The 5 Mistakes I Made as a Rookie Flower Farmer (So You Don’t Have To)

When I first started flower farming, I had big dreams, a boot-load of seedlings, and absolutely no idea what I was doing.

Turns out, that’s a perfectly valid starting point. Whether you’re growing for beauty, bouquets, or your own sanity, I hope this little list of rookie mistakes helps you dodge a few potholes on your own petal-powered journey.

Here are 5 things I learned the hard way — so you don’t have to.

1. I Overplanted Everything (Because... Seedling FOMO)

Look, when you’ve spent weeks babying tiny green things into existence, it’s really hard to thin them out or say goodbye.

I used to cram everything in, thinking more plants = more flowers. Wrong. Overcrowding leads to poor airflow, more disease, and fewer blooms. Give your plants space to breathe, grow, and shine. Less really is more (except when it comes to snacks).

2. I Ignored the Weeds Until It Was a Jungle

I’m not saying weeds will personally haunt your dreams, but... they might. I let them get ahead of me in my first season, and by midsummer, I had full-on weed regret. Stay on top of them early with mulch, consistent weeding, and maybe a prayer or two. Future you will thank you.

3. I Didn’t Label Anything (Total Chaos Ensued)

Thought I’d remember which tray was larkspur and which was snapdragons? I did not. Label everything — trays, rows, seedlings.

Use weatherproof markers, tag them twice, tattoo it on your arm if you have to. There’s nothing worse than growing mystery plants and playing the world’s slowest guessing game.

4. I Waited Too Long to Harvest

I thought I had to wait until flowers were in full, glorious bloom before picking them. Rookie move. Many flowers actually last longer in the vase if you harvest them earlier — just as buds are beginning to open. Learn the right stage for each variety, and your bouquets will thank you.

5. I Took Every Loss Personally

Plants died. Bugs munched things. I cried (and maybe swore at a snail once).

It’s all part of the process. Not every seedling makes it, and that doesn’t make you a failure — it makes you a gardener. Learn, adjust, keep going. The flowers are worth it.

Bonus Tip:

Keep a garden journal or take photos. You'll be amazed how much you grow — literally and figuratively — season by season.
Got your own rookie story or garden whoopsie? I’d love to hear it. Share it with me on Instagram @rogue_stems — the dirtier the better.

Because here’s the truth: nobody gets it perfect. But anyone can grow something beautiful.