March 26, 2024

Inside the acre retail complex of Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses. Photo by Carrie Rose.

Inside the acre retail complex of Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses. Photo by Carrie Rose.

Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses Set to Open for Season April 18

RACINE, Ohio – Nestled in the East Letart community near Racine, Ohio is a 12 acre complex that started as a much smaller family business. Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses will soon be opening their retail space for the season offering a variety of plants from vegetables to flowers and shrubs. Their official opening is set for April 18, 2020.

According to office manager Tracy Hupp, the retail space will be open, but there will be a limit on the number of people allowed in a one time. The retail center is a acre in size. “This will be our second year in the retail center,” she said.

At the door of the retail center is a hand washing station for customers. Inside a sneeze guard has been installed around the check out area. Hupp said there will be several measures this year to make sure Norris’ is in compliance with COVID-19 health orders, but otherwise, they will still be providing quality plants.

Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses complex. Photo by Brent Rose.

Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses ships to locations in northern Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Hupp said they have continued to remain busy. There have been a few clients that did not order. This year with the COVID-19 situation, they have seen a downturn in certain areas of sales. “Fundraisers through schools and 4-H Clubs have been cancelled,” Hupp said which has led to a loss in those revenue areas, but she remained optimistic of sales within their retail center.

With many now looking for opportunities to grow some of their own food, vegetables continue to be in demand locally. Norris’ offers various types of vegetables including various types of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, squash, herbs and more.

They also have flowering baskets, flats, perennials, shrubs, and more including decorations and pots for planting in as well. In the fall, Norris’ have mums and during the winter they sell poinsettias.

Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses typically employ about 25 people from January to February. From April to May that number goes up to 85. Through the summer they maintain about 20 employees. These numbers reflect those working in the production process, filling and transporting orders along with the retail center. The business continues to grow as they recently acquired more property and facilities.

Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses is located at 24020 Hill Road, Racine, Ohio. Their hours beginning April 18 will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information check out their Facebook page or call 740-247-2684.

Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses retail center offers a bit of everything. Photo by Carrie Rose.

Part of Darrell Norris & Son Greenhouses complex. Photo by Brent Rose.

Photo by Carrie Rose.