Cider Chat 466: Growing Cold-Hardy Trees at Saint Lawrence Nursery | NY
Saint Lawrence Nursery in Potsdam, NY, has been helping cold-climate growers find success since the 1920s. Originally founded by Fred Ashworth and later expanded by Bill MacKentley, the nursery is now stewarded by Connor and Allyssa Hardiman, the third generation in a nonfamilial succession.
What Sets Saint Lawrence Nursery Apart
Cold-Hardy Genetics
- Over 250 apple varieties
- Trialed at temperatures as low as -34°F
- Trees that thrive from Alaska to Michigan
Only Standard Rootstock
- Seedling Antonovka (apples) and Baccata (crabs) for resilience and longevity
- Trees that can live 100+ years
More Than Apples
- Black walnuts, butternuts, hazelnuts, and berry bushes
- Custom grafting for heirloom preservation
- Regionally adapted selections from partnerships and testing plots
The nursery was handed down without a sale. It was gifted by Bill to Connor in a rare act of agricultural generosity. The plan is to do the same one day. “Love is what makes the world go ’round,” Bill often says, and it’s embedded in every tree tag and planting guide.
Cold Hardy Trees For Orchardists and Backyard GrowersMost customers are small-scale planters or long-time loyalists. Whether you want just one tree to honor a grandparent or 100 cider apples for a startup orchard, Connor and Allyssa are here to help—with personal attention, a rich planting guide, and an option to let them choose the right tree for you.
Contact Info for Saint Lawrence Nursery- Website: https://www.slngrow.com/
- Listen to Bill MacKentley’s speach at New York Apple Camp 2023 391: Test Winters & Climate w/Saint Lawrence Nurseries (NY) Founder
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