After one of the snowiest winters in recent Massachusetts history, it’s hard to picture pansies in pots or tomatoes on vines. Snowbanks still edge driveways, and the ground remains frozen solid in places. But inside Cape Ann’s greenhouses, spring is already well underway.
Long before the last melt, family-run businesses like the Northeast Nursery Contractor Center, Ward’s Florist, and Wolf Hill Garden Center are planting, planning and preparing for the rush. For them, spring starts in seed trays, soil bins, and crop plans long before a date on the calendar.
And they say homeowners should be thinking the same way: patiently, strategically and with an eye on Cape Ann’s unpredictable coastal climate.
What Greenhouses are Anticipating
Despite the deep snowpack, greenhouse managers report that customers are already thinking about getting their gardens started.
Ted Watson, a sales associate from Northeast Nursery Contractor Center, located in Peabody, said that people are “already lining up seeds for vegetable gardens.”
For gardeners eager to get started, he recommends beginning in March with heated trays placed in a sunny spot indoors.
This year, growers expect strong interest in: vegetable starts, especially tomatoes, herbs and greens; native plants that support bees and birds; hardy perennials suited to salty air and wind; and container gardens for patios and smaller yards
With water restrictions common in many communities, drought-tolerant plantings and smart irrigation planning are also top of mind.
Planning ahead now can also prevent problems later in the season. Watson suggests clumping plants together based on water needs. Many towns do have water restrictions, so being responsible with water use will benefit not only the garden, but the broader community as well.
For those not ready to commit to outdoor beds, bringing colors indoors can offer an immediate lift. At Ward’s Florist, owner Kim Ward said customers gravitate towards bright blooms during the gray stretch of winter. Hanging plants remain popular because they are easy to care for and add dimension to a room. Orchids, calla lilies, azaleas, African violets, and tulips are also in demand as reminders that warmer days are coming.
“It’s very cheerful to see people coming in to buy bright, colorful flowers for their homes, especially during cold gloomy weather,” Ward said, adding that a home’s ambience does not have to reflect the winter season.
While anticipation builds, greenhouse managers caution against rushing outdoor work once the snow melts. At Wolf Hill Garden Center, manager Lauren DeCoste advises homeowners to slow down as the ground begins to thaw. If mulch is placed too early and the soil is still warm and wet, moisture can be trapped in which encourages rot and delays natural warming in spring.
“Avoid working soil when it is too cold or wet,” DeCoste said. “If you till or walk on frozen soil, it can compact the soil structure,” she added.
Instead of jumping into cleanup, experts recommend focusing on soil health. Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste now can significantly improve garden beds in the months ahead. Adding compost once the soil has properly dried enriches nutrients and supports long-term growth.
Winter is also a valuable time for reflection. Hunter Jay, shrub manager at Wolf Hill Garden Center in Ipswich, encourages gardeners to review last year’s performance before buying new plants.
“Plan your spring garden layout and order seeds and plant material now,” said Jay. “Winter is ideal for sketching designs, choosing varieties, and ordering seeds before popular ones sell out.”
Reviewing what worked — and what didn’t — last season can save money and frustration later, Jay added.
For many gardeners who rightfully feel eager after months of snow, Watson reminds them that the process takes time.
“Gardening is a journey,” Watson said. “It is something that you have to live with and figure out as you go.”
Eliot Josti is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story was produced in partnership with Massachusetts News Service.
Early Spring Gardening Checklist (Cape Ann)
Start indoors now
Plan before you plant
Think about water use
Hold off outdoors
Build better soil
Learn from last year
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