Starting a Micro Cut Flower Farm: Our Favourite Resources
At Shortacre Farm, we’re not experts, but over the years, we’ve learned a lot from trial and error and some incredible resources. A few people have asked us where to start if they want to grow a cutting garden at home or start their own micro flower farm. While our farm is nestled in a temperate, cool climate in Healesville, these resources will hopefully prove useful to anyone starting out – they have been invaluable in shaping our growing techniques and approach to sustainable, earth friendly flower farming.
Choosing which flowers to grow is important, but getting to know your site and soil and improving them through regenerative practices will set the foundation for success. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a cut flower farm for florists or creating a small cutting garden for your home, this list will point you in the right direction.
Books
Nothing beats a good hard copy book to dog-ear, scribble notes in, and revisit season after season. Here are some of our top picks:
No-Till Organic Vegetable Farm by Daniel Mays
While focused on vegetables, this book provides excellent advice on soil health and no-till practices, which are fundamental for sustainable cut flower farming.
The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin Fortier
This is a brilliant guide to running a small-scale farming business. It offers advice on efficiency, profitability, and sustainable practices—perfect if you’re considering turning your cut flower farm into a business.
Earth Restorer’s Guide to Permaculture by Rosemary Morrow
This book is packed with knowledge about permaculture principles and is an inspiring read for anyone who wants to design a regenerative and sustainable farm or garden.
JADAM Organic Principles
This book provides a wealth of knowledge on creating natural pest controls, composts, and fertilisers. It’s an invaluable resource for organic farming enthusiasts.
Podcasts
Podcasts are fantastic for learning while working in the garden. These are some of our favourites:
Field and Garden with Lisa Mason Ziegler
A treasure trove of information on flower farming, including practical tips for beginners.
No-Till Flowers Podcast with Jennie Love
This podcast, which focuses on sustainable and no-till practices, offers valuable insights for those wanting to incorporate organic principles.
Let’s Grow, Girls
This podcast dives into growing beautiful blooms in your garden. It’s particularly useful for small-scale growers and hobbyists.
Dish the Dirt
Featuring stories and advice from flower farmers around the world, this podcast will keep you inspired and informed.
Final Thoughts
These resources form the foundation of Shortacre Farm's growing techniques and philosophy. Whether you’re starting a micro-flower farm or a backyard cutting garden, we hope they inspire and guide you.
If you have a favourite resource or need advice, we’d love to hear from you! Please drop us a note or share what’s been most helpful in your growing journey. We’re always excited to connect with fellow flower lovers. Happy planting!
