About Us
Locally Grown, Sustainably Produced.
McKay Farm and Research Station is Unity Environmental University’s multi-faceted greenhouse and field facility in Thorndike, Maine. Originally Half Moon Gardens, McKay Farm and Research Station was gifted to Unity Environmental University in December 2013 by Isabel McKay and Rick Thompson.
Today, this working production farm’s produce, certified by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, is available in local grocery stores.
Certified Organic. Certified Good.
Mindfully Grown by America’s Environmental University™
Our certified organic herbs and flowers are grown with care in our Thorndike greenhouses. We use 99% plant-based compostable packaging for all our products.
What We Grow
| Chervil* | Lovage | Chives |
| Cilantro* | Oregano | Culinary Lavender |
| Dill* | Peppermint | Papalo (Summer Cilantro)** |
| Edible Flower Mix, Mild | Rosemary | Edible Flower Mix, Spicy |
| Sage | Garlic Chives | Salad Burnet |
| Genovese Basil** | Savory | Lemon Thyme |
| Shiso Perilla** | Lemongrass | Spearmint |
*Seasonally from September-June **Seasonally from June-October
Ready to Carry Our Products?
If you are interested in carrying our products in your store or purchasing them for your kitchen, let us know!
Send us an email with the names of the products you would like to carry.
An Opportunity for Growth
The greenhouse rental program is an opportunity for seed-starting, overwintering, maintaining a delicate plant collection, or any other agricultural need.
Space in our greenhouses and field is available and open for rent by anyone from the general public.
Contact Us
- Email: mckayfarm@unity.edu
- Phone: (207) 509 -7180
Growing Flowers & Herbs from Seed at McKay
We accommodate growers wanting to germinate small, surface-sown or shallowly covered seeds, but this may involve additional fees and/or practices some growers may not be familiar with.
Please communicate any special germination needs with us beforehand. Alternatively, inquire about our mist bench space rental and/or propagation service options, available on a per-tray basis.
- Additional fees may apply for germinating small, surface-sown seeds or using aeration/fiber pots or trays.
- Discounts are available for growers managing their irrigation or using trays without drainage.
Greenhouse Hours of Operation
Our greenhouse operation hours change seasonally, so take a look at our schedule to plan your visit.
Please Note: Rental space for plants requiring care is very limited beginning June 1 and may come with additional fees. Exceptions exist for drying crops or other non-horticultural uses.
By appointment only.
- February 15 – March:
- Monday – Friday: 9am-4pm
- Saturday: 10am-2pm
- Monday – Friday: 9am-4pm
- Saturday: 10am-4pm
- Sunday: 10am-5pm
- Monday – Friday: 8am-5pm
- Saturday: 9am-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-7pm
- Monday – Friday: 9am-4pm
- May be closed on select holidays
Greenhouse Rental Rates
Our greenhouse rental rates include basic watering service
Basic watering services, including daily monitoring and overhead irrigation, are adequate for germinating most initially watered vegetable seeds planted at least ¼ inch deep.
Monthly rentals eligible for an 8% discount (10% for 2+ month rentals). Monthly rental fees are due on the first date of the rental period and nonrefundable.
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $85.00
- Half Bench (45 sq. ft)
- Weekly: $50.00
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $57.50
- Half bench (45 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $33.50
- Full bench (90 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $67.50
- Half bench (45 sq. ft.)
- Weekly: $39.50
Additional Services
We offer extra services to help you grow sustainably:
- Heat mat rental
- Shade cloth rental
- Unheated storage
- Watering services
- Mist bench space
- Propagation services
- Special watering services
- Treatment of crops for pests and/or diseases
- Other services
Need Growing Space?
McKay Farm and Research Station is proud to offer you contract growing terms.
Our team can grow large quantities of plant materials on a specific schedule.
We will work with you to select and provide pollinator-friendly ornamental annuals, native perennials, and vegetable seedlings to your specifications in an agreed-upon timeframe.
We partner with local farmers, non-profits, florists, grocers, and wholesalers and specialize in growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
