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  1. Petal to the Metal

    Work-life balance tough?

    Is it just me or does it feel incredibly tough to create work-life balance in this field? I try to find time for my kids and husband, but there's always something that needs doing around here. Do you manage it better?
  2. Petal to the Metal

    Standing out at the farmers market

    This year I think I'll gift every customer with a packet of seeds, at least for the first month that the farmers market is open. I'm also selling classes where I'll teach customers how to creatively build their own bouquet. There's a huge design element to it and it's truly an art form. What's...
  3. Petal to the Metal

    Profitable Flowers

    I'm in the flower farming business (floriculture) and have been very busy gearing up for Valentine's Day. It's not all about roses though. Pots of amaryllis and bouquets of carnations and peonies also do well this time of year. What are the most profitable flowers in your area this season?
  4. Petal to the Metal

    Can I leave them alone?

    Another family member usually fills in for me when I need to be away from the farm, but this time we're all heading to an out-of-town wedding. I have chickens, ducks, goats, horses, cats, and dogs. I live in California and I'm not worried about their water freezing. I've taken precautions to...
  5. Petal to the Metal

    Recipes Peppermint creations too sticky

    Hello, I'm making some festive spoons and bowls out of peppermint candy. Everything looks great, but I can't get them to dry all the way. I gave them overnight to dry and they are still way too sticky. These are meant to be eaten, so I can't use a lacquer or anything like that. Any other ideas?
  6. Petal to the Metal

    Drones for precision farming

    The use of drones can be incredibly resourceful for precision farming. They can be used to map the soil, observe the crops' condition, check for any pests and diseases, and more. And they can do all of that without trampling on crops or damaging the soil. A drone can go where it's tough for a...
  7. Petal to the Metal

    Trucks & Trailers Golf carts are my new must-have

    Last month I bought two used gas-powered golf carts and I kick myself for putting it off for so long as they're incredibly beneficial. They're zippy and can fit in the tiniest of spaces without doing any damage to the plants. It can also hold lots of stuff. I think the max weight they'll hold...
  8. Petal to the Metal

    Becoming more common?

    Have you guys noticed an upswing in the number of people who run a hobby farm? It feels like there's a real movement to get back to our roots.
  9. Petal to the Metal

    Great book on perennial vegetables

    If you're interested in growing perennial vegetables on your farm, you should read Eric Toensmeier's book, Perennial Vegetables: From Artichoke to Zuiki Taro, a Gardener's Guide to Over 100 Delicious, Easy-to-Grow Edibles. It covers the vegetables that you can plant in your area that will...
  10. Petal to the Metal

    Which barn animals are on your farm?

    I primarily farm cut flowers and I make products with flowers as well. Our livestock produces some of the raw materials I need to make my products. Right now we have chickens, ducks, goats, and horses on the farm. What about you?
  11. Petal to the Metal

    Goat yoga

    Have you ever heard of it? It's pretty popular in California. There are even mobile studios that will bring the goats right to your home. That's what I'm considering. A yoga instructor contacted me about using my goats for her mobile studio since my goats are minis, docile, and well-trained...
  12. Petal to the Metal

    Combines Okay to buy used?

    We're in the market for a combine harvester. They sure are expensive. Do you think it's okay to buy a used one that seems to be in good condition or would we be better off to bite the bullet and buy something new? We could save quite a bit buying used so it's tempting.
  13. Petal to the Metal

    Farm Shows Which conventions/expos worth it?

    Which of the conventions and expos have you found to be the most valuable? I think it's important to stay up to date on the latest products and farming methods, but it's hard to take time away, so I need to be strategic about it.
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