Greenhouses are especially popular businesses among the Amish. Starting a garden or greenhouse business is very conducive for doing at home, which is where most Amish prefer to work. There are giant, sprawling Amish greenhouse operations down to tiny backyard businesses. I tend to prefer the smaller ones, but that's just a personal bias.
The Berlin Seed Company in Berlin, Ohio is owned by Amish man Ed Beachy and they sell a huge variety of seeds by mail. Not online, though. Still, you can read more about them here.
🕵️ How to Find an Amish Garden Store
Going to Google and looking up Amish garden stores is not going to get you very far.
The best way to find an Amish garden store or greenhouse is simply to drive around Amish country. Look for signs on the corners of roads pointing the way. Many of the Amish Greenhouses have similar sounding names: Shady Maple Garden Center, Rainbow Valley, or Bountiful Harvest. Not sure why that is the case. Occasionally you'll see "Miller's Garden Center" or something like that.
Many Amish garden stores do a brisk business in perennials, annuals, and hanging baskets. You can also find shrubs, shade plants, and fresh produce. It is not uncommon to find homemade jams and jellies at these businesses also. Perhaps even some cheese or homemade candies for sale.
One of my favorite activities in the spring (and fall) is driving around Amish communities and just looking for greenhouses that are in operation and open to the public. Drive down any country road in an Amish settlement and chances are you'll find an Amish-owned greenhouse or nurseries. Inside you'll find shelves and shelves of plants from full-blown full sun to full shade. You never know what you might find, so I highly recommend giving it a try! There are plenty of these types of Amish stores in the largest Amish communities like Lancaster County, PA or around Millersburg, Ohio.
❓ FAQ
The vast majority do not. Most accept cash or checks only (and who even writes checks anymore!?). So make sure you have cash. Some of the largest Amish-owned garden centers may take cards and some Mennonite ones do.
No. Almost every authentic Amish-owned business is closed on Sunday.
Being certified organic is a lengthy process and many Amish don't have the resources to navigate the bureaucracy so while they may not be officially organic, many do shy away from pesticides and factory farm methods.
🍅 Amish Garden Stores And Produce
Many Amish garden stores, in addition to seeds, trowels, fertilizer, and seedlings also sell homegrown produce in season. So when you find your favorite Amish garden store, come back when your favorite fruits and vegetables are in season, and chances are you can score some produce!
U-pick farms are also growing in popularity among the Amish. So look for Amish-owned strawberry, blueberry, and pumpkin patches!
🐎 Other Options
In addition to Amish-owned garden stores, there are plenty of Mennonite and German Baptist Brethren options. These businesses cultivate the same simplicity and healthy plants and produce that make Amish greenhouses so popular.
Stay tuned for our database of Amish garden stores & greenhouses near you, coming soon!
📸 Amish Greenhouse Photos
sandy merritt
Where are the Amish garden centers/green houses around Kalona Iowa?
Selena Kirk
Are there any Amish owned stores near Meridian Mississippi?
Kevin Williams
No, Selena, unfortunately, there are not. Closest to you would be in the far northern part of your state - Pontotoc, Mississippi - there is an Amish settlement there with likely a greenhouse or two!