Shady Acres Herb Farm

I gather that Shady Acres is no longer taking mail orders, but if you live in the area I recommend stopping by the farm. They carry a terrific selection of heirloom vegetable seedlings (including several of the tomato varieties featured in Carolyn Male's 100 Heirloom Tomatoes for the American Garden), a wide range of herbs, and some edible/companion flowers; all the seedlings I purchased have done very well (the sungold cherry tomato plants are actually attempting to take over the garden as I type this). Their plant list, available for download at their website, is detailed and informative (and helped me plan my purchases so that I didn't end up impulse-buying too many seedlings!). I'm hoping to start my own seedlings next year, but if that's not possible I'll definitely be making another trip to Shady Acres.

Plants, prices and selection are terrific. (Shipping costs are a little rough, though.) Shady Acres sent along a thank-you plant, too, which was a nice touch.

I have ordered vegetable and herb plants via mail order from Shady Acres for three years. All plants are packed with great care and arrive in perfect condition. The plants are very good sized, strong and healthy. I have been absolutely thrilled with their selection, friendly service and excellent quality plants. Everything I've ordered has produced exceedingly well every year in my Massachusetts garden. I am a customer for life!

I placed a spring order with Shady Farms the Eggplants were nice size and very healthy plants. They did very will for me this season.

I have been buying herb and vegetable plants from Shady Aces Herb Farm for over six years now and have always been pleased with the plants and the experience. I live close enough to actually go there 'in person' and check out all the plants they have to offer and especially enjoy the relaxed, no pressure atmosphere-if I need help or have questions, there is someone always someone will and ready to help. I especially appreciate the fact they are extremely knowledgeable about what will and won't survive the long, cold winters we have here in Minnesota, and also give a lot of tips about overwintering inside the more 'tender' plants. Their plants are VERY healthy, clearly labeled (with both 'common' and botanical name), and very reasonably priced (very nice size plants!). Obviously I don't have any experience with them as a mail order company, but if it's anything like going there in person, it can't help but be GREAT! Also-if you get the chance and are in the area, make a point of visiting them-it's well worth the trip!

First off, my experiences were in-person, not mail order. However, the plants I picked up were fabulous. The only ones that died did so because of Minnesota winters and my ignorance. They tell you up-front in their mail order catalog what is a tender perennial and what is not. I just thought I'd perhaps beat the odds. My sage, valerian, thyme, and tansy did great. My marjoram was annhilated by hungry squirrels, and feverfew and pennyroyal did not survive the minnesota winter. Since I am now in the "upper south," I'm going to peruse their catalog again. I will miss my old spring ritual of actually driving to Chaska and hand-selecting my plants.

I was cruising your list and saw these folk listed. I live within driving distance and so try to pilgrimage out there each spring but I also receive their catalogue. It's full of various types of herbs and informational. From personal purchasing experience, I can tell you they sell quality potted plants, which have always done well for me. I hope some folk try them out and place feedback here.