Hello, it's Tuesday 9 June 2026.

I have lots of news from the field in today's episode including planting seedlings, staking and netting, and weeding (or rather, pulling endless creeping thistle). I've also removed a succession of one of the Saponaria seedlings because they weren't performing well and space is at a premium. It's the first time I've ever done this - and I thought it would be hard - but it wasn't and I'm glad I've done it.

The quality of the soil under the chipped bark mulch is incredible and much better at surface level than the soil that isn't mulched. I'm a huge fan of mulching and I highly recommend it. I talk for a little bit about the reasons why bark mulch is so good for the soil and the plants, plus the benefits of having mycelium growing under the mulch.

Finally I answer Sue's question about why I began flower farming and where I found my farm. It actually all started with my hens and I hope you enjoy the story. Do come back and join me for the next episode - you're always very welcome.

Check out Daniel's amazing time lapse reel on Instagram of his Cosmos Fruit Sensation closing up at night - it's brilliant! https://www.instagram.com/rainesflowersuk/

Details of how to buy an issue of The Flower Farmer magazine or subscribe can be found here: https://www.theflowerfarmermagazine.co.uk/

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Follow me on instagram @henhillcutflowers for a behind-the-scenes look at life on my cut flower plot. And you can find my website at www.henhillcutflowers.co.uk and my email is lydia@henhillcutflowers.co.uk.

Join me on my journey through a year of growing and selling cut flowers in England. I'm giving you the low-down on what it's really like, how I'm getting started, what you do and don't need, what I do when and why, the successes and failures, and just about everything in between. All in real time. With guest appearances from my chickens every now and then.

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