What We Do in the Summer
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "What do you do when the flowers aren't blooming?"
The short answer? Quite a lot!
Summer on a flower farm isn't really a break — it's more like halftime. It's when I catch my breath, look back at everything that worked (and didn't), and start getting ready for another season.
This is the time of year when broken things finally get repaired. Trellising gets pulled down, irrigation gets fixed, tools get cleaned up, and all those little projects that were pushed aside during the busy season finally get some attention.
It's also when I spend a lot of time weeding, mulching, and finishing the last of the season's planting. Healthy beds now make next spring a whole lot easier.
While the fields are growing, I'm already thinking about next year. Seed orders start taking shape, field maps get updated, and I'm making notes about varieties I'd like to grow again — or maybe retire. I spend a surprising amount of time writing things down because I've learned that what feels unforgettable in June is somehow impossible to remember by November. I make my notes in my weekly Garden Journal, and it's so helpful to see my growing seasons year over year — what's changed, what went well, and what failed.
Summer is also cover crop season. Once beds are finished producing, they aren't left empty for long. Instead, they're planted with crops that feed the soil, reduce weeds, and prepare those spaces for next year's flowers. In the high tunnel, I'm using buckwheat for a quick summer reset, while some outdoor beds get a mix like buckwheat, peas, and radish to help with soil cover and structure.
The bees keep me busy too! Summer means hive inspections, watching nectar flows, managing swarm behavior, and eventually harvesting honey. The cut flowers may be winding down, but the bees certainly aren't! With it being so hot and dry, and the prairie flowers in full bloom, the hives are going to be very busy this week!
And somewhere in the middle of all of that, I try to make space for family, friends, and a little slower pace before fall planting begins. Because before long, I'll be planting next spring's flowers... and the whole cycle starts all over again!
