Oyster Gardening Package
Thank you for a wonderful 2024 season! Stay tuned for more information regarding our Oyster Gardening 2025 season.
Grow oysters from your dock with everything you need in this all in one package!
If you’ve ever considered growing oysters on your own dock, we’ve created the perfect package to garden the Chesapeake’s keystone species: The Eastern Oyster! As you grow these little seed into adult oysters, you will see firsthand how important these bivalves are to this estuary. As adults, these oysters can filter 1.3 gallons of water an hour, removing excess nutrients and capturing suspended sediment. These seed will provide habitat for young fish, crabs, and grass shrimp. From filtering water, to providing habitat, your oyster garden will do a whole lot of good in the body of water that they occupy!
The seed that you receive in this package from Hoopers Island Oyster Co. is created in our hatchery and grown out over approximately 3 months when they come to you. This means that we create this seed without removing anything from the natural environment. Our seed is created to be triploid, meaning they have 3 sets of chromosomes rather than 2. This makes them special because they grow at an accelerated pace and can become adult oysters in about half the time of a wild oyster. These oysters are also bred with disease resistant genetics that strengthen them against disease causing pathogens like Dermo and MSX. For more information on how we produce oyster larvae and seed, check out our oyster farming page.
We’ve taken the guess work out of starting an oyster garden so you can enjoy watching them grow and support other organisms in your water. All seed and equipment will be appropriately sized and require very little maintenance over time.
| Oyster Gardening Kit | Price |
|---|---|
| (1,000) 12mm seed
(2)10 mm mesh bag with floats (2)16mm mesh bags with floats Clips Storm line |
$500.00 |
|
additional bags available |
Please note: HIOC is unable to ship seed outside of Maryland for small quantity orders due to import rules.
Follow our growing journey on our Oyster Gardening YouTube Channel! Access to the channel can be found in your kit. Learn how to assemble your kit, manage your oysters, and hear all of our tips and tricks!
FAQs:
When can I pick up my Oyster Gardening Kit?
Pickup for Oyster Gardening Kits will be: Friday June 7th, Friday July 12th, and Friday August 2nd.
Where do I pick up my Oyster Gardening Kit?
Oyster Gardening Kits will be picked up on the selected dates above at the Philips Packing House in Cambridge, Maryland. Times to TBD.
Do you provide a shipping option for customers who will not be able to attend the designated pick-up dates?
Yes! All Maryland customers will have the option to have their kits delivered to their doorsteps with no additional cost added. Unfortunately, due to import rules, we are unable to ship small quantities of seed outside of Maryland.
What happens if I am unable to pick up my Oyster Gardening Package on the dates available?
Due to staffing and inventory purposes, the dates above are the only pickup dates available for the 2024 season. However, if you are unable to make it during that date/time, there will be a shipping option available.
Can I send a friend to pick up my order if I am unable to make that dates/times available?
Of course! Just provide a confirmation email or paid invoice.
When does my order need to be placed by?
All orders must be placed TWO WEEKS prior to the pick up date. If your order is not placed two weeks prior, your pick up date will be moved to the following month. For example, if you plan to pick up your Oyster Gardening Kit on June 7th, your order must be submitted by May 24th.
Can I pick up my order and make later payments?
All sales must be PAID IN FULL prior to your selected pick up date.
What should I do if I notice an issue with my order?
Hoopers Island Oyster must be notified within 72 hours after receiving your order to assist with count and viability disputes.
What is the expected survival rate when growing oysters?
The rule of thumb is a 60% survival rate from the time you receive your seed till approximately 3 inches.
Can I consume the oysters that I grow?
Please be advised to use the Maryland Shellfish Harvesting and Closure Area Map from Maryland Department of the Environment. This tool will advise you if your area is restricted for harvesting or approved for shellfish harvest.
Will HIOC's Oyster Gardening Kit fall under the Maryland Tax Law (Article 10-724)?
Calling all Marylander's! If you live in Maryland, you can file Form 502CR to receive a credit towards new aquaculture oyster floats. The credit amount is limited to $500 for an individual filer or $1000 for a joint household filer per year.