Dalen Products is an independently-owned Family business that began in 1975 when Neal Caldwell first brought his Automator to the market, revolutionizing the way gardeners grow tomatoes.
A long time has passed since 1975, but Neal’s legacy continues to thrive as many of his inventions continue helping gardeners all across the USA. Some of Neal’s original products are unchanged since conception, while others have been continuously innovated and improved as the years have passed.
Dalen is now in its third generation of family ownership, supported by a dedicated team of Tennesseans who bring our vision to life. Through hard winters and scorching summers, we’ve stayed true to our mission: to make gardening easier, more enjoyable, and more productive. We believe that a better world can be grown through gardening, and we hope you’ll join us in cultivating beauty and getting down to earth.
Dalen Products is located in Knoxville, TN, USA and a proud owner of a Protected Wetlands & Bird Sanctuary. We think it's important to set aside and protect larger parcels of land for wildlife to live and thrive.
In our protected wetlands in West Knoxville, we love seeing Red-Shouldered hawks hunt for snakes, Blue Herons feeding on fish, Eastern Box Turtles basking in the sun, and Musk Rats swimming around having a good time. All sorts of animals visit our wildlife refuge, more than we could count or name, and it changes throughout the year as birds migrate.
In the grand scheme of things, our protected wetland is only a small drop in the ocean of life, but at Dalen, we believe the little things add up to a whole lot. Every little detail matters, every garden counts.
When Neal Caldwell, a mechanical engineer by trade, and his wife, Alice, built their Williamsburg-reproduction home in Knoxville, TN, they started with a vision, their sleeves rolled up and a lot of moxy. Through trial and error, Neal put his training to the test and developed several products to help establish his yard and garden on land that so many others had written off. The marriage of his professional talents, his passion for gardening and the inspiration to make his family’s house a “home” resulted in the birth of Dalen Products, Inc. in 1975.
Our History: From Humble Beginnings to Gardening Innovation
Dalen Products was born from a passion for gardening and an inventive spirit. Our story began over 50 years ago with our founder, Neal Caldwell, an engineer with a green thumb and a penchant for problem-solving.
Innovative Roots
Neal’s journey into gardening innovation began with the creation of the Automator, a groundbreaking device that revolutionized tomato gardening by increasing yields significantly. This success ignited a spark that led to the founding of Dalen Products in 1975. With a focus on creating unique, patent-protected products, Neal aimed to provide innovative solutions without competition. His commitment to innovation was evident in his next creation: a cold frame with a thermostatic element that required no external power source. This innovation secured Dalen’s first major order and laid the foundation for our future.
A Legacy of Ingenuity and Compassion
Dalen’s commitment extends beyond innovation. We have always placed a strong emphasis on people—our employees, customers, and the broader community. From the early days, Neal Caldwell employed individuals experiencing homelessness, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives. This spirit of compassion continues to drive our philanthropic efforts today. Over the years, Dalen has donated to causes focused on eradicating homelessness, supporting prison ministries, and promoting higher education. Our commitment to people and community is a cornerstone of our legacy. As a 100% family-owned company, now in its third generation, we cherish the values of family and continuity in our mission.
A Commitment to People and the Environment
At Dalen, we place equal importance on our environmental impact. Our products are designed to be safe for animals and insects, avoiding harmful chemicals. We’ve even designated our marshland as a protected bird sanctuary, providing a haven for local wildlife and a space for community enjoyment and exploration. We strive to innovate in ways that protect and enhance the natural world around us.
Looking Forward
Today, Dalen Products stands as a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and a deep love for gardening. We continue to push the boundaries, creating products that help gardeners thrive while staying true to our values of quality, integrity, and environmental stewardship. Our philanthropic efforts remain at the heart of our mission, as we strive to make a positive impact on both the gardening community and society at large
