My Financial Reality of Flower Farming : Investment vs. Profit
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- Опубліковано 6 січ 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.
This was INCREDIBLY informative and not at all boring! Thank you for being so open!
❤
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Only being $2000 in the hole for the first year is a great success for any new business!! Congrats!!
Thank you Hallie!
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.
Got my bag of chocolate chips, let’s hear the tea
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!
Look how fast you got that up! Love the kind reality check. ❤️🌱🌻🌷🌸💐
😊 thank you
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!
FINALLY! People think about money 24/7 - why is it such taboo - we should all try to be more open and honest. I have watched Serena and Ian's videos and they are so LOVELY! but I have caught myself several times yelling at my computer, "ONE OF YOU NEEDS A FULL TIME JOB!" I have also owned several business that would have never happened if my husband was not supporting me. Some years he made more, some years I made more, give and take for sure. I have enjoyed your videos so much! Keep pushing :)
Thank you! I’d be terrified without another source of income. When Veda was born I stayed home and we raised a family on a Very Small income. I know what it is like to count pennies to pay the electric bill. I don’t want to be there again and we have worked our butts off to be where we are now. I appreciate your input!
Not boring!! A reality check is so important. Thank you so much for sharing this. Zone 8 flower gardening is my passion.
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! 💐
Thank you!!!! You made me tear up!! Very heart felt, not usually the reaction when crunching numbers!! You rock!!!!!!
Thanks Michelle 💐
You are such an inspiration! And darn cute while giving us the nitty gritty. Thank you for your joyful personality and all the information you share.
Aw thanks 😊
One of the best videos ever. It also is a reminder to folks the sacrifice that local farmers are making for their passion. Accounting for the ‘employee’ cost of oneself on top of the things bought is something people always seem to negate and needs to be accounted for. Example, if you did your primary paid job the hours your spent with flower farming how much more your personal income would be!
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 going outside your comfort zone to share useful information to everyone.
I think you're the first person that I've seen who has made the financial side of small business more interesting to listen to and keep my attention! And Kudos for pointing out the underselling of product just for the sake of a selling over the next guy, no matter the obvious differences in quality. I don't have a flower farm because setting up a salad bar for the deer doesn't make ANY money, but I have had a home decor repurposing business and it got to be pretty saturated and cut throat for sales, because so many was just doing it "for fun" and didn't think it was fair for businesses to charge more than what they had in it financially. Thank you for creating such an enlightening video!!
I know you were nervous making this video - talking about money is tough sometimes, but I think videos like this are so important. Sometimes when we are just looking at videos of pretty flowers, it is easy to forget that 1) this is a business and 2) this is so much hard work. The details and the nitty gritty is important for future farmers to know about and sharing your experiences can help them succeed. So bravo and great video! Also - THANK YOU for introducing us to Cool Flowers - I got it for Christmas and it is going to change how I plant a lot of my annuals in the fall.
You're welcome! I'm glad you are enjoying the book! Great stuff
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!!
Thank you so much! I needed this, this is my first year!
I think you really provided a valuable service to anyone considering starting any business venture. Have been enjoying all of your videos since I discovered you last spring and have learned a lot as well for my own backyard garden. I wish you tons of success in 2021...we're all rooting for you!! (pun not intended...LOL!)
I appreciate you, Betsy!
Great video and great insight, you are right many people out there think watch Instagram on flower farms that make it look like a get rich quick idea and it's not. A lot of money, time learning and hard work goes into making a successful farm. Love watching your candid videos.
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.
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!
Thank you for sharing!!!💕
This was a super helpful video. Made me feel like working as a Nurse while also having a flower farm isn't a "crazy" thing to do - its how you get your business up and running.
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!
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 💐
Gladiolus will multiply like crazy. You can’t kill them. I dug mine out of my garden to enlarge it, laid down cardboard, then brown paper, then landscape fabric and put garden beds down. Then I put landscape fabric in the beds. And those gladiolus I missed have come up through all of that and bloomed.
Thanks!! Great insights! 🌻🌻🌻
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!
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.
🤘🏻😂💐
Can’t wait to see what the years ahead hold for the farm! 9k is nothing to sneeze at but I would have guessed double that!!!!! I have zero clue what things cost but it def looks worth all that and MORE!!!
It’s an adventure! Thanks for tagging along 🥰💐
LOVED this thank you for sharing ❤
Also you haven't include your labor cost on top of $9,000
Nope. That would be hundreds of hours of labor.
That was really helpful! Thanks for putting yourself out there and sharing that information!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting your financials! Let's face it; this is really what people want to know. They want to know if this works; if it's worth it; if it's a money pit, or a money maker. Few people are willing to share their numbers, and I really do understand that. Your example and others have inspired me to share my small nursery business with the world as well, including numbers. Reality is, well, reality! So... thanks!! Very helpful.
You make me smile and make me excited to TRY and very small hobby of growing flowers I'm not looking to sell anything the first year because I know It's a trial and error time. I want to invest in LEARNING to grow flowers since I've never done it before. I have no intentions of quitting my full time job that is 48 hours + a week. That will never happen until I retire. I've own 2 businesses and I'm not planning on making this a business. I'm going to make it a " PASSSION" that help me decompress on the weekends and before going to work. I need the flowers mentally a lot more than the stress of selling them and trying to make a business. I'm doing this in large flower pots and raised beds that I bought. I have seeds and a few tulip and Daffodils bulbs but I'm not investing in a huge assortment of bulbs. I have less than 100 of them
Sounds like a plan Eve! 💐
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?
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!
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for sharing! It was illuminating as I plan my cut flower plot with plans of a neighborhood csa
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!
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!
THANK YOU!!! This video was amazing!!
Great video! You really have not included all expenses. Especially not your and husband's income for labor. Price of tools, price of tractor, cost of fertilizer, cost of tissue paper, ribbons, vases. Yes it takes a lot of initial income. I highly recommend a tax professional. I watch Garden Answer on You tube she has just started a flower farm in 2020. I know they have spent mega money on this new adventure into her passion. They did drip tape for their watering. It was the least expensive option but worked extremely well. Thank you for such a nice well thought out video.
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!
Absolutely love your honesty & humor! I thoroughly enjoy & learn from you❣️
Thank you so much!
Great video. Thanks for sharing!
Watching your videos over the last few months I was tabulating costs in my head and figured you weren’t breaking even. It’s good that you are young enough, energetic enough and passionate enough to do this alone with all the other stuff you do. I am exhausted after watching one of your videos.
Yea, I definitely didn't plan to break even for a few years. I'm taking advantage of the extra incomes while I have them! p.s. I'm exhausted too! LOL
Yes that was one of the best reality checks I've seen about flower farming. Great job!
Wow, thank you!
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
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 so much! You have validated my thinking and planning.
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%
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!
Thank you for your transparency. 🙏🏼
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!
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?
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! 💐
I understand being worried that the video is boring or lengthy but at least for myself I can say I ABSOLUTELY appreciated this video. As a small scale market gardener trying to climb my way up in the world I thought this was a really insightful video into the investment vs. returns game. I really especially appreciate that you KEPT on mentioning that you do have a full time job, you DO have other sources of income. I think that's a really hard concept for a lot of people to understand as far as the time and love it takes to make a business like this as opposed to having an unlimited amount of income to make all of your farm streamlined and efficient. Thank you!
It's so hard to succeed in small business but we have to keep plugging away!
Thank you for this video! Very helpful
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.
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
Honestly the bouquet bar is the money maker and a genius idea!
I think so too 😃
Thanks for sharing your experience! 💚
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 ?
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 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!
Great video! Thank you for your honesty!
You are Awesome! You go Girl!
Thank you for your honesty!!
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.
Thank you for being transparent !
Thank you for making this video!
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!!
Thank-you for your honesty.
I hope this year is golden for you
Congratulations on 2020!!! Great video. Thank you for sharing not only this information but all of your videos! You are doing great!
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 friend, this was very helppful and insightful
So not boring thanks very much !
Thank you
I appreciate the information. Thank you.
Really appreciate you sharing your story! Totally agree, flowers are a passion
Great video! Totally respect the humbleness you got. Waving hi from Malone!
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!
You freekin rock! Just keep it coming🌻🌸🌼🌺
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!
My flowers are just to adorn my garden. When I get a lot of flowers I just cut them and give them out to the older neighbors lol. I get exhausted seen everything you do, I hope you reach your goal, You deserve that and more