When is the right time for me to 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 receiving them before you plant; but please give them full sun daily outdoors so they do not lose their hardened off stems. Read more about choosing the best planting time, or view our 2012 Shipping Schedule.

How do live plants get delivered to me safely?

Each plant is wrapped individually to retain its soil and moisture. Unlike our competition, we ship in large pots to keep the stress of transport to a minimum. Our interior cartons are specially designed to fit our plants and utilize "green" recyclable cardboard that can even be used for mulch! Each year, we ship over 70,000 plants, so we know how to pack them so they arrive safely. We always hand-pack your plants, inspecting them at each stage of handling to ensure the highest quality plant is put into the shipping box for you. Our many years of experience in shipping plants gives us the knowledge and expertise to get them to you in good condition.

What is your minimum order?

You can order any quantity you want - we don't require you to order by the dozen! Keep in mind, however, that UPS and Fed Ex charge about the same to ship one plant as they do to ship six to eight plants, so the minimum order is really up to you.

How much is shipping?

Shipping costs vary slightly by location but typically range from $10.00 - $12.00 for six to eight plants. UPS and Fed-Ex apply a "residential delivery" surcharge, which can be up to 20% of your shipping costs. Using a business address for delivery saves the "residential delivery" surcharge. Depending on your location, your shipping charges may also include a UPS or Fed-Ex "rural delivery" charge. And deliveries to some western states require "3 Day Select" or "Express Saver" in order for plants to arrive within three days, which averages between $22 and $30 per box.

What size are your plants?

Our Herbs are shipped in extra large 4 1/2 inch pots. Our Tomato and Vegetable plants are in 4 1/2 inch pots and most are 6-12 inches tall, depending upon which type of vegetable they are.

Many of our competitors ship what they call tomato "plants" in pots that are considerably smaller than our pots. Sometimes these plants are actually "plugs" or tiny seedlings that still require a couple of weeks growth and hardening off before planting. We guarantee that plants from The Tasteful Garden will arrive safely and that they will be ready to plant when you receive them. We do, however, recommend a few days of "travel rest" to acclimate your plants to your backyard before you plant them.

What else do I need to know?

If you do not receive a confirmation email from us immediately after ordering, please call us as soon as possible. You will be notified by email of any delays or changes to your shipping date.

Click this link to read more about changing your order's shipping date or revising your order.

For problems or questions, call us at 256-403-3413 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday-Friday or email us anytime at service@tastefulgarden.com.

How do you ship?

We offer shipping through both UPS and Fed-Ex, including Ground Service, 1-Day Air, 2-Day Air and 3-Day Select. In most cases, your plants can be sent by Ground Service and still arrive before the weekend. (Check the maps below for more accurate transit times.) We assure you that the above shipping costs accurately reflect the fees charged by UPS and Fed-Ex and that we never charge extra just to pad our profits.

Keep in mind that shipping to a commercial address (instead of a residence) can save up to 20% in shipping costs. Please take that into consideration when deciding where to have your plants shipped. Some lightweight non-plant items are able to ship using USPS; however, we never send live plants through the mail because the postal system is unable to guarantee delivery within three days and we are unable to track packages in transit.

What if I live outside the continental US?

How long does it take for my plants to arrive?

Shipping time in transit

Only areas in Yellow, Brown, and Green can ship using UPS ground service. Red, Orange and Grey areas must use 3-Day Select for live plants.

Because of shipping time restrictions, we are unable to ship outside of the continental U.S. or to Alaska, and we are unable to send live plants into California.

Shipping time in transit

Only areas in Pink, Blue, & Orange can ship using Fed Ex Ground Commercial or Home Delivery service. Green and Purple areas must use Fed Ex Express Saver for live plants.

Because of shipping time restrictions, we are unable to ship outside of the continental U.S. or to Alaska, and we are unable to send live plants into California.