McKay Farm and Research Station
McKay Farm and Research Station is Unity College’s multi-faceted greenhouse and field facility in Thorndike, Maine. It is a working production farm, with herbs and produce available in local grocery stores. Certified by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the five greenhouses and one-acre production fields integrate Maine’s leading farm-to-table movement with community relationships. Additionally, the farm provides contract growing services and bench rental space to local farmers and the general public as an opportunity for seed-starting, overwintering, or, perhaps, maintaining a delicate plant collection.
History of McKay
Originally known as Half Moon Gardens, McKay Farm and Research Station was gifted to Unity College in December 2013 by Isabel McKay and Rick Thompson McKay. The Farm sits on 13 acres and comprises five greenhouses, one hoop house, and a residential dwelling.
Our Products
Our fresh-from-the-farm herbs are full of flavor and grown with love in our Thorndike, Maine greenhouses. We are committed to creating a sustainable world through environmental stewardship and use 99% plant-based compostable packaging for all our products.
Available for Purchase
- Certified Organic
- Mint
- Dill
- Chervil
- Rosemary
- Organically Grown, Uncertified
- Oregano
- Sage
- Thyme
If you are interested in carrying our products in your store or purchasing them for your kitchen, reach out to our greenhouse manager by email: mckayfarm@unity.edu.
Coming Soon! Available in late Spring 2023
- Papalo
- Savory
- Marjoram
- Culinary lavender
- Herbes de Provence
Rental Program
The greenhouse rental program is an opportunity for seed-starting, overwintering, or, perhaps, maintaining a delicate plant collection. Bench space is available and open for rent by anyone from the general public. Individuals or companies can rent bench space to get seeds started for their vegetables and flowers at home – or perhaps maintain interior plants for corporate offices or do their own research.
Rental Rates
September 16 – May 31
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $47.50
- Monthly: $190
- Half bench (45 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $27.50
- Monthly: $110
June 1 – September 15
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $10
- Monthly: $40
Hours of Operation
October 1 – May 15
- 9am-4pm Monday – Friday
- 9am-1pm Saturday
- Sunday by appointment
May 16 – September 30
- 8am-6pm Monday – Friday
- 9am-3pm Saturday
- Sunday by appointment
Additional Services
- Contract growing
- Heat mat rental
- Shade cloth rental
- Unheated storage
- Water services
Contact
Interested? Please reach out to our greenhouse manager and let us know of your needs.
- mckayfarm@unity.edu
- (207) 509-7180
-
54 Greenhouse Ln, Unity 1
Thorndike, ME 04986
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