Winter Planning – Setting Goals

Winter is the perfect time to reflect on your flower farm’s journey and set meaningful goals for the coming season. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned grower, intentional planning can make a world of difference in your success. Below I have a series of questions that I walked through at the end of each season as I started to plan for the next year. The answers to these questions would then inform the decisions I made for my business.

Reflect on the Past SeasonTake a moment to review what worked and what didn’t last season. Consider the following:

• What flowers thrived in your conditions? Were there any standout varieties that you and your customers liked? How much effort did each variety take to bring to market?

• What challenges did you face? Think about weather, pests, time management, or even personal burnout.

• What did you genuinely enjoy? Growing flowers is a labor of love, but not every task sparks joy. Did you dread arranging bouquets or find yourself overwhelmed by wedding orders? If certain tasks feel more like a chore, ask yourself: Do I need to keep doing this? Can I simplify or outsource it?

Honest reflection is the first step to crafting a plan that not only works but also brings you fulfillment.

Define Your Goals for the Next Season

Keeping the above questions and answers in mind, it’s think about where you want to go next season. Start with these key areas:

1. Revenue Goals

   • Are you aiming for a specific revenue number? Write it down.

   • How does this goal compare to last year’s results? Are you scaling up, or maintaining steady growth?

2. Time Management

   • How much time can you realistically dedicate to the farm?

   • Are you balancing this with another job, family commitments, or personal time?

   • Is your flower business a full-time endeavor, or are you intentionally keeping it part-time?

3. New Horizons

   • Do you want to try new flower varieties, expand your customer base, or tap into markets like farmer’s markets or florists?

   • Are there educational opportunities, tools, or systems you could invest in to make your work easier or more efficient?

Your Next Steps

Start by jotting down your reflections and goals. In the coming weeks, I will be breaking down how to turn these answers into actionable steps and prioritize what aligns with your values and capacity. Remember, your flower farm should nourish your soul as much as your business goals.

Here’s to a beautiful and bountiful season ahead!