Ferry-Morse Gardener's Helpline® FAQ

Welcome to our Gardener's Helpline® Frequently Asked Questions! This entire page is dedicated to assisting you with some of our most common inquiries. These questions can range anywhere from what our online Shipping Policy is all the way to what the process of hardening off plants means.

To make things easier, we've taken these questions and added them to six generalized categories below. Simply click on the text that is relevant to your inquiry and you will be automatically taken to the section of this page that covers it.

If we haven't answered your question below, then you can also visit our Contact Us page for further assistance.

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ARE FERRY-MORSE SEEDS NON-GMO?

All of our seeds are non-GMO and have been since our inception in 1856. For more information on our philosophy please see our Safe Seed Pledge.

WHAT DOES "GMO" MEAN?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. In agriculture, this label refers to crops whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering methods in a laboratory. This modification is done most often to alter the traits of a plant or to introduce new traits that it would not have naturally. Ferry-Morse does not carry GMO seeds.

DOES HYBRID MEAN THAT THE SEEDS ARE GMO?

No. Hybrids are the result of cross-pollination between two different plant varieties to produce a hybrid offspring. The result is a hybrid that contains the traits of each of the parents. Cross-pollination is a natural process that occurs within members of the same plant species. As an Animal Kingdom example, when a Labrador breed mates with a Poodle the offspring is a cross-breed Labradoodle.

DOES FERRY-MORSE USE NEONICOTINOIDS?

Ferry-Morse Seeds does not sell, nor have we ever sold any seed treated with neonicotinoids, or neonics for short. The impact of this class of chemical on pollinating insects such as honey bees and native bees is a cause of environmental concern. This is why Ferry-Morse Seeds has not and will not use neonicotinoid chemicals at any time.

WHAT ARE ORGANIC SEEDS?

100% certified Organic seeds are harvested from plants grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides. They harbor no residues from these chemicals. Organically grown seed produces hearty, robust plants already adapted to Organic growing conditions.

WHAT IS AN OPEN-POLLINATED VARIETY?

An open-pollinated variety relies on natural pollination from wind and insects, and holds on to the parent’s characteristics generation after generation. This is important as it allows saved seed to produce identically if used again. Seed from an open-pollinated plant can be saved to be used again, while seed from a hybrid variety should not be saved.

WHAT IS AN HEIRLOOM VARIETY?

Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated seeds that have been saved from generation to generation. Usually varieties referred to as heirloom have been around for more than 50 years and offer a wonderful history in the names and flavors that continually provide dependable quality season after season. The seed from heirloom plants can be saved at the end of the season to be used again the next year.

HOW TO ATTACHED YOUR JIFFY GROW DOME TO THE TRAY?

  • You don't attach them. The gro-dome “sits” on the tray to create humidity. While the Jiffy greenhouse dome "sits" securely in the tray.
  • After planting your seeds, set the dome on top of the tray, ensure the dome is stable
  • Please note that the corners will not "snap" into place, and here's why: As seedlings emerge, you will need to shift and eventually remove the dome. If it snapped on too securely, removing it would jostle contents, possibly breaking the delicate stems of your seedlings and creating a watery, peat-pellet-y mess!
  • The dome’s design allows for air circulation while trapping moisture inside.
  • As seedlings emerge, gradually slide the dome over or prop it open to increase ventilation. Increasing ventilation helps prevent damping off disease and encourages healthy growth.

WHAT IS CROP ROTATION?

Crop rotation is one of the oldest and most effective strategies of controlling potential gardening problems. It is as simple as planning to plant a selected crop in the east end of the garden one year, and then the next season plant it in the west side of the garden. Plants that follow should be from a different family than the previous one. It is ideal for most crops to wait 3 years before planting in the original area. Moving crops to different areas of the garden each year provides many advantages such as maintaining soil fertility, reducing soil erosion, prevents diseases and pests, helps to control weeds and reduces reliance of synthetic chemicals.

WHAT IS HARDENING OFF?

Hardening off is the process of gradually transplanting a plant from a warm, comfortable indoor environment to the cool, windy outdoors. This process generally takes about 7-10 days. Place plants in the sun for an hour the first day, gradually increasing the exposure for about a week until plants can accept a full day of direct sunlight. After a couple of full days outside, the plants should be left out overnight, unless there is a danger of frost. Make sure the transplants are well watered during the process.

WHAT IS DEADHEADING?

Deadheading is the process of extending the flowering period of a plant by removing dead flowers once they have finished blooming. Check your plants while watering to see what ‘maintenance’ is required – usually taking a few minutes before or after watering to remove faded flowers or seed pods can help keep plants looking beautiful!

WHAT IS MY GROWING ZONE?

A growing zone or a “Hardiness Zone” is a USDA system developed to aid gardeners with an understanding of when to plant fruits, flowers, vegetables, herbs and other plants based upon geographical location. To find your growing zone see the USDA map here.

HOW DO I START MY SEEDS INDOORS?

Starting seeds indoors is a method of seed-germination that helps to develop seedlings indoors before transplanting to a larger pot or being transplanted into the garden.

  • Using Jiffy peat pellets or a combination of peat pots and starting mix is the perfect start to a successful gardening experience.  
  • Be sure to follow packet directions for sowing depth and spacing, and don’t forget to label what you have planted.  
  • Cover your tray or flat of newly planted seeds with a plastic dome and remove once the seedling has fully emerged.  
  • Use Grow lights to help with germination and growth.  
  • Place your flat or tray somewhere warm (on a heat mat or on top of refrigerator) to warm the soil and promote germination.  
  • Be sure to remove from heat once seedlings start to emerge to keep roots safe.  
  • Keep your growing medium consistently moist – seedlings cannot tolerate dry conditions.

WHY AND HOW SHOULD I USE PLANT NUTRIENTS?

SUPERthrive plant nutrients can be used on plants at every stage it's life. SUPERthrive is a high-quality vitamin solution that promotes root development and builds plant vigor. It is ideal for starting, transplanting, and maintenance of plants, houseplants, trees, and more. Simply mix the SUPERthrive product according to its packaging instructions and use accordingly.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DETERMINATE TOMATOES AND INDETERMINATE TOMATOES?

Determinate tomato varieties are most often "bush type" tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes will set all their fruit in a certain period of time and do not need to be pruned. They grow well in a cage and do not require staking. Determinate tomatoes are smaller and produce fruit early in season.

Indeterminate tomato varieties will require staking and will continue to grow and produce until your first frost date arrives. Indeterminate tomatoes will set  their fruit along their growing stems, which should be kept off of the ground. Longer growing period than determinate.

WHAT IS SUCCESSION PLANTING/SUCCESSION GARDENING?

Succession gardening is a method of planting a second or third crop where another crop has finished growing. With this method, you can always be using your garden space for more fresh produce. Once early maturing plants have finished, you can plant a second crop in their place (to get ahead, try starting plants in Jiffy peat pots).

After your second planting has been harvested you can usually plant a cool weather crop for late season enjoyment. To allow enough time for plants to mature, add the days to germination and maturity on the back of the seed packet and be sure to plant at least that many days before a likely first frost date for your region. Most greens (lettuce, kale, endive, spinach), radishes, bush beans, and peas can be planted mid summer and harvested in the fall for regions with a September/October first frost date.

WHAT IS GARDEN INOCULANT?

Garden inoculant is a fine powder applied to seeds at time of planting. Inoculant is living bacteria that enables garden bean and pea plants to produce nitrogen fixing nodules along the roots which act to gather nitrogen (which is vital for plant growth) from the air and soil. This process results in better growth and production. In addition, the nitrogen gathered stays in the soil at the end of the season for the next season’s crops to profit from.

NOTE: Store it in a cool place. It is best to use inoculant in the year it was purchased. Excess inoculant can be worked into the soil.

SHIPPING POLICY

For a limited time all orders over $35+ ship free.

Standard ShippingShipping RateGreenie Rewards* Maven Rewards*Ace Rewards*
Seed-Only Orders $2.99FreeFreeFree
Orders under $35**$7.99$7.99$7.99 or Free over $25Free
On all orders $35+FreeFreeFreeFree

*Join our Ferry-Morse rewards program and enjoy the Greenie, Maven and Ace member shipping benefits. Learn more

**Orders combined with Home Decor items under $35 will be charged an extra $4.99, if purchase is over $50 then the shipping is free.

SHIPPING TIMES

All orders are shipped within 2 business days of purchase, except for live plants (see weekly shipping schedule policy below).

Ordered ItemsOrder Shipping Time
Seed-Only Orders7-10 business days
Garden Supplies & Kits5-7 business days
Home Decor (Shipped separately)7-10 business days
Apparel & Accessories (Shipped separately)7-10 business days

RETURN POLICY

We have a 30-day return policy for items purchased at ferrymorse.com.* Products purchased at a retail store must be returned to the original place of purchase and are subject to that store's return policy. If you placed an online purchase with ferrymorse.com are not satisfied, please return your order along with your Contact Information and FM Order number to:

Ferry-Morse Online Returns
202 S Washington St
Norton, MA 02766

For e-gift card returns, please click here to contact us.

If your items arrived damaged or broken in transit, please take a picture of your damaged items, then click here to contact us and along with your FM Order number.

WHAT STATES WE CHARGE TAX IN

Currently Ferry-Morse only charges state tax in certain states. The list of current states are: Florida, Ohio, California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island. Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Utah, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Vermont and Illinois. 

*This is subject to change based off of each individual state laws at any time*

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

At this time, we only ship orders within the United States. We cannot process international orders.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

In keeping with the custom of the seed trade, Ferry-Morse shall not be liable for more than the purchase price of the item. Ferry Morse does not cover return shipping costs.

FERRY-MORSE GIFT CARDS

Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are delivered via email immediately upon purchase. Our gift cards have no additional processing fees and never expire. Gift cards can only be applied to online ferrymorse.com orders and cannot be applied to in-store purchases.

OUT OF STOCK PRODUCTS

Once an item goes Out of Stock, it is not likely to come back in stock until the next growing season. This is in keeping with our standards for selling the freshest possible seeds.

I RECEIVED THE WRONG PRODUCT. HOW CAN I GET MY ORDER CORRECTED?

Your satisfaction is important to us, so we want to hear from you when we make mistakes. If you have received an order in error, please let us know by calling 508-928-4769 and we will do our best to correct it.

HOW DO I CANCEL OR EDIT MY ORDER?

To cancel or edit your order all you have to do is log-in to your account from this page and select Cancel Order, Edit Order or Re-Order. If you do not have an account with us then you should be able to create an account using the same credentials (name, email, phone, etc.) you used when checking-out on our site. Using these credentials should populate past/relevant orders to your account.

If you have forgotten your password, please select Forgot your Password? in order to recover or reset your account. Please contact us if you have any issues with completing such requests.

You can also Contact Us by phone 508-928-4769 or email at info@ferrymorse.com for assistance.

DO YOU HAVE A SEED CATALOG THAT I CAN ORDER?

We currently do not have a seed catalog for mailing. We understand that many of our gardeners prefer shopping via seed catalogs but we can promise you that our website has a secure checkout portal (where your personal information is never shared nor sold).

We also try to make our website as user friendly as possible! If you're unsure of how to navigate the website then we suggest that you first try using the 'Search' bar located on our homepage. To get back to our homepage, simply click on our logo in the upper left hand corner.

Once on the homepage, you will see the Search bar. Type in keywords (such as "basil seeds" for example) and if available, our search bar will present relevant options for you to click on. Clicking on the products will bring you to the product page.

From the product page you can simply click on "Add to Cart." You can also choose quantities from the product page. Once you have finished shopping you can visit the Cart page and begin our secure checkout process. To get to your cart you click on the Shopping Basket icon in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Voila!

You can also call our Customer Service number at 508-928-4769  for assistance with Online Ordering.

HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?

You can contact us by sending an email to info@ferrymorse.com or you can submit a contact form via our Contact Us page (click here to visit our Contact Us page).

You can also call our Customer Service team at 508-928-4769 available Monday - Sunday from 9:00 am-9:00 pm EST.

WHAT SEED STARTING SUPPLIES DOES FERRY-MORSE OFFER?

Ferry-Morse offers a comprehensive selection of seed-starting supplies with a product range that includes:

  • Grow lights: Lighting systems that supply the light spectrum required for healthy seedling development indoors.
  • Heat mat: Device that provides consistent warmth to promote faster and more reliable seed germination.
  • Kits: All-in-one seed-starting setups that provide the necessary components for seed germination and seedling growth.
  • Mixes: Specially formulated, sterile soils that offer optimal seed germination and favorable early growth conditions.
  • Plant markers: Tools to label and keep track of different seed varieties during the germination process.
  • Trays: Durable, flat containers designed to hold soil, seeds, and moisture, facilitating organized planting and easy transplantation.

Visit the seed starting collection to learn more.

WHAT IS PEAT MOSS?

Peat moss is a natural material harvested from wetlands known as bogs or peatlands. It originates from the partially decomposed remains of Sphagnum moss and other plants. Gardeners often use peat moss to improve soil quality and to provide a sterile medium for starting seeds.

HOW DO PEAT PRODUCTS HELP IN SEED STARTING?

Peat products offer several advantages for starting seeds:

Water retention: Peat moss can hold up to 20 times its weight in water, keeping seeds moist and helping them to germinate.

Soil aeration: Peat moss improves soil structure, allowing roots to access air and nutrients more effectively.

Sterile medium: Peat moss provides a clean environment for seed starting because it is free from weeds, pollutants, and pathogens.

HOW DO I USE PEAT PELLETS?

Peat pellets are a convenient option for starting seeds. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Hydrate the pellets: Place the pellets in a tray, add warm water, and let them expand for a few minutes.

2. Plant the seeds: Make an indentation in each expanded pellet and plant seeds at the recommended depth.

3. Maintain moisture: Check daily and keep the pellets moist but not waterlogged.

4. Thin seedlings: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them by snipping weaker ones.

5. Harden off seedlings: Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over a week.

6. Transplant: When ready, plant pellets directly into the garden or larger containers.

HOW DO I USE PEAT POTS AND STRIPS?

Peat pots and strips are great for starting seeds. Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Fill with seed-starting mix: Leave 1/4 inch from the top.

2. Moisten the soil: Lightly dampen the mix before planting.

3. Plant the seeds: Seed depth is generally on the packet; cover lightly.

4. Water gently: Use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing seeds.

5. Label the pots: Mark the type of seed and date planted.

6. Provide light: Ensure 12-14 hours of light daily.

7. Maintain moisture: Keep soil consistently moist, checking daily.

8. Thin seedlings: Snip weaker seedlings at the soil line as needed.

9. Harden off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week.

10. Plant peat pots: Transplant directly into the garden; the pots will decompose.

WHAT IS COCO COIR?

Coco coir is a natural fiber derived from coconut husks. It is widely used in gardening as a soil amendment or growing medium due to its excellent water retention, aeration, and sustainability.

HOW DO I USE COCO COIR PELLETS?

To prepare coco coir seed starting pellets, first pour 6 cups of lukewarm water into the bag containing the pellets. Let them sit for 3 to 4 minutes to absorb the water. Once they’ve soaked, gently mash the pellets to create a light, fluffy mixture, which will expand fully in just a few minutes. You can then use this mixture in your seed-starting pots and strips. The coco coir is excellent for fostering healthy root growth, creating a nurturing environment for your seeds.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COCO COIR AND PEAT MOSS?

Coco coir and peat moss are both popular seed-starting mediums, but they differ in several ways:

Origin: Coco coir is made from coconut husks, while peat moss comes from decomposed organic materials in peat bogs.

pH levels: Coco coir has a neutral to slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5), while peat moss is more acidic (3.5-4.5) and may need lime for certain plants.

Water retention and aeration: Coco coir offers excellent water retention and aeration, while peat moss retains water well but can compact over time.

Longevity: Coco coir lasts longer and can be reused; peat moss breaks down faster and is usually single-use.

HOW DO I GET MY SEEDS TO GERMINATE?

Following these steps will help you achieve successful germination:

1. Choose high-quality seeds: Use fresh seeds from a reputable source. (Like ours!)

2. Use sterile seed-starting mix: Ensures good drainage and reduces disease risk.

3. Moisten the soil: Lightly moisten the mix before planting.

4. Plant at the right depth: Refer to the seed packet for depth.

5. Maintain optimal temperature: Keep soil between 70-85°F (21-29°C).

6. Provide adequate light: Use grow lights for 12-16 hours daily.

7. Keep soil moist: Mist regularly to keep it evenly moist.

8. Ensure air circulation: Use a small fan to prevent mold.

9. Be patient: Germination can take days to weeks, depending on the seed.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A HEAT MAT?

The purpose of a heat mat is to provide consistent, gentle heat to the soil, which aids in seed germination and the growth of young plants. Heat mats create a warm environment that speeds up the germination process by keeping the soil at an optimal temperature, typically between 70-85°F (21-29°C). This can lead to quicker and more uniform sprouting, making it an essential tool for gardeners starting seeds indoors or in cooler conditions.

SHOULD I USE A MINI-GREENHOUSE KIT?

A mini greenhouse kit can be useful in the following situations:

Starting seedlings indoors: Provides a controlled environment for early seed planting.

Creating a microclimate: Offers favorable conditions for seedlings needing high humidity or warmth.

HOW DO I CARE FOR SEEDLINGS AFTER THEY HAVE SPROUTED?

After seedlings sprout, move them to a sunny spot or use grow lights for 12-14 hours daily. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and use a sterile soil mix to prevent diseases. Thin overcrowded seedlings and start fertilizing once true leaves appear. Maintain temperatures between 70-80°F (21-26°C). Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.

WHEN SHOULD I USE A GROW LIGHT?

You should use a grow light when you're growing plants indoors and natural sunlight isn't sufficient. Here are some specific scenarios:

Starting seedlings indoors: Grow lights are essential for seed starting, especially during the shorter days of winter. They help seedlings grow strong and healthy.

Supplementing light for houseplants: If your home lacks bright windows or other plants are blocking sunlight, grow lights can provide the extra light needed for your houseplants to thrive.

Growing herbs and vegetables indoors: Grow lights can help you grow herbs and vegetables indoors, ensuring they get enough light for photosynthesis.

Boosting growth of indoor plants: If your indoor plants aren't growing as well as they should, adding a grow light can give them the extra boost they need. Remember to place the grow lights close enough to the plants (about 6-12 inches) and set them on a timer to mimic natural daylight cycles (12-14 hours of light per day).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING COCO COIR?

Coco coir is a renewable resource that provides several benefits, including:

Sustainability: Coco coir is produced from coconut husks, making it environmentally friendly.

pH neutrality: Coco coir has a nearly neutral pH, which minimizes the need for pH adjustments in soil.

Improved water retention: Coco coir's ability to retain moisture ensures good drainage while promoting healthy root growth.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GROW LIGHTS?

Ferry-Morse offers a range of grow lights. Here's a comparison of the key features:

Indoor Grow Light Fixture with T5 Bulb: This fixture includes a 24-watt T5 bulb that emits a 6400K full daylight spectrum, delivering 1,100 lumens with an estimated lifespan of 10,000 hours. The setup comes with a stand, making it suitable for seed starting and young plant growth.

Modern Indoor Bamboo LED Growhouse
This eco-friendly growhouse is constructed from renewable bamboo and features adjustable LED lighting to create optimal growing conditions. Its design makes it suitable for indoor plant cultivation.

Undershelf Versatile Indoor LED Grow Light
This versatile LED grow light can be hung or mounted under shelves or cabinets. It includes a timer with three intervals and four light intensity settings, offering flexibility for various plant growth stages. Dimensions are 15.75" L x 6" W x 0.75" H, with a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

T5 Grow Light Replacement Bulb
Designed as a replacement for existing T5 fixtures, this 24-watt bulb provides a 6400K full daylight spectrum with 1,100 lumens and a lifespan of approximately 10,000 hours. It's ideal for maintaining optimal lighting conditions in established setups.

DO FERRY-MORSE REWARDS POINTS EXPIRE?

Yes, they will expire a year from when you receive them. For example, if you sign up for the program on 2/2/2022 your welcome points will expire on 2/2/2023.

DO I HAVE TO PUT MY PHONE NUMBER INTO MY REWARDS PROFILE?

No, you do not have to add a phone number however it might be helpful in case our team needs to get in touch with you about an order.

I REDEEMED MY POINTS BUT FORGOT TO COPY THE CODE, WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

You can find these points located under the ‘Rewards’ tab at the bottom of your screen.

I ACCIDENTALLY REDEEMED TWO DISCOUNT CODES AT ONE TIME; WILL MY REWARDS EXPIRE IN A YEAR IF I DON’T USE THEM TOO?

No, the rewards won’t expire, just any unused points.

CAN YOU STACK DISCOUNTS?

No, you are only allowed to use one discount per order.

I ACCIDENTALLY HASH TAGGED #FERRYMORSEE (OR ANY VARIATION OF THIS THIS) INSTEAD OF #FERRYMORSE, CAN I STILL GET MY 20 POINTS?

Yes, as a one-time courtesy we can add those points into your account for you.

IF MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT ON INSTAGRAM THAN THE ONE, I WANT TO USE FOR MY REWARDS PROGRAM, WILL I STILL GET POINTS FROM INSTAGRAM?

No, you need to use the same email address that you have for Instagram for the rewards program in order for the points to convert to your profile.

HOW CAN I SEE WHEN MY POINTS WILL EXPIRE?

You are able to view this under your account in the activity tab.

I PLACED AN ORDER BUT AM NOT SEEING THE POINTS ADDED INTO MY REWARDS PROGRAM. CAN YOU ADD THEM FOR ME?

Points should be added automatically to your account but if you are not seeing them right away, we suggest waiting a few minutes and refreshing the page. If you are still running into issues try clearing your cache and if neither of these things work, we can add them as a one-time courtesy.

IF I HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER, WILL I STILL GET POINTS IF I SIGN UP AGAIN?

Because your email address is already in our system as being on the newsletter list you won’t receive points but we can give you points for this action.

IF I REACH THE TOP TIER, WILL I STAY AT THE TOP TIER FOREVER?

No, the tiers like points are annual so if you are at tier Ace for the year 2022 you will need to spend $200+ dollars in 2023 to reach the Ace tier again.

WHAT IS MILLION GARDENS MOVEMENT?

Ferry-Morse is proud to offer shoppers the option to redeem their rewards points in the form of a donation to Big Green, a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing millions of people to grow their own food, in support of the Million Gardens Movement.