Earl May founded Earl May Seed & Nursery in 1919 in Shenandoah, Iowa. The original company sold baby chickens, tires, batteries, radios, paint, shoes and clothing as well as seed, mostly by mail. The company has evolved into one of the top 10 garden centers in the nation. Its core business remains selling seed and nursery products. These projects include lawn and garden supplies; pets and pet supplies; nursery stock; seasonal holiday merchandise; gifts; and seeds. Specialty items include private label lawn and garden seed, fertilizers, garden insecticides and fungicides. Landscaping consultation and services are also offered in every store. Earl May Seed & Nursery has garden centers in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri, including its location in Shenandoah, Iowa.