PRINCESS ANNE – Agribusinesses across the Mid-Atlantic are diversifying their revenue streams by adding fields or patches of beautiful blooms.

Whether it’s wildflowers, bulbs or cut flowers sold through u-picks, stands or at farmers markets, small-scale farmers are capitalizing on growing consumer interest and niche markets.

UMES Extension is offering two workshops this winter at our partner’s Vintage Family Farms in Hurlock, Dorchester County, to get aspiring growers ready for spring. Learn about growing and propagating dahlias Sunday, Feb. 23 using pre-sprouted tubers to practice making cuttings to pot for transplanting. Dahlias are a stunning, desirable flower used to close out the fall growing season.

It’s tulip time Sunday, March 23, with a workshop aimed at educating growers on the cycle of tulip farming. Information will be shared on how to order recommended varieties, planting bulbs properly, forcing bulbs for early blooms and harvesting techniques.

Attendees will tour the 5-acre field planted with 100,000 bulbs, and discuss sales and marketing avenues.

“Our goal is to create more hands-on workshops to benefit small-scale farmers seeking diverse income opportunities to add to their agribusinesses,” said Jennifer Trice, a field agent with UMES Extension’s Small Farm Program.

Both flower workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vintage Family Farms. The fee for each workshop is $40 per person and includes materials. Pre-registration is required at www.umes.edu/extension/events. For more information, email smallfarms@umes.edu. 

-- Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.