As the spring growing season gets underway, what can you find growing at your local greenhouse? You might find some annual flowers and veggies and wonder why they’re available if you can’t plant them outside yet! the benefits of buying some of your annuals early, climatizing or hardening off, home greenhouses, and effective shopping strategies.

Benefits to Buying Annuals Early (Before the Last Frost)

Early Start: Buying plants early gives you a head start in your garden. You can begin acclimating them to outdoor conditions (a process called “hardening off”) ahead of time, so they’ll be ready to grow as soon as the weather is right. This can result in healthier, more established plants by the time the frost-free date arrives.

Mental Health Boost: We’re itching to get out there. A greenhouse visit gives you a taste of what’s to come and allows you to bring home a couple favourites to help ease the transition.

Less Stressful Transition: Purchasing plants early allows them to adjust to outdoor conditions gradually. When you wait until after the last frost, you may face a more abrupt transition, which can stress plants, especially if the weather is unpredictable. This process is called ‘hardening off’ or ‘climatizing’.

More Varieties Available: Garden centers often carry a wider selection of plants early in the season. If you wait too long, some varieties may sell out, leaving you with fewer choices.

Better Plant Health: Sometimes, buying early allows you to pick healthier plants that have been started in greenhouses and have had time to grow before being put outside. If you wait until the last frost is past, plants might be smaller, or you may find fewer high-quality options.

Avoiding Crowds: Garden centers can become crowded as the frost-free date nears, especially in areas with short growing seasons. Shopping a month early allows you to browse without the pressure and pick your plants more leisurely.