Shipping Information

We begin shipping on March 1st and ship weekly through the end of May and into early June. Because these plants are very cold sensitive, they are unable to be sent earlier than March 1st as weather conditions will likely damage them in transit any earlier than our recommended dates. We have suggested these specific shipping dates based upon the average last frost date for your area however this is the very earliest date, not the only date, you should plant. Many people wait up to two weeks past their last frost date to plant.  If needed, you can hold our plants for up to two weeks after you receive them before planting, but please give them full sun daily outdoors so they do not lose their hardened off stems if you have to wait to plant.

Each plant is wrapped individually to hold in the soil and moisture. Unlike our competition, we ship in large pots to keep the stress of transport to a minimum. Our interior cartons are especially made to fit our plants and utilize "green" recyclable cardboard which can even be used for mulch! You can also order any quantity you want, we don't require you to order by the dozen! Each year we ship over 50,000 plants so we know how to pack them so they travel safely to you. Our plants are seeded on a schedule throughout the season so they are always the right size for you, no matter when you need to plant.

Note-shipping costs vary by location but should average about $10.00-14.00 for 6-10 plants. Using a business address for delivery saves the "residential delivery" surcharge that UPS and Fed Ex apply which can be up to 15-20% of your shipping costs. Your shipping charges also may include a "rural" delivery area charge that is included by UPS and FedEx, depending upon your location.

Many of our competitors will ship you what they call a tomato plant however the pot will be considerably smaller than our pot size. Sometimes the plant is actually still a "plug" or tiny seedling which will still require growing for at least a couple of weeks and then must be hardened off before you plant. We guarantee that your plants will be ready to plant when you receive them, however we do recommend a few days of "travel rest" for the plants to acclimate them to your backyard before you plant.

We are unable to ship Live Plants into California due to quarantines issued by that state. Some western states may require 3 day air or Express saver shipping so that plants will arrive before the weekends.  Call us if you need help determining which method to use or view the maps below for time in transit.

Shippers such as UPS and Fed Ex have consistently raised prices 5% every year, especially for Air shipments such as 2 Day air and 3 day select. The fuel surcharges are also still in effect. We want to assure you that we accurately represent the shipping charges and we never charge extra for shipping just to pad our profits. Shipping to a commercial address instead of a residential can save up to 20% off your shipping costs so please take that into consideration when deciding where to have plants shipped to you.

We always hand pack your plants inspecting them at each stage of handling to assure the highest quality plant is put into the shipping box for you. Our many years of experience shipping plants gives us the knowledge and expertise to get them to you in good condition. If you do not receive a confirming email from us immediately after ordering, please call as soon as possible. All orders will be scheduled for shipping within 48 hours and you will be notified by email of any delays or changes to your shipping date.

For problems or questions, you may call us toll-free at 866-855-6344 from 9 am to 5 pm CT Mon-Friday or email us anytime at mail@tastefulgarden.com.

U.S. Territories and Outlying Areas (Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, etc.) Live plants shipped to these areas require special inspection and certification by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.   There are also restrictions for each based on the local agricultural regulations.  If a plant is ordered and is found to be restricted during the inspection into your location, the plant will be removed from your shipment without refund.  We are not responsible for any shipment that is held or rejected by the Agricultural inspection process, these shipments are made at your own risk.

Alaska, Hawaii & Canada Shipments - Shipping to these locations can be prohibitive because the time in transit is so long that our plants will not survive the shipment.  If you are willing to pay for Air shipping and shipment will arrive within 3 days, we are willing to ship to these locations however they may be held for inspection and this will delay the shipping even further.  These shipments are at your own risk and no refunds will be issued because of damage to the plants due to delays. 

Only areas in Yellow, Brown, & Green can ship using UPS ground service. Red areas may ship ground only through March, after April 5th they must ship 3 Day Select, Orange and Grey areas must always use 3 day Select.

Due to shipping time restrictions, we are unable to ship outside of the continental US or to Alaska

Shipping time in transit:

Only areas in  Pink, Blue, & Orange can ship using Fed Ex Ground commercial or Home Delivery service. Green areas may ship Ground only during the month of March, after that time, weather conditions prevent us from shipping over 4 days. Green (after April 5th) and all Purple areas must use Fed Ex Express Saver.

Due to shipping time restrictions, we are unable to ship outside of the continental US or to Alaska