I ordered seedlings. When will they arrive?
Live seedlings ship Monday through Wednesday via FedEx 2-Day to help minimize time in transit.
Orders placed early in the week typically ship within 1–2 business days, although fulfillment may take a little longer during busy periods. Orders placed after Wednesday afternoon will generally ship the following week.
Most customers receive their seedlings within 2 business days after shipment.
Can I order seedlings now and choose a future delivery date?
Not currently. We're working to add this ability soon.
Can I ask specifically for certain plants in my bundle?
Not currently. We're adding more individual-purchase plants (increments of 6, mix-and-match) to our catalog as soon as possible. Increasing your bundle size from 6 to 12+ results in a larger variety, depending on seasonal availability.
My seedlings arrived. What should I do first?
Open your shipment as soon as it arrives.
For best results, plant your seedlings as soon as practical. If you need to wait before planting:
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Stand the seedlings upright in their tray.
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Add approximately 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the tray so the plugs can take up moisture.
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Keep them in a bright location until you are ready to plant.
Planting in a Garden Tower
Most importantly, do not let the root & soil surfaces of your seedlings dry out during planting. Give them a quick drench or spray so they remain wet to the touch on all sides.
Make sure the potting mix is evenly moist before planting.
Gently place each seedling plug into its planting pocket, keeping the top of the plug approximately level with the surrounding potting mix. Water thoroughly after planting.
During warm weather, check newly planted seedlings frequently and keep the soil consistently moist while their roots become established, particularly during the first couple of weeks.
Planting in a conventional garden or container
Water the soil before transplanting so it is evenly moist. Plant seedlings at the appropriate spacing for the variety you are growing and water thoroughly after planting.
During warm weather, newly transplanted seedlings may need frequent watering during their first couple of weeks while their roots become established.
My shipment was delayed, and my seedlings arrived damaged or dead. What should I do?
We stand behind your order, and will get you taken care of!
Because seedlings are living products, we cannot accept physical returns.
We do, however, want your plants to arrive healthy and ready to grow. If your seedlings arrive in unsatisfactory condition, please contact Garden Tower Project Support within 3 days of delivery and include clear photos of the affected seedlings.
Open the shipping box and tend to or plant your seedlings as soon as possible after arrival.
Some seedlings that look stressed after shipment can recover quickly once watered and planted. For seedlings that do not recover within approximately one week of receipt, we will provide a replacement of the affected plants in most cases.
What size are the seedlings?
Seedlings are generally approximately 2–4 inches tall when shipped.
Because these are living plants and different varieties have different growth habits, individual seedlings will naturally vary in size and appearance.
Are the seedlings organic?
Our seedlings are grown on an organically managed farm using organic cultivation practices. They are grown without synthetic fertilizers, and only organic-approved treatments are used for pest and disease management. Conventional synthetic pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides are not used in seedling production.
The seedlings are not currently USDA Certified Organic, but the growing practices are designed around organic methods and treatments. See the tab below the FAQ fore more details.
What are the seedling plugs made from?
The growing medium used for the seedling plugs is made from coco coir, peat, and binder.
The compact plugs make the seedlings easy to transplant directly into a Garden Tower, conventional garden bed, raised bed, or container.
Why are you using plastic packaging?
The seedling tray is made locally using 100% recyclable plastic.
For live plants, the packaging has to do more than simply hold the product. The tray is designed to help manage moisture and airflow during transit and then provide a temporary habitat for your seedlings while you prepare to plant them. It also incorporates seedling tags that can be labeled with a permanent marker.
The tray was developed specifically to accomplish these requirements while using as little plastic as practical.
We also see this as a step along the way rather than the final material solution. Ultimately, the tray can be produced using bio-based resins designed to be carbon neutral and biodegradable, and we're actively working toward that with our growing partner.
I found pests on plants in my garden. What should I do?
Outdoor plants are part of a living ecosystem, and aphids and other insects may occasionally appear.
Depending on the severity of the problem, you can try:
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Spraying the plant firmly with water to dislodge pests.
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Removing the affected plant, rinsing it thoroughly with water, and replanting it.
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Using a mild solution of water with a small amount of dish soap where appropriate.
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Using an appropriate organic pest-control product when necessary.
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Removing a heavily infested plant to prevent pests from spreading.
The longer plants grow outdoors, the more opportunities insects have to find them. Regularly inspecting your Garden Tower makes pest problems much easier to address before they become severe.
Always follow the label directions for any pest-control product used on edible plants.
When will sold-out seedlings return?
Seedling inventory is updated regularly as new plants become ready for shipment.
Because these are living products, availability can change from week to week.
When are new seedling varieties added?
We offer varieties appropriate for the current growing season, so the assortment will change throughout the year.
Check back periodically for newly available vegetables, greens, herbs, and other seasonal plants.
I live in a very hot climate. Can I still plant seedlings?
Yes, but newly transplanted seedlings can be more vulnerable to intense heat and direct sun while they are becoming established.
In very hot conditions, consider planting where your Garden Tower receives some afternoon shade or using temporary shade cloth to reduce the strongest sunlight.
Keep a particularly close eye on soil moisture during hot weather.
Do you offer bulk or commercial seedling orders?
For schools, organizations, commercial growers, community gardens, and other larger orders, please contact Garden Tower Project and tell us what you are looking for. We’ll be happy to discuss available options.
I have another question. How can I get help?
We’re happy to help with your seedlings, Garden Tower planting, or general growing questions.
Contact Garden Tower Project Support and our team will help point you in the right direction. Email support@gardentowerproject.com, or text us, or call us!
Send us your questions!
We will continue to build this FAQ based on YOUR QUESTIONS, so let us know at support@gardentowerproject.com what you need answers to!
