The Flower Files: The Wildly Native Podcast

Hosted by Liza Goetz

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Episodes

129

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Flower Files is a flower farming podcast for growers, florists, and flower lovers who want to grow beautiful cut flowers and turn them into a sustainable business. Hosted by Liza Goetz of Wildly Native Flower Farm, this show blends real-life flower farming experience with practical advice on cut flower farming, selling flowers, and building a local flower business . Each episode dives into the honest, behind-the-scenes realities of running a small flower farm — from growing cut flowers and seasonal planning to pricing, farmers market sales, and creative ways to connect with customers. You’ll hear conversations about simple gardening, sustainable growing practices, and what it really takes to make flowers profitable without losing the joy of growing them. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an established operation, The Flower Files offers florist education, flower business tips , and encouragement rooted in experience. This podcast is for anyone interested in Growing flowers, is a flower lover, if you want to start selling flowers , growing locally, and building a thoughtful, sustainable flower farming business that fits real life. Subscribe to The Flower Files for weekly conversations that help you grow smarter, sell confidently, and stay inspired by flowers.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 13158 min

Ep 131 - Beneath Our Feet - Why Soil Conservation Matters

Soil can look ordinary until you realize it can disappear in a single season and take generations to rebuild. In this episode, we sit down with Jenny to explore soil conservation in a practical, approachable way—from the lessons of the Dust Bowl to the work local conservation districts do today to support farmers, gardeners, and landowners. We also connect healthy soil to healthy waterways, especially in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, where every growing decision has a broader impact. From cover crops and soil testing to mycorrhizal fungi and no-till practices, this conversation breaks down the tools that help build stronger, more resilient soil over time. We also explore habitat buffers, native plantings, and simple conservation practices that support pollinators, wildlife, and long-term ecosystem health. If you want to understand the foundation beneath every successful garden and farm, this episode is a great place to start. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

September 1, 2026Episode 13040 min

Ep 130 - So I Want To Sell Edible Flowers, How Do I Get Started?

Your farm idea might be brilliant—but can you actually bring it to market without getting buried in permits, licenses, and unexpected costs? In this episode, we're joined by Martin from the Maryland Department of Agriculture to explore what value-added agriculture really means, from agritourism and on-farm experiences to packaged products and new revenue streams. We break down the regulations, permits, and planning that every farm business should understand before investing time and money. We also dive into the realities of building a sustainable agricultural business, including zoning, health regulations, infrastructure, and the true cost of scaling an idea. Martin shares how Maryland's Best is helping producers navigate the path to compliance, while offering practical insight into turning great ideas into viable businesses. If you're looking to grow beyond the field and build a stronger, more resilient farm, this episode will help you move forward with confidence. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

August 25, 2026Episode 12950 min

Ep 129 - The Business Of Big Flowers An Honest Conversation With Sarah Campbell

Social media asks florists to be designers, marketers, content creators, and trend forecasters all at once—and the pressure can be overwhelming. In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs and Intrigue Teaches to talk about balancing creativity with visibility, sharing knowledge in an industry often shaped by gatekeeping, and building a floral business that can thrive both online and off. If you've ever wondered whether social media is helping your business or draining your energy, this conversation will resonate. Sarah also shares her journey from wedding planning to luxury floral design, the realities of teaching across the country, and what it was really like competing on Netflix’s The Big Flower Fight . From scaling large installations with a small team to navigating burnout, pricing, and the inevitable surprises that come with events, this episode is filled with honest insights and practical wisdom for florists at every stage of their career. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

August 18, 2026Episode 12830 min

Ep 128 - The 20% of Flower Farming That Makes 80% of Your Profit

Being busy can feel productive, but on a flower farm, full days don’t always create profitable results. In this episode, we apply the Pareto Principle—the 80/20 rule—to a working cut flower farm and uncover which crops, customers, and activities actually move the business forward. From fieldwork and farmers markets to weddings and marketing, we look at the difference between simply staying busy and making meaningful progress. We also get honest about workhorse crops, flowers that don’t earn their space, customer buying behavior, and the hidden time traps that quietly eat into your margins. You’ll learn how to identify the 20% of your efforts creating the greatest return—and start letting go of the rest. If you’re ready to work more intentionally, grow more strategically, and build a flower business around what actually works, this episode will help you reset your priorities. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

August 11, 2026Episode 12735 min

Ep 127 - Is It a Bug or a Disease?

Holes in leaves, yellowing, black spots, and sudden decline can make it tempting to reach for a spray bottle—but the right diagnosis always comes first. In this episode, we show you how to identify the difference between pests, diseases, and environmental stress by looking beyond a single damaged leaf and reading the bigger picture. You'll learn how weather, watering, and growing conditions can mimic plant problems, helping you avoid unnecessary treatments and make more confident decisions. We also break down the key signs of common pests, fungal diseases, and viral infections, from chewing damage and sticky honeydew to powdery mildew, spider mites, and mosaic patterns. With a simple step-by-step approach to diagnosing plant issues, you'll know when to treat, when to monitor, and how to build a healthier, more resilient garden or flower farm with confidence. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

August 4, 2026Episode 12634 min

Ep 126 - The Flower Files x Flower Forward

That bouquet on the grocery store rack may have traveled thousands of miles before it reached your table—and the journey affects everything from vase life to fragrance. In this episode, we’re joined by Jacob from Flower Forward to unpack the hidden realities of the flower industry, including why nearly 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported and what that means for freshness, sustainability, and waste. We explore how local sourcing changes the equation when flowers are cut to order, designed around seasonality, and delivered closer to home. We also dive into the operational side of sustainable floristry—from vetting farm partners and managing delicate stems to educating customers about seasonal design and “designer’s choice” arrangements. With practical insight for flower farmers, florists, and anyone who values locally grown blooms, this conversation offers a clearer look at what it takes to build a fresher, more intentional flower supply chain. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

July 28, 2026Episode 12530 min

Ep 125 - It's Hot, How Do I Water My Plants?

Your flowers look wilted, the sun is blazing, and your first instinct is to grab the hose—but watering more isn't always the answer. In this episode, we break down the most common summer watering mistakes and show you how to tell the difference between thirsty plants, heat stress, and deeper root issues. You'll learn why timing matters, how to water for stronger roots, and what your plants are really trying to tell you. We also head into the hoop house for a hands-on look at hose nozzles, watering wands, and drip irrigation systems that deliver moisture where it counts. From gentle watering techniques for seedlings to simple drip line setups for efficient, deep watering, you'll leave with practical strategies to grow healthier plants while using less water. If you're ready to stop guessing and start watering with confidence, this episode is for you. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

July 21, 2026Episode 12442 min

Ep 124 - Seed Packets - What Does The Stuff On the Back Mean?

Seed packets are small, but the information they hold can shape your entire growing season. In this episode, we break down the details most growers overlook and show you how to use them to make smarter decisions—from crop timing and germination rates to spacing, height, and variety selection. Whether you're growing a backyard garden or managing a cut flower farm, understanding what’s on the packet can save time, space, and frustration. We also decode common seed terminology, including F1 hybrids, heirlooms, open-pollinated varieties, and the seed technologies that can improve germination and sowing success. From pelleted and primed seed to the most common ordering mistakes growers make, this episode gives you the confidence to read seed packets like a professional and plan your season with intention. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

July 14, 2026Episode 12342 min

Ep 123 - Behind the Seed Carousel: Seed Supply Insights

A seed packet may be small, but the system behind it is anything but. In this episode, we sit down with the team at GOC to follow the journey of wholesale flower seeds—from forecasting and inventory management to packing, fulfillment, and shipping. If you've ever wondered what happens before a seed packet arrives at your farm, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain. We also explore the realities growers face every season, including seed shortages, allocation, import regulations, germination testing, and the factors that influence seed pricing. Along the way, you'll gain practical insight into planning ahead, improving crop success, and making the most of the resources seed suppliers provide. Whether you're a home gardener or commercial grower, this episode will help you better understand the supply chain that powers your season. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1

July 7, 2026Episode 12234 min

Ep 122 - Planting Seeds of Success - Park Seed

A seed catalog can feel equal parts treasure map and strategy guide, especially when you're growing for real customers and real deadlines. In this episode, we sit down with the team behind GeoSeed and Park Seed to explore what happens behind the scenes of a modern seed company—from customer service and inventory management to fulfillment systems that help get seeds, plugs, and liners into growers’ hands. We also unpack how brands like Park Seed, GeoSeed, Twilley, and Jackson & Perkins fit together under one larger vision. Beyond the logistics, we dive into how new varieties make their way to market and the trends shaping the future of flowers. From pelletized seed technology and breeder trials to the growing demand for crops like lisianthus, stock, sunflowers, and eucalyptus, this conversation offers a rare look at the decisions that influence what growers plant years before those blooms ever reach the field. If you love flowers, seeds, or the business behind them, this episode is packed with insight. The Flower Files Podcast Instagram 🌿 https://www.instagram.com/the.flowerfilespodcast Wildly Native Flower Farm Instagram 🌸 https://www.instagram.com/wildlynativeflowerfarm Find more of everything on our website !! https://wildlynativeflowerfarm.com/ Grab a copy of our latest guide - The Garden Planning Guide 🪴 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/gardenguide-page-wildly-native-flower-farm-1 Not sure what to grow? Find out our Top Cutting Flowers for your Garden 🌻 https://liza-goetz.mykajabi.com/top-cutting-flowers-for-your-garden-wildly-native-flower-farm-1