Mulch

Recent episodes

1. 5 Truths Every Flower Farmer Needs to Hear in 2026 from Mulch

   Mar 27, 20269 min

   This week on MULCH, Rebecca shares a short, steadying episode designed to help you stay focused and resilient as the season gathers pace. As we reach the end of the first quarter of the year, it's easy to feel behind, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you're doing enough. This episode offers five honest reminders to bring you back to what really matters on your flower farm. These are not complicated strategies, they're the simple truths that help you stay grounded, keep moving forward, and grow a business that works for you. This is an episode to return to when negative thoughts creep in, or when you find yourself comparing your farm to others.

2. The Small Habits That Actually Run a Flower Farm from Mulch

   Mar 13, 202612 min

   This week on MULCH , Rebecca shares a lighter episode for growers coming through a busy Mother's Day weekend. Flower farms aren't usually held together by big moments or dramatic decisions. More often, they're sustained by small habits repeated quietly week after week across the season. In this episode, Rebecca talks through some of the simple practices that help keep a flower farm running smoothly and professionally — from preparing cutting tools and keeping buckets clean, to labelling seedlings properly, recording sowing notes, and replying to customer enquiries promptly. These small habits might not appear in the photographs we share online, but together they create the consistency that allows flower farms to deliver beautiful flowers reliably to customers. Rebecca also explains how she uses the Flower Farmer's Planner to track these habits, record propagation notes and review decisions across the season so that lessons learned aren't forgotten the following year. If you're feeling tired after a busy week of cutting and delivering flowers, this episode is a gentle reminder that professional flower farms are built on steady rhythms and small habits — not perfection. In this episode: • Why small habits matter more than big moments • Preparing tools and buckets for consistent flower quality • Avoiding the frustration of unlabelled seed trays • Recording sowing lessons so you don't relearn them next year • Managing customer enquiries without mental overload Links 🌿 Order the Flower Farmer's Planner https://www.silvergreyfoliage.com/education

3. Succession Sowing Without Overwhelm: Why constant sowing isn't always the answer from Mulch

   Mar 6, 202618 min

   Succession sowing is often presented as the key to having flowers all season long. But on many small UK flower farms, the pressure to keep sowing again and again can quietly create more work than the flowers are worth. In this episode of MULCH, Rebecca explores what succession sowing actually means and why misunderstanding it can lead to unnecessary labour, overwhelm, and resentment. Using ecological thinking and real examples from the field, she reflects on how a resilient flower farm often relies less on constant repetition and more on seasonal transition, where different plants step forward as the season moves on. You'll hear about: Why succession sowing doesn't always mean growing the same flowers repeatedly How seasonal transitions can create a steady flow of flowers The question every grower should ask before adding another sowing Why working with the season builds resilience in a flower farming business If succession plans are starting to feel overwhelming, this episode offers a calmer and more sustainable way to think about the season ahead. Mentioned in this episode Explore resources for flower farmers, including the Flower Farmer's Planner and business planning tools: https://www.silvergreyfoliage.com/education

4. The 5 P's of Pest Resilience for Flower Farmers from Mulch

   Feb 27, 202614 min

   This week on Mulch, we're celebrating two milestones, Episode 60 and 15,000 downloads. Thank you for being here and for building this thoughtful, business-minded flower farming community with me. Today's episode is about pests… but really, it's about resilience. Because pests are not a sign that you're failing. They're a sign that you're growing something worth eating. As sustainable flower farmers, the goal isn't elimination, it's building systems strong enough to absorb pressure without reaching for pesticides (or despair). In this episode, I share the 5 P's of Pest Resilience for the 2026 season: 🌿 Protection – When low tunnels help… and when they hinder. 🌿 Pungent – Using scent as a preventative layer (garlic, herbs, calendula, phlox). 🌿 Prickly – How spiky companions can deter deer and create natural boundaries. 🌿 Ponds – Inviting predators to rebalance your ecosystem. 🌿 Patience – The long game of ecological stability and small bird allies. Sustainable flower farming isn't about removing every challenge. It's about designing layered resilience into your land and your business. ☕ Support the podcast & buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/silvergreyfoliage 📓 Flower Farmers Planner & Business Planning resources: https://silvergreyfoliage.com/education/ 🌿 Cut Flower Meadow Seeds (limited seasonal availability): https://silvergreyfoliage.com/shop If this episode resonated, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more flower farmers find Mulch and build resilient businesses of their own. As ever, I'll be back next week encouraging you to get on and grow. Rebecca 🌿

5. Flower Farming Is Hard on Hands. Things to think about to Protect your Skin, Muscles and Bones from Mulch

   Feb 20, 202619 min

   In this episode of MULCH, Rebecca explores flower farmer self-care through the lens of our most important tools - our hands. From skin protection and glove choices to strengthening forearms and thinking about vitamin D and bone health, this episode offers practical, preventative advice to help you stay strong, safe and able to keep growing. A thoughtful reminder that sustainable flower farming starts with looking after yourself. You can find the Flower Farmers Planner, business planning kits and cut flower meadow seeds in our webshop: Cut Flower Seed meadow Vitamin D Patient leaflet

6. February Confidence Wobbles: 3 ways to steady your flower farm head when you feel behind and it looks like everyone else has it sorted. from Mulch

   Feb 13, 202618 min

   In this episode of Mulch , Rebecca offers a timely February pep talk for flower farmers feeling wobbly, behind, or overwhelmed. She shares three grounded reminders: create your own seed sowing plan (and stop chasing perfect ones), stop buying seeds you don't need, and focus on your own business priorities rather than comparing yourself on social media. A practical and reassuring listen for anyone navigating the uncomfortable, unpredictable season of early-year growing.

7. 7 top tips for seed sowing this February that will solve most of your problems with tricky germinators. from Mulch

   Jan 30, 202618 min

   In this episode of Mulch , Rebecca shares seven practical tips to improve seed germination and make the most of the money you spend on seeds. From compost choice and moisture levels to patience, airflow and handling tricky seeds like orlaya and annual phlox, this is a calm, experience-led guide to starting the seed-sowing season well. If you find Mulch helpful, you can support the podcast by leaving a review here: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/mulch/id1723466433?action=write-review

8. How to Stop Your Flower Farm Becoming an "Every Time Job" in 2026 from Mulch

   Jan 23, 202621 min

   When a flower farm starts to fill every spare moment — evenings, weekends and headspace — it can quietly turn into an every time job . In this episode, I explore The Every Time Job Trap : why it happens, what it looks like, and how to create more structure and sustainability when you're growing a flower farm alongside other work or caring responsibilities. There are gentle reflection prompts throughout, designed to support curiosity rather than criticism. Links: Join the newsletter: https://silvergreyfoliage.com Business Planning Module: https://silvergreyfoliage.thrivecart.com/business-planning-for-flower-farmers/ Live Q&A (Tuesday 27th January): https://silvergreyfoliage.thrivecart.com/live-flower-farmer-qa-january/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvergreyfoliage/ If you're finding MULCH helpful, leaving a review helps the podcast reach more growers. Thank you

9. 5 things not to do in your first year of Flower Farming from Mulch

   Jan 16, 202619 min

   In this episode of Mulch , Rebecca shares five common mistakes to avoid in your first year of flower farming. From keeping everything in your head and underpricing your work, to overcomplicating successions and planting perennials too soon. Drawing on real experience, she offers calm, practical guidance to help new growers build businesses that are realistic, profitable and sustainable from the start.

10. 2 areas of focus to remain a resilient Flower Farm Florist in 2026 from Mulch

    Jan 9, 202621 min

    In this episode of Mulch, Rebecca explores two ways flower farmer-florists can build resilience for the season ahead: baggy planning and working within real capacity. Drawing on winter realities, crop planning, and lived experience, she shares how flexibility, intention, and asking for help can reduce overwhelm and support sustainable flower farming. To support your planning, you can sign up to the Grow Club newsletter and download the Business Planning module from our education page at www.silvergreyfoliage.com

11. End of season What Ifs from Mulch

    Dec 26, 20259 min

    As the year draws to a close, this episode of MULCH reflects on the quiet "what if" questions that sit underneath flower farming; the decisions, confidence and support that shape how we grow. Using a simple winter observation as a starting point, Rebecca explores what it means to choose steadier ground as we move towards the 2026 season, and invites listeners to reflect without urgency or pressure. The episode also includes two practical updates: a one-off 2026 Flower Farmer's Wall Planner preparation for the first GROW Club session beginning in early January Links mentioned in this episode: – 2026 Flower Farmer's Wall Planner – GROW Club

12. 10 cut flowers to be excited for on your Flower Farm in 2026 from Mulch

    Dec 19, 202519 min

    In this episode of Mulch , Rebecca shares the ten flowers she's most looking forward to growing in 2026 , as Silver Grey Foliage closes the doors on another year and turns towards what's ahead. From fancy daffodils and sweet peas to anemones, white dahlias and a few new varieties yet to be grown, she reflects on why these plants matter — for reliability, scent, colour, texture and joy. Alongside the list, Rebecca talks about noticing patterns in our growing choices, the value of auditing what we already have before buying more seed, and the quiet excitement that comes with thoughtful planning. It's a gentle, end-of-year episode for flower farmers who are ready to rest, reflect, and begin imagining the season to come. If you'd like support with planning your 2026 season, Grow Club is still open , with the first quarterly planning session taking place in early January. https://silvergreyfoliage.com/grow-club/ Wishing you a restful Christmas and a hopeful turn towards the year ahead.

13. 5 Important Challenges to Overcome When You Want to Grow a Sustainable & Profitable Flower Farm from Mulch

    Dec 12, 202518 min

    In this week's episode of Mulch , Rebecca explores five common challenges flower farmers face when they're trying to build a sustainable and profitable business — the kind that supports life rather than drains it. Drawing on the conversations from this week's Grow Club reflection session, she speaks openly about isolation, physical exhaustion, blurred boundaries, feeling pulled in too many directions, and the pressure to master every skill at once. Rather than seeing these challenges as personal failings, Rebecca reframes them as completely normal parts of the flower-farming journey — and as opportunities to build structure, clarity, support and confidence for 2026 and beyond. She also shares news of a private podcast series for Grow Club members, featuring expert voices on branding, design, websites, small-business strategy and content creation. If you'd like to grow your flower farm with steadier roots, shared learning and a strong community beside you, you can join Grow Club here: https://silvergreyfoliage.com/grow-club/ Doors close on 31st December .

14. 5 easy bits of preparation to Market your Flower Farm at the start of 2026 from Mulch

    Dec 5, 202518 min

    In this week's episode of Mulch , Rebecca shares five simple, practical ways to prepare your flower-farm marketing for the start of 2026 — from sorting your photos with purpose, to reconnecting with your business values, to identifying which customers you want to be speaking to as the new year begins. She explores why reusing your own best-performing content is not cheating but smart, sustainable marketing — and why worrying less and doing more will always serve your business far better than trying to be perfect. Rebecca also shares an update on Grow Club , including the newly uploaded teaching library, the upcoming reflection session on 9th December, and the limited mentoring sessions available for the next three members. If you'd like structure, support and a grounded community as you prepare for 2026, you can join Grow Club here: https://silvergreyfoliage.com/grow-club/

15. Beginnings and endings at Silver Grey Foliage from Mulch

    Nov 28, 202513 min

    In this week's reflective episode of Mulch, Rebecca shares two stories from Silver Grey Foliage that shape the way she understands resilience and reflection that it takes to grow a flower farm. From the unlikely moment she met the farmer who offered her her growing space, to the family tradition that marks the end of each season, these stories uncover the quiet determination and gentle hope that sit beneath every successful growing year. Rebecca also explores what real resilience looks like for flower farmers — not "pushing through," but creating structure, accountability, learning, and community so you don't grow alone. She closes with a look at how these themes have shaped the ROOTS framework and the vision for Grow Club in 2026. If you'd like support, structure, and community as you plan for the season ahead, Grow Club's early bird pricing is available until Sunday at midnight — now is the perfect time to join.

16. 3 ways to grow your Flower Farm in 2026 from Mulch

    Nov 21, 202519 min

    In this week's episode of Mulch, Rebecca shares the three shifts that can make the biggest difference to your flower farm in 2026: understanding how money moves through your business, treating your farm like the business it truly is (whatever its size), and why growing less can actually help you grow better. It's an honest, encouraging look at what really strengthens a flower-farming practice, rooted in experience rather than overwhelm. If you'd like support putting these ideas into action next year, Grow Club is open come and join us.

17. Laying the ground for growth from Mulch

    Nov 13, 202529 min

    Welcome back to MULCH . In this episode, Rebecca shares why she's relaunching the podcast and why the hardest and most important lesson from 2025 has been about resilience, structure and community. She opens up about the loneliness many flower farmers feel, the lessons from six years of growing Silver Grey Foliage, and the five themes that became the ROOTS Framework: Resilience, Openness to Change, Ongoing Learning, Trusted Support, and Steady Consistency. Introducing GROW Club — a space designed to help flower farmers grow steady, profitable businesses without burnout, overwhelm, or yet another course to "keep up with." Listen in for details on how GROW Club works, when we begin, and an early-bird thank-you for those who join first. Join Grown Club Here

18. What should I take into account when pricing my flowers? from Mulch

    Feb 27, 202512 min

    In this episode I talk about the reasons why pricing your flowers well is SO important to you and also to the wider Flower Growing community. I set out the 7 reasons why I think it is important to get your pricing right. I'm 100% honest and I use some difficult language as I do this. I talk about the things that are commonly missed out of pricing in addition to making sure that the first 7 reasons are addressed. Pricing is part of The Flower Farming Business School Online. This is week 8 and we have covered the first pricing module which is all about pricing corms and bulbs accurately. Registration to join the Flower Farming Business School in Q2 will open on Monday March 24th. Sign up here to be the first to know about teh curriculum and to sign up. Finally, this week we went over 10000 downloads of the MULCH podcast! celebrate with us and buy me a coffee! Thank you Rebecca

19. Am I growing enough flowers and foliage on my flower farm? from Mulch

    Feb 20, 202518 min

    In this episode of MULCH I address the really tricky question that we all face every year, and often several times a year as a Flower Farmer. 'Am I growing enough flowers and foliage on my flower farm?' It's so important to see this question as one based in the present moment and not a question in comparison to where I want to be in 3 or 5 years time. So I ask myself questions at this time of the year to help me to understand the actual position that I find myself in as I head into the beginning of my flower season. And I start with this question: 'Am I growing cut flowers that will cover as much of the season as I want to cover?' because if the answer is yes then whilst I may want to have more of each, the want is not necessarily proportionate to the need. And if the answer is yes, then really this is the place to stop asking questions so that I can focus on getting the best quality out of what I have, rather than trying to do more. The purpose of The Flower Farming Business School Online is to help you to make the best decisions for you and your Flower Farm. I ask questions like this all of the tim, because I want to help you to make the best decisions and to understand why you have made them. Quarter 2 of THe Flower Farming Business School will open for registration on Monday March 24th. Quarter 2 will start on Monday 31st March and I can't wait to work with you to make your Flower growing business work for your. SIGN UP HERE to hear all of the details first. Rebecca

20. Rest and Productivity with Sophie Cliff from Mulch

    Feb 6, 202547 min

    This Episode will change how you think about how you rest and how you regain your best energy and most importantly why. Sophie, Author and Positive Psychology Practitioner shares her vast knowledge generously in our conversation and explains the links between different types of rest, energy and productivity, where productivity is not just, 'getting stuff done' This episode is not just for Flower Farmers. It's for Florists, Small Business owners and ALL women. I'd love to hear your feedback. Share a review and help more people to benefit from Sophie's generosity in this Episode of MULCH. Links from the Podcast: https://sophiecliff.com/the-hustle-cure - Head to the website to find our more about The Hustle Cure and working with Sophie Cliff