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Hi, I’m Roz Chandler, and welcome to another episode of the Cut Flower Podcast, Agony Aunt edition! Today, I’m excited to dive into your questions about growing cut flowers. Whether you’re just starting or have been at it for years, this episode is packed with tips and advice to help you flourish. From soil conditions to choosing the best flowers, we’re covering it all. Let’s get started!

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Roz tackles listener questions, offering expert advice to help improve your cut flower gardening. The first question comes from Kay, who wonders if soil type affects the color of dahlias. Roz explains how environmental factors, like soil and sunlight, can impact flower colors, and highlights how these can vary across different locations.

Next, Beth asks how to clear an overgrown allotment. Roz walks through the process of preparing your plot using the no-dig method and landscape fabric to manage weeds. She also shares tips on whether to plant in raised beds or directly into the soil.

For those starting their flower journey, Roz suggests beginner-friendly flowers such as zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers, perfect for easy maintenance and great yields. She also covers essential techniques like cutting flowers in the morning, proper conditioning for extended vase life, and pinching or disbudding flowers for longer stems.

Other questions include how to manage pests organically and choosing flowers that thrive in shady areas. Roz wraps up by offering tips on creating a seasonal planting schedule to maximize your garden's potential all year round.

Key Takeaways:

1. Environmental Impact on Flower Color: Soil, sunlight, and climate can influence the color and vibrancy of your flowers.
2. Allotment Preparation: Use no-dig gardening methods and landscape fabric to control weeds and prepare your garden efficiently.
3. Great Starter Flowers: Zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers are excellent choices for beginners who want reliable, easy-to-grow cut flowers.
4. Extend Vase Life: Harvest flowers early and properly condition stems for longer-lasting blooms in vases.
5. Pinching for Better Stems: Removing side buds can help flowers produce longer stems for cutting.

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Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Cut Flower Podcast! I hope you found the ans

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• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024
• 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

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In this episode, Roz Chandler covers everything you need to know about maintaining your cutting patch during November. From planting bulbs to soil preparation, there are many tasks to keep your garden active throughout the colder months.

Roz shares practical advice on when to plant tulips and crocuses, how to divide and cut back perennials, and the importance of protecting your soil with mulch or compost. She highlights how to make leaf mould, protect plants that are borderline hardy like agapanthus, and why autumn is the perfect time to plant bare-root roses.

Additionally, Roz discusses ways to ensure proper soil health for next year’s growing season and the importance of testing manure before use. She also gives detailed tips on lifting and propagating plants like dahlias and roses and encourages planning for the spring by looking at seed catalogues.

Throughout the episode, Roz emphasizes the importance of continuous care, even through winter, ensuring that your garden is ready to burst into life next spring.

Key Takeaways

1. Plant Tulips in November: November is the ideal time to plant tulips because cooler soil temperatures help prevent diseases like tulip fire.
2. Soil Preparation is Key: Turn your soil while it still retains some heat and protect it with mulch to ensure it’s ready for spring planting.
3. Leaf Mould and Mulching: Gather leaves to create leaf mould and mulch your plants for protection through winter.
4. Bare-root Roses and Plant Protection: November is the best time to plant bare-root roses, and make sure to protect borderline hardy plants like agapanthus.
5. Propagate and Plan for Next Year: Divide overgrown plants, propagate cuttings, and start planning your garden for next year by reviewing seed catalogues and making a list of supplies.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Cut Flower Podcast! If you’re ready to take your gardening skills to the next level, make sure to check out our website for more tips and resources. Don’t forget to join our vibrant community on Facebook—The Cut Flower Collective, where over 7,000 growers share tips and experiences.

For more guidance, visit https://FieldgateFlowers.co.uk and check out our masterclasses, including our Rose Masterclass for in-depth knowledge on planting, pruning, and caring for your roses. Stay tuned for more episodes, and happy gardening!

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024
• 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection

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Hi, I’m Roz, and welcome to The Cut Flower Podcast! In today's episode, I’ll be answering your most burning questions about seasonal flower gardening, particularly focusing on autumn tasks. From bulb planting to how to care for your dahlias as winter approaches, we’re covering it all. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, I’ve got practical advice to help you get the most out of your flower patch.

This episode dives into some of the most common questions I receive from my membership groups and courses, including how to handle bulbs like Narcissi and Tulips during autumn. I break down why October is ideal for planting Narcissi, but why it’s crucial to wait until November or December to plant Tulips to avoid diseases like tulip fire. We also talk about planting hardy annuals like Larkspur and Cornflowers to overwinter, offering practical tips on how to ensure they thrive when spring comes.

We also explore the hot topic of dahlia care. Should you lift or leave them in the ground? I explain the factors that go into making that decision, including your climate and soil type. You’ll learn about mulching techniques to protect dahlias and other tender plants from the frost, as well as the best ways to store tubers if you decide to lift them.

Finally, I answer your questions about roses, manure, and the benefits of sowing green manures like Phacelia. Whether you’re wondering if it’s too late to plant perennials or how to best prepare your garden for winter, this episode is packed with useful advice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Key Takeaways:

1. Patience is key when planting Tulips: Wait until November or even December to avoid fungal diseases.
2. Overwinter hardy annuals: By planting them now, you’ll have stronger plants ready to bloom in the spring.
3. Dahlia care: Depending on your climate, you may leave them in the ground or lift them. Either way, mulching is crucial for frost protection.
4. Mulching your flower beds: Applying organic matter like compost in October helps suppress weeds and improves soil structure for next year’s blooms.
5. Leave your garden a little wild: Resist the urge to "tidy up" your patch entirely; seed heads and hollow stems benefit wildlife over winter.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of The Cut Flower Podcast! Don’t forget, if you have any questions, I’m always here

Visit Https://audioandco.com for all your audiobook, video and podcast needs.

• https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/newsletters
• Flower Farmers Retreat 2024 (21 &22 September): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/businessretreat2024
• 2024 Farm Day at Field Gate Farm (10 August): https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/farmvisit
• A Cut Above Waitlist: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/ACutAboveWaitlist
• The Growth Club: https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/thegrowthclub
• Lots of free resources on our website: https://thecutflowercollective.co.uk/cut-flower-resources/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldgateflowers
• Facebook Group 'Cut Flower Farming - Growth and Profit in your business' https://www.facebook.com/groups/449543639411874
• Facebook Group 'The Cut Flower Collection' https://www.facebook.com/groups/cutflowercollection