How We Grow

From Seeds Only

Every single seed produced by a plant is genetically unique, and thus there are as many opportunities as there are seeds to produce an offspring that is better adapted to changing conditions. With the environmental challenges brought on by climate change, it is important that native plants have optimal opportunity to adapt and evolve at the genetic level. Propagating plants from seed optimizes that opportunity. For this reason we sell only plants propogated from seeds, most of which are collected from plants growing on or near our property, and a few from other places in Vermont. We never collect seeds from endangered plants growing in the wild. When plants are propagated in a nursery, many more seeds actually become mature plants than when the plants are growing in the wild.

Plant Pots

Between 95 and 98 percent of plastic horticultural plant pots end up in landfills. We are committed to doing whatever we can to avoid contributing to that number. These pots do not biodegrade; they leach toxic chemicals that pollute soil and groundwater; and most of them are petroleum-based. We purchase exclusively biodegradable pots made from wood fiber or recycled newspaper in which to raise our seedlings and grow our plants.

Organic Potting Soil, No Chemicals

We purchase potting soil that is organic and is sourced as locally as possible. Right now our favorite brands are Coast of Maine, and Vermont Compost Company. We use no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.

Echinacea purpurea

Species

We sell only straight species, no cultivars. Research has shown that native pollinators often prefer straight species over cultivars, and that many cultivars are inferior to natives in terms of pollen and nectar production. About a third of the species we sell are endangered, listed as "Imperiled" or "Critically Imperiled" by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. We will prioritize those species by featuring one of them each month, which we will sell at a discount.

Helenium autumnale

Jumping Worms

Jumping worms are a non-native worm, widespread and spreading in the Northeast. They look similar to earthworms, but are larger and wiggle violently when disturbed. Unlike earthworms, they damage the top few inches of soil, decreasing soil nutrients and causing soil erosion. Shinleaf Native Plants implements the following best practices to prevent the spread of jumping worms:

We use only commercial, bagged germinating mix and potting soil, and never store bags on the ground.
We use only new, biodegradable plant pots.
We store and display plants off the ground, on tables or pallets, or on landscaping cloth. The bottoms and sides of the cold frames where our plants are over-wintered are wrapped in landscaping cloth.

Many native plants may be more able to survive and thrive in the presence of jumping worms because of their deep roots, which reach well beyond the upper few inches of soil affected by the worms.

We are committed to doing whatever we can to insure that our plants are free of jumping worms or eggs.