The great-grandchildren of Earl May and their families gathered for the 100 year anniversary of the company in 2019 in Shenandoah, Iowa. In 1919, Earl E. May founded Earl May Seed & Nursery in Shenandoah, a small town in southwest Iowa. In the beginning, a seed and nursery catalog was sent to only a handful of people.
However, at the height of the catalog, over 2 million copies were distributed throughout the United States. Originally, along with seed, Earl May also sold baby chickens, tires, batteries, radios, paint, shoes and clothing, mostly by mail. While much has changed since those early years, the one thing that has not is Earl May's insistence on quality products, expert advice and superior customer service.
However, at the height of the catalog, over 2 million copies were distributed throughout the United States. Originally, along with seed, Earl May also sold baby chickens, tires, batteries, radios, paint, shoes and clothing, mostly by mail. While much has changed since those early years, the one thing that has not is Earl May's insistence on quality products, expert advice and superior customer service.
Services
We operate 28 family owned and operated stores throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas. At your local Earl May Garden Center you'll find more than just plants. You'll find friendly, helpful staff and everything you need to enhance your outdoor living space. Fall is just around the corner and our garden centers are bursting with the colors of the season!
Whether you're just looking for ideas, need a little help with a project or are looking for quality, full-service landscape design and installation - you'll find exactly what you need at your local Earl May Garden Center. And because we're family owned, providing exceptional customer service is, and always has been, our top priority.
Earl May is a family-owned company that has been selling seed since 1919. Centrally located in the Midwest, we ship seed to all 48 contiguous states. We take great pride in offering sweet corn varieties with solid genetics and leading trait packages to give you, our customer, the best possible outcome.
In addition to the best quality plants, nursery stock, and lawn and garden supplies, at your local Earl May Garden Center you'll find in-house experts trained to answer all your questions. We've curated some of our favorite helpful resources here to answer many of the questions we most often get. Don't forget to keep checking back - our lawn and garden experts are adding more information all the time.
In addition to the best quality plants, lawn care and garden supplies, at your local Earl May Garden Center for your local garden center information. You'll find in-house experts trained to answer all of your questions on plant selection, plant and disease identification, pest solutions, natural gardening and more.
Reviews (6)
Janeene Beeman
Nov 21, 2021
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Aticus Gassman
May 18, 2021
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In the last month or so I've been into this location at least six or seven times while in the process of starting a garden. Whether it's a quick visit to get more seed starting mix or to ask questions about what I'm doing there's always been somebody who has been there to answer my questions. Everyone has been beyond friendly to the point of being recognized when I go in by certain employees. I also appreciate the respect they extend to their customers and employees by allowing them to decide if masks are somthing they wish to wear. It's also nice being able to actually see who I'm talking to without
Will Schafer
Mar 18, 2021
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I live 2 hours away from the Earl May Store but wanted to send a friend in Grimes a retirement gift plant. They not only picked a great plant, they tried twice to deliver it (first time same day) and finally called my friend and set up a time for the delivery. This was above and beyond what I have experienced else where. I have sent plants that delivery services have just dropped at the front door even in freezing weather. Mark, Deanna and the entire staff at Store 27 in Grimes are the best and deserve your patronage.
Jacob Lish
Nov 29, 2020
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The plants here are very gorgeous, but beware--they are priced as such! If you aren't prepared to spend, stay away! You'll be unable to resist! The staff was friendly and there was a nice selection of auxiliary products like pots and soils too. Give it a visit if you're looking for some beautiful new green houseplants!
John G.
Aug 16, 2020
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Mark is a very attentive manager and makes certain every guest is greeted and needs met. Their products are well laid out and healthy. Every staff member is knowledgeable about the items in the store. Many items are unique and ideal for gifting for that hard to buy for person or occasion. They are the only nursery source I consider anymore.
Brittany Oakes
Dec 17, 2019
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