AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, I rarely buy annual, perennial or vegetable seeds from local vendors. Why? Because their selections are limited to what will fit on a rack. Take, for example, petunia seeds. The local big-box store might sell 3 basic varieties (if you’re lucky). But visit an on-line seed specialist like Summerhill, and you will find 71 petunia varieties, including the delightful ‘Shock Wave Rose,’ pictured above. The following seed-sellers get most of my business:
Diane’s Flower Seeds. Diane Linsley offers open-pollinated, heirloom perennial, annual, and vegetable seeds. Seeds have been tested for germination. Her columbine collection is extraordinary; I winter-sowed several varieties one year, including blue ‘Alpine,’ pictured above.
Summerhill Seeds. I’ve already mentioned Summerhill’s petunias, but their hollyhocks are pretty impressive, too. You can buy them in mixed or individual hues. I had to restrain myself with these, for I wanted them all. I settled for ‘Apple Blossom,’ a 7-foot variety with fully double, soft-pink blossoms.
Renee’s Garden. Love cottage gardens? So does Renee Shephard. I winter-sowed her double cosmos ‘Rose Bon Bon’ one year, and enjoyed the romantic, fancifully-frilled flowers from spring through frost. You might like Renee’s knee-high sweet peas, in mixed tones of salmon-rose and soft mid-blue, which grow to only three feet. Renee’s love for flowers and vegetables becomes obvious when you visit her website.
Seed Savers Exchange. This non-profit group of gardeners is dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds. I rely on them for almost all of my heirloom veggie needs. I can heartily recommend their ‘Cherokee Purple’, ‘German Pink’, ‘Golden Sunray’, ‘Italian Heirloom,’ and ‘Striped Cavern’ tomatoes — these have performed beautifully in my zone 5-b garden.
High Mowing Seeds. We can thank this family-owned business for initiating the “Safe Seed Pledge,” which all of the above-mentioned seed-sellers have signed. By taking the Safe Seed Pledge, companies promise not to knowingly buy or sell seeds which have been genetically modified. One year, I purchased organic ‘Golden Giant’ amaranth from High Mowing, and it grew like Jack’s infamous beanstalk. This year I’m tempted to try their ‘Iko Iko’ peppers.
Now it’s your turn. Who gets your seed money?
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I’m a fan of High Mowing and Johnny’s. I’ve had very good luck with High Mowing seeds for years and use Johnny’s when I want to plant something High Mowing doesn’t offer. I’ve never used Seed Savers Exchange but have considered it, so it’s good to see your recommendation here. Thanks, Kevin!
Hi Tammy – As I recall, it was on your recommendation that I initially ordered from High Mowing Seeds.
I like the D. Landreth Seed Company, personally.
thanks for doing my leg work! much obliged!!
I’m spending a small fortune at Baker Creek this year and love Pinetree Garden Seeds because they offer small, cheaper packets with great variety. Am also considering Victory Seeds for bean seeds. All nonGMO, hooray! Kevin, I am considering growing beans for dry and/or shelling beans this year. Any advice? I grew garbanzos in SoCal 20 years ago and they were a bust. Trying black garbanzos here in CT this year. Have you grown your own beans for dry use? My only concern is that they seem to take a bit of space. Looking at Rancho Gordo’s great selection but steep price, makes me covet some in my yard. Now, going back to look at your terrific suggestions above. Great topic, as always! Thanks!
I get all my seeds from Baker Creek – http://www.rareseeds.com.
Being in the PNW, I get most of my seed from Territorial Seed Company as they trial everything they sell in their own extensive gardens – http://www.territorialseed.com/
I also ordered some seed last year from Baker Creek, Pinetree and Renee’s Garden. In the past I’ve also ordered Balcony tomato seeds from Cook’s Garden (an excellent small tomato for container growing, btw).
I buy seeds at Baker Creek but also love their sister company….Comstock Ferre. Comstock has a small catalog but for northern growers, they have vegetable varieties that are completely at home in the northern gardens. I like the heirloom varieties so Baker Creek has been a favorite for both flowers and vegetables.
I use ANNIE’S HEIRLOOM SEEDS out of Clarksville, Michigan. Family owned and run. LOVE them!
I like the White Flower Farm catalog because of the extensive amount of info they provide, but try to order from High Country Gardens because the seeds are from gardens at elevation like mine.
I like ordering my veggie and herb seeds from RH Shumways because they are here in Wisconsin and because I feel I could be leafing through the same catalog in the late 1800′s. I love their Yellow Woman Indian Beans for shelling as an FYI to Cary (above). I’d describe it as a creamy white pinto-type bean, they don’t need pre-soaking , and they hold up beautifully in slow cooking, so no stew full of empty bean shells. They grow on vines so vertical space is all that is needed. And Rancho Gordo sells them for quite a pretty penny.
That Rose Bon Bon cosmos from Renee’s Garden is calling me this year so think I’ll be ordering from there. A cosmos blooming in Spring? Is that particular to the Bon Bon? My cosmos never bloom until late summer.
Kevin, what I’m really dreaming of this Winter is roses. I have a few climbers that came w/ the house, but am feeling the need to plant my own choice. My grandma used to grow roses, tomatos, and hot peppers in a little courtyard in the shadow of a Pittsburgh steel mill. It was my first exposure to gardening, so I’ve been wishing for roses for sometime, but needed to clear a sunny spot for them. So I did last summer and gave it plenty of compost in preparation for Spring. Now I have to decide on one or two. I’ve been reading back over your various Rose posts to get some inspiration. Any chance, on one of these cold, blustery days of Winter that find you huddled inside, you could work on a rose -buying guide?
I like Baker Creek, D. Landreth’s, Seed Savers Exchange and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. D. Landreth’s catalog is really fun to look through.
I like D Landreth and Baker Seeds. Thought I had a hard time picking seeds with just those two – now you have me wanting to check out the options from the above mentioned companies!
Believe me, I’m checking out everyone’s suggestions, too! (And spending $…I just ordered a few things from D. Landreth and Baker Creek.)
I ordered some vines (live plants) from Brushwood Nursery last year, and they were the healthiest I’ve ever seen. They got planted in Fall, and I can’t wait. One is a red Passion Flower, and one is a trumpet vine (Morning Calm).
I, too, want to try some roses. I’d like to find a climber that blooms all Summer. Also, the Drift Roses look nice. I didn’t realize how big the Knockout Roses could get. Now I’m hearing that they should be trimmed two or three times per year. I trimmed one for a friend, put the branches in water in a white kitchen waste can, and three rooted. One bloomed soon after being potted up.
Can’t beat Baker Creek catelogue discriptions. Got some of the best tasting tomatoes last year from them….Granny Cantrell. Wonderful! Like High mowing too…
One more attribute I forgot to list about the Yellow Indian Woman Bean is that as well as it does in slow cooking, it is just as marvelous for quicker dishes. They can be boiled for 30-45 minutes (testing for doneness along the way) and tossed in a pasta dish.
I always order seeds from Pinetree, Johnny’s, and Territorial. Pinetree has small packets and are usually cheaper. For roses, I order from Heirloom Roses in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. http://www.heirloomroses.com/ They have a very generous return policy and they have beautiful gardens to wander & picnic in.
I was just exploring online and see that RH Shumway is owned by Jung Seeds which once-upon-a-time was a reputable WI seed dealer but now is owned by Monsanto. Makes me sad, but best to be armed w/ the truth so I’m not directing hard-earned dollars where I don’t want them to go. I’m going to explore the suggestions here for my vegetables this year..
Baker Creek and Swallowtail (wonderful zinnias) mostly. Also Pinetree…for years.
Thanks Badger Gardener for your tip on Yellow Woman Indian bean! I’d forgotten that Shumway is a Monsanto acquisition. Wish me luck in finding it somewhere else. Also Kevin, cannot believe I forgot to mention the joy of Renee’s Seeds. It was Shepherd Seeds (her previous life) that infused my life with a love of the romance of heirloom plants, the grace of old-time flowers with fragrance, the bold flavors of Costoluto Genovese and Cherokee Purple tomato, Emerite french fillet bean and my new favorite French Gold. Also love in a mist, bachelor button, cleome, flowers I would never have known the beauty of. Oh man, you’ve got me lusting again. Better pour a cup, put a log on, and sharpen my pencil again. Happy dreaming, Friends!
Wood Prairie Farm in Maine is a good source. It is all organic and the owner is the president of Organic Seed Growers and Trade Assoc, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit challenging Monsanto. I have had great luck with their seeds. And what a potato selection!
I also buy seeds from High Mowing, Johnny’s, Fedco, and Bountiful Gardens. I just got a Shumway catalog last week- good to know that they are owned by Monsanto. That catalog is going in the recycling bin!
I love D. Landreth Seed Company.
Baker Creek IS good! But PLeasePLEase PLEASE check out http://www.hawkeshealth.net/community/showthread.php?t=9375 FIRST to make sure you are not giving your money to Monsanto when you purchase your seeds or eat what they produce. Am I a nut on this subject? Guess so. But also have “insider” knowledge of how aspartame was approved.
Hey Kate, Johnny’s is owned by Monsanto or Seminis (which Monsanto bought). I learned many years ago being a dog trainer that when the student is ready the teacher will come which is why I don’t try to preach to some farmers/growers/gardeners about Johnny’s.
Seeds of Change and Park and Burpee organic seeds. It is warm in SC, so I plan to start even earlier this year. I know it will be cold again, but I want my tomato seeds started this month. Since I don’t have an irrigation system , I would like for everything to be done by July. Summers here are brutal. I am also going to use the Three Sisters and square foot gardening to try to maximize my space. I have lots of leaves and manure for soil ammendments
I like Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. I live in Georgia and they have seeds that are more acclimated to this area. I order from many of the other seed sellers that you mentioned. Southern Exposure sponsors a Harvest festival each year in September at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello which has workshops on all aspects of sustainable gardening and access to the gardens there. I have always wanted to go and I am hoping that this year I can make it happen.
I use High Mowing, Seed Saver’s Exchange and BBB Heirloom….wonderful garden results last year!
My two favorite seed resources are: Seeds of Change, and Seeds from Italy. They both offer a wonderful menu of healthy seeds and lots of unusual varieties.
No one has mentioned Fedco…non GMO , great variety and reasonable prices ! Love Renee Shepherds seeds and Seedsavers …spring can’t come soon enough!
I order from all the above but last year also found tsflowers.com. She has $1 packets of seeds, small amount which is all I need and ended up with 20 packs last year and had great germination and had my order within days of ordering.
I grow mostly heirloom varieties and am not a fan of Monsanto either. Also, I tend to purchase from small family owned companies and businesses. I do purchase a lot of seeds from Baker Creek, I love the variety and their catalog is one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see. Remy at Sampleseedshop is terrific, she sells smaller amounts of seeds for less which is terrific if you are a seed saver, or just want to try a few new items and don’t need a huge packet of seeds. Delectation of Tomatoes has a huge database of hundreds of tomato varieties, including size and weight so you can grow giant ones if you’d like.
Baker Creek is my favorite for seeds.
I’ve recently discovered GrowOrganic.com.
GrowOrganic.com not only carries seeds but bareroot fruit trees, grapes, garlic, onions, seed potatoes, garden supplies, fertilizers, etc (you name it).
I got my seed potatoes from them this year.
They have the best site with how-to videos (from cheese making to buidling raised beds), online help is available if you have questions. They are located in California.
I’ve started saving my own seeds (thanks to you Kevin) and am now harvesting delicious arugula, Merveille des 4 saisons and carrots from my saved seeds, peas are alread waist high and blooming (we are in Arizona).
I had enough broccoli, arugula, hollyhock, marigold and calendula seeds to share.
Looking forward to another plentiful harvest.
Very useful information from everybody.
Kevin, as always, merci.
Here in the western part of the country, High Country Gardens out of Santa Fe, NM (www.highcountrygardens.com) have an amazing selection of waterwise plants and seeds. I also like ordering from Kitazawa Seed Company (http://www.kitazawaseed.com) as they have specialized asian seeds that do well in our climate.
Kevin, thanks so much for this post. I had started to do some research on my own for companies that had not fallen under Monsanto’s ownership. This gets me off to a good start. Thanks again!
Great info from Kevin and everyone–many thanks. I’ve been buying from Pinetree for years, and also love Renee’s Garden. This year will try Baker Creek–love that catalog!
I like Botanical Interests, especially for their assortment of flower seeds. (http://www.botanicalinterests.com/)
@Susan in MI – I see that Territorial Seed is on the “Owned by Monsanto or Seminis” list at that link as is Nichol’s. Both are companies that I’ve bought seed from for over 25 years.
On Territorial’s Facebook page is this reply to an inquiry about GMO seed, Monsanto and Seminis – “… In the past we have bought some seed varieties from Seminis, but over the past several years we’ve been working on shortening that list. It’s been challenging finding varieties to substitute for some of the long-time favorite veggies like Early Girl and Big Beef tomatoes, but we believe we’ve done a good job. Last year we completely eliminated all Seminis-supplied seed from our product line. We are very happy to say that we have no association with Seminis or Monsanto. As always, we stand by or Safe Seed Pledge.”
Nichol’s states on their website that they were one of the 10 original signers of the Safe Seed Pledge. They may sell seeds originally sourced from Seminis but I doubt it.
I have a big problem with the title of that list on that forum. If you don’t read the complete disclaimer, you can easily come away with the idea that ALL of those seed companies are OWNED by Monsanto or Seminis, which is patently untrue for many – or all – of them. Indeed the internet has been a fertile ground for the assertion that Burpee is owned by Monsanto or Seminis – again untrue. Johnny’s Selected Seed that you say is owned by Monsanto is an EMPLOYEE owned company. Shumway is owned by Jung Seed, which is a privately owned company not affiliated with Monsanto/Seminis.
In addition, a Seminis seed variety is not automatically artificially “genetically modified” just because they’re owned by Monsanto. Big Boy and Celebrity tomatoes have been around for quite some time and were the result of hybridization (a form of genetic modification in itself) and/or diligent seed selection by their developers long before Monsanto got into the home garden seed business through their acquisition of Seminis.
While I diligently research seed varieties for any connection to Monsanto or Seminis and won’t purchase those varieties on principal from any seed provider, I’m also concerned that misinformation circulating on the internet is unfairly targeting good businesses as being owned by the evil Monsanto/Seminis empire when in fact, they only sell or have sold in the past SEED VARIETIES that were acquired by Monsanto when they purchased Seminis in 2005. There’s a huge difference there. If anyone doesn’t want to support with their seed purchasing $$ those companies who sell Seminis varieties of garden seeds, then go for it but at least write or email those companies to tell them why you are no longer buying from them – or look for their Facebook page and do the same.
Sorry for the length of this post, Kevin, but I have strong feelings about this subject.
Marjean, thanks for your post! I just ordered from Territorial.
Marjean – Believe me, I appreciate your comment. Too often we read that certain seed companies are owned by Monsanto, when indeed they are not. Also, there is an assumption that all seeds sold by Seminis for the home garden trade are genetically modified. This too is false. I refuse to buy from dealers who buy from Seminis. But that’s only because I refuse to put money in the hands of Monsanto. Otherwise, the Seminis home-garden seeds aren’t “bad.”
This year I ordered a heap of seeds, mostly perrenials for winter sowing, from T’s Flowers and Things (www.tsflowers.com).
I was able to buy lots of varieties for very little money, as she only charges $1 per pack. Of course I may regret the abundance this spring . . . , but for now I’m having a good time playing in the dirt!
P.S. My order arrived well packaged and in a timely manner with a free packet of daylily seeds (the cross was identified, which I appreciate since I’m a color scheme control freak).
Thanks Kevin,
I never heard of winter sowing before. Thanks to to becoming familiar with you and your e-mails I am so excited to begin this new way of gardening.The referrals to these seed companies are very helpful. Appreciate your news letter soooooo much.God bless.Will share my first year experiences with you.
I buy in bulk from Flower Art & Soul in Oregon http://www.flowersoul.com/index.html
Do you know what 1/2 lb of basil seeds looks like? The zinnias have been reliable and remarkable (now I save those seeds)
I don’t have any suggestions that haven’t already been made, just wanted to express my joy that everyone here seems to be so Monsanto conscious! Keep up the good fight everyone!
I don’t do much ordering from seed companies…I do order from specialty plant societies such North American Rock Garden Society and the American Primrose Society….where if you are a member you can take part in their seed-exchange and order seed for perennials that you will not find from any commercial seed company. Many rare, unusual and beautiful, fun to grow, braggable plants!
http://www.nargs.org, http://www.americanprimrosesociety.org
I think most of my favorite seed companys are mentioned above.
I’m still narrowing my list but this year I’ll be ordering from:
Botanical Interest, Baker’s Creek, Cook’s Garden.
I’ve never ordered from them but I got a catalog from The Natural Gardening Company that I’m looking through now.
Here’s a “home grown” NY seed supplier who got some business from me this fall, the Sample Seed Shop: http://www.sampleseeds.com/
Usually, it’s Johnny’s for the bulk of my vegetable garden seeds. I like Select Seeds, Swallowtail, and Diane’s for flower seeds.
MUST do more winter sowing this year; it’s been awhile. I like to do it in 2-liter soda bottles, cut half-way up and about 3/4 of the way around, held closed with clear duct tape, and with slits in all the “bumps” on the bottom of the bottly.
I have had good luck with Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Maine and Seeds from Italy. I also like Select Seeds and Territorial. Years ago, purchases from Pine Tree Garden Seeds had lots of surprises in the packets, unexpected colors or types compared to what I bought. It is nice, though, that they offer smaller packs because one can experiment more and not break the bank. I used Renee’s Garden Seeds for a few flower varieties including “April in Paris” Sweet Peas and nearly fell down drunk off their fragrance. Completely captivating.
Because Seeds of Change abandoned their warehouse cats when they pulled up stakes and moved out of state, I don’t think I’ll be considering them this year. (Not to be confused with Seed Savers Exchange)
I greatly appreciate all the insight about Monsanto and Seminis. Forewarned is forearmed.
This blog is the place to be!
Kevin – Muddying the water even more is the possibility that Seminis grows out seed varieties for other companies. I’m going to do some research into that possibility.
Just sent in my order. I chose Summerhill and Seed Savers Exchange. Both should offer you deep discounts. Bet they got lots of orders today!
A new swell company not to miss is Hudson Valley Seed Library, which is something of a seed coop of sorts where you can grow their seeds out and save seeds and return some to them for a credit, cool idea. They also offer some seeds in gorgeous “Art Packs” which are frameable, beautiful! The small company started in a local library as a seed sharing venture of sorts. They offer membership for about $25 which gets you 20 seed packets and discount on future purchases. LOVE these guys. Okay, I’ll stop now
! Thanks to you Kevin and to all for these terrific ideas. Vaya con Dios
What I’ve been doing for the past four years is trying to order seeds from a different supplier each time.
I do save seeds though, so it’s never like I run out… [plus all of the leftover that doesn't get sown!]
I did Renee’s Garden the first year, Botanical Interests the second, Baker Creek the third [last year], and this year I was considering High Mowing… so your reccomendation is highly appreciated!
I think it’s time to make my 2013 seed order! Muahahaha…
[maybe I'll try to grow some more of my own flowers. I never have flowers...]
Thanks for the update on non-Monsanto seed companies .. I order seeds from Territorial and also Richters .. they are truly organic and non-Monsanto! Also love the idea about winter gardening. I plan to use empty Ecos (organic laundry soap) they are heavy plastic and will make wonderful seed starters. I plan to try luffa seeds just to see how they work. Love your blog so much!
Anne-Marie – I plan to try luffa (gourd) seeds, too. Let’s wish each other luck, okay?
I just received a catalog from Seeds of Change. Does anyone have thoughts about this company?
Hi Billie – See comment #48, from Beverly.
I diligently seek out heirloom seeds and the companies that have not given in to corporate greed. Here are a few of my favorites that have not been previously mentioned.
Botanical Interests – Broomfield CO
Victory Seeds – Molalla OR
Tomato Fest – out of CA (specializing in heirloom tomatoes)
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – Mansfield MO
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange – Mineral VA
I have purchased from each of these and have been extremely happy with the results.
Given that I live in Canada here are some of my Open Pollinated/Heirloom favourites..
Heritage Harvest Seeds in Manitoba
Westcoast Seeds in Vancouver
Salt Spring Seeds on Salt Spring Island
Two Wings Farms in Sooke BC
We have several more very small family run seed companies in the area that proudly support the concept of food security and open pollination/heritage seed preservation.
Thanks Kevin, I love this site..
I forgot Richters and Annapolis Valley…
Sample Seed Shop (Remy cheers), Baker Creek, Summerhill, Swallowtail, Select Seeds and Dianes Seeds are my favorites……
Kevin, once again, I so enjoy this site!! Thanks!
Annie
A few people have mentioned Cook’s Garden. I love their offerings of lettuce varieties – different from the run of the mill.
Hi — I’m a big fan of Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Maine (seeds and tools, by the way) and Seed Saver’s Exchange. Very glad to learn about your favorites, and I will check them out! Thank you!
I have ordered most of my seeds for may years from Fedco. They don’t have a colored catalog, but they have so many wonderful varieties and shipping is free after I think $25
I’m looking for Sweet Cicely seeds.
Logee’s is my favorite fruiting, rare & tropical plant source.. I’ve ordered a couple items from them and they’re been superior to any plants I’ve bought anywhere else. Thought I’d mention them even though they arent technically a seed source.
Fedco seeds here
awesome selection of seeds
I received my order from Diane’s Flower Seeds and was very happy. I will reorder from them again. Kevin – do you know anything about World Plant Seeds??? They have Japanese primrose seeds also as well as a good selection of hellebore seeds !!
Johnny’s Seeds is NOT owned by Monsanto. I’m not sure where a previous respondent got her news but Johnny’s is 100% employee owned and operated.