Choosing a seed company

MelissaLynne

I am looking into ordering my seeds soon and am debating which company to order from.

Is it best to look for a company in a similar growing zone to have seeds better acclimated to my climate?

What criteria do y’all use for picking your seed sources?

nicksamanda11

I try to find them closer to my zone. I use Baker Creek Heirloom seeds. I also use seedsnow.

Torey

@MelissaLynne Here is a link to a list of seed companies in the PNW. I have ordered from Territorial Seeds and West Coast Seeds. Both are good. http://grownorthwest.com/2011/01/the-list-northwest-seed-companies/

MelissaLynne

@torey I lived in the Seattle area until 2015 and had mainly used and loved territorial seeds. I wasn’t sure if there is a benefit to sourcing seeds from a different company now that I am in zone 5 and the low temps get down to -20 in the winter.

i suppose for most vegetables/annuals it doesn’t matter too much?

Torey

I am in zone 3b/4 and still use seed from these companies. I think it is more about the quality of the seeds rather than where they are grown. Although, for perennials this could make a difference.

MaryRowe

I agree that it is more about the quality of the seed. I used to live in the Pacific Northwest, now live in Missouri, but have always ordered from Pinetree Garden Seeds in Vermont because their seed is good quality, they have a great variety, and their prices are lower than many companies. On the other hand since I have lived in Missouri I have come to love Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds in this state, again for their quality and variety, but also because of their helpful information and tips about growing plants in my growing zone. That is one benefit to ordering from a good company in your own area.

MelissaLynne

Thank you @torey and @MaryRowe! It probably is much more of an issue when ordering live perennials from a nursery than for seeds.

Angel

Personally, I am more interested in the company growing heirloom seeds. I like Baker Creek, St. Clare, and Seeds for Generations. I don't plant any GMOs, or really any hybrids, either, so I don't tend to look at companies that sell those. I also tend to like family-owned operations, but that's just me.

JodieDownUnder

Even though I'm in Australia, I think the principals are the same. Heirloom varieties, no hybrids, no chemicals and fuss free. Must have great germination rates, most important.

Wendy

I look for seed companies that sell organic/heirloom and are as close to home as possible.

MelissaLynne

I decided to try baker creek seeds this year. I’ve heard lots of good things about them and they have a great selection. There were a few things I wanted that were not available, but all in all I am quite happy. (They were sold out of close to 2/3rds of their product). I was able to get salsify to try next year.

Tave

I was looking for a seed company that sells a specific seed and came across B&T World Seeds in France. Has anyone had experience with them?

https://b-and-t-world-seeds.com/a1.asp?title=Master+List&list=all

VermontCathy

While it's best to buy from a source in your own growing zone where possible, I've had good luck with selected varieties bought from Baker Creek, which is in a warmer zone.

By and large, I've had good luck with seeds from the most popular online sources, such as Baker Creek, Johnny's, Park, and High Mowing. I've also had good luck with some of the smaller, but very reputable firms such as Renee's and Annie's Heirloom.

Sometimes you will be looking for an unusual variety that is only available from one or two sources. In that case, you will just have to take a chance.

What I would avoid is buying cheap no-name packets that you see at your local big box store, unless you have no other choice.