Winter on the Flower Farm | Crop Planning and Preparation

What We Do in Winter on the Flower Farm

Winter on the flower farm looks quiet from the outside, but this is when a lot of important work happens. Right now, we are not planting or harvesting. We are planning. This time of year is about setting ourselves up for a strong season before spring arrives and everything starts moving fast.

One of the biggest pieces of winter work is crop planning. That always starts with looking back at the previous season. We review what sold well, what we moved through quickly, and what we found ourselves wishing we had more of. Just as important, we look at what did not perform the way we hoped or what felt like more effort than it was worth.

Ordering seeds and supplies with intention is another big part of winter planning. It is very easy to over order seeds, especially when browsing catalogs in the middle of winter. Knowing exactly what I already have and how it fits into the crop plan helps eliminate extra spending and wasted seed. When ordering is tied directly to a plan, it feels much more grounded and purposeful.

We also take time to check supplies before seed starting season arrives. Last year, I invested in heavy duty seed trays with the intention of using them year after year. Even with that investment, I still like to pull everything out in winter and take inventory. It helps confirm that I have enough of what I need based on the crop plan I have already made.

This includes seed starting supplies like
• bottom trays
• cell trays
• humidity domes
• soil
• vermiculite
• grow lights
• heat mats, which are not always necessary, but I like to locate them now just in case

Taking inventory early keeps things from feeling frantic later and helps avoid unnecessary purchases.

Winter is also the time to evaluate what we can do better operationally. One big focus for us right now is irrigation planning for 2026. As the field continues to evolve, we want a system that is more efficient, more consistent, and easier to manage during peak summer production. Thinking this through now gives us time to make thoughtful decisions instead of rushed ones later.

Winter planning is not flashy, but it matters. This is when we make decisions that shape the entire season. Taking the time now to review, adjust, and prepare allows us to head into spring feeling confident instead of reactive.

The field may be resting, but the work of the season is already underway.