Ep 1. Groundwork

Growing Floret is an informative and educational series that focuses on the concept of sustainable flower gardening. The show is entirely dedicated to the subject of gardening and sustainability, which makes it a unique and engaging experience for viewers who are interested in learning about gardening practices.

The first episode of season 1 is named Groundwork, and it is an episode that sets the tone for the rest of the series. Groundwork is all about preparing the land for planting. The episode explores the importance of soil health, the role of microorganisms, and the benefits of using compost for soil enrichment.

The episode opens on a picturesque farm with rows of flowers blooming. Here, we meet with Erin, who is the founder of Floret, a farm that practices sustainable flower farming. Erin takes us on a tour of the farm, and we see how to grow a wide variety of flowers on the farm. At every step of the way, Erin explains how she is doing what she is doing and why it matters.

The first step in preparing the land for planting flowers is to tighten up the soil, which means removing any debris, weeds, or rocks. Erin explains how using a broadfork loosens the soil and creates space for planting bulbs and seedlings. She also mentions how it is essential to oxygenate the soil for healthy plant growth.

The next step is improving soil health. In Groundwork, we learn about how soil fertility is maintained, and how to replenish nutrients for optimal growth. We get a look at a soil analysis that Erin orders to determine the nutrient content of the soil. Erin explains how a good soil test can provide valuable insights into the nutrition of the soil. We also see how Erin makes organic compost using natural materials like compostable food waste, fallen leaves, and manure. She explains how the compost is a valuable source of plant nutrition and helps improve soil structure.

Erin also touches upon biochar, a soil additive that, when added to the soil, increases the soil's fertility quotient. Biochar is a powerful soil amendment that has been shown to increase yields and improve soil productivity. Erin explains how she makes biochar using wood chips and other waste materials.

The episode also delves into the importance of the microorganisms and insects that inhabit the soil. We learn about the role of beneficial bacteria and fungi and how they help in soil nutrient recycling and mineralization. We also see how vital earthworms are for soil health and how they play a critical role in the sustainability of the farm.

Erin emphasizes that the key to good soil health is a balanced ecosystem that supports both plants and microorganisms. She mentions that using pesticides and other harmful chemicals can disrupt the natural balance of the soil and lead to long-term consequences that affect plant growth and soil productivity.

Finally, the episode concludes with Erin planting a wide variety of bulbs and seedlings. She demonstrates how to plant bulbs at the correct depth and demonstrates how to provide adequate moisture to the newly planted bulbs and seedlings. We also see how to use plastic mulch to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.

In conclusion, Growing Floret season 1 episode 1 is an engaging and informative episode that sets the stage for the rest of the series. The episode does an excellent job of showing us how to prepare the land for planting and the importance of soil health. Erin's explanation of soil structure, nutrient balance, and plant nutrition is simple and easy to understand. If you are interested in sustainable flower farming, this episode and the series as a whole is an excellent watch.