Seed Talk #53 - 7 Cool Flowers Plus Tips for Growing in Tunnels, Part 1 - Snapdragons & Scabiosa

Would you like to grow gorgeous snapdragons and scabiosa and enjoy their beautiful blooms even earlier next spring? Today, Layne is joined by Jonathan Leiss of Spring Forth Farm to discuss the seven cool-season annual crops his farm will be growing next year and the advantages of growing these flowers in tunnels. Today's episode (part 1) features an introduction to Jonathan, tips for growing in tunnels, and two of the seven crops - snapdragons and scabiosa 'Fama'. First, Layne and Jonathan discuss his farm's unique spring-focused business model, why tunnels are so critical to the farm's operation, the difference between various types of structures, and special considerations when growing in tunnels. Next, Layne and Jonathan cover each crop's significance, favorite varieties, differences growing in tunnels versus the field, plant spacing, succession planting, general bloom time, the expected number of stems per plant, harvesting tips, and more. Listen to the podcast and learn how to grow and harvest these two beautiful cool flowers, whether you grow in tunnels or in the field!
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The “Seed Talk with Lisa & Layne” podcast is produced by The Gardener’s Workshop and co-hosted by Lisa Mason Ziegler and Layne Angelo. Lisa is the founder and owner of The Gardener’s Workshop, where Layne works as Seed Manager. Lisa is the award-winning author of Vegetables Love Flowers and Cool Flowers and the publisher of Flower Farming School Online, Farmer-Florist School Online, and Florist School Online. Watch Lisa’s Story and connect with her on social media. Layne is an avid gardener, seed starter, and engineer who loves learning and applying her technical knowledge to all areas of life, including gardening and growing flowers. Thanks for joining us!
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[@joycedagostino8869]

Such good information. Jonathan and his wife have given a lot of thought and made sound decisions to not only have a growing operation but also to have family life time too.

[@LayneAngelo]

Hello! I agree - I love how Jonathan and Megan have structured their business to fit their lifestyle - not the other way around 😊 I really enjoyed talking to Jonathan about his farm’s story, unique business model, and - of course - flowers! 🥰 Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to leave a comment! Have a wonderful evening 💚

[@victoriaisham8902]

What a fantastic topic!! We just put up a high tunnel and I was stuck on what to grow, now I have a great direction to go! THANK YOU!! 💜

[@LayneAngelo]

Oh, yay! How perfect 🤩 And we will have five more crop recommendations next week 😃 Best of luck planting out your tunnel, and have a fantastic evening! 🤗

[@torimarie7659]

What an amazing topic! I love this conversation about finding a way to grow within the parameters of what their family wants their life to be like. Also I’ve always thought spring flowers are the very best one. How cool to be able to double down on offering those to the market early in the season. I know Jonathon mentioned that they supply wholesalers who specialize in local flowers. Did he mention who those wholesalers are?

[@LayneAngelo]

Thanks so much for this lovely and thoughtful comment! 🥰 I loved hearing about Jonathan and his family’s unique story and spring-centric business model. I am not a heat-lover, so that would be the farm model most appealing to me 😂 I would encourage you to reach out to Jonathan with any follow-up questions! I am sure he would be happy to help 😊 Thanks so much for watching, and have a great evening! 🤗

[@bridavis7345]

I have fama white and blue started this year for next spring for season 2 of my tiny cut flower farm. So excited to see how it does for me. I am going to try to grow as a perrenial in my field.

[@LayneAngelo]

Yay! I love both the blue and the white - the flowers are just stunning 😍 I have had good luck growing 'Fama' plants as perennials in my garden. Hope they do just as well for you in the field! Thanks so much for sharing your growing plans, and have a fantastic day 🤗

[@user-eu3in5uq9t]

Enjoyed this episode. Looking forward to next week!

[@LayneAngelo]

Yay - so happy you enjoyed it! Five more crops coming next week, so stay tuned 😊 Thanks so much for watching, and have a wonderful weekend! 🤗

[@cecilleflowerfarm]

Oh my gosh this is so timing! Thank you!

[@LayneAngelo]

Yay - so happy to hear the timing of this episode was just right! 😊 Best of luck with your fall plantings, and have a wonderful day 🤗

[@eyrerosecottage1970]

I'm looking forward to the next episode!

[@LayneAngelo]

Yay - yes, be on the lookout next Thursday for part 2! Thanks so much for watching, and have a lovely evening! 💚🤗💚

[@danieljohnson6440]

This was super helpful!

[@kathymakowski2411]

super useful in so many ways :)

[@sallyloosli4379]

Loved this episode!? Thanks so much Layne❤

[@LayneAngelo]

Oh, you are so welcome! 🤗 Thanks so much for the positive feedback - so happy you enjoyed it 🥰 Have a fantastic evening, and thank you so much for taking the time to leave this kind comment! 🤗

[@susiewebb5455]

Love TGW!

[@LayneAngelo]

Yay! 💚🤗💚

[@karenschwartz5209]

Great information 😊

[@LayneAngelo]

Thanks so much! 💚 I really enjoyed hearing Jonathan’s story and growing tips. So happy to hear you enjoyed it as well! Thanks so much for the positive feedback, and have a lovely evening! 🤗

[@joanneb5466]

So interesting! I notice Jonathan has low tunnels in his high tunnels. I presume that's too add more heat when the plants are starting out? Would love to know more! Thanks.

[@LayneAngelo]

Hello! Thanks so much for this great question ☺ Jonathan's response is in quotes below: "Even a hoop house isn't adequate protection when the weather is really cold, especially for anemones, ranunculus, and godetia. To keep things simple, our system is one layer of row cover below 30 (probably not really necessary in a tunnel but it keeps everything happy, speeds up flowering, and we sleep better) and two layers below 20. On the anemones , ranunculus, and godetia we have some heavy rice cover we use for one of the layers and we use lightweight row cover on everything else. We always use hoops. We don't cover orlaya or foxglove, even in the rare occasions it gets below zero. They never need it."

[@joanneb5466]

@@LayneAngelo thanks for this! And I also want to say that I really appreciate your journalistic chops, Layne - you do excellent interviews.

[@sheilahurford5931]

Still not able to share 😢 but loving it thankyou so much

[@LayneAngelo]

So sorry for the sharing difficulties 😫 As a last resort, you could tell a friend to search for “Seed Talk 53” and this episode should come up! Thanks again for watching and wanting to share 💚🤗💚

[@taylorjarboe5292]

Where is a good place to buy plugs?

[@LayneAngelo]

Hello! Two sources that we recommend are Farmer Bailey and - if you are a professional grower - Ball Seed. Hope that helps! Thanks so much for watching ☺

[@sheilahurford5931]

Really wanted yo share this but isn't working . Any ideas

[@LayneAngelo]

Oh, no! Are you watching via an app or on a computer? 🤔 I wish I could help! Thanks so much for watching and wanting to share 🤗

[@judyandrews1605]

Does TGW sell Fama scabiosa?

[@LayneAngelo]

Hello! No, we do not currently offer ‘Fama’, but luckily you can find it elsewhere ❣️ I grow this in my garden and am happy to recommend seed sources, if you need any. Just let me know! Thanks so much for watching, and have a fantastic day! 🤗

[@judyandrews1605]

@@LayneAngelo I ordered “Fama” from Johnny’s. Their directions are so different from TGW. Do I treat it just like the other “cool flowers”? Also, is Eryngium a “cool flower”? Thanks so much!!!