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On Nov 15, 2009, DonShirer Westbrook, CT (Zone 6a) wrote:
I have been ordering from Sand Hill for at least 4 years. I am impressed by the number of different heirloom varieties hard to find elsewhere, especially tomatoes. Every selection has germinated well and given me more seeds than I can use so I share with others. Only problem was that the bugs ate some cabbages, but that's not Sand Hills fault!
this year was my first experience with sandhill. i ordered 60 sweep potato slips to divide among friends, all early or midseason types. they all looked very healthy. three varieties were substitutions, and we received at least 70 slips. my 20 ( 9 varieties) went into big pots on june 15. they had barely doubled by july 13 because of the cool weather. i was able to pick young leaves and tips by early september, and harvested the first week of october. even with 5 plants giving 1/2 to 2 pounds each, the total yield was 80 pounds !! i was extremely pleased, and have already placed my order for next year.
i had some questions about some other vegetables i bought as seeds. glenn was very helpful, did not rush the conversation, and gave me useful, and correct, information. i am happy i have discovered sandhill preservation.
I've had great experiences with this company.
This year I ordered korean purple sweet potatoes,and
the slips were the most beautiful and healthy I have
ever seen. Excellent!
I have ordered from Sand Hill Preservation Center for a few years now and am very pleased. Glenn and Linda Drowns are a national treasure. I have purchased seeds and sweet potatoes from them. Their tomato selection is larger than any other place I've seen. I ordered several packets of seeds this year and have had excellent germination rates.
A couple of years ago, I bought a sweet potato assortment and had excellent results considering I've never planted sweet potatoes before. Growing instructions were included and made a huge difference. This year I was looking forward to the Northern Special for sweet potatoes but they sold out due to increased demand. Lesson learned? Order earlier next year! I received a refund and a letter that clearly explained the obstacles they faced this year with cool weather and increased demand.
Along with Baker Creek Heirlooms, SHPC is one of my favorite seed companies. I hope they keep doing what they're doing for a long time!
I decided to try sweet potatoes for the first time this year and was very impressed with the number of varieties offered by Sand Hill Preservation. The order was shipped in the time frame promised and the slips arrived in excellent condition. The instructions included were very helpful. I'll definitely be ordering other items in their catalog next year.
I thought I'd give you guys a try this year so I sent in a teeny-tiny order for Amish Paste tomato seeds. They arrived promptly and I got 100% germination. Now they are some of the biggest tomato plants in the garden. Good job and thanks alot.
On Apr 29, 2009, NtheWoods Stafford Springs, CT wrote:
Wow, what a gem Sandhill is. They offer many varieties not offered elsewhere at fantastic prices. They have so many seeds in each packet that we had enough for two years. The germination rate was great, even for the year old seeds. We also ordered some Orpington chicks from them 3 years ago to start our own flock. We still have the best of the original flock as well as their offspring. Thank you Sandhill!
On Mar 24, 2009, glendamcfadden El Dorado Springs, MO wrote:
I ordered 50 chicks from Sandhill, I got them today (a day earlier than expected!) and they are doing great!!! They sent me 55, 2 passed away during shipping (looked like they just got trampled by they others) They are so healthy and precious, We love them all!! Buy your poultry from Sandhill!!! Loved talking to them, they were very helpful and kind!
On Feb 26, 2009, greenmulberry Iowa City, IA wrote:
I recently received a nice order of seeds from this company. I have to admit I was leery of mailing in an order, as I am used to ordering by internet and getting that instant email from a company.
However, my seeds arrived within two weeks of mailing the order, and everything looked great, and I love the free chard seeds. All of the seeds I have started so far have germinated well.
On Feb 7, 2009, heirloompumpkin San Francisco, CA wrote:
My favorite place to buy my seeds. By spending $10.00 there is no shipping cost and always a different packet of free seeds (never the same). They give a generous amount of seeds per packet. Excellent customer service too!
On Apr 1, 2008, johnsonjrbm Olympia, WA (Zone 7b) wrote:
Sand Hill Preservation is one of my favorite seed companies. Their primary goal is genetic preservation, not profits, so they carry a lot of open-pollinated varieties, not just the current popular ones.
I've ordered from them several times, and will again. Their seed counts are very generous, and germination has always been excellent. They are also one of the few seed companies that sell packages of seed for chicken forage.
If you decide to order from them, please do read the information on their website first. Their seed sales are a seasonal business, and since their family farm carries both a large number of open-pollinated plants and a large number of rare heritage-breed poultry, it's best to order seeds a few weeks ahead of your planting time.
I have not yet ordered poultry from them, but will not hesitate to do so when the opportunity arises.
On Mar 31, 2008, rhomestead Plattsburgh, NY wrote:
I have been very pleased with Sandhill Preservation Center. My one experience is with poultry. In ordering poultry, one needs to read all their ordering info and understand that they operate quite a bit differently than large commercial hatcheries do. You ask for specific dates. They will call you the evening of the shipment, and only then, whether it is your first, second, or third requested date. It bothers some folks who expect to be told that their chicks are NOT arriving on a certain date. They clearly explain that they call when the ships ARE shipped, and only then.
Heritage breeds of ducks do not lay fertile eggs year round. I wanted ducks last year, in July. Since my first choice only had a few eggs, they filled in my order with my second choice, AND will send a full order of my first choice this spring, with me only paying for the additional shipping.
If you can be flexible and hang loose, you will be very, very happy with the service and quality. And if you ask for breed advice during the winter, they are very good about sharing their expertise.
This company is my hands-down favorite source for heritage breeds of poultry and waterfowl. They also have a stunning variety of heirloom seeds and sweet potatoes. Some of their offerings, which I've found only in their catalog, are very rare and in great need of preservation. Their products are reasonably priced and are of excellent quality. They are a small, seasonal company located in the Midwest. I would highly recommend them!
On Jan 27, 2008, cannaqueen Mantua, OH (Zone 5a) wrote:
This company lays out specific guidelines on their expectations for
consumers in their catalog.This family operation is trying to preserve
pure, genetic propagation of plants and birds. This farm is located
in a unique sandy area in Iowa. Must be a wonderful area to experiment and grow many types of plants and birds!. I decided to order some seeds from this company because their prices were
reasonable. Order arrived quickly , with more seeds than I expected!
I also, live in a unique area where people try to grow heirloom seeds
native to the area. My soil is black, carlisle muckland in a conservancy district. The seeds I ordered from them will do great
here! Awesome selection of vegetable seeds.
Two years ago ordered sweet potato slips. They turned out good. Last year ordered tomato and watermelon seeds. All did very well. They have huge selection of tomato, watermelon, and sweet potatoes. Their sweet potatoes are now certified organic. Catalog also has rare poultry that is hard to impossible to find elsewhere. Great people doing huge favor keeping genetic diversity alive.
On Dec 29, 2006, Cleo1717 Knoxville, TN (Zone 7a) wrote:
Wonderful company! They have an incredible selection of heirloom tomatoes and an amazing selection of sweet potatoes. Their prices are fantastic and the quality is superb. The sweet potato slips I received were the nicest I've ever seen.
On Dec 28, 2006, Suze_ Bastrop County, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:
Sand Hill Preservation is one of the very best companies to order tomato seeds from. I hold them in very high regard. Last time I did a rough count, they had over 500 varieties to choose from. Also, they are carrying several varieties that you won't easily find elsewhere commercially.
Can't beat the prices. No shipping/handling charge for orders over $5. Tomato packets are $1.75 each, any 10 for $16.00, any 20 for $30.00. In my experience, they are exceedingly generous with the quantity of seeds provided. I don't think I've ever received a pack from them that had less than 50 seeds in it, usually it is more.
Please be patient when dealing with these folks and *read the instructions* for how and when to order, so that you aren't disappointed. They don't take credit cards or orders over the internet, and they don't take orders (for seed) August 15 to December 25. This is a hobby business; Glenn and Linda state that quite clearly on their webpage.
On Oct 4, 2006, Zeppy Shenandoah Valley, VA (Zone 6b) wrote:
I ordered only veggie seeds, and mostly tomato, at that. They sent easily double the number of seeds I've received from other companies. Germination was fantastic, and the varieties were true to type. Very pleased. I'll be putting in an order for chickens soon to arrive next spring/summer.
I expected it would take a long time to receive my order, since everything is done through the mail (not online, in otherwords), and it's a small operation. However, I received my order in a timely fashion, all things considered, and they were generous with the seed quantity. One of the seeds I ordered was out of stock, so they issued me a note with a $2 credit towards my next order, with the option to request a refund now. I'll definitely spend it on my next order.
On Mar 18, 2006, LooneyLinda Mantua, UT (Zone 4b) wrote:
This is a great company. I had heard that they always give you more than you ordered, but I was unprepared for just how much!! The package of Benary's Giant Zinnias said I would get 15 seeds so I ordered 2 packages. Just for fun I counted them--186!!!!!! I gave the second package to a friend who loves zinnias, too.
I planted my tomatoes yesterday and there were many more seeds than advertised.
I have heard that they are redesigning their website shortly. Hope they will add an online ordering system.
On Mar 18, 2006, lafko06 Brimfield, MA (Zone 5a) wrote:
My order came today. I was thrilled with how many seeds were in each package (around 100 or more) because the packets shows there are 15 seeds per packet. I also said on my order to please use any kind of replacements if my choices were not available. 2 of the 10 packets were not available and they gave me THREE replacements AND a credit!! Can you imagine for such small order of 10 seed packs? I was impressed. Not only that, they put in a packet of free seeds which I was not expecting. Also, the credit had a small handwritten personal note of apology from the owner which I thought was outstanding customer service. I love this place and plan to place many, many, many, more orders here.
On March 21st, 2006, lafko06 added the following:
I just planted my tom seeds and I will update with germination info. With the free green eggplant seeds I received in my order, I stopped counting the number of seeds after 200!!! I had enough of them that I filled one 72 jiffy cell tray and I still have leftovers seeds. I may never order heirloom veggie seeds anywhere else. This place is too great to believe!On January 5th, 2007, lafko06 added the following:
All my seeds germinated and it was nice trying something I would never have tried, even if the seeds were older ones, it was a nice gesture and cool idea to have people try new things. In fact, we liked the eggplant so much, we included it in our 2007 order. I love it here. On Mar 18, 2006, Sand Hill Preservation Center responded with:
"
On Mar 22, 2006 12:26 AM, Sand Hill Preservation Center added:
This is a response from Sand Hill Preservation Center management to lafko06. Thanks for the nice comments. We just want you and others to know that the seed that we include as free seed with each order is seed left over from the previous growing season that we like to share with our customers to give them a chance to grow something that they might not otherwise try. It's important to remember that this seed may not germinate at the same rate as the fresh seed - - - therefore, the reason for the higher number of seeds in the packet. Please be aware that you may need to sow this "free seed" a bit thicker than any fresh seed that you ordered and paid for. Since the primary goals of our operation are genetic preservation and education, we feel it is better to send surplus leftover seed with compliments to our customers than to simply throw it away."
I have ordered for the third year now and am always more than satisfied. They supply generous amounts of seed that germinates very well. My day old chicks were healthy and grew into affectionate adults including the roosters. My husband and I are still (as of this posting Feb. 24, 2006) eating candy-like sweet potatoes we grew from the starts we ordered last spring. Be patient and flexible- these are very busy people.
On Jan 1, 2006, matermania Saint George, UT wrote:
Highly recommended! I have tried a few "backyard" type seed suppliers and have vowed never to buy from them again with the exception of Sandhill. What great people. They stand behind their product, have a wonderful selection and the seeds are quality. Great germination rate.
I heard about 'Sandhill' early last spring. Their selection of seeds and chickens is incredible. I ordered seeds and sweet potatos in March. The seeds arrived in less than two weeks and what I was able to plant germinated 100%. The 50 assorted sweet potatos arrived two weeks earlier than expected, and after a dryer than normal summer more than 80 are still thriving. I look forward to doing buisness with them again.
On Aug 22, 2005, oldseed Dexter, NY (Zone 5a) wrote:
Received my order from Sand Hill very quickly. Well packaged and with some extra seeds as well. I will be very pleased to order from them again.
On May 25th, 2006, oldseed added the following:
Adding: This year I ordered many seeds as well as chicks from Glenn at Sand Hill Preservation, and like their business style very much. All the chicks came through in wonderful condition, and germination rates on the seeds are tops.
On Apr 15, 2005, PurplePansies Deal, NJ (Zone 7a) wrote:
Well I can't tell you much about service because when I ordered I wasn't paying much attention to how fast things got here etc. .... I ordered in advance.... but the prices are good.... better than some and the selection excellent.... plus they try to preserve hard to find and almost endangered seeds.... seeds I will say had EXCELLENT GERMINATION.... now lets wait and see if the seeds (tomatos) live up to their description once they "crop" :)
On Oct 2, 2004, Farmerdill Augusta, GA (Zone 8a) wrote:
I ordered a sweet potato cultivar that I had been searching for over sixty years. The plants arived arrived in excellent shape and extra plants were included. I read thier disclaimers first and did not expect them to fall all over themselves delivering customer service. I did find them to be efficient and deliver on what they promise. This is a place to find those rare items that you you cannot get anywhere else. They do not claim to a full service company. There are several rare old timers that I will order in January.
Unbelievable selection of heirloom tomatoes. Read the catalog- they are not your average company- important to know. I always order my seeds early in January and have never had a problem. 3 year customer now.
Here's another positive rating for Sandhill. Quality seeds fast delivery and super nice people. And an excellent cause on top of that. This guy works full time and still manages to run this business like a true pro.
I have ordered from SHPC for several years, and hope to continue doing so for many years to come. They have a dizzying array of poultry and seed offerings, and what must be the most complete list of sweet potatoes on the planet. My biggest problem with ordering from them is that I have to narrow my list so!
Glenn and Linda have a real love for what they do- you talk to them for just a moment and you can feel it. If you like dealing with friendly, honest people that care about you and your order; and if you want to make a difference, either for a family owned company or for a rare variety, order from these good people- you will not be disappointed. Whitman Kramer, Forest Home and Garden
Glenn and his family, are the finest in infomation,
They are quick to help and love there presevation business.
I have to say that the person who has helped saved many vast squash varieties from vanishing should be thanked-
thank you glenn and family.
christopher maslon, columbus ohio
We've been dealing with Glenn since 1984, before he had a seed company. He and Linda have always done far more, and with better quality, than one could ask. Their business is a means to preservation, not an end in itself. They never drop a variety. We've also dealt with them in the area of poultry. Again, preservation is their goal. Quality is assured. This is a true family business. Their two boys help out as well. You can't go wrong with seeds or livestock from Sand Hill Preservation Center.
On Jan 18, 2002, foreriver New Gloucester, ME wrote:
Glenn Drowns is the real deal and it is amazing how much he accomplishes while also being a full time teacher. He has maintained any number of significant varieties and also sells these fascinating chicks which cooler heads always persuade me not to order - chicken house would be a start. I own Pinetree Garden Seeds and Sand Hill is my favorite seed company.
On Dec 27, 2001, gone2seed Milton, FL (Zone 8a) wrote:
I have ordered seed form this company each year for 4 years. Service has always been excellent. Nice, informative catalog with many heirloom seed and poultry not available elsewhere.
On Dec 5, 2001, BakerCreekSeed Mansfield, MO (Zone 6b) wrote:
A superb company! The owners are the nicest people,
one of the largest selections of heirloom varietes!
they also preserve rare poultry!
A unique company that is doing #1 in preserving our genetic heritage,
Give them your support!
