Chesterton Feed & Garden Center

This place is truly a hidden gem of the area. My mother lives in Porter and because plenty of local people flock to this store daily, they really don’t have to put too much effort into advertising. In fact, they have zero signs leading people into the neighborhood in which they sit, and the one sign the business does have off the nearest main drag is so small, you might mistake it for a political sign. Don’t be fool though. This place is awesome. So awesome in fact that I have scheduled unnecessary trips from Cincinnati to NW Indiana JUST to go to this store.
Chesterton Feed is a family-​owned business, and several of the employees walking around the aisles are actually the children (or other relatives) of the business. The thing I love most about it is they are SO knowledgeable about so many garden-​related things. I originally got hooked when I was trying to find a solution to the massive weed problem I had in my backyard. When I bought my house, there quite literally was no lawn, only weeds. I was hesitant to just spray the hell out of it if there was a healthier, more environmentally-​friendly solution, and Chesterton Feed worked with me to find that solution. My grass looks incredible now, and they recommended the perfect seed mix that compliments the climate in my area while also combating any weeds that may try to return (yes, they have a wall devoted entirely to different types of grass seeds).
This store’s inventory goes beyond what you would typically find at a garden center. They’ve definitely got everything you’d expect: plants, pots, bird baths, grass seed, gardening equipment, etc. but they go beyond that. First of all, I will say their plants are so healthy. Everything I’ve purchased from them always does really well. They also have a massive stock of beautiful pots and bird baths, and the prices, while not cheap, are reasonable. They don’t sell crap so if you spend a bit more, it’ll last, and you won’t be replacing anything a few years down the line. They also have everything you’d need to start a mini greenhouse or a fairy garden. They’ve got incredible decorative pieces for around the house or in the garden, neat statues, hammocks, and, if you’re into more unique plants to keep around the house, I’ve always found some interesting potted plants sitting around. My next project is setting up a perfect area to attract birds to my yard, and this store has everything for that. In fact, the employees will spend a ton of time working with you on building the perfect little stand for your own backyard with various hooks for birdhouses or feeders or whatever the heck else you might want.
I will not say that the store is cheap, because it is not, but this is truly a place you go if you’re looking for quality products. They, however, often have fairly good sales and even throw events where you get free plants or supplies if you purchase a certain amount of stuff. If you’re into gardening or if you have a burning question/​problem that you’d like some assistance with, I HIGHLY recommend Chesterton Feed. You’ll get quality service and advice while supporting local business at the same time.

This place is way off the beaten path and I found it by accident but boy what a gem! They have a vast variety and selection of birding supplies and a very helpful staff. If you’re into birding this place will have every variety of feeder and food.