Lamb's Produce

LAMB'S PRODUCE ON 2ND LOOP 843.665.6604 • OPEN MON-SAT

story by Rebecca Giese

Spring is an ironic time where everyone has pollen-inducing allergies while also wanting to freshen up their yard and windowboxes with blooms that will brighten their property throughout the summer and fall. We enjoyed walking around Lamb's, located on 2nd Loop Road in Florence, South Carolina, with Mr. Lamb himself, Jonathan Lamb. During this visit, he gave us great advice on perennials versus annuals and tips for when to plant and what to plant in your flower boxes this year! Lamb's started at the current 2nd Loop location about 30 years ago seasonally selling Christmas trees; then, after several years, they added pumpkins and fall mums, and lastly, spring blooms. For the last 12 years, they have been open from March through December, selling fresh produce and plants. There is a superb selection of plants by Mother's Day, and then in June, their focus switches to being an excellent source for local produce, so get your planting done before or around Mother's Day!

Tips for spring and summer planting with Jonathan Lamb, owner of Lamb’s Produce...

Tip 1: Jonathan said Easter is the turning point for Spring planting. Twenty of the last 29 years, Easter has marked the last frost, whether Easter has been early or late. So always plan to hold off until Easter weekend or soon after to start your planting.

Tip 2: A sharp difference between annuals and perennials, annuals are for one year, and perennials come back year after year. But Jonathan mentioned perennials might not come back; it depends on the foundation for growth, such as the soil and preparation. Gerber Daisies are a great example of a perennial for zone 8 (the Pee Dee is zone 8).

Tip 3: Are your perennials not looking too great after a harsh winter? In the spring, you need to fertilize and add nutrients back to the soil. Give it some time, it may come back strong with that boost of fertilizer, or it may have gotten too irregularly cold for the plant type. Jonathan uses slow-release fertilization and recommends Osmocote fertilizer.

Tip 4: For windowboxes, Jonathan suggested cascading plant varieties. Like Trailing Vinca, Sweet Potato Vines, and Calibrachoa (Million Bells).

Tip 5: If your windowboxes or garden is in direct sun all day, you need water, water, and water. The only thing to help plants in full sun survive South Carolina summer is diligent watering.

Want to visit Lamb's? Head to their location on 2nd Loop in Florence, South Carolina, and plan out your perfect windowboxes and garden beds with some of the best blooms in town!