Parenting + Farming with Becky Sadlowski of Rooted Flowers (SFFF59)
When Becky Sadlowski of Rooted Flowers started her business, she wasn’t trying to build a floral empire. She was just a farm kid at heart with a passion for growing things and a roadside veggie stand. But over time, that tiny setup evolved into a full-scale, profitable flower farm—complete with eight high tunnels, weddings and events, and three kids growing up right alongside the rows of lisianthus and zinnias.
Running a flower farm is no small feat. Neither is parenting. Becky does both, often at the same time, and she does it with grace, grit, and a whole lot of planning. She joined me for Episode 59 of the Six Figure Flower Farming Podcast to talk about the real behind-the-scenes of raising a family while building a successful flower business. Spoiler alert: it’s not always tidy, and that’s okay.
Growing a Flower Farm, Growing a Family
Becky didn’t grow up thinking farming was a viable career. In fact, like many of us, she was told it wasn’t a “real job.” But the summers she spent working in tobacco and vegetable fields left a lasting imprint. She started selling veggies from a small stand while working full-time as a dental hygienist. Flowers were just meant to be a pretty add-on—but when customers started asking for bouquets, things quickly took a turn.
As demand grew, Becky leaned into flower farming. She scaled slowly and intentionally, adding tunnels one at a time and saying yes to bigger opportunities only when she felt ready. All the while, she stayed rooted in the idea that this farm wasn’t just about income. It was about creating the kind of life she wanted for herself and her future family.
How She Balances It All (Without Doing It All)
One of the biggest takeaways from Becky’s story is that she doesn’t try to do everything at once. Instead, she structures her days around what matters most—her family and the farm. That means early mornings, realistic expectations, and a whole lot of systems to keep things flowing.
Here’s a glimpse into how she makes it work:
Morning meetings happen while her kids are still asleep, or right nearby with a walkie-talkie if they wake up early.
School time is brief and intentional (she homeschools), usually wrapped up in an hour before heading outside.
Child-friendly workstations are set up near tunnels and beds, with sandboxes, water buckets, and flower “soup” activities to keep little ones engaged.
Admin tasks and design work happen during early mornings or nap times, when focus is possible.
Becky Sadlowski is the owner and lead grower at Rooted Flowers, a specialty cut flower farm based in Agawam, Massachusetts. A fifth-generation farmer by spirit, Becky grew up working on farms every summer—soaking in the rhythms of fieldwork, family, and fresh air. Although she initially followed a more traditional path as a dental hygienist, her love of growing never left. What began as a modest roadside vegetable stand quickly blossomed into a thriving flower farm and event business rooted in intentionality, grit, and beauty.
Today, Becky grows premium blooms for weddings, farmstand customers, and floral designers across New England. She’s passionate about cultivating a family-centered farming lifestyle, raising her three children on the farm, and empowering others to build businesses that honor both their values and their vision. Whether she’s harvesting lisianthus, leading a team meeting, or homeschooling her daughter at the kitchen table, Becky brings clarity, heart, and hustle to everything she does.
Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, or check out the Rooted Flowers Website.
Teaching While Tending: Why Involving Kids Matters
Becky’s approach isn’t just about convenience. It’s about raising kids who are capable, curious, and confident. Her six-year-old, Mary, can run a point-of-sale system, wrap bouquets, and even help with event setups. That didn’t happen overnight. It took years of consistency, patience, and setting clear expectations.
Including children in farm life builds more than skills—it builds connection. The farm becomes their home base. They don’t need to be entertained because they learn to contribute. And when tough moments arise, like sibling fights or emotional meltdowns, Becky pauses everything and handles it with intention. There’s no separation between business and parenting here. It’s all part of the same life.
Redefining Productivity on the Flower Farm
If you’re a flower farmer with young kids, or you’re dreaming about starting a flower farm with a family in tow, chances are you’ve wrestled with guilt. Guilt for not getting enough done. Guilt for not being fully present. Guilt for not doing it the way you “should.”
Becky offers a refreshing shift in perspective. Productivity doesn’t always look like a full to-do list checked off. Sometimes, it’s getting one key task done while your toddler splashes in a water bucket nearby. Sometimes, it’s harvesting at 4 am so you can spend the day with your kids. And sometimes, it’s outsourcing the laundry so your energy can go toward building the life you actually want.
Want to Hear More?
This is just the surface of what we covered in our conversation. We talk about navigating farm financing with an FSA loan, what Becky outsourced first (and why it was laundry), and why it’s okay if your lifestyle doesn’t match what everyone else is doing. If you’ve been craving encouragement, strategy, and a little real-talk about farming with kids, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Listen to Episode 59 of the Six Figure Flower Farming Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
