The Flower Farmer

the best windbreak is 40 to 60 percent porous because that provides the greatest distance of reduced wind velocity.

Several companies sell fabrics specifically for use as windbreaks, or you can use greenhouse shade cloth.

install a fabric wind fence

Choose shrubs or trees with flowering branches or interesting foliage that you can sell when the plants are mature. And while you’re waiting for them to grow tall, plant a barrier of wheat or rye, which can be used fresh or dried in your arrangements.

As a temporary measure to protect flowers against wind, you can plant a 5- to 10-foot barrier of rye or wheat every30 to 50 feet. For a long-term solution, plant a line of tall shrubs about every 100 feet. Choose varieties with foliage orflowers that are good for cutting

As a temporary measure to protect flowers against wind, you can plant a 5- to 10-foot barrier of rye or wheat every30 to 50 feet. For a long-term solution, plant a line of tall shrubs about every 100 feet. Choose varieties with foliage orflowers that are good for cutting (see chapter 7).

When wind pushes these plants off-vertical, their tips turn upward, creating a nasty bend in their stems. So try to pick a site that has trees, shrubs, or buildings to shield your flowers from the prevailing summer wind.

improve what they have and make it productive with cover crops, compost, and organic soil amendments

The ideal soil for growing flowers is a well-drained sandy loam with a neutral pH, adequate fertility, and abundant organic matter.

county’s soil survey