ELLENDALE — Spring is officially here, and Hilltop Greenhouse and Farm is open for the season.

Gretchen Boldt, who owns the business with her husband, Glenn, has been busy with the retail plant side of the business. Customers can come in and purchase an assortment of flowers or plants for their yards or attend one of the last two planting parties of the season from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

During her planting parties, Boldt teaches participants how to make the best use of their plants and which plants belong in the sun or shade, and then the planter is left at the greenhouse to grow until the end of May or when customers want to pick them up.

“It’s nice because it gives our customers a chance to learn more about soils, fertilizers, how to water, what kind of pots to pick out and their plants,” Boldt said.

Staff are also busy growing vegetable plants in the greenhouse that will later be transferred to the field. Vegetable plants are also available for purchase.

Those who would like the benefits of eating healthy, homegrown vegetables without the work needed to maintain a garden may be interested in Hilltop’s Veggie Club.

Members of the Veggie Club enjoy a half a bushel box full of a fresh assortment of vegetables once a week from mid-June to October. The 18-week program allows area residents to come pick up their box at the farm or at a location in Albert Lea, Austin, Owatonna or Blooming Prairie. A sample produce box could include a half dozen sweet corn, two cucumbers, two bell peppers, two summer squash/zucchini and a quart of potatoes, tomatoes and green beans.

All the produce is grown at the family-operated farm north of Hollandale, using sustainable agricultural practices.

She sends a newsletter out to everyone about what’s going on in the fields, a note about what’s in the box and how to use the items in a recipe.

“We know varieties that do well in our area,” Boldt said.

Over the years, customer comments have given she and her family insight into what types of plants and vegetables do well in the area, and customers benefit from the knowledge Hilltop has gained through the feedback. Hilltop specializes in varieties that do well in the area and focuses on raising a healthy plant that can survive the whole season.

For more information on planting parties, the Veggie Club or other garden needs, call Hilltop Greenhouse and Farm at 507-889-3271.