From the Ground Up: Why Healthy Soil is the Secret to Thriving Flowers 🌱

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a flower farmer, it’s this: the health of your flowers starts beneath your feet.

Soil is the very soul of the farm—it’s where the magic begins. And after years of growing, failing, experimenting, and digging deep (literally and emotionally), I’ve come to believe this truth:

🌿 Healthy soil grows healthy flowers. Healthy soil grows healthy people.

The Healing Power of Soil

Let’s start with something that’s often overlooked in all the science talk: being in soil actually heals us.

• Soil microbes trigger serotonin production when we garden or work with our hands in the dirt—boosting mood and reducing anxiety. It’s sometimes called “nature’s Prozac.”

• These same microbes support gut health by introducing diverse bacteria into our system—especially for those of us who live or eat from the land.

• It’s also good for our immune systems, stress response, and even sleep. Simply put: when we care for the soil, it has a way of caring for us right back.

I’m Still Learning

The more I grow, the more I realize how much I still don’t know. I’m not an expert—just someone who is sharing what I’ve learned in hopes it helps or inspires someone else. Whether it’s a small backyard bed or a full flower field, we’re all learning together. I’m constantly adjusting, pivoting, and learning—right alongside my plants.

🧪 Start with a Soil Test

You can’t manage what you don’t measure—and that’s why a soil test is essential.

We’ve used our local Michigan State University Agricultural Extension testing lab:
👉 MSU Soil Test Link

If you're outside of Michigan, check with your local university extension program. Or, you can order an at-home soil test kit online (I'll link a few favorites below with my affiliate links!).

Why test?
A good soil test tells you pH, organic matter levels, and nutrient availability (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients). Without this info, you could be overfeeding or underfeeding—wasting money, hurting your plants, or even harming the environment.

🛒 [Here is a link to an at home soil test you can order online]

🌱 What Flowers Pull from the Soil

Cut flowers are beautiful—but they’re also nutrient-hungry. When we harvest the flowers, we’re also removing nutrients from the soil that must be replenished.

Over time, this depletes your soil—especially of key macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

To replenish what your flowers take, you need a fertilizing strategy that starts with building soil health.

More than Dirt: How We Build Living Soil to Grow Better Blooms

We’ve spent the past five years investing in our soil: compost, cover cropping, broadforking practices, and lots of organic matter. And let me tell you—it shows. Earthworms, deep color, crumbly texture... it's alive.

We believe in feeding the soil so the soil can feed the flowers.

1. Building the Foundation: Compost, Amendments & Microbial Support

Every fall and spring, we build our beds with compost and aged manure. These slow-release, microbe-rich amendments are the backbone of soil health. They build structure, improve water retention, and support the web of life underground.

Our favorite blends: Dairydoo and worm castings. You can also input mushroom compost or aged chicken or cow manure (fully broken down).

Alfalfa Pellets During Soil Prep

Alfalfa pellets are one of my favorite “secret weapons” when it comes to enriching the garden. I grab big bags of pelleted alfalfa from the farm store—sold as horse feed—for a fraction of the cost of typical alfalfa meal, and use them throughout our beds.

When prepping garden beds in the spring, I sprinkle a layer of alfalfa pellets into our annual beds and tuck a handful into planting holes for perennials, roses, dahlias and fruit trees.

Alfalfa adds organic matter that encourages earthworm activity and feeds soil microbes. It also brings nutrients from deep within the soil thanks to its long taproots. As it breaks down, the garden receives a slow and steady release of natural nitrogen and minerals—a gentle nudge for strong, healthy growth.

Planting with Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculant

Almost every plant, mainly perennials, gets its root ball dipped in mycorrhizal fungi inoculant before planting. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, dramatically increasing their ability to access water and nutrients. In return, plants feed the fungi carbon. This invisible partnership helps your flowers thrive without extra inputs.

This is what leads us into fertilizing—with intention, not guesswork.

Bone Meal for Dahlias

When planting our dahlias, we add a scoop of bone meal (with a generous handful of alfalfa pellets) directly into the planting hole. These natural amendments provide phosphorus and calcium, which support strong root development and sturdy stems.

2. Compost Tea & Worm Casting Tea (The Gentle Boost)

During active growth and early bloom phases, we drench or foliar spray with homemade compost teas. These help deliver nutrients in a bioavailable form and support beneficial soil microbes.

Our favorite time to use it: Once a week during peak growth. We spray early morning or evening to avoid sunburn.

You can buy pre-bagged compost tea such as Morgan Compostings Compost Tea (our favorite during the busy season) or make your own:

🐛 Worm Casting Compost Tea Recipe for Flowers

🌿 Ingredients:

• 2 cups worm castings (we love WormDoo by Dairy Doo or we’ve use this one for years as well)

• 4–5 gallons non-chlorinated water

• (Optional) 1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses

• (Optional) 1 tablespoon kelp powder or liquid kelp

🪴 Equipment:

• 5-gallon bucket

• Mesh bag, old sock, or cheesecloth

• Long spoon or stick for stirring

• (Optional) Aquarium pump with air stone

🍵 Brewing:

Option 1: Simple Soak (Non-Aerated)

• Place castings in mesh bag and submerge in water

• Stir well, steep 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally

• Strain well if spraying on leaves

• Use immediately

Option 2: Aerated Tea (More Potent)

• Same as above, but add aquarium pump

• Brew no longer than 24 hours

• Use promptly for peak microbial life

⚠️ Important Note: Do not use compost tea that has been brewed for longer than 48 hours (or 24 hours if aerated). Over-brewing can cause anaerobic conditions, where harmful bacteria outcompete the beneficial ones. Applying this to your plants can do more harm than good—leading to root stress, foliar burn, or disease. Always use compost tea fresh!

🐟 3. Fish Emulsion & Seaweed Extract (The Ocean Tonic)

These natural fertilizers are rich in trace minerals and encourage leafy growth, root development, and resilience.

• Fish emulsion = nitrogen-rich (great for leafy green growth early on).

• Seaweed extract = full of cytokinins and minerals that help with stress tolerance, root development, and bloom support.

• I use this mix of both: Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (yes it stinks, but the garden LOVES it).

We often mix them and apply every 10–14 days when plants are in active growth. Ideally, I’d love to get back to a weekly fertilizing rhythm, but lately we’ve been landing in that 10–14 day window—and that’s working for now.

Additional tip: I set calendar reminders for fertilizing days to keep me on track 📅

4. Raising BRIX Levels (The Healthier Plant Secret)

One of my newer learnings is about Brix levels—a measure of the sugar content in plant sap. Higher Brix = healthier plants, stronger stems, better resistance to pests, and more vibrant blooms. Higher sugar level = less munching insects.

Brix is commonly measured using a tool called a refractometer. While mostly known in the wine and fruit industries, flower farmers are beginning to look at Brix as an indicator of overall plant vitality. Higher Brix not only improves floral color and resilience, but also makes your plants less attractive to pests, as many insects are drawn to low-sugar, stressed-out plants.

I used to use this Earth Juice Hi-Brix, but it was sold out the last time I tried to reorder it, so I switched to this molasses, which I will use before purchasing the Earth Juice again.

How do we raise it?

• Feed the soil, not just the plant

• Use foliar sprays in early morning (when stomata are open)

• Support microbial activity with compost, mycorrhizal fungi, and humic acids

• Reduce stress by keeping plants evenly watered and well-fed, without overdoing it

Goal: The higher the Brix, the less appealing your plants are to pests. Think of it as boosting the plant’s immune system from the inside out.

I’m still learning and experimenting with this—but it’s become a fascinating piece of the puzzle for me. Definitely worth digging into if you're a fellow soil health nerd!

Also, I have to say—switching to a backpack sprayer has been a total game-changer. I used a hose-end sprayer (like the Ortho Dial) for a couple of years, and while it worked, it started clogging over time. The backpack sprayer has made fertilizing so much easier and more efficient. One day I’d love to upgrade to a battery-powered version, but even this manual one has been a huge improvement.

5. Organic Bloom Fertilizers (The Flower-Pushers)

As soon as plants start budding, we switch to a bloom formula that’s lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients support flower production, stem strength, and overall plant health.

We like:

• Espoma Flower-tone (granular)

• Down to Earth Bloom

• Neptune’s Harvest Bloom

We apply every 2–4 weeks depending on crop type and rainfall.

6. Slow-Release Options (For Set-It-and-Forget-It Beds)

For beds we can’t easily re-fertilize—like our tunnel crops or long-term perennials—we use organic slow-release fertilizers (like Sustane or Osmocote). It’s a good insurance policy during busy stretches when the watering can feels miles away.

Final Thoughts

Healthy soil isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a relationship. It requires listening, learning, and giving back more than we take. The more I farm, the more I realize how much I still have to learn.

But by sharing my journey, I hope it encourages you to start your own—whether it’s a backyard bed or a full flower field.

Because flowers really are a kind of soul medicine. And if I can grow them, I promise—you can too.

With love and floral magic,
Alex

Owner & Founder - Bede’s Blooms + Co.

🌸 Let’s stay connected!
Follow along behind the scenes on Instagram (@bedesblooms.co) , join our Blooms Club newsletter, and be the first to know about upcoming events, exclusive giveaways, and seasonal flower launches.
👉 Click here to sign up and never miss a bloom!

My mini bestie <3

The Surprising Benefits of Chickens on a Flower Farm: A Tale of Healing, Harmony, and Helping Pollinators

Welcome back to Petals and Prose, where we celebrate the beauty of both flowers and the hardworking creatures that help nurture our growing spaces. Today, I’m diving into the surprising benefits of having chickens on a flower farm — and why they’re more than just cute faces in the yard. We’ll also take a little detour into a recent incident that left one of our beloved hens injured but on the road to recovery, plus the important role that beneficial insects play in our farm’s ecosystem. But most importantly, I’ll talk about how we, as a micro flower farm, strive to protect and support local pollinators — and why it matters more than ever.

Chickens: Nature’s Helpers on a Flower Farm

If you’ve ever considered adding chickens to your farm or garden, you might be wondering: “What could they possibly do for flowers?” Well, quite a bit, actually. Chickens aren’t just for eggs (though those are a delightful bonus); they play an important role in keeping the land healthy, fertile, and in harmony with nature.

While I know some farmers swear by ducks for their own unique benefits, we’ve found that chickens are a better fit for our farm in this season of life. Ducks are adorable, but they can be a bit too messy for our setup right now. That said, we’re not ruling out the possibility of adding ducks in the future — maybe we’ll try them someday when we’re ready for a new challenge!

1. Natural Pest Control: Chickens are excellent at keeping your flower farm free from pests like beetles, slugs, ticks and grasshoppers. While we love having vibrant, healthy flowers, these pesky insects can wreak havoc on delicate plants. Chickens will naturally hunt and eat many of these bugs, reducing the need for any harmful chemicals or pesticides (which we do not use on our farm) — which, in turn, helps protect your pollinators, like bees and butterflies, who might otherwise be harmed by chemical treatments. In short, chickens help maintain the balance of good bugs and bad bugs, ensuring your flowers flourish.

2. Fertilizing the Soil: Chickens are also great for fertilizing the soil. As they scratch around and peck at the ground, they deposit nutrient-rich droppings that enrich the soil naturally. Their scratching action helps aerate the soil, and their manure adds valuable organic matter, boosting the health of your flowers without synthetic fertilizers. This creates a symbiotic relationship where the chickens get to roam and forage, while your flowers grow stronger and more vibrant.

3. Weed Control: Chickens also love to nibble on young weeds. As they explore the farm, they can help reduce weed pressure, which gives your flowers more room to grow and thrive. While chickens aren’t a substitute for a dedicated weeding regimen, they certainly help keep things in check.

A Hen’s Road to Recovery: A Personal Story

Post-surgery (haha)

This sweet girl and I are very close now <3

Now, let me take a moment to share a story about one of our hens, who recently faced an injury that required a bit of extra care and attention.

It was just last Saturday when one of our hens — a sweet, hardy bird — injured her toe in what I can only describe as a freak accident. After a thorough check, it became clear that the injury was severe enough that we needed to remove the toe to prevent further complications. This led to a hefty vet bill, but I wouldn’t trust anyone else with our birds’ care than the incredible team at Cedar Creek Veterinary Clinic in Williamston, Michigan. If you’re in the area and need an avian vet, I cannot recommend them enough. Dr. Heather Beasley was wonderful, and we had such a positive experience. Her expertise and care made all the difference in our hen's recovery.

I also want to give a big shout-out to the veterinary tech who went above and beyond to help me learn how to properly administer medication to our hen. If you’ve ever tried giving a chicken a pill, you know it’s no easy feat! But this tech was so patient and kind, showing me the best techniques and offering tips on how to make it a little less stressful for both me and the chicken. It was a huge help — and let me tell you, it’s not as simple as just popping a pill in their mouth! (But we’re managing it with a little practice and some treats to make it easier.)

Right now, she’s recovering in our basement (which, don’t worry, is cozy and quiet), where we’ve set up a special area for her to rest. We’ve been providing her with extra food and comfort, along with medication that I administer twice a day. In addition, we’ve been doing 2-3 sessions of petting (yes, she loves a good scratch!) each day, which seems to be really helping her relax and heal. While she’s adjusting to her new “lifestyle” of limited mobility, she’s slowly regaining strength. It's been a healing journey for both of us, and it’s a reminder of how interconnected our responsibilities to both plants and animals really are. Our farm isn’t just about flowers; it’s about providing care for every living thing that contributes to its success.

Beneficial Insects: The Unsung Heroes of the Garden

Ladybugs are natural pest controllers, feasting on aphids and other harmful insects, helping keep your flowers healthy and chemical-free.

Let’s talk a bit more about the tiny, often overlooked workers in our gardens: beneficial insects. These creatures — from ladybugs to predatory beetles — help keep harmful insect populations in check and support the overall health of our flowers and plants. While we might not always see them, they play a crucial role in pollination, pest control, and even soil aeration.

At Bede’s Blooms + Co., we are committed to using NO harmful chemicals or pesticides on our farm. Instead, we bring in beneficial insects from trusted sources like ARBICO Organics and Nature’s Good Guys, who ship them to us monthly. These beneficial insects, such as nematodes, predatory mites, green lacewings and praying mantis, help control pests naturally, without any harm to the environment or our pollinators.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my dear flower farmer friend Laura (@farmyardblooms on Instagram). She has been such an incredible source of wisdom and encouragement on my flower journey, and I’m so thankful for her guidance. From tips on identifying beneficial insects to beautiful photos that teach me how to recognize them in the field, Laura’s expertise is top notch! Not to mention she is one of the kindest humans I have ever met. If you're looking to dive deeper into how beneficial insects can help your garden thrive, a good chuckle or admire beautiful homegrown speciality cut flowers, definitely check her out!

Additionally, we focus on raising our Brix levels to enhance the overall health of our plants. To do this, we apply a weekly treatment of molasses (here are the two we use: Golden Barrel Unfiltered & Soil Sunrise Dried Molasses) — a practice that helps improve soil health and plant resilience. The molasses is mixed with water and applied via a sprayer attached to our hose (we roate between these two: a hose attachment sprayer and my new favorite backpack sprayer) . This simple yet effective method helps our plants become more nutrient-dense, which not only benefits our flowers but also attracts beneficial insects that thrive in a healthy, vibrant environment. Otherwise, we will use Neem Oil as an option as well.

By focusing on natural pest control and improving the overall health of our plants, we are able to maintain a thriving, chemical-free environment that benefits both our flowers and the local ecosystem.

A round of fertilizer!

We’re big fans of Dairy Doo, a fantastic Michigan-based company. Their hose attachments are excellent for our farm's needs. We also use a reservoir attachment for the molasses, which conveniently connects to our hose for easy application. We also use SuperThrive for our seedlings and sweat by it! It’s amazing!

Pollinators: Why They Matter and How We’re Helping

Speaking of pollinators, we are excited to share that we are looking into getting bees for our farm! (If you have any local resources to share, please do) Bees are, of course, vital to the pollination of many plants, and we want to do our part in supporting their population. As flower farmers, we rely heavily on pollinators to help our flowers bloom and thrive, but the decline in bee populations is a real concern. By introducing bees to our farm, we hope to do more than just benefit our flowers; we want to be part of a larger movement to help protect these vital creatures.

Bees aren’t just good for flowers, either. They pollinate crops, wild plants, and trees — which helps ensure biodiversity and the health of local ecosystems. By supporting pollinators through our farm practices and looking into beekeeping, we’re doing our part to contribute to a healthier environment. We’re also raising awareness about how vital it is to support local pollinators, as their decline has significant consequences for the food supply and the overall health of the planet.

Here is a sweet bee resting on one of our dahlia plants last summer

Bees are essential for flowers, as they pollinate plants, enabling them to produce seeds and fruit. Their work boosts flower growth and biodiversity, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

A Micro Flower Farm’s Commitment to Sustainability

As a small flower farm, we have the privilege — and the responsibility — to cultivate our space in a way that works with nature rather than against it. By integrating chickens into our farm ecosystem, supporting beneficial insects, and exploring beekeeping, we’re striving to create a balanced, sustainable environment where all living things — plants, animals, and insects alike — can thrive.

At Bede’s Blooms, we believe that gardening isn’t just about growing flowers; it’s about nurturing the entire ecosystem that makes it all possible. We’re committed to protecting pollinators, supporting local wildlife, and working toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

Thanks for reading along with us today. Stay tuned for more updates on our hens, our flowers, and our journey as a micro flower farm that’s making a difference for the planet — one petal at a time.

If you’re interested in following our journey or learning more about how chickens, beneficial insects, and pollinators work together to create a thriving farm ecosystem, be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter for more updates, tips, and stories.

Bonus: We have a drawing to win a free spring bouquet for signing up for our newsletter! Deadline for entry is Friday, March 28th 2025.

Praying mantis are

These fascinating insects hunt down and consume a wide variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and caterpillars, helping to keep your flowers healthy without the need for chemicals. Their predatory nature makes them an essential ally in maintaining a balanced, thriving garden ecosystem.

With gratitude and floral magic,

Alex Winans

founder & owner, Bede’s Blooms + Co.