My Financial Reality of Flower Farming : Investment vs. Profit
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- Опубликовано: 6 янв 2021
- Hi Flower Friends. Every day I have people asking me if flower farming is profitable. Is this my only job? How much money do I make? I have always hesitated to reveal any numbers because I was always raised to believe that income isn't something to be discussed publicly-- but I feel strongly compelled to show people the reality of how much money is made versus my investment. I see so many people wanting to walk away from full time jobs in order to grow and sell flowers. Starting a small business- ANY business- takes time to grow. I just wanted to be honest and show anyone who is hoping to take this on the reality of running a small business. There are always exceptions to the rule- -but this is my reality. Cheers to 2021.
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As a finance professional I will say that traditionally talking about finances was a taboo thing but its a really important topic for people to be transparent about as it allows others to learn and increase financial literacy amongst the population so its nice to see this video. It's hard work and your dedication is well noticed 😊 do you have any videos about how to increase vase life or how to have your flowers look professional? I grow flowers for myself and they always look like ragtag flowers and not store bought!
I use Chrysal flower food -- trim stems every couple days and change the water often. Thanks for your insight!
And its helping people understand why they pay so much for bouquets
@@lanalovesjesus6133 yes!
I recommend the books "Cut Flower Garden" & "A Year In Flowers" & checking out books at your local library! They surprisingly have a lot on flower farming!
May I add that if you need help dealing with finances, are starting a business or, like me, grew up in a house where it was ‘not polite’ to talk about money, I highly recommend “Financial Peace”
by Dave Ramsey. Straight talk, great info about getting your money under control, practical plans for paying off debt, and truly can bring peace. It changed my life, and I share it any time $$ comes up like a broken record. 😆❤️
You may not think your a master, but to any of us just starting out, your knowledge and candidness is invaluable! Thank you for sharing!
So nice of you
That is why I love her channel.
So important to share the reality! Great and kind video. I see those posts on Flower Farmer of people quitting their high paying jobs with high expectations, and get messages, and get nervous for everyone. Farming is highly satisfying, but not a get rich scheme. Thanks for the shout out!
Don't we know it! I am also so nervous seeing those posts. Ah! We do it because we love it.
I appreciate what both of you all do. We grow produce mostly and experiment with new crops each year. This year we have begun to grow different types of turmerics and gingers, but I have been inspired to grow flowers by watching your all’s videos. I have a sweet elderly neighbor who I used to create bouquets of wildflowers for and thought I would like to try my hand at creating them for others as well. Thank you both for the inspiration!
Love both of your channels! Thanks everyone for sharing your real numbers. It’s important to know the realities
@@FlowerHillFarm can you tell us more about your porch sale? How did you do that? Did you charge per stem? Or have one price for a set amount of stems?
Per stem! All different prices 💐
The best thing about this video is that it is relatable for anyone starting a business, it doesn't have to be the same business. I'm going much slower than you and my business isn't in flowers but this is how it is.
As a gardener in a family-driven nursery my granpa started we have a saying: some people go to the casino to gamble......we buy flowers and seeds. :-) Keep going, it will get better as your reputation gets better. Greetings from Germany.
I can totally see why you didn’t want to make this video. It’s the nitty gritty of it all that not many want to talk about. I found it extremely encouraging and helpful. It’s so much work and definitely a passion. We are market gardeners/flower farmers in a zone 3. It’s nice to see a flower farm in a short season like us. Thanks for the details!
You're very welcome!
@@FlowerHillFarm ❤️
An excellent video. The alternative selection on youtube is, "made $200,000+ on 1 acre!!!!" scams. The simple reality is that farming isn't terribly profitable.
This was INCREDIBLY informative and not at all boring! Thank you for being so open!
❤
I don’t think people in general know the work you have to put in to grow flowers and plants. So when you really think about that, plants and flowers is pretty cheap. Thankyou for sharing all this ♥️
I agree! Thank you 💐
@@FlowerHillFarm What's CSA or CFA, I wasn't sure what you were referencing? Thanks for this informative video.
Smartest freaking video I’ve seen in ages, and you did a GREAT job handling a topic many people find uncomfortable! I’ve been an entrepreneur and worked for several, and many never seem to be able to juggle the practical with the dreams, which is why so many fail. Kudos for putting this out there!
Wow, thank you!
Wasn't boring at all. Thanks for your candor. We had a business for 17 yrs and everyone thought we were so rich...yeah right. But we enjoyed the run and miss it at times...A lot of Mom and Pop businesses are labor of love
Thank you! Mom and Pop businesses are the best and I truly wish more people would support them!
I was a small business advisor for over a decade and helped people launch new businesses. This video is FULL of wisdom and smarts. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you, Jennifer. Much appreciated!
Only being $2000 in the hole for the first year is a great success for any new business!! Congrats!!
Thank you Hallie!
Got my bag of chocolate chips, let’s hear the tea
Loved this video! Thank you for pointing out that underselling flowers could hurt other local sellers. Interesting ❤️ I don’t sell flowers or plan on it but I still find this fascinating. Here’s to 2021!
Cheers! Thanks!
Yes, me too loved the point made about others underselling the market price value. Everyone should charge the same, and give good value for the price point.
@@Alchemyforall This is a huge problem across all kinds of maker's markets (art, jewelry, etc). Undercutting sellers makes no sense from any standpoint. Everyone's time and effort is valuable; we all get the same number of hours in a day. Charge what the market can bear across the board or risk killing that market.
@@Alchemyforall It’s hard to find out said pricepoints though when nobody is willing to share that information with you. I’ve reached out to numerous local growers and I understand that they have their own business and don’t want to share all their ideas and may look at it as oh this person is going to try to undercut me but that’s really not the case. I can’t know what to charge if people don’t share that info. I know what people sell market type bouquets for in the area but if I wanted to sell bushels or per stem prices it’s hard to say what the correct price is. Im cross referencing multiple resources but it still could be wrong
@@RockinRavenVA Yes. Exactly!
All I want is flowers in my garden and maybe vegetable seedlings roadside selling.
Thank you SO much for taking the time to share all of this info. It was massively helpful & addressed alot of my questions & concerns as I head into flower farming. Also the most entertaining. Thanks!
Look how fast you got that up! Love the kind reality check. ❤️🌱🌻🌷🌸💐
😊 thank you
Thank you so much! I needed this, this is my first year!
This was delightful! Have just discovered your channel and I love your energy. So few people talk about finances, but it's important and exactly what I needed to hear. :)
Thank you for your transparency! It totally answers many questions my husband and I have with starting a micro flower farm. Good to understand all of this and manage expectations! Inspirational! Ty!
Thank you!!!! You made me tear up!! Very heart felt, not usually the reaction when crunching numbers!! You rock!!!!!!
Thanks Michelle 💐
This is a great video for anyone with a dream! It reminds me of Gladwell's 10,000 hour rule ("it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials.") There is no such thing as overnight success. You've hit the nail on the head when you say the most important thing is you have to LOVE it.( If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.) It's what keeps you going when the going gets tough. I've made a life & a living doing what others said was an impossible dream. This is a great grounding video for anyone wanting to live their dream!
Love love this video!! I love gardening, but is amazing to hear from someone that took a hobby to a passion! And how much hard work it’ll take to make it a success! Good luck! Keep going!
Thank you very much for your videos! I found you through 'You Can't Eat the Grass', and finding your channel getting me all excited but also realistic haha. I'm attempting to grow flowers for a small on the side thing for bouquets, (rather than just my pleasure and trial and error like last year), and figuring out how to price (thank you for mentioning that info re fairly pricing for the growing community!), and what to expect and ways that selling has worked for you was so helpful! I'm in New Zealand so getting my seeds and such all sorted for Spring growing (EXCITING!)! :D Thanks again and happy growing!
Thank you for going outside your comfort zone to share useful information to everyone.
Thank you! This was just the reality check I needed. We need more realistic conversations like these in the world of social media where everything is sunshine, unicorns...and roses!
I agree, Karla! I hope this was helpful!
Thank you for being so honest with all of us! Retiring next year and really wanted to try and do a cut flower farm but maybe I should think on another plan for a backup plan.
Thank you for your honesty!! I am looking into starting this as a tiny passion project as well and you said everything that I ha e been feeling. ♡
Thank you so much for sharing Nicole! This is such a great reality check for those who have not been farming/gardening for long. It really has to be something you do because you love it.
You are so welcome!
I freaking love your honesty. This was super insightful and puts things into perspective. Thank you for being open about it and sharing your experience. 💕🤗
You’re welcome! 💐
Congratulations on 2020!!! Great video. Thank you for sharing not only this information but all of your videos! You are doing great!
Thank you so much for sharing! It was illuminating as I plan my cut flower plot with plans of a neighborhood csa
Thanks for this video! I think a lot of people need to know this- customers included. 👍 I think a lot of it has to do with the person selling the flowers as well. You are (seems to me anyways!) one of those people that are easy to talk to, you can easily spark up a convo with someone, etc. & it probably makes people more likely to buy from you.
*NO it was NOT boring! Very helpful!
Okay I did not expect you to get THAT close to black on your FIRST year! What the heckin heck! You might not wanna hear it but this makes me wanna do it even more!!!!!! Lololol im not quitting any jobs though lol, slow and steady ramp up for me.
Haha! 💐💰🤷♀️
It seems close just because she dont count the land and the tractor. Just the bulbs, seeds and plants. And the cost of just living, feeding the family whole year is not counted either. It it just long way run, but with all the joy it brings I think it still worth it.
@@veronikasladekova5226 agreed!
I love you so much! Your vids are always a comfort, exposing some real fears and doing it in a humorous way that all of us who grow out of 'the passion' understand. Thank you for sharing and for 'keeping it real'..you are amazing!
Good for you Nicole! This was a very informative video and I'm sure it was uncomfortable but you did a great job with it. And I hope you have a fantastic season.
I love all of your videos but this one is exceptionally helpful and a real look at the process. Thank you for being authentic and sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Absolutely love your honesty & humor! I thoroughly enjoy & learn from you❣️
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing this info. I REALLY appreciate farmers of all kinds who share their knowledge and experience with costs, investments, profit, etc. This is SO valuable and a very important part of any business, and therefore super helpful. I do not think it should be a taboo subject. Best of luck this season, I wish you much success!
I appreciate the information. Thank you.
This was very interesting and offers a lot of insight for others thinking of starting a small business. You did amazing for your first ‘official’ year! You put in a Ton of physical labor too. Thank you for sharing such personal information for the benefit of others- you have such a generous spirit. Excited to watch and see what 2021 has in store for you!!
Thank you so much!
THANK YOU for your transparency. I also have a passion for gardening and it is an investment of time, love and a lot of money. But your channel is an inspiration. Keep the content coming. Thank you for keeping it real❤️
You are so welcome!
Really appreciate you sharing your story! Totally agree, flowers are a passion
Thanks so much for sharing this! It's so encouraging to know that even when you were just starting out and during a PANDEMIC, your business still thrived, all things considered. I love your positivity and excitement.
A very honest and clear story, greetings from Holland the Tulips and Lily land!
You are doing very well, keep it up!!!
Thank you! Will do!
That was really helpful! Thanks for putting yourself out there and sharing that information!!
Thank you for sharing!!!💕
So thankful for this video! I've just started breaking ground on my flower beds (southern hemisphere here so its late winter at the moment) and it will be a passion rather than an actual income but hopefully I will work out how to do a bit of selling to help offset costs. Its awesome to get some idea of how this works on a larger scale than what I will be doing - at least for now .... your vids are extremely inspiring and possibly a bad influence on me and my non-existant budget :)
I loved this video! I feel sometimes (due to my age) the younger crowd jumps in and can get discouraged when the reality sets in. Thinking 5 steps ahead is key and knowing what you're in for is a huge help and benefit too. Great job!
Absolutely!!
You’re so weird and I love it 😆
This was an amazing video. I really appreciate how thorough and transparent you were. Forewarned is forearmed.
🤘🏻😂💐
Thank you so much! You have validated my thinking and planning.
Thank you so much for sharing!!!! This is exactly what I needed, it’s so kind of you to do something that makes you uncomfortable to help others!!
I came across your vidoe on my feed and im happy I did. I am a soon to be college graduate studying horticulture. My hopes and dreams for the last couple years have been to eventually build a cutflower/floral/vegetable farm. One of my absolute favorite things to do is garden. I would be starting from basically nothing seeing I have no land or equipment, except i do have a few hundred dollars in seeds. I know they only way for me to do this is have a regular fulltime job as well as start out small with the flower business. If there was one bit of advice you could give to someone like me what would that be?
This is a great video! I have run my own business for 17 years in another industry and it was definitely not a get rich quick endeavor. Owning your own business is a huge risk but it will, over time, become a great reward.
100%
I recently got into farming both for beauty and for food and I just wanted to say thank you! I've been looking around form some videos online that talked about what type of investment really is in a flower growing operation and I'm so excited I found your video! I don't have the setup to do what you're doing, but I'm excited to follow along on your journey! I just subscribed and I'm excited to see what this upcoming season has in store for you!
I love to watch your video and enthusiastic energy about your flower farm. I also wanted to start my little flower farm as a passion project for us. Luckily I found your video. Please keep sharing your love and passion with us. Cheers!!!
Thank you! My husband overheard parts of this video. He is the $ support so my girl and I can do this full time. It truly is a purpose in life. A reason to get up in the morning and my husband and I know it’s worth it. Thank you again for being real. A hand up to those who follow.
Best of luck to you April! Support is invaluable 💐
Love your energy and passion. You are so adorable! If I lived close to you I would happily volunteer many hours at your farm, in exchange for a bouquet once a week or two. 😃
Thank you so much Mama! 💐
Thank you for your transparency. 🙏🏼
I appreciate this so much! 👏
Also you haven't include your labor cost on top of $9,000
Nope. That would be hundreds of hours of labor.
I'm a full-time Florist and have recently started clearing off our 10 acres to start growing. It's such a slow process, especially working at my shop with all the overhead. I have paid myself $300 in almost two years. I completely understand the big gulp feeling when investing in something you're not sure will sell or die in a bucket. I really enjoy your realistic videos and your approach. Start small, be patient, stay passionate, and end big. Keep growing!
Thank you very much for this break down! :D greatly appreciated!!
You are so down to earth and inspirational. I agree, talking finances can be uncomfortable. You addressed it in such a clear and concise way. Thank you for being so straightforward. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and passion with us.
I just want to say. I learned so much from you. With all knowledges and the way you do with passion. Same same with me. I grow a small organic garden in Denmark.
Thank you! 💐
Where in Denmark are you growing, I am close to aarhus and I really missed the garden societys plant markets. A good place to sell or buy plants both flowers and vegetables.
@@ninirossau2304 dav. I am in Randers. I am a new gardener. We can get in touch in my page “Hungs blomster hus”. Thanks. I am glad to talk to you
As someone who was brought up to not talk about money, I understand your reluctance to make this video, but I appreciate your honestly and candor. You did a great job, and this is an important video. For a lot of people, including me, owning a flower farm is the ultimate fantasy. I often think of leaving my office job to start a farm of my own. Thank you for doing the math and breaking down the numbers to show the reality of being a flower farmer. I guess I’ll have to stay at my job for a while longer, while I continue to save up, read up, and keep dreaming.
It’s very hard to wait. It’s the hardest for me. Realizing goals takes patience but I lack that LOL. I imagine it will be even sweeter when it happens because of the time it took. We will see! I also appreciate it more since it hasn’t happened overnight 💐
Now that it has been a couple years, have you been able to turn a profit yet? I know you said you wouldn't talk dollars again, so are you willing to share what the approximate % over your investment you have been able to achieve 2nd or even 3rd years? Were you able to make your goal of doubling your sales that next year that you mentioned at the end? My wife and Ijust bought 20 acres and are hoping to grow flowers on as much of that as we can on the side while we continue to work other jobs.
I'm sooo glad you did this, it's really hard to get a realistic vision on stuff like this and I'm really greatful you helped me understand that I probably can't rely on this. I'm only 19 so I'm pretty lost in the whole world of money making anyways, but I might try something like this on a smaller scale as a hobby. Thank you again!
Thank you for sharing this!❤ Currently starting a flower business. I had planned to take it slow but part of me hates going slow with things. In fear that they won't actually happen. This was a good reminder that slow and steady wins the race.🐢
Thank you for your honesty. Wishing and praying that your business exceeds expectations this year.😊
Yes that was one of the best reality checks I've seen about flower farming. Great job!
Wow, thank you!
What a great video. I was also taught to keep my income private. Thsnks for going out on a limb to prevent people from failing because they jumped in too quickly. I am glad you touched on not underselling also. I see people selling bouquets for 10, 15, 20 dollars on youtube videos and I dont know where to start mine! I will be at my local farmers market this year Any suggestions on a wise starting price? Thanks for another helpful video!
I don't sell bouquets for less than $15. They are typically $20 unless they request more!
I think its important to consider your customers/ cities average income as well. If the average income of people in your city is $20,000 they're not going to be likely to buy $20 bouquets every week, but if its an average of $60,000 a year, then you will likely have customers that may be able to afford to buy them every week. But even if the average income is low, like Nicole said, still don't cut yourself too short, because even if you're not doing this as a living to feed your family, the person beside you might be! And when people see cheap flowers, they're probably just going to assume thats what the price should be, & everyone else is just overcharging.
Thank you so so so so much for this video! I appreciate the work you put in to crunch the numbers and let us all know! You're amazing!!
Thanks Chelsea 💐😊
This is an amazing video! I’m just starting with flowers this year and feel like I’m all over the place but I’m learning everything I can and I know it will be trial and error. I also have come to terms that I will be doing it on the side for a while working my full time job to support this until I can really make a go 😂 Thank you so so much for all of your videos! They really help me see that my dream can become a reality! ❤️
Please, please also explain how much real physical labor is involved. The financial part is rough but so is the labor part. It is tough but can be the ending of so much.
Hundreds and hundreds of hours of manual labor. Very true!
It was not boring, I found it very informative. I would like to have an herb CSA farm someday, so I find your videos very helpful. Your flowers are beautiful
Oooooo an Herb CSA. That sounds delightful! Best of luck
Such a good video and transparency about the realities of farming and the profit and losses are real topics that need to be discussed for all of the flower farm dreamers. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you for your honesty!!
As a finance professional it would be interesting to see the split of the $9000 between investment(assuming future benefit beyond 2020) and annual expense(no future benefit). 🌸
That would be good to know!
And depreciation of set up costs like tractor & irrigation, fencing, etc?
You mentioned starting hydrangea's! Looking forward to see where you go with that. I don't see a lot of varieties in the colder climates.
Oh yes. It’s happening!
May I ask what you do for your free lance job ?
Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing this with the rest of us. So many will not talk about the very real aspect of money when it comes to business!
This has been so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing 🌷💕
Bitcoin is the future, Investing in it now will be the wisest thing to do especially with the current rise.
For real it's very profitable.
Thank you for sharing!! It helped me get a grasp on the reality I may be facing in the near future. Tremendous appreciation for talking about something that made you feel uncomfortable.
Thank you sooo much for sharing! I really appreciate your honesty! Love your videos
Hi from Oklahoma! Love your content! Keep up the great work!
Great information, thank you for sharing 🥰
Ah your awesome lady! Keep up the good work, you’re giving me all the feels! I am super motivated now!
LOVED this thank you for sharing ❤
Thank you for being transparent !
thank you friend, this was very helppful and insightful
Thank you, lovely!! We’re looking to get some land in a few years and I would love to do a flower farm! Starting my education process. Thank you for this!
Thank you very much! I have the same feeling and so happy to hear your words!
Thanks!! Great insights! 🌻🌻🌻
Thank-you for your honesty.
This is the first video I’ve seen from you. It is so refreshing to see an honest account of what it takes to have a flower business. Thank you for telling it like it is!
I hope this year is golden for you
Great video! Totally respect the humbleness you got. Waving hi from Malone!
Great video!! I love your personality, just subscribed!
THANK YOU!!! This video was amazing!!
Thank you! I wanted to know the reality of flower farming and this really helps!!
This is such wonderful invaluable advice! Thank you so much for putting this together it was so so helpful.