When we start seeing those spots of blue sky. When the days get longer and just a bit warmer, something in us yearns to get our hands in the earth – to plant and grow. And each year, these longer days bring the opening of local plant nurseries like Garden Starts Nursery in Elma. It’s a great place to wander through the sweet-smelling plants, get ideas and start or add to your garden or porch planters.
Elma Plant Nursery Ships Seeds Through North America
Gerry Whitney admits he and Melanie, his wife, did not start out wanting to own a plant nursery. “I worked in a mill for 22 years and as a millwright and an electrician for many of those years,” Gerry shares.
He says that at some point, however, it became a choice of continuing to work a 10-hour day for someone else, or trying to work for himself. In 2008, they decided to take the leap and opened Garden Starts Nursery to the public.
“[It was] scary at first,” he says. “You never know what would happen.”
But, almost two decades later, it’s obvious he made the right choice. The family-run nursery in Grays Harbor sells seeds year-round on their website, Trailing Petunia. “We ship seeds to USA and Canada,” Gerry says. “We offer over 4,000 varieties of seeds.”
On that site, you will find tips for buying the right seeds for you, including what attracts pollinators.
Garden Starts Nursery Open Seasonally for Spring Planting
From April through June, you can visit the Garden Starts Nursery in Elma to get affordable flowers, vegetable starts and seeds. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the spring season.
As growers, they start almost everything they sell locally, from seeds or cuttings. You can also find soil pots and supplies at the nursery to help with your spring planting.
Be sure to say hi to Gerry and Melanie when you are there! “We like to meet different people and talk about plants with them,” shares Gerry.
They are happy to answer questions, though Gerry says he is learning new things daily himself. That’s just the way gardening goes!
With almost 10,000 square feet of greenhouse space, you are sure to find a plant – or two – that speaks to you! Petunias, dahlias, senettis, marigolds, along with trees, bushes (including blueberry) and more can be found here. They have hanging baskets for your porch from $22. They have all kinds of vegetables too, from tomatoes to peppers. Looking for a deal? How about 33 varieties of tomato starts for $1.25 each!
It’s time to get out those gloves and trowels and spend some time in the soil, soaking up that sunshine, too.
Garden Starts Nursery
20 Rosemary Lane, Elma
