Garden Shop FAQ

Standard shipping typically takes 5–7 business days after your order has been processed. Orders are usually processed within 1–2 business days. Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email so you can follow your package every step of the way.

Yes! We offer free standard shipping on all orders over $49 within the continental US. Orders under $49 are subject to a flat shipping fee of $6.99. Expedited and overnight shipping options are also available at checkout for an additional charge.

Absolutely! We ship live plants with great care. Each plant is wrapped in protective paper, secured in a custom-fitted box with ventilation holes, and packed with eco-friendly cushioning material. During extreme weather, we include insulated liners or heat packs to protect your plants in transit. Please open your box within 24 hours of arrival.

We currently ship to Alaska and Hawaii for an additional fee, with delivery taking 7–14 business days. Unfortunately, due to USDA plant import regulations, we are unable to ship live plants to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or other US territories. Non-plant items (tools, soil, accessories) can be shipped to all US territories — please contact us for a shipping quote.

We're sorry to hear that! First, check around your property — carriers sometimes leave packages in discreet spots. Also check with neighbors or your building's front desk. If you still can't locate your package within 2 business days of the delivery scan, please contact us at support@gardenstore.com and we'll open a carrier investigation and arrange a replacement or refund if needed.

Yes. All live plants we sell are grown by our trusted nursery partners who are fully licensed and compliant with USDA and state agriculture regulations. Each plant is inspected before shipping to ensure it is healthy, pest-free, and disease-free. We also include a phytosanitary certificate when required for interstate shipment.

The size listed in the product title and description (e.g., "4-inch pot," "1-gallon") reflects the container size of the plant you'll receive, not necessarily the full mature size shown in lifestyle photos. Product photos show the plant at its mature or full-growth stage to help you visualize what it will look like. Each listing includes a "Current Size" note in the description for accurate expectations.

Safety is a top priority for us. Our organic fertilizers (such as Espoma products) are made from natural ingredients and are generally safe around pets and children when used as directed. However, we always recommend keeping children and pets away from freshly treated soil. Check the product label for specific safety warnings — listings flagged "Pet-Safe" have been verified for low toxicity. When in doubt, please contact us or consult a veterinarian.

Yes! All our raised garden bed kits are designed for tool-free or minimal-tool assembly and include all necessary hardware (bolts, corner connectors, liner clips, etc.). Most kits can be assembled in under 20 minutes. We also include a printed instruction sheet and a QR code linking to a video tutorial. If any hardware is missing upon arrival, contact us and we'll ship replacements at no charge.

Don't worry — it's completely normal for plants to look a bit stressed after shipping. Being in a dark box for several days can cause slight wilting, yellowing of lower leaves, or drooping. Give your plant 3–7 days to acclimate. Place it in bright indirect light, water it lightly, and avoid repotting for at least two weeks. Most plants bounce back quickly once they've settled into their new environment. If it doesn't improve within 10 days, reach out to us with photos.

The best method is the "finger test": insert your finger about 1–2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it's still moist, wait another day or two. Overwatering is the #1 killer of houseplants. Each product page includes specific watering guidance for that species. In general, most plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Self-watering pots (like the ones we carry) can help regulate moisture levels automatically.

For most vegetable gardens, we recommend a balanced organic fertilizer (like 13-13-13) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall). Start with a granular slow-release fertilizer at planting time, then supplement with a liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks once plants begin flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen late in the season, as it encourages leafy growth over fruit production. Always water after applying granular fertilizer.

Setting up your watering timer is easy! Connect the timer directly to your outdoor spigot, then attach your drip hose or soaker hose to the outlet. Program your desired start time, frequency (daily, every other day, etc.), and duration using the LCD display. We recommend watering in the early morning (6–8 AM) to minimize evaporation. Our 2-Zone timers allow you to run two separate watering zones independently — perfect for beds with different water needs. Full setup instructions are included in the box.

Great question — we're passionate about eco-friendly pest control! Here are our top recommendations: 1) Use physical barriers like row covers or netting. 2) Introduce companion planting (basil near tomatoes deters aphids). 3) Use our ultrasonic pest repellers for rodents and larger pests. 4) Apply neem oil spray for soft-bodied insects like aphids and spider mites. 5) Place decoy owl statues to deter birds and squirrels. We carry a full line of organic pest control solutions on our site.

We stand behind every plant we sell with our 30-Day Plant Guarantee. If your plant arrives dead, severely damaged, or in significantly worse condition than described, email us at support@gardenstore.com within 30 days of delivery with a photo of the plant and your order number. We'll send a replacement or issue a full refund — no need to return the plant. Note: natural acclimation stress (slight wilting, dropped leaves) is not covered but we're always happy to offer care advice.

Yes! Non-perishable items (tools, pots, planters, garden accessories) can be returned within 60 days of purchase in their original, unused condition with original packaging. To initiate a return, log into your account, go to "My Orders," and select "Return Item." Once we receive and inspect the return, a refund will be credited to your original payment method within 5–7 business days. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility unless the item arrived defective or incorrect.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience! Please take a photo of the item and the packaging before doing anything else, then contact us at support@gardenstore.com within 72 hours of delivery. Include your order number and photos. For wrong items, we'll arrange a free return pickup and send the correct item at no charge. For damaged items, we'll send a replacement immediately and file a claim with the carrier on your behalf.

Orders can be modified or cancelled within 2 hours of placement, before they enter our fulfillment process. To request a change, contact us immediately at support@gardenstore.com or use the live chat on our website. After the 2-hour window, orders may already be packed and labeled for shipment. In that case, you're welcome to return the item once received under our standard return policy.

We accept all major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. We also accept Shop Pay for installment payments — split your purchase into 4 interest-free payments. All transactions are secured with SSL encryption and we never store your full card details on our servers.

Yes to both! Digital gift cards are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100, and $200 — perfect for plant-loving friends and family. They're delivered instantly by email and never expire. For bulk or wholesale orders (10+ units of the same item, or orders over $500), please email us at wholesale@gardenstore.com with your requirements and we'll provide a custom quote with tiered discounts of up to 25% off.