Menu

open search close window
close window
close window
Seedlings at McKay Farm

McKay Farm and Research Station

Follow Us

Join our social media for up to date info!

McKay Farm and Research Station is Unity Environmental University’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. The Farm sits on 13 acres and comprises five greenhouses, one hoop house, and a residential dwelling.

Mint from McKay Farm
Thyme from McKay Farm
Gardening tools
Farm Grown Culinary Herbs Products Sold

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
Greenhouse and Field Rental Program Rates & Hours

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

Feb 15 – March:

  • M-F 9am-4pm
  • Sat 10am-2pm

April:

  • M-F 9am-4pm
  • Sat 10am-4pm
  • Sun 10am-5pm

May:

  • M-F 8am-5pm
  • Sat 9am-5pm
  • Sun 10am-7pm

June-Nov

  • M-F 9am-4pm
Mckay Farm Green House

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, Unit 1
    Thorndike, ME 04986