May 14, 2026
The first two weeks of our retail greenhouse season have been a masterclass in patience and persistence. While we think the coast is finally clear, Mother Nature has certainly kept us on our toes.
Despite consistent cold nights and even a couple of hard freezes, our team has been working overtime as they physically move thousands of plants in and out of protection to ensure they stay healthy. Yes, we did lose a few plants to the frost last week, but overall, our retail greenhouses ended up faring quite well due to the diligence of our employees and their desire to keep their product looking as nice as possible.
The good news? The hard work paid off. Despite the chill, the product looks remarkable. Our greenhouses are currently a sea of vibrant, healthy blooms ready for your gardens.
While we hope we’ve tucked the plants in for the last time this spring, we are confident that now is the perfect window to visit and select your favorites for the season. You won’t be disappointed with the vast selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, and more. So much to choose from, so make a plan to come and visit.
The Impact of "The Big Chill" on Our Fields
The weather didn't affect just our retail flowers; it hit our farm operations, too. Last week, we woke up to a biting 23°F, a significant temperature drop for May. This hard frost stalled our asparagus harvest just as it was just about to begin. Hang in there, we hope to begin harvesting within a few days as the temperatures warm up and level out.
Agricultural growth is closely tied to soil temperature. For crops to truly "wake up," we look for consistent overnight temperatures in the 40s and 50s. While things are currently stalled, a few days of 70°F sunshine will act as a reset button, pushing our field crops forward.
Understanding the Economics of the Modern Farm
We want to pull back the curtain on some of the economic pressures hitting the agricultural industry today. Being transparent helps our community understand that farming isn't just about seeds and soil, it’s about navigating a volatile global market.
- Fuel Volatility: While most of us feel the pinch at the gas station, a farm's fuel needs are massive. Our off-road diesel, used to power tractors for planting, is currently $4.60 per gallon. That's nearly triple our initial budget. During peak planting, we use approximately 3,000 gallons a week.
- The Resin Ripple Effect: Many people don't realize that farm infrastructure is heavily dependent on oil. Whether conventional or organic, resins are used in products around us every single day. The poly-plastic used to cover our greenhouses and high tunnels is made from petroleum-based resins. As oil prices climb, so do the costs of our structures and our packaging, from cardboard boxes to plastic bags.
- Supply Chain Surcharges: Nearly every shipment of supplies or products we receive now includes a fuel surcharge. As a small business, we face a daily balancing act: determining which costs we can absorb, and which must be reflected in our pricing to ensure the farm remains viable for next year.
Why Local Support Matters Now More Than Ever
Our goal isn't to cause alarm, but to educate. When you see price fluctuations in the agricultural sector, it isn't because the farmer is seeing a higher profit margin. In fact, most local producers eat a significant portion of these cost increases to keep fresh food accessible.
Supporting a local producer does more than just fill your fridge; it powers your local economy.
- The Multiplier Effect: When you buy from us, those dollars stay in the community. We use that revenue to pay local staff, buy supplies from local vendors, and support local charities.
- Food Security and Standards: Produce imported from overseas often follows different production guidelines. By buying local, you are guaranteed a product grown under strict US safety standards, harvested at peak nutrition rather than being ripened in a shipping container or with ethylene gas.
- Preserving Green Space: Supporting local farms ensures that our community maintains its agricultural heritage and green spaces rather than losing them to industrial development.
Farming is becoming more complex every year, but your support keeps the tractors moving. When you choose to "buy local," you aren't just buying a plant or a bunch of asparagus, you’re investing in the resilience of your own backyard.
