Coast of Maine

What Coast of Maine does

Coast of Maine Organic Products is a Maine-based manufacturer of organic gardening inputs founded in 1996 by Carlos and Jean Quijano, six years before USDA organic certification standards were established. The company produces OMRI-listed soils, composts, fertilizers, amendments, and mulches using natural ingredients sourced from Maine's seafood industry (lobster and crab shells, fish bones, kelp) and regional farms (earthworm castings, compost, peat moss, aged bark, perlite, coconut coir, oyster shells, biochar). The catalog comprises 45 SKUs, with products named after iconic Maine coastal locations (Bar Harbor, Castine, Quoddy, Stonington, Monhegan, Penobscot, Cobscook, Schoodic, Sprout Island, Mount Desert Island, Cape Neddick) to reinforce regional brand identity. The most recent product launch was a Blended Fertilizers line in 2024.

The company operates production facilities in East Machias, Maine and Quarryville, Pennsylvania, with headquarters in Portland, Maine. Distribution is conducted exclusively through independent garden centers and retailers, with a stated policy of avoiding big box stores; a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront serves as a secondary channel for customers outside retail catchment areas. Marketing is driven through content (Growing Guide Blog, Growing Good Podcast, video library), social media across Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube, email newsletters, and a Growing Good Program that has donated products to over 1,930 schools, community gardens, and nonprofits over the past five years.

Revenue is generated through one-time physical product sales. Unit pricing ranges from approximately $4 for small fertilizer packages to $36.99 for the premium Stonington Blend Grower's Mix (a cannabis-targeted professional growing medium), with most retail SKUs priced between $9 and $15. The company maintains a national sales organization with 12+ territory and regional managers covering the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic United States. The business remains privately held and founder-controlled, with no disclosed institutional capital beyond a $100,000 Maine Venture Fund investment in 2000.

Name

Coast of Maine

Legal name

Coast of Maine Organic Products

Website

https://coastofmaine.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Coast of Maine Organic Products is a Maine-based manufacturer of OMRI-listed organic soils, composts, fertilizers, and mulches sold through independent garden centers and direct e-commerce. Founded in 1996, the company serves home gardeners, cannabis growers, and community organizations across four US regions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Organic Gardening Products (Soils, Compost, Fertilizers, and Mulches)

NAICS

Compost Manufacturing (325315), Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing (32531), Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Retailers (4442)

SIC

Agricultural Chemicals (2870)

akta.pro primary industry

Compost & Compost Blends (AFABADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Lawn Nutrition & Biostimulants (Compost Tea, Humic/Fulvic, Microbes) (HSAIAGAF), OMRI-Listed Crop Protection (Botanical & Mineral Pesticides) (AFABAKAA), Compost Tea, Extracts & Microbial Inoculants (AFABAKAD), Compost & Soil Amendment Product Manufacturing/Blending (Value-Added Organics) (BPALAEAH), Compost Product Distribution, Retail & Landscape Supply (Bulk/Bagged) (BPALAEAI), Soils, Mulch, Fertilizers & Lawn Care Chemicals Retail (CRAIAIAC)

Keywords

• Organic soil products
• Natural fertilizer blends
• Organic gardening mulches
• Soil amendments
• Organic compost and potting soil

Headquarters

HQ city

Maine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Coast of Maine generates revenue through one-time sales of physical products including organic soils, composts, fertilizers, amendments, and mulches. Products are sold through local independent retailers and direct-to-consumer via their e-commerce storefront.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Coast of Maine manufactures and sells OMRI-listed organic soils, composts, fertilizers, amendments, and mulches for home gardeners and growers. Products include branded blends such as Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil, Castine Blend Raised Bed Mix, Quoddy Blend Lobster Compost, Stonington Blend Grower's Mix, and Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food, made from natural ingredients including lobster and crab shells, fish bone, kelp, earthworm castings, and compost. The company distributes primarily through independent garden centers across the US, with secondary direct-to-consumer shipping via its website.

Product overview

Coast of Maine is an organic gardening products company offering a comprehensive portfolio of soil, fertilizer, and mulch products for residential and commercial gardening. Founded in 1996, the company provides four main product categories: Soils & Compost (including Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil, Castine Blend Raised Bed Mix, Quoddy Blend Lobster Compost, Cobscook Blend In-Ground Garden Soil, and specialized planting soils for tomatoes, roses, acid-loving plants, and annuals), Fertilizers & Amendments (including Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food, Fish Bone Meal, Lobster Meal, Kelp Meal, Liquid Squid Concentrate, and specialized fertilizers for citrus, roses, rhododendrons, vegetables, and starter applications), Mulches (including Fundy Blend Enriching Mulch, Dark Bark Mulch, Aged Cedar Mulch, Pine & Spruce Mulch, Natural Cedar Mulch, Hemlock Mulch, and Dark Harbor Blend), plus Merchandise. All products are OMRI-listed organic, sourced from natural ingredients including lobster, fish, kelp, and other ocean and farm-sourced materials. The company has recently launched new Blended Fertilizers (2024) and celebrates 30 years in business.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil Premium potting soil formulated for plants, flowers, vegetables, herbs, and all container gardens. Bar Harbor Blend provides nutrient-rich growing medium for healthy plant development.
• Castine Blend Organic Raised Bed Mix Ready-to-use organic raised bed mix for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Castine Blend provides optimal soil structure and nutrients for raised bed gardening success.
• Quoddy Blend Lobster Compost Lobster and crab shell compost blend that improves and revitalizes soil. Quoddy Blend enriches soil with natural nutrients and minerals from ocean-sourced ingredients.
• Stonington Blend Grower's Mix High-performance grower's mix for large container plants including cannabis. Stonington Blend provides clean, potent potting mix for professional and enthusiast growers.
• Penobscot Blend Planting Mix Planting mix formulated for trees, shrubs, and perennials. Penobscot Blend provides long-lasting nutrition and soil structure for established plantings.
• Cobscook Blend In-Ground Garden Soil In-ground garden soil designed for vegetable gardens and flower beds planted directly in the ground. Cobscook Blend prepares native soil for productive gardening.
• Schoodic Blend Composted Manure Blend All-purpose soil conditioner made from composted cow manure. Schoodic Blend enriches gardens, beds, and borders with balanced nutrients for general soil improvement.
• Sprout Island Blend Seed Starter Seed starter mix formulated for seed germination and rooting plant cuttings. Sprout Island Blend provides ideal moisture balance and nutrients for early plant development.
• Monhegan Blend Black Earth Lawn Soil Lawn soil for seeding projects and topdressing to recondition lawns. Monhegan Blend creates optimal growing conditions for grass establishment and lawn renovation.
• Planting Soil for Acid-Loving Plants Specially crafted planting soil for acid-loving plants including Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Ferns, Hydrangeas, and Berries.
• Planting Soil for Roses & Flowers Specially crafted planting soil for vibrant roses and perennials. Provides targeted nutrition for flowering plants.
• Planting Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables Specially crafted planting soil for vegetable gardening including tomatoes and vegetables. Supports productive vegetable garden growth.
• Stonington Blend Aeration Formula 70/30 Coconut Coir and Perlite base mix to help create custom peat-free soil. Stonington Blend Aeration Formula enables gardeners to customize their growing medium.
• Wiscasset Blend Earthworm Castings Earthworm castings for outdoor containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, flower and vegetable gardens, and top-dressing indoor houseplants.
• Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food Organic plant food made from lobster and kelp that promotes leafy green growth, budding, flowering, and fruiting.
• Fish Bone Meal Fish bone meal fertilizer that promotes flowering and root growth. Natural source of phosphorus and calcium.
• Lobster Meal Lobster meal fertilizer that promotes green leafy growth. Rich source of chitin and nutrients for soil health.
• Kelp Meal Kelp meal that promotes root and plant growth, stimulates soil biology, and increases stress and heat tolerances.
• Liquid Squid Concentrate Liquid squid fertilizer for indoor plants that promotes plant health and vigor. Also suitable for greenhouse and hydroponic growing.
• Blended Fertilizers Line New line of blended fertilizers crafted to match what gardeners are growing, from vibrant flowers to abundant vegetables, made with ingredients from the land and ocean. The line includes specialized fertilizers for Citrus & Fruit Trees, Roses & Flowers, Rhododendrons/Azaleas/Berries, Tomatoes/Vegetables/Herbs, and a Starter Fertilizer for transplants.
• Fundy Blend Organic Enriching Mulch & Seaweed Organic enriching mulch blended with seaweed for mulching beds and shrubs. Fundy Blend provides ground cover and weed control.
• Dark Bark Mulch Medium textured mulch in dark chocolate brown color. Dark Bark Mulch provides ground cover, weed control, and moisture retention.
• Aged Cedar Mulch Medium textured mulch in naturally dark brown color. Aged Cedar Mulch provides aesthetic ground cover with natural decay resistance.
• Pine & Spruce Mulch Medium textured mulch in natural forest brown color. Pine and Spruce Mulch provides durable ground cover.
• Natural Cedar Mulch Medium textured mulch in golden brown color. Natural Cedar Mulch provides aromatic ground cover with natural pest resistance.
• Hemlock Mulch Medium textured mulch in dark auburn color. Hemlock Mulch provides durable, attractive ground cover.
• Dark Harbor Blend Enriching Mulch Organic enriching mulch blend. Dark Harbor Blend provides moisture control, temperature regulation, and soil enrichment.
• Planting Soil for Annuals Planting soil specifically crafted for flowering and foliage annuals. Provides targeted nutrition for annual plant success.
• Topsoil General purpose topsoil for various gardening applications. Standard topsoil base for landscape and garden use.
• Mount Desert Island Blend Cactus & Succulent Mix Cactus and succulent potting mix for indoor cacti and succulent plants. Mount Desert Island Blend provides fast-draining growing medium.
• Cape Neddick Blend Indoor Houseplant Mix Indoor houseplant mix for houseplants. Cape Neddick Blend provides optimized growing conditions for indoor plants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,930 gardens supported in the last five years through Growing Good Program donations

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Espoma: Espoma is a leading organic gardening products manufacturer offering OMRI-listed soils, fertilizers, and amendments. It directly competes with Coast of Maine in the premium organic soil and fertilizer segment, with overlapping distribution through independent garden centers.
• FoxFarm Soil & Fertilizer Company: FoxFarm produces premium organic soils, fertilizers, and growing media popular with hobbyist and specialty growers. It directly competes with Coast of Maine's premium positioning, including in the cannabis and high-performance container growing segments served by Coast of Maine's Stonington Blend.
• Dr. Earth: Dr. Earth manufactures organic fertilizers, soils, and pest control products with OMRI-listed certification. It competes head-to-head with Coast of Maine in the organic soil amendment and fertilizer category, particularly at independent garden center retailers.
• Malibu Compost: Malibu Compost produces premium organic compost and soil amendments using biodynamic and sustainable methods. It competes directly with Coast of Maine's Quoddy Blend Lobster Compost and other compost products in the premium organic segment.
• Vermont Compost Company: Vermont Compost produces premium organic compost and potting mixes marketed to greenhouse growers and serious gardeners. Like Coast of Maine, it positions as a craft, premium organic soil brand and sells through specialty retailers and direct channels.

Broad incumbents

• Black Gold (Sun Gro Horticulture): Sun Gro's Black Gold brand offers a wide range of potting soils and amendments sold through mass-market retail. It is a broader incumbent with wider distribution than Coast of Maine, including big box retailers, but competes in the same soil category at lower price points.
• Scotts Miracle-Gro: Scotts Miracle-Gro is the dominant national lawn and garden brand with broad distribution including big box retailers. It has expanded into organic lines and competes with Coast of Maine across soils, fertilizers, and mulches, though at much larger scale and lower price points.
• Jobe's Company: Jobe's manufactures organic and conventional fertilizer spikes, granulars, and amendments with broad mass-market distribution. It competes with Coast of Maine in the fertilizer category at lower price points and wider retail penetration.

Emerging players

• Suståne Natural Fertilizer: Suståne produces natural and organic fertilizers and compost products derived from turkey litter and other organic feedstocks. It competes with Coast of Maine in the organic fertilizer category, primarily through agricultural and professional horticulture channels.
• Roots Organics: Roots Organics, an Aurora Innovations brand, offers organic growing media and nutrients targeting cannabis and specialty crop growers. It competes with Coast of Maine's Stonington Blend in the premium container and cannabis cultivation segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/Coastofmaine
• Facebookfacebook.com/coastofmaineorganic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coast-of-maine-organic-products-inc.
• Instagraminstagram.com/coastofmaineorganic
• Pinterestpinterest.com/coastofmaineorg
• TikToktiktok.com/@coastofmaineorganicsoils

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Coast of Maine