Comments regarding Sand Hill Preservation Center

Excellent company to deal with! Received my seeds within a three week period with no back-orders. Will deal with again in the future.

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.

Excellent experience! Had no problem in getting the seeds to germinate, prices are good and their S/H is the cheapest.

Oh and they give you more seeds than you paid for and along with a "free" seed packet.

After the first order I sent in my second order and I would buy from them again and again.

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.

They have a very good selection of seeds at very fair prices. Service was like I expected after reading their site and catalog. Very generous amounts of seed. Included 3 free packs of tomato seeds. I also ordered Celery, Brussel sprouts and Broccoli. I will be starting some of these seeds in the next few days. Will update thins review after seeding and growing out. Definately in my top five.

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We state in our catalog that we grow approximately 90% of the seed varieties that we offer. This makes our operation a bit different in that when we run out of seed, we are out until the next growing season. We cannot call a supplier and get more seed for most of that 90% of the varieties that we offer. The Sixth Edition of the Garden Seed Inventory indicated that we had 345 varieties that are unique to our company. We are never sure how popular those unique varieties will be and are occasionally overwhelmed with requests for them. We have a place on our order form for the customer to indicate whether they will or will not accept a substitution. We will only substitute a very similar variety and then only if the customer has indicated that it is all right to substitute. Our typical policy when we run out of a variety is to substitute (if given permission) and, in some cases, we also issue a credit with the substitute. In most cases two varieties are substituted for the one which was ordered. We issue a credit slip (which may be returned for cash or used on a future order) to those who request No Substitution. We do not send small amounts of cash through the mail and stopped sending refund checks for small amounts unless the customer sends back the credit and requests a check. We do not have a postage charge unless the total seed order is under $10.00. We are not always able to keep up with updating the internet website for availability of seed varieties. We attempt to update it about once a month. The nature of our operation means we must spend time producing the seed, filling seed orders, etc. That does not always leave time to update the internet daily. We try to do the best that we can to keep up with notifying the public through our website about availabilities on seed varieties. We do want to make sure to remind everyone to not only check the individual varieties, but to be sure to check in on the "News and Updates" page for any message concerning availabilities or delays in shipping."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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" :)

Worth the wait. Nice packs of seed!

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.

Unfortunatlely, unlike most of the other folks who have posted to this site my experience has not been a positive one. I placed an order in May for poultry and received a confirmation letter dated July first. I understand that they are busy and I did not expect any contact with them until either the delivery date that I was given of July 20 or failing that, the backup date of August 17. Well, it is now the 25th of August and despite effort on my part to contact them I have not heard anything. Frankly I am at a loss as to what to do. My sons where anxiously waiting for their new ducks, but they have started back to school and there isn't anyone I can have sit around our house for the first three days each week on the outside chance our order may be delivered. All that aside, I would have been content if they had just let me know that they were even aware that they had missed the backup delivery date.

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.

May 23, 2003
First I called to leave my name and address and request a catalog. I didn't get a response from them but I did receive a catalog promptly!
I received exactly the service I expected once I had read their catalog CAREFULLY. They are busy people and are quick to explain that they have zero time for frivolous conversation. So I didn't call or email, I placed my order and I waited. I received confirmation that my order was coming more than a month in advance of the actual date of arrival (plenty of notice). I was also given a backup date, in case the chickens refuse to lay on a date that THEY didn't choose. I am currently, happily, awaiting the arrival of my chicks.
I have no quarrel with the way they do business and would urge anyone who does to do what their catalog says and order from some other company!

Before you disregard me as an unpatient malcontent please read my letter.
Apparently the Sandhill Preservation Center I am dealing with is a different one than everyone else is dealing with because my experience with them has been ponderous to say the least.
First I requested a catalog from them in November and didn't recieved it until early February. When it arrived I promptly (within one week) sent in my order with payment in full. I heard absolutely nothing from them for the next month and then only after two phone messages and numerous e-mails from me.
Let me again say I am usually a patient person, however common courtesy at least dictates a response sooner than a month.
When they did respond it was to tell me half of the birds I ordered were out of stock or unavailable ( a fact they were aware of before sending out catalogs) and they could put me on a waiting list for next year. They also said the soonest they would fill my order for the birds they did have was not until May 13.

Well it is now May 16th and I have not recieved so much as an e-mail regarding wether or not I will get my birds now or for some reason I will have to wait another 6 months.
I understand that they are a small operation and this is something they do in addition to a full time job, (it is continually blasted all over the catalog and web site) HOWEVER, hobby business or not, it is a business none the less, there is a limit to ones patience and courtesy.
I also understand things come up and delays happen but this lack of communication with customers is unexcuseable.

Here is updated contact info for them as of 03/27/03:

Categories:
Garden Centers | Plants, Trees, Flowers & Seeds | Seeds & Bulbs

Sand Hill Preservation Center
1878 230th St
Calamus, IA 52729-9659

//www.sandhillpreservation.com/

Phone: 563-246-2299
E-mail: sandhill@fbcom.net

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.

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.

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.

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!

Jere Gettle

We first heard about them from Cornucopia as a resource for a couple of types of sweet potato slips. It turns out that they are "a home-based,hobby business with genetic preservation the primary goal". They are very conscientious, but are unable to fill seed orders from Aug 15 to Dec 25 and state that upfront. They do not have a web presence or e-mail. Their descriptions of rare poultry make me want to move to the countryNOW. Almost all of the seeds are organic, except for cukes, melons, and squash. They offer no genetically-engineered varieties and none of theseeds are chemically treated. We ordered some seeds as well as sweet potato slips. The slips arrived in fine shape and grew well and were all individually marked (we bought 8 different varieties, about 20 plants). They were out of one of their seeds (since they grow 90% of their own seeds) and offered a credit for next year's order, since we specified no substitutions and it was $1.We are growing the seeds out this year, and the Frank's Pepper is as promised-compact plant, heavily setting. We haven't had a chance to try our other seeds yet. Quantities are more than adequate and germination has been reasonable.