Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to 'phone you for advice or orders?
Between 12 and 1, or 6 to 7pm, Monday to Saturday on 01381 610352 (UK) or +44 1381 610352 (Overseas)

How are plants sent by mail order in the UK?
They are taken out of their pots, washed, labelled and wrapped in moist moss. We usually send UK orders by first class mail which is a one or two day service; a next day UK special delivery service is also available at extra cost. (Usually double the standard carriage cost)

When are the plants dispatched to the UK?
They are sent on Tuesdays, mainly in Spring and Autumn. Special next day deliveries can also sometimes be sent on Thursday.
We will not send when weather or seasonal conditions are unsuitable, this is usually in the winter (too cold) and summer (too hot).

I am not at home every day to receive a parcel, what should I do?
Inform us when ordering of a safe place for postie to leave your parcel if you are out during the day; we will write your instruction on the parcel, so that you do not have to go to the local post office depot to collect.
If ordering by special next day delivery, you must be at home to sign for the parcel which should arrive by 1pm.

How long does it take from ordering to delivery?
This depends on plant availability and season, usually on receipt of your order we aim to send the following week in Spring and Autumn.

What should I do when the parcel arrives?
Take the plants out of the parcel straight away and take off the moss wrapped around the roots. Drop them in water for a few minutes and then plant or pot up, watering again if the weather is dry. If hot, keep cool and moist and plant or pot in the evening; if very cold and frosty provide protection until the weather improves.

I live in a EU country, when and how will my plants be sent?
We send EU orders on Mondays (in spring and autumn) by air mail; a faster air service either by Swiftair or Airsure is available at extra cost, larger parcels can be sent by Datapost

I live outside The EU, what is the procedure?
Each country has different plant health regulations which we will look into on receipt of your order. We will advise you on what can be sent and when. Sometimes an import permit is needed from your Department of Agriculture, plant health certificates usually cost from £10.

I do not have a UK debit card and would like to pay by credit card, is there a charge for this?
Yes because the bank charges us a lot for this service, alternatively you can pay by electronic transfer which is fast and secure, but also involves bank charges. The details can be found on our web site under the order page.

I am beginner at gardening, can you tell me how to grow the herbs?
Most common herbs are very easy to grow and should thrive in a moderate well drained soil or compost with a sunny position. If growing in a pot, use a loam based John Innes 2 or 3 type compost, better still make your own compost and add some grit or perlite for drainage. Growing instructions for each species are not given but we recommend reading our Growers Guide to Herb gardening.

When do I sow the seeds you produce?
Because seeds vary a lot in their germination requirements, look at the growing instructions on the key on our catalogue page - each seed packet is coded.

What do the grow codes and abbreviations mean beside each listed plant?
Click here to open a printable window containing a key to the abbreviations used.

My plants are small and have arrived without leaves, why is this?
It is because it is the dormant season, they will grow again in the spring and become larger.

I have been waiting for my order to arrive for some time, what is the delay?
Your plants are either not ready to transplant or the weather conditions are not suitable (too cold or hot and dry) Patience is a virtue that creates good gardeners!