Almanac Planting Co.
Located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Almanac Planting Co. is a woman-owned, family-run gardening and planting business. Recently, it marked its five-year anniversary in the industry, during which this small enterprise has been dedicated to empowering women and fostering a healthier planet through a love for nature.
Initially specializing in hemp plants, the company now offers a diverse range of plant varieties, including succulents, tropical plants, houseplants, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. On its website, you can find common options like tomatoes and peppers, as well as more unique selections such as "Pink Lemonade" blueberries. Additionally, they offer peach, pear, fig, and orange trees. If you're uncertain about what to choose, the website allows you to filter by plant size, U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zone, and sunlight requirements.
Almanac Planting Co. began its journey on Etsy and continues to operate its Etsy shop, which has earned the distinction of Star Seller and boasts an average review rating of 4.8 stars (as of this writing). Customers frequently praise the careful packaging of the plants, with one remarking, "Some of the best packaging I've ever seen. Not excessive, just the right amount to be very effective." Many also note that their plants arrived in excellent condition, with one reviewer describing their blueberry bush as "healthy and happy upon arrival." On Judge.me, the company holds a rating of 4.88, with similar feedback from customers who highlight the prompt delivery and the good health of their plants.
Annie's Annuals and Perennials
On the opposite coast lies Annie's Annuals and Perennials, a plant nursery located in North Richmond, California, renowned for its unique and hard-to-find plants. With over 20 years of cultivation experience, the company operates a three-acre garden in the Bay Area. Most of the plants are grown outdoors from seeds, ensuring they are robust before they are sold. Annie's Annuals is dedicated to being bee-friendly, avoiding the use of neonicotinoids linked to colony collapse disorder, as well as refraining from growth hormones and systemic pesticides.
While the nursery doesn't carry a wide selection of fruit plants, it does offer more than 100 vegetable varieties, including beets, broccoli, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peas, squashes, and tomatoes. Some of these, such as eggplant and lemon drop peppers, are relatively uncommon. For herb enthusiasts, the nursery provides several types of basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley.
As of this writing, Annie's Annuals and Perennials boasts an average rating of 4.7 stars on Google. Many reviewers highlight the extensive variety, with one noting, "They have a fantastic selection of plants that you won't find in typical big box stores or other nurseries." Customers who order online express satisfaction with their purchases, with another reviewer commenting, "Their plants arrive healthier and happier through the mail than many others do right off the retail shelf."
Bonnie Plants
Bonnie Plants began its journey of growing vegetables over a century ago and has never looked back. What started with just 2 pounds of cabbage seeds in Union Springs, Alabama, has blossomed into a nationwide enterprise offering nearly 300 different plant varieties. The company operates greenhouses throughout the country and provides plants for purchase both online and in physical stores through retailers such as Menards, The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart.
While Bonnie Plants primarily specializes in vegetables, it boasts an extensive selection that includes nearly every type of vegetable you can think of, such as asparagus, broccoli, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes, and more. Some varieties, like the Bonnie Original Tomato, are exclusive hybrids available only through Bonnie Plants. In addition to vegetables, the company offers online sales of fruit starts like strawberries, cantaloupes, and watermelons, as well as a diverse range of herbs. Their website allows users to filter options based on planting time, sunlight requirements, and garden conditions, making it easier to find suitable plants for your garden.
While there isn't a centralized source for general reviews of Bonnie Plants, feedback on their website tends to be positive. One customer praised their strawberry plants, stating, "They arrived expertly packaged and incredibly healthy." Another customer expressed satisfaction with their Big Beef Tomato plants, noting, "When the plant arrived, I was thoroughly impressed; it was packaged so well that it looked perfect upon arrival."
Burpee Seeds and Plants
Since 1876, Burpee Seeds and Plants has been growing and selling a variety of plants from its farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It played a key role in introducing the original iceberg lettuce in 1894 and now ships a wide range of both traditional and unique plant starts nationwide. The company’s website also provides gardening supplies and helpful tips to assist gardeners in achieving success with their plants.
Burpee offers a selection of fruits, including berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. They also provide fruit trees like apple, cherry, pear, and peach trees, along with other fruits like cantaloupe and watermelon. The vegetable selection is even broader, featuring popular choices like beans, peppers, squash, and tomatoes. Additionally, a variety of herbs, including parsley, oregano, basil, and lavender, can be found online.
On Trustpilot, Burpee holds an average rating of 3.8 stars, with over 15,000 five-star reviews as of this writing. Customers appreciate the straightforward online ordering process and commend the excellent customer service. Many have been loyal customers for years, with one reviewer noting they have been ordering from Burpee for three decades, while another enthusiastically stated, "Every seed or plant I've received from Burpee has not only thrived but often exceeded my expectations."
Cross Country Nurseries
Cross Country Nurseries is a family-run nursery located in Stockton, New Jersey. Established in 1997, the nursery has dedicated itself to providing healthy, organic, and sustainable plants, with a strong emphasis on seed and plant diversity. If you're a fan of peppers, you'll be delighted by Cross Country Nurseries, which boasts the largest selection of sweet and hot pepper plants in the world, featuring over 400 varieties.
In addition to peppers, the nursery offers 30 different types of eggplants and 200 varieties of tomatoes. With such an extensive range, you might find it challenging to decide what to pick. Fortunately, the website provides helpful sorting options based on factors like days to harvest, pod type, color, size, country of origin, species, and more. It also features gardening supplies, including fertilizers, and offers how-to guides to assist both novice and experienced gardeners in caring for their plants.
As of this writing, Cross Country Nurseries holds a 4.6 rating on Google. Customers frequently express their satisfaction with the packaging. One reviewer noted that although their box arrived damaged, they were impressed by the quality of the plants and the excellent packing that ensured their survival. Another customer remarked, "Even though the boxes looked like they had just come from a rugby match, I was pleasantly surprised to find the plants were perfectly protected, well secured, and healthy!" This reviewer also highlighted the comprehensive care and planting instructions they received via email prior to the plants' arrival, stating, "I've never seen such thorough guidance."
Etsy
Etsy is a digital marketplace where independent vendors showcase their handmade and vintage products. The platform boasts nine million active sellers and over 96 million active buyers. When people think of Etsy, they often envision items like jewelry, home decor, and baby blankets, or perhaps more unusual finds like salad nails. However, it’s also an excellent resource for sourcing fruit and vegetable plants.
To explore plants on Etsy, navigate to the categories section, select Home & Living, and then choose Outdoor & Gardening. From there, click on Plants, followed by Fruits & Vegetables. The site allows you to filter your search by price, delivery date, and location. One of the key advantages of shopping on Etsy is the ability to search by location; if you're concerned about your plants enduring a long journey in the heat, you can opt for a nearby seller to minimize transit time. You can also type your desired items into the search bar and refine your results using the available filters.
Another advantage of Etsy is the visibility of seller ratings prior to making a purchase. Each shop displays its star rating, customer reviews, and the total number of reviews, enabling you to make an informed decision. Shops designated as Star Sellers have consistently received five-star ratings, ship their orders promptly, and respond to inquiries quickly.
GrowJoy
Fifteen years ago, Joe Stutzman began cultivating tomatoes in a small garden in Berne, Indiana. Today, that humble garden has evolved into GrowJoy, a company that produces a diverse array of plants in its greenhouse and ships them nationwide. The company takes pride in growing plants without chemicals and is dedicated to offering high-quality plants that anyone can care for.
GrowJoy remains true to its tomato origins, providing nearly 100 different varieties, including heirloom options. In addition, a broad selection of other vegetables is available, such as squash, beans, cucumbers, lettuce, okra, beets, and corn. For those interested in fruit, the site features plants like cantaloupe, strawberries, and watermelons. If herbs are your preference, you can choose from a dozen varieties, including chives, dill, mint, and tarragon. GrowJoy's website also allows you to filter plants by their purpose, whether for attracting bees or for indoor cultivation.
As of now, the company holds an average rating of 3.9 stars on Google. Most reviews are favorable, with customers praising the careful packaging of plants for shipping, the health of the plants upon arrival, and the helpfulness of the customer service team. Many customers report having placed multiple orders with GrowJoy and express satisfaction with the plants they receive. One customer remarked, "I’m consistently impressed by the plants I get from GrowJoy. After trying several different online nurseries, they have the best selection, and the plants arrive larger and in better condition."
Hirt's Gardens
Situated in Wadsworth, Ohio, Hirt's Gardens is among the oldest gardening centers in the state, specializing in rare, unique, and exotic plants sourced from around the globe. The center also provides a range of gardening supplies, including beautiful garden planters.
Hirt's Gardens features a variety of vegetables such as asparagus, cauliflower, and several distinctive pepper types. The fruit selection is even more extensive, offering options like kiwi, oranges, grapes, currants, and rare strawberry varieties, including pineberries and marina strawberries. The herb collection includes mint, turmeric, sage, and lavender.
As of now, Hirt's Gardens holds an average rating of 3.9 stars on Google. Customers generally express satisfaction with the prompt shipping, quality packaging, the health of the plants, and the diverse selection of hard-to-find varieties available on the site. One reviewer encapsulates the experience by stating, "Every plant I have received has been well packaged, healthy, and ready for planting. The selection, packaging, and competitive prices keep me coming back."
Park Seeds
Park Seeds was established in 1868 by a 15-year-old named George W. Park, who aimed to earn some extra money by selling seeds via mail. The business began to flourish and eventually relocated from Pennsylvania to Greenwood, South Carolina, where it continues to operate today. Despite the changing times and seasons, Park Seed remains committed to sharing the joys of gardening with as many people as possible. Currently, the company exclusively sells through its online store, delivering seeds and plants nationwide.
Gardeners can select from an extensive range of vegetable plants, including everything from artichokes to zucchinis, as well as unique hybrids like Whopper Red Tomatoes and Sir Crunch a Lot Cucumbers. For fruits, options range from common choices like berry plants, apple and fig trees, and melons, to more exotic varieties such as kiwi, guava, and pawpaw. A variety of herbs, including chamomile, cilantro, mint, and sage, are also offered.
As of this writing, Park Seeds has received a rating of 4.6 on Google. Many customers report being repeat buyers, drawn back by the exceptional quality of the plants, the outstanding customer service, and the high germination rates of the seeds.
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