Top Picks for Seed Purchases
Ready to start planning your garden and wondering where to buy seed? I've got you covered! While there are numerous seed companies out there, here are my top picks, each offering something different:
Seed Sources to Check Out:
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds: Known for their variety of common and uncommon heirloom and open-pollinated plants. Their easy-to-navigate site features beautiful photos, fast shipping, and reasonable prices. Just be aware that not all plants will perform well in all areas, but the review section on their website can help you navigate that issue.
- Seed Savers Exchange: Similar to Baker Creek, but with a more focused selection. If you strike out at Baker Creek, give Seed Savers Exchange a try. They support the preservation of open-pollinated diversity and offer unique heirloom seeds. Their shipping fees can be high, though.
- Southern Exposure Seed Exchange: A great choice if you're based in the South, as their seed catalog is curated for southern environments. They provide detailed growing information and specifically mention southern growing challenges. There is a shipping fee, but rates depend on your order amount.
- Territorial Seed Co.: They offer a mix of open-pollinated and hybrid seeds, with information on soil temperature, seed depth, plant spacing, days to germination, and more. Their shipping fee is steep, but they make up for it with a solid selection and quality seeds.
- Johnny's Selected Seeds: Known as the "Cadillac of the seed world," Johnny's offers a mix of open-pollinated and hybrid seeds, with a fantastic selection of disease-resistant varieties. Their seed catalog provides regional adaptations and visual harvest size comparisons. The prices are higher, but the quality justifies it for many.
- White Harvest Seed Company: A family-owned seed company that offers a wide variety of seeds with reasonable prices. Their selection may be more limited compared to others, but their seed catalog is easy to browse, and shipping fees are affordable.
Remember, the seed catalogs from these seed sources are available on their websites. Here are a couple of online-only options to consider as well:
- True Leaf Market: Offers competitive prices and fast shipping, with a focus on cover crops, arugula, and greens, but their selection is robust overall.
- MIGardener: Known for reasonable prices, most seed packets start at just $2 each. Free shipping in the US and Canada for orders over $19.99. Keep in mind that the quantities can be lower compared to other sources, but it might work out just fine for your needs.
Dive into the World of Seeds:
Whatever your gardening goals—preserving seed heritage, growing in specific climates, or sourcing rare seeds for diversity—the right seed company is out there for you. Experiment, explore, and enjoy the process of growing your garden!
- To supplement your seed sources, consider checking out garden printables online for home-and-garden lifestyle, which may provide resources for garden planning and planner templates.
- Consider incorporating cover crops into your garden to prevent erosion, add nutrients, and improve the overall health of your garden.
- For those starting with seed starting, it's essential to research and master techniques such as proper soil temperature, seed depth, and plant spacing to ensure successful germination.
- Aside from seed starting, embracing a gardening lifestyle can enrich your living space and provide a rewarding hobby, including its environmental and wellness benefits.
