2021 Tulip Forcing Workshop
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Photo Credit: James Buck/Stuck In Vermont
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Workshop Description:
Thanks for your interest in my Flower Farmer’s Tulip Forcing Workshop! I have been forcing tulips in Vermont (zone 4) for the past 11 years. During that time I have figured out how to significantly extend my growing season through bulb forcing. In forcing tulips I am able to harvest armloads of gorgeous blooms (122,500 of them this season- and more than 65 different specialty tulip varieties) from early January through June. By implementing some of my season extension strategies I am able to significantly extend my growing season. This winter crop provides an influx of income during a time when most flower farmers don’t have any money coming in. The winter market is ripe for fresh, local, ecologically grown tulips, as customers are eager for beautiful blooms during the longest, darkest days of winter. During the winter season I am able to sell three times as many flower bouquets compared to the summer growing season, and my blooms sell twice as fast. Winter forcing has been a total game changer for me. I am excited to share my knowledge and methods with other flower farmers who are eager to extend their own growing seasons.
This past fall I offered two workshop dates to accommodate the interest that I received. Each workshop date covered the same information. In response to Covid, I reduced the number of participants in each workshop. We practiced social distancing, and everyone involved in the workshop was required to wear a face covering.
I also offered a group Distance Mentoring option this past fall to accommodate flower farmers who were farther a field and couldn't travel due to the pandemic. During this workshop we met via Zoom over two Sunday mornings to cover the material that I teach during the on farm workshop. I get a lot of questions about an online version. I will be continuing to offer group distance mentoring options going forward
This workshop is geared for flower farmers who have a solid foundation in growing flowers and are looking to extend their growing season by forcing bulbs. During the workshop we will tour the facilities that I use here on the farm and we will cover the following topics: forcing steps, resources and materials, growing practices, season extension (this will include snow bunkers, cold holding, etc.), pest pressure and disease, harvesting and processing, ordering bulbs (timelines and contacts), tulip varieties (the best and worst for forcing), marketing, income breakdown, potted bulbs, etc. This workshop is hands on and is a very full day on the farm.
In addition to the full day workshop, participants will join the von Trapp Flowers Tulip Forcing Facebook Page- where we will connect, share ideas, answer questions and provide support. One of the components of the workshop that I am excited about is talking to each of you about your goals, your facilities, and ways that I can help you problem solve and get growing. Following the workshop I will be checking in with all participants and providing mentoring support as you navigate what forcing tulips will look like for you and your business. While it is a full day workshop, it is also the beginning of a tulip forcing mentoring relationship.
During the welcome on Sunday morning refreshments will be served. A delicious lunch spread of locally sourced food is also included in the workshop (when registering please indicate any dietary restrictions.)
I will have a few thousand specialty tulip bulbs available for purchase at wholesale price in quantities of 500 bulbs. This option is first come, first serve- please let me know if you are interested.
If you are interested in signing up for the workshop, but are unsure if you have the right facilities, or infrastructure to get started, please don't hesitate to contact me, and we can figure out if this workshop is the right fit for you. Workshop space is limited.
To read a review of the Tulip Forcing Workshop from fall 2018, as well as a follow up reflection from fellow flower farmer Linda D'Arco of Little Farmhouse Flowers, follow these links:
Little Farmhouse Flowers Workshop Review: www.littlefarmhouseflowers.com/blog/2018/10/11/learning-tulip-forcing-with-von-trapp-flowers.
Little Farmhouse Flowers Tulip Forcing Update: www.littlefarmhouseflowers.com/blog/2019/2/13/tulip-forcing-part-2
TO REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP: Please email me at vontrappflowers@gmail.com (I currently have a long waitlist for the workshop, please email me if you would like to be added to the list).
Please let me know if you have any questions.
I look forward to sharing the joy of growing tulips with you!
Best,
Emily
