Gertens is a regional garden center chain in the Upper Midwest with multiple locations
Gertens operates garden centers across Minnesota and nearby states, selling plants, seeds, gardening supplies, and outdoor décor. The chain has been in business since 1921 and runs several physical locations rather than a mail-order or online-only model. Each location carries seasonal inventory — spring bulbs and perennials in spring, annuals and vegetables in late spring and early summer, fall mums and ornamental grasses in autumn, and holiday plants and decorations in winter.
Unlike national chains such as Home Depot or Lowe's, which treat plants as one department among many, Gertens dedicates its entire operation to gardening and outdoor living. This means staff typically have deeper knowledge of plants specific to the region's climate and soil conditions. However, Gertens locations are only in the Upper Midwest, so the chain is not a shopping option for readers outside that geography.
Key Takeaways
- Gertens operates physical garden centers in Minnesota and nearby states, not online ordering or mail delivery.
- The chain specializes in plants and gardening supplies rather than mixing them into a general hardware or home improvement store.
- Inventory changes by season, so what is available in spring differs from summer or fall stock.
- Staff at Gertens locations can advise on plants suited to Upper Midwest growing conditions, which differs from information at national chains.
How Gertens differs from big-box garden departments
Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart garden sections carry plants and supplies, but they operate as one department within a much larger store. A Gertens location is built around gardening from the ground up. This affects what you find: Gertens typically stocks more varieties of perennials, native plants, and shrubs suited to Minnesota and Wisconsin climates than a big-box store's garden aisle would carry.
Big-box stores often source plants from national suppliers, which means the varieties available are the same whether you shop in Minnesota or Florida. Gertens sources more heavily from regional growers, so the plants are already acclimated to the climate you garden in. Staff at Gertens locations are also more likely to have formal training in horticulture or landscape design, whereas garden department staff at big-box stores may rotate through different departments.
The trade-off is convenience and price. Big-box stores are open longer hours, have more locations, and often undercut specialty garden centers on price because they buy in massive volume. Gertens prices are typically higher but reflect the cost of smaller-scale sourcing and more specialized staff time.
Gertens versus independent local nurseries
Independent nurseries in your area may carry even more specialized stock than Gertens — rare heirloom varieties, unusual native plants, or plants suited to very specific microclimates. Many independent nurseries also offer landscape design services or custom propagation. However, independent nurseries are smaller operations, so they may have shorter hours, fewer locations, and less consistent inventory week to week.
Gertens, as a regional chain, sits between the big-box stores and independent nurseries. It has more locations and longer hours than most independent nurseries but more plant knowledge and regional focus than Home Depot. If you live near a Gertens location and an independent nursery, visiting both lets you compare what each carries for the specific plants you need.
When to shop at Gertens versus online plant retailers
Online plant retailers such as Proven Winners, Burpee, and regional growers ship plants directly to your home. This works well if you know exactly what you want, live far from a garden center, or want to order rare varieties. However, shipping adds cost, plants arrive in smaller sizes, and you cannot inspect them in person before buying.
Gertens lets you see and touch plants before purchase, take them home the same day, and ask staff questions about care. This matters most when you are unsure what you want, new to gardening, or buying large specimens such as shrubs or small trees. The downside is you are limited to what Gertens currently has in stock and what grows well in the Upper Midwest.
Gertens' seasonal inventory and timing
Gertens stock changes dramatically by season because plants have natural growing cycles. In early spring (March and April in Minnesota), the focus is on cool-season plants: spring bulbs that have already bloomed, early perennials, trees and shrubs, and seeds for cool-season vegetables. Late spring (May and June) brings annuals, tender perennials, and warm-season vegetable transplants. Summer inventory shrinks as most plants are already in gardens.
Fall (August through October) brings mums, ornamental grasses, fall-planted bulbs, and plants suited to autumn planting. Winter (November through December) shifts to holiday plants such as poinsettias, amaryllis, and Christmas cactus, plus outdoor holiday décor. If you need a specific plant, calling ahead to confirm it is in stock saves a wasted trip.
What Gertens carries beyond plants
Gertens sells gardening tools, soil, mulch, fertilizers, pots, and outdoor furniture. The selection of these items is typically deeper than what you would find in a big-box store's garden aisle but smaller than a dedicated hardware store. Gertens also carries seeds from major seed companies and sometimes from regional seed savers.
Some Gertens locations offer landscape design consultations or plant care workshops, though services vary by location. Calling or visiting the location nearest you can tell you what services that specific store offers.
Finding a Gertens location and what to bring
Gertens has multiple locations across Minnesota and some in nearby states. You can find the nearest location and current hours on the Gertens website. Hours vary by location and season — spring and early summer hours are typically longer because demand is highest, while winter hours may be shorter.
When you visit, bring photos or notes about the space you are planting (sun exposure, soil type, moisture level) if you want staff information. Bring a list of plants you are looking for so staff can tell you what is in stock and what alternatives they have. If you are buying large plants or multiple items, ask about loading help — most garden centers offer it, but policies vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gertens deliver plants or ship orders?
Gertens operates physical garden centers where you shop in person and take plants home the same day. The chain does not offer mail delivery or online ordering for shipment. Some locations may offer landscape installation services, but you would need to contact your local store to ask.
What if I cannot find a specific plant at Gertens?
Call the location nearest you and describe what you are looking for. Staff can tell you if they have it in stock, when it might arrive, or what similar plants they do carry. If Gertens does not stock it, they may suggest where else to look or recommend a substitute suited to your growing conditions.
Are Gertens plants more expensive than big-box stores?
Gertens prices are typically higher than Home Depot or Walmart because the chain buys in smaller volume and focuses on regional sourcing. However, plants are often larger or healthier at purchase, and staff knowledge may save you money by steering you toward plants that will actually thrive in your yard rather than ones that struggle.
Can I return plants to Gertens if they die?
Return and warranty policies vary by Gertens location. Some locations offer a may provide on plants for a set period if they die under normal care, while others do not. Ask about the policy when you purchase, and keep your receipt.
Does Gertens sell native plants for Minnesota?
Yes, Gertens carries native plants suited to Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, particularly in spring and fall when native plant sales are highest. Availability varies by location and season, so call ahead if you are looking for specific native species.