McKay Farm and Research Station
McKay Farm and Research Station is Unity Environmental University’s multi-faceted greenhouse and field facility in Thorndike, Maine. Certified by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the farm sits on 13 acres and comprises five greenhouses, one hoop house, and a residential dwelling.
As a working production farm, McKay Farm and Research Station products are available in local grocery stores. The farm also provides contract growing services and bench rental space to local farmers and the general public as an opportunity for seed-starting, overwintering, maintaining a delicate plant collection, or research projects.
History of McKay
Originally known as Half Moon Gardens, McKay Farm and Research Station was gifted to Unity Environmental University in December 2013 by Isabel McKay and Rick Thompson.
Our Products
Our fresh-from-the-farm herbs and flowers are full of flavor and grown with care 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.
Certified Organic Products Available for Purchase
- Chervil*
- Chives
- Cilantro*
- Culinary Lavender
- Dill*
- Edible Flower Mix, Mild
- Edible Flower Mix, Spicy
- Garlic Chives
- Genovese Basil**
- Lemon Thyme
- Lemongrass
- Lovage
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Papalo (Summer Cilantro)**
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Salad Burnet
- Savory
- Shiso Perilla**
- Spearmint
*Seasonally from September-June
**Seasonally from June-October
If you are interested in carrying our products in your store or purchasing them for your kitchen, contact the farm at mckfayfarm@unity.edu.
We partner with local farmers, non-profits, florists, grocers, and wholesalers and specialize in growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Contact McKay Farm and Research Station for any special growing needs you have. Website coming soon.
Greenhouse and Field Rental Program
Rental Program
McKay Farm and Research Station’s rental program is an opportunity for seed-starting, overwintering, or maintaining a delicate plant collection. Bench and field space is available to the general public, individuals or businesses, including local farmers.
Rental Rates
January 15-March 3
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $75.00
- Monthly $300.00
March 4-May 31 and September-November 15
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $47.50
- Monthly: $190.00
- Half bench (45 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $27.50
- Monthly: $110.00
June 1 – September 15
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $10.00
- Monthly: $40.00
Greenhouse Hours of Operation
February 15 – March:
- Monday – Friday 9am-4pm
- Saturday 10am-2pm
April:
- Monday – Friday 9am-4pm
- Saturday 10am-4pm
- Sunday 10am-5pm
May:
- Monday – Friday 8am-5pm
- Saturday 9am-5pm
- Sunday 10am-7pm
June-December:
- Monday – Friday 9am-4pm
- May be closed on select holidays
Additional Services
- Heat mat rental
- Shade cloth rental
- Unheated storage
- Watering services
- Mist bench space
- Contract growing
- Propagation 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, Unit 1
Thorndike, ME 04986
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