Once you’re enrolled, click on Curriculum above to begin your journey!
Fields of peonies blooming in perfect rows — and you growing them like a pro.
Knowing exactly what to plant, when to plant, and how to make real money from it.
No guesswork. No wasting time.
Just lush, beautiful blooms and a business that actually pays you back.
Whether you’ve got a backyard or a full acre —
Whether you want a side hustle or a full-time farm —
This masterclass will walk you through it all.
Let’s get you growing
Agenda:
I. Getting Started
- Introduction to Midsommar Farm
- Why peonies? Why specialize?
- How much space? How much income?
- How much time?
II. Understanding Peonies
- Peony basics
- Types: Herbaceous, Tree, ITOH,
- Early-Mid-Late bloomers
- Double, Semi-Double, Single, and Bomb
- Side-buds
- Roots vs seeds
- Cultivar vs. variety
- Introduction to hybridizing
III. Infrastructure
- Irrigation types: drip, overhead, soaker
- Irrigation design: drip tape vs emitters
- Irrigation design: zone size
- Irrigation design: filters, pressure regulators
- Irrigation design: fittings and details
- Landscape fabric vs mulch vs grass
- Coolers: How to buy or build your own
IV. Buying & Sourcing
- Recommended cultivars, bloom time, and pricing
- Where to buy: retail & wholesale sources
- Root sizing, ordering timelines, shipping
V. Planting & Cultivating
- Site selection, soil prep, fertilizer
- Preparing beds
- Planting demonstration
- Avoiding support
- Layout options: linear, staggered, decorative
- How many plants per cultivar?
VI. Harvesting
- When & how to harvest
- Harvest Timing demonstration
- Storage in the cooler
- End of season clean-up
- End of season demonstration
VII. Challenges & Troubleshooting
- Common pests & natural predators
- Ants & thrips
- Fungal issues (Botrytis, Powdery Mildew)
- Fungicide options
- Managing losses
- Extending the season
- Low tunnels
- Less common diseases and issues
VIII. Sustainable Practices
- Environmental impact of imported flowers
- Local + Natural = better for health & planet
- Biodiversity Benefits: Soil, Pests, Climate
- Pollinator strips, trap crops, bird habitats
IX. Outsourcing
- Freelancers & Platforms (Fiverr, Upwork)
- Sample job post for Web Developer
- Using ChatGPT for content, outreach, and admin
X. Starting a Business
- Registering your farm
- LLC vs Sole Proprietorship
- Naming your farm
- Checking state & federal requirements
- Sales tax
- Insurance options
- Specific requirements for a flower business
- Tips on tracking income and expenses
XI. Marketing
- Choosing your business model based on lifestyle
- Detailed strategy for each sales channel
- Social Media Tips & CSA Marketing
- Email outreach + florist relationships
XII. Pricing & Selling
- Pricing Strategies: Retail vs Wholesale
- Weekly availability lists
- Taking an Order: Google Forms, E-commerce, Standing Orders
- Packing & delivery
XIII. Money & Retirement Comparison
- 2024 Income/Expense breakdown
- Start-up cost scenarios
- Potential profits
- Calculating your hourly rate
- Peony Farm vs IRA Investment
XIV. Mindset for Success
- How to get started without overwhelm
- Comfort Zone growth & resilience
- Outsourcing as a strategy
- Lifestyle goals, not just financial ones
- The Joy Factor: Keep It Fun!
- Worst Case? You’ll have gorgeous flowers to enjoy & share
XV. Lessons Learned
- Treat it like a business
- Lessons from the Flower Field
- Business models
- Thank you!