Seeds I Start in Early March for my Zone 4b Flower Farm : Soil Blocking : Flower Hill Farm

[@dixianayard8502]

You had me at "my husband fixes things" ❤️ love love love men who can do "man thangs" 🤭😃😂❤️❤️❤️

[@gardeningmadeeasy5442]

I love your videos! I am a kid and you have inspired me to start my own garden channel.

[@leighanntindle5652]

Press and seal is even better for humidity. You can peel back and look and it doesn't get all tangled up. I love it!

[@rosalingough1666]

I looked the sunglasses. You are just enjoyable to watch thank you for a good laugh while giving good information. I can tell you are just being yourself. Thank you

[@peggyjk]

Soooo glad to see spring! We spent all day trimming back hydrangeas and perennials and it looks wonderful, still a little snow but who cares at 58 degrees. We are pooped! We’re not spring chickens any more but love ❤️ gardening!!!!

[@cherylpreston4545]

Plants look great. Brad definitely a keeper! Nice when your other half is supportive and willing to help you out! Always enjoy your videos😊

[@ziziaixianluo]

I am inspired. I live in Zone 4a and I am always jealous about thoes people who live in Zone 5-7. Spring comes so late and a lot of annual plants need to start from indoor. A lot of work, patient and love. Always hard to find a farmer who lives in cold climate. I am amazed by you could have done so much work to take care these plants at Zone 4b. I learned from you and when I am lazy in my garden I will think of you. Thank you for the video!

[@sarahsewell4535]

💚 I might be more excited for your season than my own 😂 you’re doing great things! Keep it up lady 👏🏻💐

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you! 💐

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Same! Haha!

[@triciarosamilia8632]

I grow Rudbeckia every year! Sometimes they self seed for the following year. This year I’m growing a variety called Cappuccino.

[@MallouMakeup]

Use tennis rackette grip to wrap around the soil blocker, you can easily change it when it gets to old

[@FlowerHillFarm]

That could work!

[@sharongeorge4096]

♥️♥️ A soil blocker is on my wish list for next year. As our new shelves in more heat mats and lights but I have to do this one baby step at a time and I’m glad that I have you along for my journey

[@carolellis1364]

I love seeing the updates on all your baby plants!

[@karenslater343]

Can’t wait to see more love ❤️ your videos I only have a tiny little garden but I’m trying so many different flowers if I manage to grow them It’s going to be a jungle can’t wait.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yay! Sounds like a great jungle plan!

[@ElinWinblad]

Says chocolate brownie while holding a tray that looks like brownies- now I want brownies 😆

[@FlowerHillFarm]

😂 yup! Little brownies 💐

[@45jessiemad]

Yes! I need some brownies now! 🤣

[@margaretnorman4376]

Now I'm hungry for brownies! :D

[@Irishjay-gu5pb]

Yay, I love new videos from you!!! Perfect timing, thank you!!! 🌷🍀💚

[@FlowerHillFarm]

You are so welcome!

[@yoclark2723]

My hubby is the neighborhood fixer too. Now I think I'll make him some brownies. Zone 10b here. You're looking pretty fancy today!

[@user-vx6tc8mv9y]

I’m growing cut flowers at home and Ive Rudbeckia hirta, 'Sahara' and really hope they do well as the pictures were stunning.

[@KyLinda]

lol.. your garage looks just like ours.. my kyle fixes everything too. He's a welder/ Large farm equipment mechanic. His snowmobiles and the snowmobile mover .. lol.. and my table with my dirt.. this is fun :D now.. I just need your AMAZING PORCH! ... and your energy!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

We need more people like you- that shows "real life." I find myself feeling like I have to spend 30 minutes making things look perfect before a video if I want a successful channel because I don't see nothing but "perfect" online & so it's encouraging when I see someone like you showing real life! It's not always spotless 24/7 when you have jobs to do, babies to feed... oh yea and the tiny humans! Can't forget about them... (In case that didn't come through like I meant it- I was trying to make a joke- like the "babies" I was talking about were the plants, instead of my kids... 👈🤣 that's why I don't try to be funny!)

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thanks, Candace. I was just telling my mother this morning that I could never have a perfect backdrop because that wouldn’t be true to life in my seed starting spaces. I always hesitate about showing the mess but then say who cares- it’s real life! I don’t live in a magazine and I doubt I EVER will 😂💐

[@ElderandOakFarm]

@@FlowerHillFarm Exactly! Ty!

[@dc0145a]

I started snapdragons and wild Maine lupine for my wildflower garden. Lupine won't bloom this year but it should bloom 2022 and then reseed itself. I think that's how they work. Look at you in your sequin shirt making soil blocks. Seed starting Nicole style. ❤️

[@Saltwater.Cinderella]

Your videos are great! So entertaining and informative. 😊 I’m zone 4b too in upstate ny and this will be my first year growing flowers! 💐 can’t wait!!

[@jenniferandrews6487]

I’m full on addicted to your channel ever since I found you! I do a little happy dance 💃🏻 whenever I see a new video 😁 In between I’m binging on old videos 😂 My daughter and I so want to drive over from Vermont for a flower bar this year, except it’s like an 8 hour round trip 😬 I googled it already lol

[@BramptonGardener]

I'm doing the soil blocks for the first time this year! It still blows my mind, how plants I can get on a tray. Hahaha its awesome.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Glad you posted another video- I'm not watching your last video yet because I don't want to open my book until I have time to film an unboxing! 😂 My snow melted a few days ago, it's been in the 60's, and I was able to work on the cutflower garden yesterday! 😁 I just have to spread a little more compost out, and hoe the compost up into rows (since is a large area I spread all the compost out evenly, and now I have to form the beds) and I can start transplanting my ranunculus, sweet peas & cut-flower Kale!

[@heathercole2447]

You.crack.me.UP. 🤣🤣 love your channel and your cool 😎 obsession!

[@wendycooper5176]

I love watching you I love flowers as well you make me smile all the time, thank you!!

[@natalienovick1137]

Padded cycling gloves for soil blockers! Works a charm ❤

[@FlowerHillFarm]

This might work! Thanks 💐

[@heidiclark6612]

Hey Nicole. Try wrapping the other part of the soil blocker with electrical tape. Its a little bit cushy, but not as thick as the insulation.

[@lydianunez9030]

good idea!

[@jujug7114]

New subscriber from Ireland, binge watching your videos

[@charlenekociuba7396]

Invent a better seed blocker and market it. Or if he designs the process he could post it or sell the plans and method. This is a very good video. Do you ever use the small fruit packaging that has holes in the bottom and a lid? I do. I make an accodian fold out of thin cardboard, laced I press in the starter and develop the "block" that way, which is great for peas. I have all these little domed greenhouses, minis. I have not begun to use the meat trays yet but I'm behind you. Thanks for the info today.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thanks! Good idea!

[@LaurieEggleston37]

This is such a great video And ---and --- I never-fail kick the camera, too! I LOVE your videos!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yes! Thank you!

[@fuubar21]

Super glad I found you! I love your enthusiasm!

[@farmgirl4460]

My lisianthus are still microscopic and I started them January 11th. They are making me crazy. This is my 1st year with seeds. I’m still trying to figure out watering and fertilizer. Love watching your videos.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Best of luck!

[@pamelag.4417]

I would wear mechanics gloves they have padding and are really comfy. Thanks for the demo I think im liking the soilblocker. 🙂😊

[@45jessiemad]

I'm trying to get all my snaps and verbena harden off and into the ground! Seeing you start more seeds made me go oh man! I need to get some more started! Ahh! Spring is here and I'm so not ready. 😱😱🤣 I'm growing rubeckia for the first time too. 🤗

[@elizabethbrenner6190]

One of my chickens is also named Hei Hei 😂 She kept running into walls and off things when she got here at 3 days old, hence the name. She continues to do that now that she’s grown. I love that goofy chicken.

[@britze118]

Those sunglasses are giving me life

[@joycecole4956]

Buy a wrist brace at a pharmacy, they have a metal guard inside. That’s what I use to protect my carpel tunnel. I think they are less than $20 bucks.

[@CeilB717]

And wear it at night. I wear mine at night for a week or so when I've mistreated my wrist and the pain flares up. I get instant relief the next morning, but continue to wear it so I know the nerve and inflammation have recovered. No surgery, thanks!

[@debpotter7552]

wow... you have so much energy, love your videos :) now I want to soil block, you make it look so easy. I only worry because I tend to over water my green babies and have been using the self watering seed starter trays to keep my watering habit under control, I would worry my over watering would disintegrate the wee little soil blocks. hmmmm, something to consider. Thanks for sharing!!

[@lydianunez9030]

Good job, thanks for the information on soil blocking. Hey, Nicole you should consider building a cattle panel greenhouse. It's economical and a game changer when it comes to starting your seeds and a place of your own or should I say, a space of your own. Anyway, check out the Stiver's homestead & Homestead Heart. My husband built it and we used Mrs. H door with a window. Also, you could put two doors front and back with a window lot's of variations and ideas. You'll be set for next season and have somewhere to make your flower arrangements etc.

[@mi.homefarmsteadtherekucs5476]

Think spring!!!! Yay. Happy planting. ❤️🌱

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you!

[@BareMtnFarm]

Great video. Seedlings are looking good. One suggestion, get another little bowl for water and dip your toothpick in the water and pick up the seeds. You never know how the seeds were handled or treated. Happy seeding, right there with you seeding thousands of seeds.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I never thought of that! Great point, thanks! 💐

[@Artzenflowers]

I love all your videos Nicole.

[@creativebobbo]

There's a boo boo in Boonville? lol I just bought your soil blocking kit. Seedling pots are expensive and take up a lot of space. Learning a lot from your videos. Thanks.

[@deborahmonroe3041]

Okay, I know most people know this, but in reference to your baby soil blocker for small seeds, when the seeds are up and 4-6 inches tall do you transplant to the outside or put in a larger soil block or larger container? THank you, I love your videos. THey are so much fun.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Not generally. I’ve potted up eucalyptus and tomatoes but everything else goes right into the ground. Thanks!

[@virginiastephen6310]

Hi Nicole! I always love your videos! I was wondering if you shave 1/3 of the growing time off for soil blocking? I'm trying soil blocking for the first time this year. Your plants are looking great! Thanks for sharing!! 💐🙂

[@MilliePat]

This month's experience with transferring from inexpensive seed trays, motivated me to purchase the soil block trio. I had to cut the plastic cells open to remove the plants. Is the Vermont compost sifted before making the soil block mixture and how much dry to wet is used? Once I use up my supply of soil, I plan to purchase the Vermont Fort Vee.

[@KimberlyDurrMusic]

🌓Wow, this is a cool video, very informative as always. Love your fashionable eye wear.lol🤣🤣 Thanks so much for sharing.🦋

[@vickywood8354]

I love your videos even though I’m not a flower farmer. I learn something new each time I watch a new video. I was curious how as to how much extra you pay for the electric bill using these grow lights. Since they’re led hopefully it doesn’t raise your bill too much?

[@FieldFarmForest]

I got my snapdragons planted today, I have rudbeckia to plant too. I’m also working on my perennial food garden and was tickled to find asparagus seeds. I have two packs of 70 to plant. Thanks for sharing. ❤️☮️-Kirsten

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yay! I planted asparagus seeds last year and I’m excited about using the ferns this year! 💐

[@FieldFarmForest]

@@FlowerHillFarm awesome! They are beautiful!

[@amyguest5192]

Thanks for the tip! It's my first year planting snapdragons and I was wondering why they weren't germinating. Love your updates!

[@stephaniestatnick]

Shoot, I missed a snapdragon hint? Mine did not germinate either.

[@amyguest5192]

@@stephaniestatnick not about snapdragons specifically. But Nicole was mentioning germination temperatures & google machine. I googled and realized they need to be under grow lights to germinate. www.westcoastseeds.com/blogs/how-to-grow/grow-snapdragon

[@sandiesorchids9387]

My hubby Gary is the welder, macanic, electrician, and the neighborhood.

[@sarahcrawfordmetott4023]

😩😩😩 after watching this video I’m pretty positive I ended up pulling off and throwing away seedlings when I pulled off the plastic wrap to check my seedlings!! Plastic wrap is my nemesis! It’s actually quite comical to watch me try and wrap ANYTHING with it! Bah! Well this would explain why I’m nothaving great germination with this batch. 😤. Grrr. At any rate, My actual question I wanted to ask was is there a reason you don’t wrap delphinium? I’m getting ready to start mine and was wondering if you’re not supposed to wrap them or? Thank you so much for your help. 🤗

[@hillaryprime5489]

I have a lot of experience with painful metal tools vetwrap is amazing pad the handle and wrap it with vetwrap you can get it on amazon.

[@alexastovold4537]

Love your videos! Your personality and energy is contagious 🥰 just wondering if you could share some info about the styrofoam trays you use for your soil blocks! I’ve seen them in other videos and I’d love to get your feedback about using the styrofoam as opposed to other type trays. It’s my first time growing seedlings and I’m absolutely loving it, but I’m quickly learning “dos” and “dont’s”. Thanks so much in advance!

[@katrinaflynn2694]

New subscriber here, i get the biggest kick out of you, can’t wait to watch your garden grow this year. Re: the soil block maker - maybe try electrical tape or hockey tape a la hockey stick grip?

[@bjquilts29]

Great info. I have been looking at purchasing soil blockers. I have arthritic hands. I'll have to get tge rubber dip.

[@SouthernYankee]

Brad can make a bunch of those special soil blockers and market them to other farmers and flower people and I bet he would sell so many and you can add to your website. I bet your not the only one with bruises from those. What a sweetheart for fixing it for you. Your seeds look amazing. I just moved my lettuce and spinach outside and I’m starting my maters today we are having 70+ degrees but usually this happens then we get another deep freeze at the end of March. So I’m a little worried. I got these new brads atomic tomatoes and they look so cool! Have you ever tried growing this variety? It’s only available on baker creek heirloom seeds.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I have grown those tomatoes before! They never changed colors for me and stayed green when ripe. Tasted good though! I think we might have a new product on our hands with the blockers!!! LOL

[@ElderandOakFarm]

"And then you have 20 soil blocks and a little bit of extra dirt- for fun" 🤣🤣🤣 Maybe I'm just so tired (I've gotten about 14 hours of sleep this week) I'm slap happy, but you have me rolling this am!

[@leiaflash5055]

It's getting so exciting!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

It really is!

[@robyncapeling3737]

Have you tried wearing weight lifter or biker gloves to soil block with? They are fingerless and have padded palms. I love them for cushioning my hands.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I’ve tried a few types of gardening gloves. I just hate wearing gloves when I use it- I feel clumsy! Perhaps a thinner pair would work!

[@robyncapeling3737]

​@@FlowerHillFarm Did I mention they're fingerless.. you'll find them in the sporting goods store for cycling and weight lifting. They are thin and very breathable, the palm is a flexible suede, with a thin cushion. I would send a photo if I could figure out how.

[@backhill36000]

A fabulous video on how to start flower seeds. So glad I found this! I found you through "Can't eat the grass" ☺. Thanks for sharing. And ps. You are hilarious!!. Do you ever get annoyed with all of your hubby's "guy stuff" laying around?! Cuz I do with mine!!

[@user-vx6tc8mv9y]

Would be great to just set up a camera and do a time lapse type video, even when you plant rows outside later in the year. Love this channel

[@julianachandler2975]

I just read something today that said not to start poppies indoors. Glad to see that that’s false. 😊

[@GavinAndShea]

I have heard and read the same. I think they don’t like to be handled much so if you don’t need them early I wouldn’t chance it. But if you have extra seeds go for it! Best wishes Dorothy

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Check out Floret’s blog. Last year I direct seeded them all outside and got NONE. She says to always start them indoors.

[@GavinAndShea]

@@FlowerHillFarm I will have to check that out and see if I can make room to try to grow some indoors. Thank you and best wishes, Dorothy

[@julianachandler2975]

@@FlowerHillFarm Thanks! I will. I’ve also had poor results with direct seeding.

[@julianachandler2975]

@@FlowerHillFarm I checked out florets blog. She says that Icelandic poppies can be started indoors, but that others like bread seed poppies dislike being transplanted. I’m going to try planting my bread seed poppies in soil blocks. Maybe that will make a difference.

[@connieking3827]

You may find soil blocking easier if the blocking mix is a little wetter. You should see some liquid squeeze out on the top of the blocker. I had the same problem with sore hands until I made the mix wetter.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

There is liquid coming out when I squeeze down- it’s just the device itself. It’s not comfortable to hold or squeeze.

[@melodymoore5488]

Have you tried the swift blocker? I’ve seen a couple of KZbinrs use ones they were gifted. Maybe you could persuade them to give you one?!

[@sheilaanderson912]

I cannot wait to see your ranunculus bloom! They look so beautiful right now. Opinion question.....I ordered some ranunculus because you made me fall in love with them. The place I ordered from will not ship until April. I'm in zone 6B and that is way too late to plant as we get hot in May. Can I store them until next Spring to plant?

[@barefootrealist246]

I love watching you and your energy is contagious. (We are all a little happy crazy watching over our seeds and little baby plants, right?!) Thank you. Love Rubeckia. They grow really well on their own here in North Iowa, sturdy, and long stemmed naturally. I am trying a few new ones to grow on purpose. I have a bunch that come up on their own from the years I spread wildflower seeds around. Got some different colored Coneflower to try this year from my mom's garden. I must say, it is nice to see how other couples utilize every last inch of their house. LOL. Last year due to Covid I was milking goats in the middle of my hubby's workshop, so yeah...ya do what you gotta!

[@marydrew3568]

I LOVE rudbeckia!!

[@christinamunson314]

Hey Nicole! I love watching your videos. We just bought a 26 acre property - I'm not starting a flower farm but I want all the flowers all over the property. Any advice?

[@joem2745]

Not sure what else you said after the mouth watering German chocolate brownies.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

😂🍪

[@kittybaumont2749]

1 week! my last frost date is 12 may !!!! i'm furiously jealous now!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

That’s mine too. I’m planting things that can tolerate frost!

[@kittybaumont2749]

@@FlowerHillFarm interesting now i'm curious^^

[@kelleydrewel2658]

Hi, can you please please please share what soil blocker you have?

[@FlowerHillFarm]

It’s in the description Kelley. Sold at Gardener’s Workshop!

[@bloomsbyamelie]

Must be ClingWrap!!!! lol Not sponsored. Great information.

[@stephanieraphael8338]

Love the soil blocker, but yeah it totally shreds up my knuckles. I keep a little bucket of water next to me to clean the blocker periodically.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Good idea! Yea my knuckles don’t like it 🙄

[@chandrikatilwalli4741]

Loved the video. You are the real deal!❤️

[@FlowerHillFarm]

💐🥰

[@lyla.aisle.of.blooms]

Listen Linda, I have a serious question: Do you watch the whole video before commenting or comment at the end or start a comment sometime during the video and then add to it until the end of the video or do you just do multiple comments because you HAD to respond right then when you saw a certain thing in a video? This is important information.

[@GavinAndShea]

Hello, I have a little indoor greenhouse and was wondering if I should keep my seeds covered with their plastic domes and keep the greenhouse cover zipped up? Or will that be too much humidity inside, the domes are sweating like crazy! 🤔. Thank you and best wishes, Dorothy

[@leskemp33]

You are hilarious! Great video as always.

[@petefredrick3784]

Love your videos! They are fun but so informative. I was thinking of getting a soil blocker but originally was gonna get the bigger one. I like the idea of the small one that you have as you can plant so many more seeds. But then do you have to put them in a bigger pot once the roots are established? It's a long time from when you will be planting outside.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Hi! The only thing I put into bigger pots are eucalyptus and tomatoes. Everything else will be great in the blockers until it's planting time!

[@45jessiemad]

I live your chickens! Lost all of mine to a fox 2 years ago. I'll get them again one day. 🐔🐥 Now remember you don't want a goat. You want a cow 🐄. 😆

[@sherylgardiner7]

So exciting!!! I lost lots of seedling this week..I think 🐛 🐛

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Oh no!

[@sherylgardiner7]

@@FlowerHillFarm yup, what did you do again?

[@laurac8638]

I really want to try soil blocking, if only just to fit more tiny seedlings on my shelves! I don't look forward to pain 🙃

[@mjdawes2980]

Awesome!!!👏👏👏

[@MichelLaine]

One trick when using the smallest soil blocker is to sieve the media and only use smaller particles in the soil mix. Bigger parts can be used in the mix for bigger blocks.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yes I was just telling my husband I’d like to start sifting the compost for sure! 💐

[@madisonutube3524]

very helpful

[@VanessaLong]

Serena and Ian pad the crap out of their soil blockers. They were talking about how much it hurt in one of their videos. The struggle is real. 💜

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I must have missed that one! I’m not alone! 😂💐

[@VanessaLong]

@@FlowerHillFarm I went back and found it! It was this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGTFgp2bpqx1maM at 2:55

[@care7663]

"Bright & green & delicious" 😆

[@deannewilliams3321]

How about something in a glove to protect your hands? I had a bowling glove, or golf maybe, that had a piece of metal built in to keep my wrist straight. Just a thought 👋🏻

[@ginahamilton724]

Enjoyed the video! Where did you purchase the lavender colored trays that have the sides on them? I love that you can label them with masking tape ☺️

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Those are disposable hospital lunch trays. Call your local health care center to inquire. They give them away.

[@gwenrenee8641]

I just discovered your videos and I really like your presentations. Do you have any beginner beginner videos? Like what does pinched mean. I have a green thumb out of this world and growing from my cuttings has been surprisingly easy. I would like to grow from seed with the intent to sell them.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I just started a series called FAST FACTS where I am trying to do more general beginner type information. I'll add "pinching" to my plan of future videos. I started this channel just to show what I was up to, I had not planned on it being used as a guide for others, but this is what seems to be happening!

[@KacySkomp]

could you use toothpicks to keep the wrap off the seedlings?

[@richbishop7896]

Hi Nicole I'm planning on growing the elegant ladies sweet peas in a container on my zone 5 deck. Should I start them earlier in the house (if so when) or just sow right in the container. My frost date is about the same as yours.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I'm going to start them much later this year. They got too leggy indoors.

[@richbishop7896]

@@FlowerHillFarm Good to know thanks Nicole. I think I will direct sow into the container about 7 wks before the last frost.

[@rbrown2746]

Where do you get the trays for soilblocking?

[@beson5663]

I'm so jealous, my last frost is around June 10th so it's too early to sow most of my seeds yet.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

It will be here before you know it! Mine in Mid May so you aren’t that far behind!

[@sowmanyseedlings]

The soil blocker hurts me as welllll waahhhh lolol 😅 modifications noted

[@juliepuhr9806]

Can you mention the use of fans for seedlings?

[@marlier2403]

The wind blowing on the seedlings makes them bulk up and strengthen their stems!

[@lynncheney311]

Where do you get your Vermont Compost? Southern N Y here

[@lisab9836]

Do you also use food trays for your soil blocks?

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yes, the blue trays are used hospital trays.

[@jenwatts7372]

I started my snapdragons a little too soon I think. I'm in zone 5b when can they go in the ground? I do not have row covers or anything. Will they survive a frost?