Favorite Tools, Apps, Suppliers and Flower Varieties for a Thriving Flower Farm

Running a successful flower farm takes a mix of passion, hard work, and the right tools. Over the years, I've come to rely on a few trusty tools and resources both in the field and in the office that have made my job easier and my business more efficient. From apps that streamline daily tasks to tools that keep my field in top shape and flower varieties that never fail to impress, these are the apps, tools, and varieties that have earned a permanent place at Muddy Acres Flower Farm.

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In the Field

1. Stirrup Hoe When it was time to weed, I would sit my booty on the ground and start pulling. Pull some more. And then pull some more. I didn’t realize how much time and energy I was wasting until I discovered the stirrup hoe. This handy gadget slices through weeds just below the soil surface. I have a handheld stirrup hoe as well as a standing one so no more bending over and pulling weeds one by one. A task that used to take hours now takes minutes. Seriously, if you’re still pulling weeds the old-fashioned way, do yourself a favor and get a stirrup hoe. Your back will thank you.

2. Everlast Flower Labels I'll never forget my first season growing dahlias. I had around 80 dahlias, each a different variety. Like a good gardener, I labeled every single one. Come fall, when it was time to dig up the dahlias, the writing was gone. I spent hours sorting through dahlia tuber sale receipts, trying to match the names to the correct varieties. It was a nightmare. I’ve tried various labels since then never finding one I love…until I found Everlast Label Company. These labels are rainproof and sunproof, keeping the writing clear all season long so you can always identify your plants. They may be a bit pricier, but they are definitely worth the cost!

3. ARS Fruit Pruners as Snips When it comes to snips, I'm a big snob. Only ARS fruit pruners will do. They’re sharp, durable, and fit perfectly in my hand. Whether I’m deadheading, pruning or harvesting, these snips get the job done. Unlike other snips that dull quickly or break under pressure, these snips are made of high carbon steel and hold their edge season after season. And this is my favorite sharpener.

4. Mason Jars For the first couple of years, I made countless trips to every Tractor Supply and Meijer store I could find, clearing them out of glass mason jars one case at a time. Tired of the constant hustle, I finally bit the bullet and started buying them in bulk from Uline. Now, I order 32oz glass mason jars by the pallet, which lasts me throughout the entire season. These jars are perfect for both bouquets and upick events.

5. Weed Barrier Weed barrier landscape fabric is a lifesaver for keeping weeds at bay. It's incredibly durable and lasts for years, effectively keeping weeds down while still allowing moisture and rain to reach your plants. I use a Bernzomatic and camping propane to burn holes where the plants go and these stakes to keep it in place. I especially rely on landscape fabric in our peonies where I keep the fabric in place year after year!

In the Office

1. LastPass I used to spend far too much time trying to remember which email and password I used for each app. This often led to a frustrating cycle of resetting passwords and trying to remember the new ones. Then I found LastPass. This lifesaver of a program stores all my passwords securely and allows me to share specific passwords with specific people as needed. The best feature is that it can automatically input your email and password when you log into any app, making access quick and stress-free. No more guessing games or constant resets—just easy access to all my accounts.

2. Square Appointments Here at Muddy Acres, we open our field to photographers and private u-picks. Scheduling these events used to be a time-consuming nightmare, involving endless back-and-forth emails. Then I discovered Square Appointments. This app allows private u-pickers and photographers to schedule their own appointments at the farm, saving me countless hours at the computer. They can even reschedule their own appointments, and the app collects deposits and sends reminders—all for free.

3. Fiverr Need help with admin work but don’t want to hire a full-time employee? Fiverr is the answer. This app connects me with freelancers who can handle everything from graphic design to data entry. It’s affordable, efficient, and so convenient. Whether you need a logo, a cute sign for your flower stand, a flyer or a virtual assistant, Fiverr has got you covered.

4. ConvertKit and FloDesk When it comes to email service providers, I have two favorites: ConvertKit for my Lynsey Taulbee brand and FloDesk for my farm. ConvertKit is great for its organization and automation. FloDesk, with its beautiful templates, makes creating eye-catching emails easy. Both platforms are great options.

5. ChatGPT I use ChatGPT for so many things. If you don’t know what it is, it’s essentially artificial intelligence at work. Just a few of the things it can help you with are product descriptions, social media, email responses, website copy and more! Using ChatGPT is incredibly easy; simply type in a request or question, and it will generate a solid response in seconds. More to come on this topic because I believe it’s an underutilized tool in our industry.

Suppliers

1. Plugs: Farmer Bailey is my go-to plug provider. Their plugs always arrive in great shape and ready for planting. The biggest tip I can offer is to order at the right time—when you would normally be starting those particular seeds or earlier. This ensures you get the best selection and your plants have the best start.

2. Seeds: When it comes to seeds, Johnny’s Selected Seeds is my top choice. While you might find cheaper options at Geo Seed, I believe the user experience is worth the extra cost. Johnny’s has a beautiful catalog and an easy-to-navigate website, making ordering a breeze. Plus, it’s employee-owned, which is a big plus in my book.

3. Wholesale Bulbs, Roots, Corms: For large quantities of ranunculus, anemones, bulbs, and more, Onings is my preferred supplier. They offer great communication and excellent product. Their wholesale bulbs, roots, and corms always meet my expectations, making them a reliable choice. If you are looking for a smaller quantity, you can shop our collection here.

Flower Varieties

1. Favorite Peonies I’m obsessed with peonies because they are easy to grow, require minimal labor, are long-lasting, and in high demand. They can be shipped nationwide and sell for a premium price. What’s not to love? This is why I’ve doubled down on peonies - they truly are a dream flower. Here are my favorite varieties.

2. Favorite Dahlias Once you start growing dahlias, there’s no going back. They’re one of the top flower types for so many growers and one of the most sought after by buyers. Plus, once you’ve gotten the hang of growing them, you can up your game by using them to make more money for you. Yup! Dahlias are one of the best money-making flowers you can have on your farm because you can make profits on more than just their flowers. Here are a few must-grow varieties for your first season.

3. Favorite Zinnias When it comes to planning your cut flower field, consider zinnias as one of your staples. While they aren’t showstoppers like dahlias and peonies, they have earned their place in every garden. Zinnias have so many incredible benefits that make them a great choice for any flower farmer. From simplicity and productivity to a rainbow of beautiful color varieties. Here are my 3 must-grow varieties.

4. Favorite Annuals Over the years, I've grown all the flowers and I'm aware of the challenges that come with the first season. If I were to start over again, armed with the knowledge and experience I have now, these are the annuals, and this is the plan I would use my first season. And to be honest, it wouldn’t look much different in subsequent years.

(You can find a more detailed list of favorite dahlias, tulips, daffs and more in Cut Flowers 101: A No-Fuss Guide to Growing Cut Flowers.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, having the right tools and resources can make all the difference in running a successful flower farm. From field essentials like the stirrup hoe and ARS fruit pruners to office favorites like LastPass and Square Appointments, each of these tools plays a crucial role in streamlining operations and enhancing productivity. Whether you're managing passwords, scheduling appointments, or creating beautiful emails with ConvertKit and FloDesk, these favorites have earned their place in my daily routine. If you’re a flower farmer or aspiring to be one, give these tools a try. They might just become your favorites too.