Comments regarding Farmer Seed and Nursery

Ordered from Interstate Nursery last year and Farmers Seed this year and have found out they are towned by the same company. Received dead plants that were very small and of poor quality to begin with and this company does not make any effort whatsoever to stand behind their products.

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A dmail was sent to this customer on 6/13/06, but we have not had a response. We DO stand behind our product and will be happy to replace or refund the merchandise as described in our guarantee."

I have ordered trees & shrubs from several of the companies subsidiaries with bad results. Noticing the plants had spent a long time in shipment sometimes in hot weather I decided to drive the hour to Farmers Seed & Nursery in Faribault, MN. The service was fast and the trees, shrubs and plants were in good condition. Some of them were a little on the small side but for the price you pay it is still a good deal. It seems to be the way they are shipped and the amount of time it takes the post office to deliver the package that sometimes takes the toll on the items. Yes, an hours drive is lengthy but make a day of it and visit other nurseries along the way. Take a bucket of water with to get your bare roots into water as soon as possible.

You know, I could tell you my sad story about dealing with Farmer Seed but it would just be more of what is already well reported so instead let me say this: Don't buy anything from them. It is all true. They don't ship orders out on time. You have to write them to cancel an order and then they use delaying tacts or whatever means to avoid cancelling. They do charge your credit card before they ship the order. You have to move heaven and earth to get them to credit your account for items you either never recieve or have cancelled. DO NOT DEAL WITH THEM!
Myself: I'm contacting the Minnesota Dept of Agriculture and the AG's office and filing a complaint. I urge anyone else who has been ripped off by this group to do the same. This company should be investigated and will be if there are enough complaints filed.

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This customer was contacted by d-mail on 4/18/06 and has never responded. We would advise customers who might have any questions or issues to contact us directly. Our phone # and mailing address are listed on this website. In addition, a link is provided through which you may email us directly. "

I ordered over $200 from this company: pine trees, glads, xmas cactus, strawberries, seeds and a lot more. Items arrived separately, and one package they claimed they shipped never even arrived! So had to wait 2 more months to get it. Finally, after I received everything, I would say only 10% out of the whole order survived the first month. Demanded a replacement, received after 6 months of battling. The company claimed I did not ship them 1/3 of shipping labels, whereas the other 2 out of 3 they received. The replacement request was all in one envelope and they managed to lose one label and tried to deny it. Out of the replaced items only half survived, and now I am sending a third replacement request. Technically, from the first order I only managed to grow 55% of all items ordered. It was my first experience with them and I will never order from them again.

I ordered $187.00 from Farmer's Seed. While I understand that it can snow in SD as late as May, my plants all arrived in mid June. All trees that I ordered were completely dried out. Only one strawberry plant survived. I didn't think it was possible to kill daylilies, but they were literally mush. I do have to say that the majority of roses I received were ok and are doing well. Only one never produced leaves. I am sending them my letter today, because I did try to plant everything to see if they would survive. I am a lawyer. I am sending the letter on my letterhead. I will let you know if they give me the same run around as everyone else.

Earlier this year I ordered from Burgess Seed , Four Seasons, and Farmer Seed not realizing at the time that they were all companies operating under the Plantron, Inc name. I too received the bright green plastic bags with the tiny, weak and undersized nursery stock items thrown in. I also received the small plastic bags in the bottom of the larger green bag that contained barely recognizeable nursery stock due to the heavy overgrowth of mold covering them. In fact, since my orders were so large, I had difficulty in even tabulating to make sure everything had been sent due to the fact that many of the items in the small plastic bags had been reduced to MOLDY SLUDGE, unrecognizeable and smelling putrid. I now find myself with useless company "Replacement Certificates" in hand; why would I want to reorder again? Gardners, BE WARNED!

100% CRAP from this company. DO NOT waste your time or money, you will be highly disapointed.

In 2004 I ordered several things from this company. I had ordered what they called a "Biblical Fig" (that should have been a clue to me, but I was a newbie). It arrived with the top broken off, and was thinner than a pencil. It did not do very well and has winterkilled this year as I think it wasn't big enough to survive despite my wrapping. When I called them to get the actual name of the fig last year,I got no response-nobody seemed to know. The 2 blueberries I bought from them also died. The items were shipped in a plastic bag and weren't in good shape. I didn't bother to contact them as the cost of my order was so small, but I wish I had known about this forum before. Needless to say I will never deal with this company again.

Well, this company has a horrible negative rating for a reason! BEWARE and read this BEFORE YOU CANCEL YOUR ORDER!

I placed a $200 order with this company before I realized how horrible they were. I called to cancel my order less than 3 days after placing the order.

Of course, they charged my card rather than cancelling the order and now I am on the other end fighting to dispute the charge! Of course they told me the order was cancelled.

My advice....Call your credit card first and tell them to deny any charges from Farmer's Seed and Nursery BEFORE you call to cancel your order! These people charge you as soon as they think you are going to run away.

THIS COMPANY IS DEPLORABLE. I had done business with the House of Wesley name about 4 years ago when I bought 12 blue spruce, some willows, and other varieties. The shipment was received in poor condition, and everything died except two of the blue spruce which still have not exceeded a height of much more than a foot. I nursed these items from the day I received them, but they were clearly not of good stock.

Recently, I purchased some goods from Farmer Seed, not knowing that they were affiliated. I soon recognized the connection from this website (thanks!), and promptly tried to cancel the order. It became clear from this simple transaction that this is not a reputable company.

First of all, I called 800-544-8200 and spoke with a rep who asked about the order and then said, "It may have started processing, let me check". Since this is January, I could not figure out what they could have started on. Shipments should not start until March.

The rep returned to the line and said that she would notify the processing department to cancel the order. I asked for a confirmation number, and then things got very confusing. The rep asked what number did I call, and when I told her, she made a comment indicating that I had called some other company, but they could handle transactions for Farmer Seed. Huh? She had just said that she cancelled my order, but obviously had not even looked it up! I advised her that this was one of the very reasons I was canceling - the service was reportedly abominable.

She went on to say that *now* I would have to send a cancellation order in writing. I asked about a fax number to send the cancellation. The response was they did not accept faxes. All during the conversation she constantly defended the reputation of the Plantron companies, even though at the beginning she said that she didn't even work for them!

I had about enough of the BS from this rep, so I politely asked to speak with a supervisor, or someone who could help with this transaction. To my amazement, the rep countered that she did not have a supervisor and the only good I could do was to mail them a cancellation notice. Eventually, after repeatedly pressing her, she said that her supervisor's name was Grace Avery, but she was not going to let me talk to her. Simply unbelievable.

I implore anyone reading this to steer very clear of any of these companies, and ask that you warn anyone you can via review sites or word of mouth that these are companies of highly questionable integrity and honesty.

I can only say one thing about Farmer's and the other companies associated with this group...
BUYER BEWARE!

It's "ok" to buy inexpensive plants IF you realize ahead of time that you *aren't* getting anything even similar to what's shown in the picture. IF it's "ok" with you to receive a "start" of a plant...read that a rootless TWIG or a rotten SPROUT...then order from Farmer's...IF you have a gambler's attitude.

My experience with them is much the same as most others have expressed with one exception. I was SO disappointed with what I received that I was TOO embarrassed to ask for replacements or a refund.

Let's just say I paid a LOT for this education...so "Pay your money and take YOUR chances."

I wish I'd known about Garden Watchdog before I ordered from Farmer's Seed. If I'd known that they were basically the same as Burgess, I would have RUN! I got a pathetic order from Burgess two or three years ago, and NEVER would order from them again. This experience w/ Farmer's Seed was the very same. Everything was totally dried up and teensy tiny. I'd ordered two Harry Lauder's Walking Sticks and eight Christmas ferns. Some of the ferns were 1/2" in size...no kidding...and totally dried up. The "Sticks" were maybe 10" including the roots, and NO sign of life. Why can't Plantron be shut down??? They are thieves...period. I'm not bothering to try to return anything at this point. I'm just learning from this experience, and I'm VERY grateful that my order was less than forty bucks.

I have been trying to find out about the order I made in January, as it is now March and getting rather late to plant here. When I try to contact them I am redirected to some other company's website, and there is no address or phone number for customer service. What's the deal?

Last spring (2002), I ordered many things from Farmer's - a tamarisk, two berries, crown vetch, erica carnea, boxwood, etc.

Everything from my huge order arrived in one green plastic envelope that had been sent through the US Mail~!! The plants were jumbled together, and all were soaking wet gobs of goo.

I sent it all back. The replacements took about 2 or 3 months to arrive, and they all arrived in the condidition of the original shipment.

I didn't bother fighting for a refund or returning the plants again. I just realized this is not a company to deal with ever again and I tell as many people as I can about my poor experience with this company.

~Pat White
Merrillville, IN

I placed my order in February with late March being a late dedline to plant in my area. After several emails and phone calls the order did not arrive until early May, much to late to have much luck with small over-stressed plants (trees & shrubs). We are now (early June) fighting with 100 degree tmperatures and losing one after another of the plants we ordered. NEVER AGAIN.

Unfortunatly I did not come here before I ordered from farmer seed co, they used to have a good name but that has changed for the worse. They were the first order I sent in and the last to get here. The seed packets were all there but the amount was sad to say very short, only 5 seeds in most packets. Of course it is probably my fault, buyer beware no seed count was listed for the packets. Thankfully there is always Johnnys, last order in first recieved

I ordered over $300 of grapes and kiwis. The first arrival was in late May, already late for planting in my region. Of my order, I recieved 2 kiwis, and 6 grape vines. Those plants were tiny and their roots were rotting. I called Customer Service about the hundreds of dollars of missing items, and she insisted that there was nothing she could do. My complaint had to be filed in writing, and it would take 6-8 weeks to be processed. Her supervisor also said there was nothing else she could do. So, I wrote the letter. Mid-late July, the rest of the order came. It was hot and dry, but I planted them anyway. All of the kiwis are dead, and half of the grapes are dead. Some of the grapes they sent weren't even the ones I ordered. Never order from Plantron!

This comment was originaly placed by me under Burgess but as you can see your are not dealing with Farmers you are dealing with PLANTRON, INC. We had ordered from Farmers in Faribault MN for many years with very good results BEFORE they became a division of Plantron.

I ordered nursery stock from this company a couple of years ago in late winter. I ordered from them because of their very attractive pricing. The nursery stock finaly arrived near the end of June on a 95 degree day in the middle of a heat wave. It looked dead in the packing. Took it out and planted it and tried to keep it watered, but out of 100 hedge and 50 forsythia only 2 forsythia survived. Decided never to order from them again. BUT BEWARE! BURGESS IS ONLY ONE NAME THIS COMPANY USES! Later I ordered from Farmers Seed and Nursery. 50 Stawberry plants plus some rasberry plants (12). I Recieved 1 bundle of 25 (22 plants actually in the bundle). When I called them with the mistake they said ok they would take care of it. They sent 25 more plants, and BILLED MY CREDIT CARD AGAIN! This company is a division of a company named PLANTRON, INC. Go check out their rating. Save your self some grief!

I have an outstanding order for seeds and I found two of the identical items (same item number) listed in Burgess Seed & Plant catalog. As many know, Burgess and Farmer Seed are both part of Plantron. I e-mailed the company and asked to get the lower price on these two identical items and was told I would have to order these from Burgess. I think this is very poor customer service. Be advised, if you do business with either of these two outfits, compare the items in each catalog so that you get the best deal.

Hi,

I had been waiting for their catolog for a long time. It has not came let. I think they probably saw how bad their service had been and had gone out of buisiness. I ordered plants like strawberries and other berries,kiwi,pawpaw,supplies. I waited 5 weeks and still nothing came. I called them and they said everything was backordered. I canceled the order right then. I dont like it how they have different companies in the same town and they are all owned by the same owner. They make you buy from every one so they can get profit. Some things are only availiable in Farmers or Burgess. Plus you have to pay more shipping charges of 6.95. Hear my advice.

Forget about Farmer, Burgess, Richard, and other companies that are the same!

I ordered a couple of grapevines. They arrived so dead they weredry and brittle; obviously dead when they were shipped. I notified Farmers. They sent me two more dead brittle vines. Never again!!!!!!

order a lot of plants from this co.got the plants late and planted them as soon as they came in.half of the plants where dead when they came in.will never order from this place again

I called to ask for a refund on trees that died. Plants had been shipped rotted and bare root with NO packing material to protest them In addition, I enquired about orderinga Mr. Pea Sheller. I had been told earlier in season to hold off ordering becasue there was a three week limit on returing things if I wasn't happy with it. When I asked about buying pea sheller now, I was told there was a 4-5 week waiting period to have it shipped. I pointed out the dicrepency in what I'd been told, and was basically told that I was mistaken about being told that in the first place. Will NEVER order from here again, even if seed prices are low. Staff is very rude.

My husband ordered trees from one of the affiliated companies (Farmers Seed and nursery)last year and has not received them yet. I am giving this company 3 days to send us the trees or I will turn them over to the Attorney General for our state and to the Attorney General for the United States. We haqve even paid for the trees.
When you can't get at least the product you ordered and paid for there is help. Please know there is help.

After receiving and returning an incomplete order of garbage almost a month ago I have still not received credit. The order was from Farmers Seed. I canceled and order from Kelly Nurseries that was never sent and have not received credit from them either. Customer service gives me the run around and e-mails return the same. I am contacting the Postmaster in their area to see if something can be done on their end.

After making a rather sizable order, I received my packages in mid-July (in Texas, thetemperature had already reached the high 100s). The plants and bulbs were ruined, all moldy and soft. I never received the replacements promised, and to be honest, I really found the customer service people quite rude. Big thumbs down. Same goes for their sister company, Burgess Seed and Nursery.

The plant material arrived in very poor condition. Some of it was rotten. Most of the plants were very small and it is probable that they will not grow. At least we did get all of the order. We should have just returned all of the order as soon as we opened it. At the present time we have not recontacted the company other then a telephone call to find out how to proceed in getting some satisfaction for the nearly $55 order. The person contacted at the company said that if we felt that strongly about the order we shouldn't order from them again and we won't!I have contacted the Illinois Department of Agriculture about this and they are going to look into the matter since the parent company is in Bloomington Il. I also contacted the Minnesota Department of Agriculture since they have their licensing material on the shipping label. I have not heard from them as of yet, however anyone that has these kind of problems should contact these two departments of ag since they have oversight on these companies.

I recently ordered from Farmer Seed and Nursery. Then I found your comment pages and thought I may have made a mistake by placing an order with them. I contacted them by e-mail and questioned them flat out about whether or not I should cancel my order. Within 48 hours I received a reply that everything was fine and that I had nothing to worry about. I figured that I would never get the items in time to plant and that if I did they would be rotten. Well, I was wrong. Many people have complained and I am sure that some are genuine, but I'll bet a bunch of those people complaining are to blame for their own bad experiences. How quick were they to get the mail, and how did they take care of the plants, etc? I am not trying to discount honest complaints, and I am sure that a lot of bad plants do get shipped, but my experiences with Farmer Seed have so far been excellent.All four packages arrived in perfect shape, and many of the plants were growing profusely when opened. Many items were shipped in overages, apparently to make up for possible losses in transit, but this was not necessary, as all plants are alive and well. I ordered $75.00 worth and this included seeds, trees, bulbs, houseplants, and many other plants. The items were shipped almost immediately and were separated into like item packages. All four packages arrived within 5 days of each other and in perfect time for my planting season. The plants are just as described in the catalog and are first rate plants. I am writing this to help people who are undecided about whether they should do business with Farmer Seed. Yes, you can order with confidence from them. I have to repeat myself and say that Farmer Seed and Nursery is an excellent company. They will be receiving more orders from me!

I wrote Farmers about replacing some Hardy English Lavender, North Country Blueberry and a Jostaberry but have never heard from them. The plants they sent were in terrible shape.

They messed up my bulb order, sent me regular glads instead of hardy glads. I was dissapointed, but I didn't want to go through the whole return process so I planted the bulbs they gave me anyway and I had very beautiful blooms.

I too have had a problem with Farmer Seed. I sent an extensive order last February. I only received 2 of three parcels they had supposedly shipped. I phoned their customer service, which was no help at all, and was told that a trace would be put on the missing parcel, and that they would get back to me. After two months I called them again, and they had no knowledge of a trace, nor could they help me. I was informed that I had to write to Ms. Avery, in order to get any customer service. After approximately three weeks, Ms. Avery replied stating that she was sorry, and that they would re-ship the missing parcel. I informed her I no longer wanted to deal with their company, and that I want my money back. I got a replacement certificate in the mail.

Last Spring, my wife ordered two fig trees from Farmers; neither tree took. We wrote the company, but we were ignored by them. I'll order from other mail-order nurseries instead.

I placed orders from five different nurseries in February 2000. Two of the orders were from nurseries who are divisions of Plantron Inc. Inter-State Nursery and Farmers Seed and Nursery. These two Nurseries sent most of their stock with shortages, dead root stock, and rotten plants in tight plastic bags. I have called and written to then, several times but as yet have not had good results in getting a claims settled. I will not ever order from these two Nurseries or from any of Plantron's Divisions.

I have ordered twice from Farmer Seed and Nursery and both times I have not gotten quality plants and trees - they have all died or they were dead when I received them. I contacted the company numerous times and to no avail. I was not reimbursed with my money back or plants to replace the dead ones; I am very unhappy with this company and tell everyone that I see about my problems with them.

Planted Hyb. Spirit (7291). Have tassels, no ears or silk. Stalks produced a minimum of 2 sucker shoots upwards to 4. What's wrong with this picture? Other products received have no complaints.

I also received seeds and plants from Farmer, and the plants died, one never started to leaf, but was totally dead, was going to give them a large order this spring, thought I would look on the internet, and see if I could order. Forget it, I will order from another company.

I would like to report that the above-mentioned company has had and cashed a $63.00 check from me which was accompanied with my order for a variety of their products, mailed on 2/3/00, and I have not received one item of my order. I called the above number, and the CSR said she would send a message to the corporate office. Also, I was given a number to call, which is always busy. I then faxed them my order again, with the message on top: WHERE IS MY ORDER? I have not received anything from them, no products, no response, nada!

I ordered from Farmer's about 3 wks ago. Still have not received the order from Farmer's. However, when I placed the order, the customer service rep. stated that it would be at least 3 weeks before shipment. Yesterday, the long-awaited raspberry plants arrived shipped from Faribault, MN. April 3 to May 30 for processing and shipping time is quite inexcusable.

I also have had the run around from this company regarding raspberries that did not grow at all. Not having the original shipping label, I was told I needed a proof of purchase. (Where are their records regarding credit card orders?). This company's guarantee is not worth the paper it is printed on. My advice is not to do business with them at all and be sure to let everyone in your gardening class aware of their lack of concern.