9/19/2025 - By Dr. Aaron Palmateer

Early Order Programs (EOP) are important for greenhouse and nursery operations as they can provide significant cost savings and rebate opportunities on many of the products they’ll need for next year. Harrell’s encourages every customer to connect with their Rep and take advantage of the discounts and rebates that are offered by different manufacturers during EOP season, as it is the smartest way for most operations to stock up on products.

EOP programs generally run from October to December (depending on the program) when customers can order many of the products they will need for the entire year, at this year’s prices.

EOP offers payment terms of May or June of the following year, allowing customers to pay for the products purchased the prior year, potentially after they are used, and giving them extended time to budget. This gives greenhouse and nursery producers the option to purchase their products ahead of time and prepare for the next crop cycle without having to withdraw money from the bank during the fall to pay all at once.

How to Prepare Your Horticulture Operation for EOP

Be sure to take the necessary time and effort to sit down with your local Harrell’s representative and learn how each EOP program can benefit you in the coming year. Harrell’s makes the process easier by doing the tedious legwork and will work with you by looking at what you used this year to get exactly what you need for the coming year, at the best price.

Most greenhouse and nursery operations keep track of their plant health product usage and maintain accurate records of what’s in inventory. Just like implementing preventative pest and disease practices, the same can be applied through purchasing during the EOP season.

Building the Right Horticulture Program

Growers can build their pest and disease programs around the EOP offerings and ensure they have the appropriate products in inventory for a successful growing season. Being proactive and taking the time to build your programs in conjunction with EOP programs will pay off in the most cost savings, as you’ll know ahead of time what you need.

Plus, manufacturers and distributors position the most popular and newest products within their EOP, so customers who participate in EOP not only save money but also increase their product knowledge and awareness of what’s being used in the industry.

The Added Benefit of EOP for Horticulture

EOPs provide an opportunity for growers to lock in lower prices, leading to improved profit margins, with the added benefit that placing orders early ensures priority access to high-demand or limited availability items. This alone can be a major advantage during peak season. Greenhouse and nursery plant producers may find this particularly valuable for targeting specific market windows, such as spring bedding plant sales or holiday poinsettia markets.

Get Started on Your EOP Program

Harrell’s highly encourages all our greenhouse and nursery customers to plan for and take advantage of EOP season, which, when done right, can lower your costs, secure your product supply, improve overall planning, and strengthen your position in the market. Being proactive and strategic, you will optimize resources, increase profitability, and stay competitive in a dynamic industry.

To get connected with your rep and start building your EOP program now, click here. We’re excited to help you get all the products you need at the best possible price.