If you are like us, you are probably checking the forecast every day, waiting for that first string of warm days so you can get into the garden. We get it—the anticipation of spring is real!
If you’ve ever wondered what is happening in the greenhouse while you wait, we have a behind-the-scenes look for you.
Right now, across most of our native plant grower network (with the exception of our lucky friends in Florida and Southern California), a delicate transition is taking place. It is a quiet, crucial period that determines the success of your garden for years to come.
Here is a look at how we grow native plants, why we wait to start shipping, and why it matters for your plants.
The Great Migration: From Bay to Bench
At this very moment, thousands of native seedlings are graduating. Most of our growers are transitioning newly germinated seedlings from "germination bays"—which provide steady, cozy warmth to help seeds sprout—into the main greenhouses.
While the germination bays are like an incubator, the main greenhouses are still experiencing the cool, fluctuating temperatures of early spring. This is where the real work begins.
Light vs. Heat: The Science of Spring
Once seedlings are transplanted, our growers begin gently heating the greenhouses to keep the frost at bay. But you might notice that plants in early spring don't explode with growth the way they do in July. Why?
It comes down to Photoperiodism (a fancy word for how plants react to daylight).
Native plants are smart. They respond not just to soil warmth, but to the length of the day. Increasing day length is nature’s strongest signal that it is safe to actively grow.
While industrial nurseries often use high-intensity artificial lighting to "trick" plants into thinking it’s summer—forcing rapid, leggy growth—we take a different approach.
We don’t use artificial lighting or aggressive methods to force growth ahead of the season. Instead, we work with nature’s timing. We allow the plants to wake up slowly, developing in rhythm with natural light cycles. This means when your plant arrives, it is in sync with your season, reducing the risk of transplant shock.
The "Iceberg" Effect: Why We Wait 6–8 Weeks
After a seedling is transplanted into its nursery pot, it might look like nothing is happening above the surface. But underground, it’s a marathon.
Most species require about 6–8 weeks after transplanting to establish a strong, healthy root system. This is the most critical stage of production.
Think of a native plant like an iceberg: what matters most is what you can't see. If we shipped a plant the moment it looked green on top, it would lack the root structure to survive the journey to your doorstep or the transition into your soil. We hold our inventory until those roots are robust, sturdy, and ready to anchor a new habitat in your yard.
The Human Touch
There is no "autopilot" in our greenhouses. Behind every tray and bench are skilled growers who monitor crops daily.
These are experienced horticultural professionals who are constantly adjusting moisture levels, ventilation, and temperature as the spring weather shifts. They are checking for root development and ensuring sturdy stems. They take real pride in raising plants the right way—not the fast way.
So, as we wait for the days to get a little longer, know that your plants are getting ready, too. They are building their strength so that when they finally reach your garden, they are ready to thrive.
Ready to see what’s growing for your region?
