Almost Eden - FAQ's

We have compiled a huge list of informative publications from university County Extension Services providing you with information about most plants and almost any gardening subject. Click here to start your search.

What is the pot size of the plants that you ship?

You will note, the majority of our plants are grown in #4.5 (4” actual diameter/width), pots, #4 ( 3-1/2” actual width) pots, and #3 ( 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” x 2-1/2 - 3”deep) size pots. By using larger pots, not only will your plants be substantially larger, they will much more easily withstand the rigors of shipping. Although the shipping weight is slightly more, we believe it is well worth the extra cost to receive strong, healthy, and vigorous plants.

How big can I expect my plants to be when I receive them?

We will not ship plants until our staff determines that they are well rooted in and are large enough to withstand shipping. Plant size varies among the many species due to different growth habits. Most vines or trailing plants will have 6-12” or longer runners, and the same can be said about perennials, trees, shrubs, and cacti; they will normally be a single to branching, or multi-trunked plant 4-18” high.

How do I know if you have the plants I’m interested in available?

If the website allows you to order your plant by inserting the quantity that you would like in the order box, then we most likely have this item in stock. Our system automatically updates our inventory and will show if a plant is in-stock or out-of-stock. Due to unforeseen circumstances, some plant varieties may not be available for immediate shipping. Under these circumstances we will not charge you for the item or associated shipping and handling, or provide you with a refund for the appropriate amount.

How can I find out if a plant is suitable for my area?

The first thing you need to know is what USDA Cold Hardiness Zone you live in. You can find that information at the following link:

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Once you’ve determined what zone you live in you can find the plants associated hardiness zones if you click on the plant’s photo or the ‘Click to See More’ hyperlink for that plant. Want more info about a particular plant? Visit our Plant and Gardening Information page which links you to information from County Extension Services provided by state Universities.

Why can’t you ship some plants to CA, TX, Fl, AZ, etc…

Some states regulate the introduction of certain plant species because they may be host to pests or pathogens that may affect a particular state’s commercial agriculture industry. Even though our plants are inspected when they are pulled for shipment and again when they are packaged for pests and disease, it is possible that we could miss something and introduce a serious pest which could harm your state’s commercial agriculture crops.

Do you ship outside of the continental United States?

Unfortunately, we do not currently ship outside of the continental U.S. although we do ship to Alaska, but not to Hawaii, as they require that plants be shipped with no soil and be inspected upon arrival. The delays and added stress may prevent them from surviving the ordeal.

What if I do not want to pay with a credit card over the Internet?

We use Secure Socket Layer, which encrypts your information when processing credit cards via the Internet. If you select a payment method other than the automated credit card processing (assuming that the transaction was approved), such as check or money order, your order will be kept until the time of payment is received or for 30 days which ever comes first. If you choose to pay with a check or money order, please print out a final copy of your order and send it with your payment. Make all checks and money orders payable to 'Almost Eden' and mail them to:

Almost Eden

1240 Smith Rd

Merryville, LA 70653

How will you ship my order?

We ship all orders via U.S. Priority Mail. Orders are shipped on Tuesdays (excluding weeks with major holidays) and normally reach our customers by Thursday or Friday of that week. We carefully package each plant and secure it in it’s box to ensure it’s safe arrival to you.

When will you ship my order?

We ship orders out on Tuesdays of every week, except for weeks with major holidays (such as Christmas and Thanksgiving), during the holidays we simply hold your order until the following week to prevent the plants from remaining at the Post Office over the weekend. We do not ship orders until payment is received.

How much will Shipping &Handling be?

If you place your order via the Internet the Shipping & Handling costs will be determined automatically. It is determined as follows: $6.00 Handling fee per order plus $1.95 per plant.

Do you guarantee your plants?

Customer satisfaction is important to us. We guarantee that your plants will arrive healthy. If you find a problem with your shipment please notify us within ten working days of receiving the order. We will replace your damaged plants, credit your account, or provide the appropriate refund. We cannot guarantee plants shipped into temperatures below 45F. (See the following FAQ for more info)

Will you ship anytime of the year?

Although we have shipped plants to areas with 2 feet of snow with only very minor damage, we cannot guarantee plants shipped into temperatures below 45F, as our plants are greenhouse grown and the more sensitive varieties may not withstand such a drastic temperature change.

What do I do with my plants once they arrive?

Open your package immediately and remove any packaging materials. Your plants may need watering, though they are thoroughly watered prior to shipment. Water them as necessary to re-saturate the soil and place them where they will get the appropriate amount of light. Do Not leave plants sitting in a saucer of water for more than 30-45 minutes.

Can I plant my new plants straight out into the garden?

Many plants can be immediately planted out into an appropriate area in the garden, though I might suggest that you give it a few days to adjust to it’s new climate. Water them as necessary and let them spend a few days acclimating before transplanting them in order to minimize any shock. Also if you intend to grow perennial-like tropicals or other plants that are questionably hardy for your area, We suggest that you plant them in spring or early summer to allow them to establish a strong root system before winter sets in.

My plant(s) arrived with no leaves, is it dead?

Some plant varieties may drop a few leaves during shipment, this is not uncommon as it was confined in a dark area for 2-3 days. Also, please realize that some plants, such as some perennials and deciduous trees and shrubs, may be dormant and/or leafless at time of shipment. Do not be alarmed as this is natural for many plant varieties. We also suggest that if a perennial is questionably hardy in your region, that you plant it in spring to allow it to establish a strong root system prior to the following winter.

Back to Home Back to Top

Last Updated: February 01, 2008 .