Decent garden center south of Pittsburgh?

February 14, 2013 4:13 PM

I'm going to help my brother install a raised bed and some fruit trees/bushes in a couple of weeks. We're probably going to be putting in some raspberries/blackberries, blueberries, and maybe a few fruit trees. I do not want to purchase diseased/generic junk at a big box. Is there a decent garden center in the West Newton area? Bonus points for tipping me off to somebody who can deliver a yard or three of garden soil/compost. Many thanks!
posted by Camofrog to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

Well, I grew up in the south of Pittsburgh, but not quite in West Newton (that's a bit east for my knowledge but...)

I buy all of my plantings from Bedners. They look to be about an hour north west from your brother, but since I drive 30 minutes south from the city, I obviously think they're worth it. Downside, they're not open until April (versus your "couple of weeks.")

Growing up, we'd always shop at the Hot House. I have not been there in years, so I'm mentioning it purely for the geography. (And proximity to the Spring House. If you have a spare minute go there for the chocolate milk. Seriously.)

Others of potential mention, Trax Farms, and Simmons Farm. Both have the potential to lean more "farm market" than "greenhouse" but I want to give you as many suggestions as possible. I'm sure there are other options - I'm just not sure how well represented that county is here on MeFi (and even then, I'm on the wrong side of the river for you). Good luck!
posted by librarianamy at 6:13 PM on February 14, 2013

remember to hard landscape in some supports for netting or your fruit will be bird fodder....
posted by Wilder at 4:09 AM on February 15, 2013

Response by poster: Thank you for the couple of leads!

As far as netting goes, I'm not nearly as worried about the birds as I am deer! Western PA is crawling with 'em.
posted by Camofrog at 12:18 PM on February 18, 2013