Key Takeaways
- Local greenhouses provide expert guidance and personalized support
- Understanding your sunlight conditions is essential before buying plants
- Beginner-friendly plants like geraniums and SunPatiens are great starting points
- Timing your purchase around the last frost date helps prevent plant damage
- Container gardening is an easy and flexible option for beginners
- Locally grown plants are conditioned for your climate and perform better
If you’re wondering what to buy at a greenhouse for beginners, you’re not alone. Walking into a greenhouse for the first time can feel exciting—but also a bit overwhelming. Rows of colorful blooms, hanging baskets, and endless plant varieties can quickly turn excitement into confusion. The good news? With a little guidance and preparation, your first visit can be both enjoyable and successful.
In a recent podcast conversation, greenhouse expert Erin Conner of Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch shared practical advice for first-time visitors. Her insights offer a clear roadmap for anyone looking to start their gardening journey with confidence.
Why Choose a Local Greenhouse?
One of the biggest takeaways from the discussion is the value of visiting a local greenhouse instead of a big box store. According to Erin Conner, “you should expect expertise” when you walk into a greenhouse like Howell’s. That expertise can make all the difference, especially for beginners who may not yet understand plant care basics.
Local greenhouses provide:
- Personalized recommendations based on your space
- Staff who understand local climate conditions
- Plants that are properly cared for and ready to thrive
Unlike large retail stores, you’re not left guessing. Instead, you have knowledgeable staff who can walk you through your options and help you make confident decisions. This support can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
How to Prepare Before You Go
Preparation is key to avoiding overwhelm. Before you even step into a greenhouse, take time to understand your space and how plants will fit into it.
Know Your Sunlight Conditions
Erin emphasizes the importance of knowing where your plants will live. “Know which side of your house the planters will go on,” she explains. This simple step can dramatically impact your success.
Pay attention to:
- Whether the area gets full sun, partial sun, or shade
- How many hours of sunlight it receives daily
- Whether the space is exposed to wind or protected
This information will guide your plant selection and help ensure long-term success—not just a pretty display on day one. Many beginners make the mistake of choosing plants based solely on appearance, but matching plants to their environment is what truly matters.
Beginner-Friendly Plant Ideas
For beginners, simplicity is a great starting point—but that doesn’t mean your garden has to look basic. Erin suggests elevating traditional combinations with more unique options that still require minimal care.
Classic beginner-friendly plants include:
- Geraniums for reliable color
- SunPatiens for low-maintenance blooms
- Pentas to attract pollinators
However, Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch encourages customers to think beyond the standard combinations. For example, instead of using a typical spike plant, Erin recommends trying something like Prince Tut or Cleopatra grass to add height and a more modern look. Trailing plants such as Goldilocks lysimachia can introduce texture and movement, creating a more dynamic container.
The goal is to create balance by combining height, fullness, and spillover. Even as a beginner, you can achieve a professional-looking arrangement with the right guidance.
Timing Your Visit Matters
One of the most practical pieces of advice shared is about timing. Many beginners rush to buy plants as soon as the weather starts to warm up, but this can lead to disappointment if temperatures drop again.
In regions like Iowa, Erin explains that the last frost date typically falls around Mother’s Day. While greenhouses begin selling plants in mid-April, planting too early can expose them to cold damage.
If you decide to purchase plants early, it’s important to take extra precautions. Bringing plants indoors or into a garage at night can protect them from unexpected temperature drops. This small effort can make a significant difference in plant health and survival.
Container Gardening: The Beginner’s Best Friend
If you’re new to gardening, container gardening is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to start. Instead of planting directly in the ground, you can create beautiful arrangements in pots and planters.
Erin highlights several benefits of container gardening:
- It’s easier on your body—no kneeling or heavy digging
- Maintenance is simpler, with less weeding required
- You can decorate patios, porches, and entryways with style
Container gardening also gives you flexibility. You can move plants to adjust for sunlight, experiment with different combinations, and easily update your design throughout the season. For beginners, this adaptability makes learning much less intimidating.
Why Locally Grown Plants Perform Better
Another important insight from Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch is the concept of plant conditioning. Local greenhouses gradually prepare their plants for outdoor conditions before selling them.
As Erin explains, moving a plant from a warm greenhouse environment directly into cooler outdoor temperatures can cause shock. To prevent this, greenhouses slowly lower temperatures so plants can adapt.
This conditioning process is one of the main reasons locally grown plants tend to perform better. They are already acclimated to the local environment, giving you a stronger starting point for success.
More Than Just Shopping
A visit to a greenhouse isn’t just about buying plants—it’s an experience. At Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, visitors can enjoy a welcoming farm atmosphere that makes the trip more enjoyable for individuals and families alike.
This kind of environment turns a simple shopping trip into something memorable. It also makes gardening feel more approachable, especially for beginners who may feel unsure about where to start.
Starting your gardening journey doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and expert advice, you’ll quickly learn what to buy at a greenhouse for beginners and build a space that brings color and life to your home.
FAQs
What should I know before visiting a greenhouse?
You should understand your space, especially how much sunlight it receives and where your plants will be placed.
Can I buy plants before the last frost?
Yes, but you’ll need to protect them from cold temperatures by bringing them indoors or covering them at night.
Why is a local greenhouse better than a big store?
Local greenhouses offer expert advice, healthier plants, and guidance tailored to your environment.
What are the easiest plants for beginners?
Geraniums, SunPatiens, pentas, and simple container combinations are excellent choices.
Is container gardening better for beginners?
In most cases, yes. It’s easier to manage, requires less physical effort, and allows for more flexibility.
Mike Downer: Hey everybody, I am your host Mike Downer, and I am here with Erin Conner. She is with Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch. We are talking about the Howell’s Farm experience. Today, Erin, we are going to cover what you should know before your first greenhouse visit. How are you doing today?
Erin Conner: I’m doing good. How about you?
Mike Downer: I’m doing great. I’m going to learn a little bit about greenhouses today, so this is going to be good for me as well. That leads me into my first question: What should a first-time visitor expect at a local greenhouse, and how do you choose the right plants for your home in Iowa?
Erin Conner: Here at Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming, Iowa, you should expect expertise. When you visit our greenhouse, you’ll know that our plants were taken care of properly with the love and attention you would expect. The biggest advantage of buying from a local greenhouse instead of a chain is our expertise in taking care of these plants so they thrive and are ready for your environment.
Mike Downer: Perfect. What’s the biggest difference between visiting a real greenhouse like Howell’s and a big box store?
Erin Conner: I would say the biggest difference is the knowledgeable staff. We know which plants will work for your environment. You won’t be left to figure it out. You can ask us for help, and we’ll walk you through picking plants. We also specialize in combination containers like patio pots and hanging baskets. We help you build containers with complementary plants that will work well at your house.
Mike Downer: Perfect. What are the best plants for Iowa beginners that thrive in zone five without requiring a green thumb?
Erin Conner: Typical beginner plants in Iowa might include a spike with a geranium and filler plants. Here at Howell’s, we elevate that planter. Instead of a spike, we might suggest Prince Tut or Cleopatra grass. We could still use geraniums, or try something new like SunPatiens or pentas, which are lower maintenance. Instead of a typical vinca vine, we might offer Goldilocks lysimachia, which adds a different texture. We like to do things differently.
Mike Downer: So a beginner like me—how should someone walk into a greenhouse for the first time without feeling overwhelmed?
Erin Conner: Before visiting, you should know which side of your house the planters will go on. Know the difference between sun and shade and what hours the sun hits. That will determine which plants you should choose. Don’t just pick what looks pretty—think about long-term placement.
Mike Downer: What’s the seasonal timing for buying annuals, perennials, and vegetables in Iowa?
Erin Conner: Everyone wants to buy plants around mid-April because the weather gets nice. But the last frost date in Iowa is usually around Mother’s Day. Our busiest time is late April through Mother’s Day because people buy plants for gifts and want the best selection. After Mother’s Day, the selection decreases.
Mike Downer: Can people buy too early?
Erin Conner: Yes. Some plants like coleus or sweet potato vine don’t like cold. If you buy early, we recommend bringing them into the garage at night or keeping them in a sunroom. It’s always warmer in town than on the farm, so care may vary.
Mike Downer: How do you help homeowners plan landscaping for entries, beds, and overall garden design?
Erin Conner: We focus on bedding plants and container gardening. Customers often bring pictures and measurements. We help create a blueprint, considering height, color, and spillover. We help them pick complementary plants for the best turnout.
Mike Downer: That gives people peace of mind when investing in plants. Why does buying locally grown plants matter for success in the Iowa climate?
Erin Conner: We condition our plants before they go home. Around mid-April, we lower greenhouse temperatures gradually so plants become hardy. If you take a plant from 80 degrees to 60 degrees, it can go into shock. Conditioning helps them transition successfully.
Mike Downer: For Iowa porches and patios, when is container gardening better than planting in the ground?
Erin Conner: Container gardening is often easier physically. You don’t have to kneel or weed as much. People also enjoy decorating their porches with stylish pots. Many customers hear compliments from neighbors and referrals spread that way.
Mike Downer: How did Howell’s Greenhouse grow from a quarter acre of strawflowers in the 1980s to today’s full nursery?
Erin Conner: We started about thirty years ago, around 1995. Back then, patio pots weren’t common—mostly hanging baskets. Over time, we evolved and added unique plants you wouldn’t see at big box stores. Now we have two greenhouses and a high tunnel, and we showcase new plants and containers every year.
Mike Downer: You’ve done a great job explaining what people should know before their first greenhouse experience. If you visit Howell’s, you also get baby goats.
Erin Conner: Yes, we’re on a farm. You can bring the kids and feed the goats while you shop. You won’t get that in town.
Mike Downer: I’ve never seen a goat at a big box store. Thanks for explaining everything today. I look forward to talking more about your farm and getting Fred back on camera.
Erin Conner: I’m sure he’d like that.
Mike Downer: Thanks so much, Erin. Talk to you soon.
Erin Conner: Thank you.
