Ep.51: How Jenny Marks Built a Profitable Flower Farm & Helps Others Do the Same
Have you ever wondered if flower farming can be profitable? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we talk with Jenny Marks of Trademark Farmer, who has been immersed in agriculture her entire life.
Introduction
Growing up on a farm, Jenny worked with livestock, baled hay, and was involved in farming from an early age. She later earned a degree in agriculture and worked in government positions with the USDA and State Departments of Agriculture. But she always had a dream of running her own farm.
After purchasing a property in Western New York, Jenny initially started a vegetable CSA—but shortly after, she discovered dahlias, which changed everything. She pivoted to flower farming and built a thriving, small-scale flower business that supports her lifestyle.
“I thought I wanted to start a vegetable CSA farm, but I just wasn’t excited about growing kale and carrots. Then I discovered dahlias, and I fell head over heels in love with flowers. That’s when everything changed.”
-Jenny Marks
Today, Jenny not only runs a successful flower farm but also teaches others how to build profitable, sustainable floral businesses through her online education platform, Trademark Farmer, and her podcast, Six Figure Flower Farming.
In this episode, Jenny shares the biggest lessons she’s learned in flower farming, from finding her niche to pricing with confidence and overcoming limiting beliefs.
Turning Passion into Profit: Jenny’s Business Model
“I created my business around the life I wanted to live.”
– Jenny Marks
Jenny’s flower farm operates on less than an acre, yet she’s been able to build a profitable business. Here’s how:
Focused Crop Selection – Instead of growing dozens of flower varieties, Jenny streamlined her production to focus on high-value crops like dahlias and ranunculus, which now make up over 50% of her revenue.
Diverse Sales Channels – She sells her flowers through a farmer’s market, CSA subscriptions, and dahlia tuber sales, allowing her to maximize her income throughout the seasons.
Efficiency & Profitability – Jenny emphasizes the importance of smart systems and profit-focused decision-making, which she now teaches in her Lean Flower Farming Workshop.
She believes that anyone can make a sustainable income from flower farming if they approach it with the right mindset and business strategies.
The Biggest Lessons Jenny Has Learned in Flower Farming
“We’re not really selling flowers. We’re selling an experience, joy, happiness, and connection.”
– Jenny Marks
Jenny has experienced both the highs and lows of farming, and she’s gained invaluable insights along the way. Some of her key takeaways include:
🌱 Resilience is Essential – Whether it’s a devastating crop failure or a market shift, farming is full of challenges. Jenny stresses that learning to adapt and persevere is what separates successful farmers from those who quit.
🌸 Flowers Are More Than Just a Product – Jenny had an “aha moment” when she realized that she wasn’t just selling flowers—she was selling an experience. Flowers bring people joy, comfort, and connection. This mindset shift helped her feel confident in pricing her flowers appropriately.
🛠 Invest in Business Skills – Many flower farmers start out with a passion for growing but struggle with the business side. Jenny emphasizes that understanding marketing, pricing, and profitability is just as important as growing beautiful flowers.
How to Build a Successful & Profitable Flower Farming Business
“You can make as much or as little as you want in flower farming. I know flower farmers that make a million dollars, and I know some that make $10,000 and are happy with that.”
– Jenny Marks
If you’re thinking about starting or growing your own flower farm, here are Jenny’s top tips:
1. Find Your Niche Instead of trying to grow and sell everything, figure out what works best for your farm and your market. Whether it’s wedding flowers, CSA bouquets, or dahlia tubers, specializing can help you stand out.
2. Value Your Work & Charge Accordingly One of the biggest mistakes new farmers make is underpricing their flowers. Jenny encourages farmers to believe in their value and set prices that reflect their effort and quality.
3. Keep Learning & Seek Community Jenny found success by learning from others, attending workshops, and joining groups like the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG). Surrounding yourself with like-minded growers can provide invaluable support and knowledge.
Join Jenny at Her Flower Farming Workshop!
Want to learn directly from Jenny? She’s hosting her Lean Flower Farming Workshop on July 28-29, 2025, in Clifton Springs, NY. This hands-on, two-day event focuses on systems, efficiency, and profitability for small-scale flower farmers.
Jenny’s story is an inspiration for anyone looking to make flower farming a full-time career. Tune into Episode 51 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast to hear her full journey, business insights, and practical tips.
Flower farming is more than just growing blooms—it’s about building a life and business that aligns with your values. Jenny Marks is proof that with the right mindset, resilience, and business strategy, you can create a thriving floral business.
What are your biggest takeaways from Jenny’s journey? Let us know in the comments or share this episode with a fellow flower lover!
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