This spring hasn’t followed the script.

From record-breaking heat in the Southwest to seesaw temperatures in the Northeast, and severe early storms in the Midwest, weather patterns across the U.S. are behaving unpredictably. March brought 90s to Arizona and Texas, while New England went from chilly to suddenly blooming in April. For retailers and distributors, this matters more than it may seem.

What to Watch:

• Early warm-ups in southern and western states are pushing planting (and pest) season earlier than usual.
• Northeast cold snaps delayed garden prep, but rising temps mean a compressed and urgent sales window now.
• Storm-prone regions may see delays in planting or increased need for storm recovery products.

What to Do:

• Adjust displays and promotions based on local temps, not the calendar.
• Help customers stay ahead of pest activity (mosquitoes, ticks, deer) with timely education.
• Use your digital channels to respond to regional weather trends in real time.

Spring may be unpredictable—but with the right timing, your shelves (and your customers’ gardens) don’t have to be.