THE FLOWER TRUCK

As my first year of growing and selling flowers nears the end of the season I am left with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. Before I tell you my story of why and how this side hustle came to be I would like to thank everyone who encouraged me, reposted my flowers, asked about my flowers and of course purchased my flowers! I appreciate all of you and it's endearing to see how much people care and support such a small business (if we can even call it that!)

This endeavor was never about making money. I did have a goal to cover costs and make a little extra to be able to justify all the hours spent growing, cutting and preparing my flowers. I like to grow things. This is no secret. I have been a farm girl and worked in agriculture my whole life. I actually really enjoy playing in the dirt. Whether its plants or animals, I find great satisfaction in growing things. Let's back up to spring of 2023.

Our oldest two children were getting ready to graduate high school and leave for college in the fall. The reality of our day to day life going from the absolute chaos of a full house, 3 different sports schedules, a full dinner table and busy weekend activities to having one child at home was sinking in and I was feeling pretty sad about it.

While the idea of actually having some down time, actually being able to do my work without juggling it around everyone else was nice, it also was unsettling. After all, I didn't want to work 24/7 but now after being a busy mom for all these years I was going to have some time. I realized,

I didn't have any real hobbies.

I really didn't know what to do for "me" time. The cut flower idea began to take hold. If you know me, you know once I commit to an idea I am going to make it happen.

So I started to plan. What would I grow, where would I grow them, how would I sell them etc. I read books and began following flower farmers on Facebook and TikTok.

I spent hours on Pinterest looking at ideas for my flower stand. One rainy day that fall when we were not in the fields harvesting,

I asked Todd if he would help me get an old truck bed/trailer that I had been eying up out of the trees and brush at his uncles place. He didn't share my vision but being the understanding husband that he is he agreed. I'll bet there were some eye rolls and shaking his head but he helped me get it home.

Over the next few months I spent any free time I had in the shop with my project. I spent hours picking out seeds, making a schedule for what needed planting when.

Finally in March of 2024 I began planting seeds. I turned my daughter's room into a grow room with shelving and lights.

When the weather improved I started taking trays of seedlings outside to begin the hardening off process. I also prepared by field for flowers. It was really very hard to wait until mid May to plant but I knew I might lose them all if I put them out too early. If you didn't know, the month of May for a row crop farmer is a crazy time! We are very busy planting corn and soybeans as well as running our agricultural seed business and taking care of cows during calving season.

As much as I wanted to focus on the flowers they really got pushed to the back burner. I often planted in the rain and watered at night.

Many of you ask where I grow these flowers. It's my hiding place I say. Back behind the barn and hidden by the corn field along the pasture fence.

It's amazingly peaceful. I can hear the cows ripping the grass as they graze and there are butterflies, bees and hummingbirds all around the flowers.

It has been so satisfying watching the flowers grow. I have learned so much. I've made mistakes but learned from them. I really had no idea what I was doing but learned as I went through the process. So that is my story, my how and my why.

I have already started planning for next year. Thank you all.