow as many flowers as I can make room for on our 1.5 acre (minus the house, shed, chicken coop, vegetable gardens, 18 tree orchard, high tunnel and in-ground pool) home property. Believe me, I squeeze in at least 100 flower plants. On top of that, we are nurses with long shifts and my husband also teaches at the college when not at the hospital or on-call. Our children are grown with children. I am really looking to share my flowers with community places-hospital, nursing homes, assisted living homes, schools, etc.

[@Happy.mamaaa]

Thank you for showing the hard work and dedication it takes to run a flower farm 💐🙏🏼

[@kathleenellison6869]

Your dahlias are breathtaking. I am even more impressed with the beauty of your family plan.

[@birgitelisabeth9661]

I loved them, too. I think I'll grow them in my garden this year. All of his flowers were very beautiful. If I lived closer I'd buy his flowers. I need to find a flower farmer around me so I can support them. He's right that many of the flowers in our stores are coming in from abroad. They are flown in at night by plane.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I'm just now finding your channel for the first time... This was my 1st year flower farming. Although it is extremely hard work, especially in the beginning- doing all that goes into the growing & making the bouquets & them sometimes not even selling them!, I'm so excited for year #2 👏 I'm really hoping to be able to grow a successful cutflower business & be able to work from home & spend more time with my family.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

It takes a lot of planning. I would love to into detail about marketing your flowers! You can do it. It takes sacrifice, but know why your doing it ! I find that farmers markets are the hardest to sell. They take so much work !

[@bloom4mewithjo]

Hi, I’m first year flower farmer too, loving it , looking forward to year two! I’ve also started drying and so can extend the season, I do a farmers market on a Saturday, and now have a shop that takes them, sold out last week! So hoping to expand that! X just keep going, we can all do this! X

[@isofab]

Praise the Lord for God is good !

[@glgardener4972]

I am not a flower farmer but I love flowers. This is a lot of work to say the least. Wishing you the best.

[@beckylavallee1]

You are amazing and I love your *why* - your family and the lifestyle you want to have with them

[@jeffcady284]

Too many out there today don't have a good work ethic like you have. I have been a hobby flower farmer for 26 years from farmer's markets to wholesale. Some days can be discouraging, but then you meet the right customer and they are thankful for your work. You will find the balance between lots of varieties and fewer customers, or lots of customers and fewer varieties. It also depends on how social you are and the surrounding population density. Most importantly, your family depends on you! Keep growing.

[@gingerquinlan7953]

Thank you for your inside look at all the work, time and dedication. It inspires me to keep going in my first year of planting and setting up. You ROCK!!!

[@bernadinenewland5100]

Dalias were originally bred for food. The tubers are edible.

[@vanessam.w.4368]

Thanks for the reality of a cut flower garden. I may start a small one! Big thanks!!

[@debbroughten7688]

You have beautiful flowers

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you so much. Maybe this spring I would like to sell some tubers of the ones that I’m growing as well and get a shipment going out

[@IronJohn755]

Thanks for sharing part of your journey. Hard work can burn you out, but you've got the satisfaction of doing real, honest work for a living, and spending that precious time with your family that most people are going to miss and never get back. Wishing you and your family good fortune in turning this into a good living.

[@reneclarkkersanty4256]

Awesome video! First year for me on a small city plot. Selling from a cart at the end of my driveway. Great information and so happy for you that you are doing so well! 💐🌱🌻

[@Mozo3fan]

This channel is amazing. I have littles too and I love that they are gonna grow up around flowers.

[@christisstanley2348]

Your realism into the reality of becoming a flower farmer is invaluable, Thank you! Just found your channel and joined before the video was over. You definitely have me reevaluating my decision to add a smaller flower farm to my garden and livestock. Absolutely loved the video and the knowledge that you shared. Your flowers and farm are beautiful, as well as your family. Cant wait to watch more, hoping God is blessing you

[@lizduttom3547]

You are the type of man I’ve raised my son to be! Children are so fortunate if they are home with their family. It seems the trend today is got two career households. Everyone wants a big house, two cars. They sacrifice time with their children to provide unnecessary junk. What use is a big fancy home if no one is at home to enjoy it? I think the sacrifices your making are admirable!!

[@maryb4001]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experience & hard work providing beautiful flowers to so many 🙏🏼❤️

[@jasmineharris9105]

I love this so much almost made me cry I’m wishing you and your family a wonderful growing season

[@helenmartin6895]

I commend you for what your doing,and it's best that your wife is home with the kids!God Bless you and your family and business!

[@JosephineTeehankee]

I admire you. I just have a small garden and it's work to plant. But it's fun

[@anaohlmann2534]

Thank you for this excellent video! Wishing you much success! Yes perseverance trumps everything!🌸

[@marilynmcshan8570]

You are a wise young man.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you! We have to be learning everyday !

[@tammiereilly8829]

You have what it takes to achieve your goals as a flower flower. If you grow flowers and sell flowers… then you are a flower farmer. This is also my first year as a flower farmer. This year I was dedicating to seeing what grows best in my area ( I’ve been gardening since I was 13 but have moved to the PNW and am unfamiliar with those conditions). I have left my career as an RN and flower farming is the next phase of my life. I love the 12 hour days outside (cold or heat) and wouldn’t trade it for anything. The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is an excellent resource for flower farmers. They have everything from national to local conventions and workshops to helping you to price your flowers competitively, without underselling your hard work or the work of other farmers in your area. I wish you and your family all the best in this adventure. You are building a beautiful legacy for your kids and showing them that something worth having takes all you can give it…and it’s worth it. ☺️❤️💐

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

It’s worth it all. I’m so flexible for them. I want to teach them. That is the goal! Sustainability, unique, and flexible. That’s what life is about is building experiences! It’s hard work for sure!

[@jilllove818]

How lovely of you to share so much information and show the reality of life as a flower farmer! It makes it so much easier to understand the cost of flowers. BUY LOCAL! Subscribed and following.

[@treesawlimbnahbirch6788]

As a suggestion, you can donate your left over floral bouquets to your local care centers, the elderly would love them

[@sheilaanderson912]

I really enjoyed your video. Dahlias are my favorite flower. I wish you and your family great success!

[@alirE2904]

You are dedicated. I ADMIRE and appreciate yOUR WORK.

[@ASHALATASoans]

Where are you now a days? Not uploaded anything lately ? Miss your videos and beautiful flowers

[@juliehouston1264]

Absolutely beautiful bouquets! All of that hard work shows! Thank you!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you !

[@CrystalMendoza05]

I love how realistically you approach work, life, and your priorities. I subbed. I’d love to watch your flower journey. 🌹

[@Bostoncrocus]

I so appreciate the info since no one ever talks about the income and expenses. Thank you. Please consider using a hand warmer device to keep in your pocket. Im not really in the business but am dabbling a little. I found this very useful. McBride Flower Farm NC USA

[@isaxiarhos8040]

love you video It describes exactly what we go through ... I come from a generations of farmers but I never realize the amount of work you have to put into until I became one. And yes I left my high paying job to become a farmer(which is crazy I know ) but I did for my children ... your video made me feel Im not alone

[@ekstromsblomster]

I'm starting a flower farm this year. Nice to hear how it really is. Inspiration to hear other guys in the flower farming. Will watch all your videos. Keep it up!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thanks so much !

[@patriciacole8773]

Salt of the earth

[@miketanner4822]

Lucky you, no deers to eat up your plants and you can leave them in the ground over winter. Good work

[@ameliaterrell1953]

Thank you for breaking the numbers down. This is very important for people getting started. This is my first year and i will definitely have to expand to another market next season and grow dahlias!

[@joereddragon6724]

That's honest and decent work. It is also very hard and tedious. Thank you for showing us how much work it is. We tend to understimate the amount of work that goes into everything thanks to super centers. It makes me appreciate flowers even more. Lots of respect man. You are working very hard for your family and they can be super proud of you.

[@niranjanjuliulambert2098]

As a market gardener I would say, keep on doing again and again you will pass your goals soon

[@tommybrookstone2759]

Wow, all your hard work will pay off.

[@carladatema8685]

I been a part time flower farmer for years! Going full time next year here in USA, Michigan when I retire! I also sell perennials at the farmers markets! Its my thing! I put together mixed bouquets. They seem to sell better at markets if you arrange them. Always something to do!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

I’ve tried that! I’m glad that it works for you! The less handling I can do with each one the better off I am.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Congrats on going full time!

[@matthewkeesler1871]

Are you still in michigan?? Been thinking of trying this in my backyard here in grand rapids. Don't have a lot of land to really grow a lot. But would love this as a hobby and possible slight profit.

[@Thrif-T]

Thank you for this video and being so transparent about everything.

[@lindapoworski2597]

Excellent video. You are a very hard worker. Be proud.

[@michaelheyward7668]

Just found your channel and see that this video is approximately 1yr ago. How are things going with the business? I respect all the hard work you have to endure.

[@bevjensen2278]

Have you tried a flower stand at the end of your driveway or are you not on a busy road? And/or having Upick days for people to come and pick a bouquet for themselves? It's incredibly admirable that you're devoting such an incredible amount of work to get your farm to where you want it to be, especially on your own. I hope your mentor is also helping physically, because that looks pretty exhausting. Good luck, I hope you have a very successful year.

[@kaymill5565]

Absolutely love your philosophy about life. Investing in your family is THE number one investment. I wish you continued success!

[@DD-rt9lc]

wise words and clear sight

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I never realized how many of our flowers were imported until I started my cutflower business! (I started writing this before watching your video, you ended up saying a lot of these things in your videos! 😁) There is certainly a lot more work that goes into growing cutflowers, (seeding them, weeding the beds, fertilizing, watering, etc.), processing them (stripping the leaves, etc. Just putting them into buckets is a chore because they get tangled & you have to make sure you're not breaking leaves, petals, or stems!), making the bouquets, & then marketing them! If you're spending 8+ hours a day going & sitting at a farmers market then you have to spend a lot of hours trying to get them out into people's face to try to sell them... I'm also trying to gave a successful cutflower business & KZbin career in order to be at home more with my family. If I could grow it large enough to where my husband could one day also quit his job & start helping me with farm tasks, then I would be SOOOOO very happy!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

We have very long days. Sometimes 5 or 6 I’m the morning until about 12 at night. They are very tiring. We are a one income household. Just to reassure it is possible to do the flower farming. PLANNING. That’s all it takes. I’m not good at that either haha. My wife keeps me organized. She is a stay at home mom for our babies.

[@bretallica13]

Love the honesty and knowledge sharing!

[@agardeningreece]

Amazing work! I'm gonna make my first year on dahlia farming next year, after trialing Dahlias on my property in Greece (zone 9b-10) this year. Thank you for all the info!

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Wow that’s amazing ! I would love to see what you have there !

[@agardeningreece]

@@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead hope I ll make it through!!! I'll be posting on my insta and YT. Merry Christmas!!!

[@CynthiaV23]

God bless you! Prayers this is a great success for you.

[@BigBandLittleClub777]

So true a flower involved from birth to death,...beautiful, don't give up, charge more for your flowers!

[@sugarplumdolls]

Thanks for the excellent information and positivity!

[@BCTS]

Alex I have been watching your videos and love them all. You work so hard. We the people of India, pray that the Good Lord bless you abundantly.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you for your support !

[@sharonloves]

Thank you for sharing. May your garden always have bountiful blooms. 🙏🏾

[@WildwoodFlowers]

thanks for all the good information and I wish you every success.

[@kristincochran4658]

It's awesome having a goal to stay together as a family...I completely agree. Hey you mentioned some rows of your dahlias producing more money than others. What varieties are most productive for you? I have limited space and want the most bang for my space. Ty. So happy I found your channel as it's my first year flower farming. TIA

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

The way that I would answer this is which rows have I spent the most time on. Seems crazy to say that, but the more I pinch them in the early stages of vegetation the better off all my plants are. Then, you have 3x or 4x more stems in the beginning. It stunts them, yes. You won’t regret doing it though.

[@jodygrant1255]

Amen, especially from the point of living simple and onwards. Many children are so messed up because the parents lifestyle causes them to send the children to daycare from just a few weeks. That leaves a bunch of children that are disconnected with parents, and tired of being in school. God bless

[@Michaelburtonspeaks]

From one farmer dad to another, you’re awesome brother!!! You’re family is counting on you and so are we… 🙏💯

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Wow! That’s awesome ! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@Michaelburtonspeaks]

@@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead NP. I also joined your FB group. Great idea!

[@rhondabarnett1127]

Hello there, I have missed your videos so much has anything happened to you or have you chucked in the flower farm. Keep watching for you to pop up 😢

[@juliebaker6230]

Lots of hard work and sacrifice - don't see much of that these days. Kudos to you for pushing through the burn out for the benefit of your family! That takes dedication 💐

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thanks so much! Pushing through is almost the hardest part but the drive behind it is the easiest part if that makes any sense. My wife and my kids are my drive

[@MommySOLImedia]

I love your honesty and dedication…all the best to your family and your business!

[@ericacrone3902]

Appreciate your dedication. Creating a lifestyle that both supports and includes your family is a noble goal. Keep it up! Subscribed.

[@mimispeike793]

I wish you the best. Good luck to you. I am a hobby flower grower, and not so good at that. Working in the garden is harder and harder. I'm seventy-six.

[@g.christelbecker6349]

Very informative. Thank you and God bless you!!!

[@wenmeirhynard]

Totally agreed with you.

[@barbsvoboda9634]

Abosolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing and being honest. It is back breaking work but so rewarding.

[@mikeash7428]

That's a long day but good work.

[@fam5max1]

Your video is awesome! Thank you for taking the time to share with us your knowledge and insights!!

[@45jessiemad]

Great video!! Being a flower farmer is hard work! Your farm is beautiful.

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Yes it is, Alex works very long days. -M

[@elainemo]

This is beautiful.

[@gggarden6085]

Hardworking really works!

[@gelinda2718]

Wow your a great guy I can tell and such a had worker ,your flowers are Beautiful! Good information that I can use .

[@matthewgarfield-bennett8771]

You seem to be doing a fantastic job - well done keep up the great work!

[@anitanavarro4121]

WOW I wish I could do what you do. If you lived near me, I would volunteer at your farm.

[@pang-ngiavang1956]

I'm so grateful for your insights and advice. I love your flowers.

[@yeeeehawww2521]

Thanks for keeping it real. Good luck to y’all! ✌️🌸

[@shullamitequeen]

Thank you🤗 am so glad to discover your channel. I am repente ring floriculture and very excited. I like the way you break things down and give encouragement and also the reality of burning out and it takes a lot of dedication and hard work.

[@aovoonthefarmsouthernillinois]

I saw you all on Living on a Prayer Flower Farm.

[@marilynhughes7407]

You do awesome work! Your flowers are beautiful 👍🏽

[@WindyBrookRidgeHomestead]

Thank you so much for the encouragement! Some days are hard !

[@sislertx]

Wish u would do an update...if i was around u id come help...im pushing 80 and feel its rime for me to just garden part time despite people clamoring.for what i grow and the joy i get from it...if i didnt have to prep beds..way too much for me anymore...but in 15 minutes ill be back outside putting in onions. I do like.azure for the buggies..its organic and i now use a ryrobi sprayer instead of a pump...gets under the leaves...and this year the green worms are really after my brassicas...i have six trays of 210 flowers to put out too....oh well...im trying to wait till sun up and gather strenght. May i recomend the dollar tree for table cloths..

[@magpiegardenblooms]

Beautiful flowers! 🥰