When he was running Ardelia Farm in Vermont, Bailey Hale found that many trending flower varieties were not available in quantities market farmers could use, or available at all, which led him to start brokering orders with other growers. In this interview, we hear about how that business grew until Farmer Bailey plant brokerage became the full-time business and moved to Portugal. Bailey tells us how his background as a floral designer and farmer helps him spot new varieties that will become important for flower growers.

Bailey and host Rebecca Kutzer-Rice of Moonshot Farm discuss why growers are trying more fall planting of bulbs, what to start from seed and what to use plugs for, and thoughts on plug sizing. They also talk about coming developments in ranunculus, nigella, campanula, evergreen campanula, and dahlia breeding, including winter dahlias. They also talk about Bailey’s sweet peas and methods for growing them, and what they would do if they were starting over. Rebecca’s article from the May Growing for Market Magazine came up during the interview, so we linked it here if you want to read about “Strategies for reducing plant input costs on flower farms.”

Connect With Guest:

Website: farmerbailey.com

Instagram: @farmerbaileyplugs

Read the article “Strategies for reducing plant input costs on flower farms” by host Rebecca Kutzer-Rice from the May 2026 Growing for Market Magazine

Podcast Sponsors:

Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure -- usually in a single day.Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more.

If you grow for market, you know performance is everything. That’s why so many farmers are turning to Burpee’s Farmers Market. Dedicated to professional growers, Burpee is now offering non-GMO seeds in larger quantities – bred and selected for standout flavor, strong yields, and the kind of visual appeal your customers crave. Burpee’s been doing this for 150 years, and they’re still creating new varieties with growers like you in mind. You can check out the full lineup at Burpee.com/FarmersMarket.

There are a lot of farm sales platforms out there, but there’s only one that’s cooperatively owned by farmers. That’s GrownBy — your all-in-one solution to simplify farm sales. GrownBy makes online farm sales easy and affordable; setting up your shop is free, and you only pay when you sell. Join over 900 farms who have already signed up for GrownBy, at grownby.com.

For more on veg and flower market farming, subscribe to Growing for Market Magazine!

Soil is finally getting the attention it deserves, and though many of the best practices in the field hold true in the greenhouse, there are some important differences and that’s what we talk about this week with Judson Reid. We talk about why you can’t apply all the fertility a long-season crop like tomatoes need at the beginning of the season, and how to handle supplemental fertility needs. Judson tells us why water may be the most important input going into your greenhouse and what to get it tested for.

We also discuss how much organic matter is too much, why too much calcium can throw your soil out of balance over time, and how foliar testing can tell you whether your fertility plan is working or not before deficiencies show up. Some of this is covered in the Cornell publication “High Tunnel Best Management Practices- Long Term Soil Health and Fertility,” linked in the show notes.

Connect With Guest:

YouTube: @AgriculturewithJud

High Tunnel Best Management Practices- Long Term Soil Health and Fertility

Podcast Sponsors:

Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:

Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure -- usually in a single day.Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more.

Seven Springs Farm Supply is a farm-based supply company focused on serving market gardeners and has been in business for 35 years. Their catalog includes a comprehensive selection of approved-for-organic fertilizers, pest & disease controls, growing mixes, cover crop seed, and more. They offer custom fertilizer blending and seasonal cooperative purchasing opportunities, and their experienced team is ready to help guide you to the best solution for your farm’s needs. Growing For Market listeners are eligible for an exclusive discount. Visit 7springsfarm.com/GFM or give them a call at (540) 651-3228.

If you grow for market, you know performance is everything. That’s why so many farmers are turning to Burpee’s Farmers Market. Dedicated to professional growers, Burpee is now offering non-GMO seeds in larger quantities – bred and selected for standout flavor, strong yields, and the kind of visual appeal your customers crave. Burpee’s been doing this for 150 years, and they’re still creating new varieties with growers like you in mind. You can check out the full lineup at Burpee.com/FarmersMarket.

There are a lot of farm sales platforms out there, but there’s only one that’s cooperatively owned by farmers. That’s GrownBy — your all-in-one solution to simplify farm sales. GrownBy makes online farm sales easy and affordable; setting up your shop is free, and you only pay when you sell. Join over 900 farms who have already signed up for GrownBy, at grownby.com.

For more on veg and flower market farming, subscribe to Growing for Market Magazine!