Cultivating Your Cutting Patch with Roz Chandler

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In this delightful short episode of *The Cutflower Podcast*, Roz shares her passion for growing, harvesting, and arranging seasonally grown British blooms. Today, she dives into the 10 tips for establishing your very own cutting patch, drawing from her expertise featured in chapter three of the *Seed to Vase*  book.

Key Takeaways:

1. Size Doesn't Matter: Your cutting patch doesn't need to be vast. Roz suggests starting with a raised bed of about nine square meters, providing ample space for an array of blooms, from Sweet Peas to Cosmos.

2. No Need to Speak Latin: Don't be overwhelmed by botanical jargon. Roz simplifies the distinction between annuals, perennials, and biennials, emphasising the joy of growing for delight and sheer abundance.

3. Grow What You Love: The heart of your cutting patch should reflect your personal taste and memories. Whether it's the flowers from your wedding bouquet or those mentioned in literature, cultivating what you love is key.

4. Choose Your Position: Shelter your patch from the wind, a flower gardener's adversary. Consider using trellis or hedging to protect your blooms, and Roz suggests using foliage plants like eucalyptus for added windbreak.

5. Keep Things Turning Round: Rotate your plants to avoid the buildup of pests and diseases. This practice becomes crucial as your flower garden expands.

6. Make Sure You Have Some Support: Supporting your plants is essential. From Harris fencing to pea netting and canes, having the right support in place before you need it is a top tip.

7. Get Down and Dirty: Understand your soil by investing in a pH and moisture meter. Regardless of your soil type, adding compost or nutrition is crucial as your plants grow from seed to cutting.

8. Look After Your Babies: Even without a greenhouse, you can start small with a warm winter sill or a small cold frame. Roz encourages beginners to start small and gradually expand.

9. A Hoe and a Spade: Continuously sow and grow. Many seeds are sown directly into the soil, taking around 12 weeks from seed to plant. Get out there and enjoy the process!

Join Roz Chandler on their free master classes to delve deeper into the marvels of cut flowers.  You can register here > https://fieldgateflowers.kartra.com/page/STV2024 Happy gardening!

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