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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We have been helping gardeners grow outside since 1957! Our third-generation, Midwest business offers premium, non-GMO vegetable plants, fruits, herbs, flowers, and interesting and useful decor for your garden. Our goal is to help you get a head start with the healthiest plants so you can grow your own food and create a welcoming outdoor living space. We 100% guarantee every product we sell! If you have any questions or concerns with your order, we can be reached at cloversplants@gmail.com

These are the most frequently asked questions we receive but please reach out if you don’t find your answer here.

Shipping Costs

Due to the increased shipping costs from our vendors, we have had to add shipping costs to our plants only. Shipping is free for every third two-pack of plants if you purchase through our Mix & Match, B2G1. All other products (candles, seed kits, etc.) still have free shipping.

    REGULAR SEASON FAQ

    How are my plants shipped?

    All plants are shipped with a two-day mail service so they spend as little time in the box as possible. If possible, arrange for your delivery when you’ll be home or be sure it does not sit in the hot sun or cold all day.

    Packing methods may include:

    1. Most plants are in a 4” plastic pot with tape over the top of the soil to keep in place. Gently remove after you take out of the box.
    2. Plants are watered right before shipment but may need another drink upon arrival. Water if soil feels dry.
    3. Small dowels to create protective cage may be placed around tall plants. These can be reused as stakes for small plants. 
    4. We've had specialty cardboard cradles made for our plants to eliminate unnecessary packing materials. This can be recycled with your regular cardboard.
    5. All plants include a quick planting instruction sheet with details on handling plants upon arrival.

    If you provide an email address when you order, we’ll send you tracking number to watch for your order.

    What to do when plants arrive?

    Your order will include a plant instruction sheet that describes how to handle plants until planting time. Just a few quick tips here:

    1. Carefully remove plant from the box.
    2. Don’t worry if your plants look a tiny bit wilted – that’s normal after being packed up in a box and they will liven up as soon as you unpack them. Give them a small drink if needed.
    3. Place your plants in indirect light (outdoors in the shade if not too windy or cold). Do not put plants in full sunlight for a few days but allow them to gradually adjust to outdoor sunlight over four to five days. Be sure to bring them in at night if the temps are predicted to go below 55°F.
    4. Plant outside after all danger of frost has passed. Don't worry if your plant looks a little droopy right after transplanting -- this is normal and it will perk up after a couple days and the roots get settled in. Be sure to water well and protect larger plants from wind (at first).

    What planting tips should I follow?

    When your weather is warm and settled, choose a planting location suitable to your plant’s needs. Nearly all plants we sell require full sun but check the plant label to be sure. Prepare the soil as needed, remembering that vegetable and fruit crops need to be rotated every couple of years to protect soil and nutrients.

    If planting in a container, make sure the pot has drainage holes and a layer at the bottom of clean gravel, rock or other material to allow for drainage. Tomatoes and peppers must be planted alone in a pot that is at least 12” in diameter. Herbs and mosquito repellent plants can be combined in large pots with each other or other annual flowers.

    If the weather is hot and sunny, plant in the cool, early morning or wait until late afternoon or evening to avoid stress on the new plants. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the pot the plant is in. To remove a plant from its pot, flip the pot over, tap on its bottom, and slip the plant out. Do not pull out by its stem. Loosen the root ball and tease the roots apart if they are matted or tangled. Gently place the plant in the hole and push soil back in around the roots, and water thoroughly to settle the soil. Keep the soil around the plants moist but not soggy for the first few days.

    Plants may look wilted for a few days after planting. This is normal and called transplant shock. Within a week or less the plants' roots will regain their ability to provide moisture to the foliage and this will resolve. If rain is scarce, water your plants deeply and regularly. As your plants start to grow, provide cages or staking, such as with tomatoes and peppers.

    Are your plants organic?

    We partner with trusted growers to grow our plants. Some plants are grown from non-organic seed so we cannot claim true organic. We can assure you, however, that neither we nor our growing partners use chemicals in their nurseries so they are as organically raised as possible. All of our plants are grown from non-GMO seed and are never treated with neonicotinoids.

    What if my plant arrives damaged?

    We stand behind our product 100% and when the plants leave our nursery they are healthy. Sometimes, though, damage occurs during shipment. If your plant arrives in less than great condition, call us and we’ll make it right. Click here to read our full return policy

    Why do you need my email?

    We’ve found email is the quickest way to reach you and it gives us a way to share shipping and tracking info with you. We do not (and never will) sell your email address but we may occasionally send you promotional emails during the season with gardening tips and tricks. You can read more about our Privacy Policies here.

    PRE-SEASON, PRE-ORDER FAQ

    But this depends on a few things:

     

    1. The weather. We grow our plants in Midwest greenhouses -- while they're fairly protected from the elements a late cold snap can delay growth of our plants. We also ship our plants from our Chicago greenhouse so we're dependent on the weather for receiving the plants and sending them to you. We don't want to put plants in a cold truck for a couple days! Lastly, it depends on your weather -- we won't ship to places we know are about to have late season cold snaps (your place in line will be preserved!).
    2. Your place in line. We ship in order of when we got your order. Placing a pre-order essentially holds your place in line for when those plants come in. It's rare but we have had varieties sell out (especially hot peppers). Locking in your order early ensures you'll get the plants you want.
    3. Will all my plants ship at once? Yes but with a few caveats. If you order everything at once, those orders will stay together (so please let us know if you place an additional order). However, we can only safely fit 4 to 6 plants per box so shipments may get separated or delayed after they leave our warehouse.