Finding good seed companies can be difficult because there are so many options. If you are new to gardening it can be very overwhelming. Keep reading and I will show you my favorite seed companies so you will know where you can find high quality heirloom seeds for your garden.
What makes a good seed company
When I look for a seed company there are a few things I look for. First I want to know if they offer open pollinated seeds. I only grow this type of seed in my garden, so this is a necessity.
Next, I want to know what kind of quality the seeds are. You can always save money on seeds, but if they don't germinate you really haven't saved any money.
I also look at the reviews to see if the company is trusted and why other people buy from them. Below are some companies that I trust to buy my seeds from. Check them out and make sure to bookmark their websites!
Seeds for Generations
My favorite company to buy heirloom seeds from is Seeds For Generations. They are a small, family-run company located in Virginia. They only sell heirloom seeds and that is something I like to support.
I have bought seeds from them before and am always pleased with the quality, delivery time, and packaging. If you want to support a small family business with a great selection of seeds, this is the company for you.
They offer seeds ranging from flowers to heirloom tomatoes and even live plants! They have great customer service and always respond to inquires in a timely manner.
The only "downside" is that they do not offer a print catalog. Since the company is small they do not have the funds to make a print catalog yet.
I bought these amazing rust colored sunflowers from Seeds for Generations and they just keep coming up as volunteer plants!
Pros:
- A small family owned and operated business
- Quality seeds with high germination rates
- Only offer heirloom and open pollinated seeds
- Easy to use website
- Fast shipping
Cons:
- Do not offer some of the rarest verities
- No print catalog yet
- Shipping is reasonable, but not free
Baker Creek Seeds
Famous in the gardening world for their unique and rare seeds Baker Creek Seeds has an amazing selection of seeds.
They are located in the Missouri Ozarks and this is where they trial their new seeds. Baker Creek Seeds has the most amazing heirloom varieties!
They offer so many colorful varieties like this glass gem popcorn! You can learn how to grow your own here.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds does offer a free print catalog and I recommend every gardener request a copy. Even if you do not purchase their seeds looking through their catalog is a blast!
Pros:
- Offer a wide selection of rare and unusual varieties
- Free print catalog that is the best in the industry
- Family owned business
- Free shipping
- Offer free seeds on most orders
Cons:
- Their seeds are more expensive
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization located in northern Iowa. They focus on finding rare seeds and reintroducing them to gardens around the globe.
They also have a free print catalog that you can request here. Their seeds have always grown well for me and they really focus on growing the healthiest seed available.
Keep in mind that their shipping can take awhile so make sure to order your seeds early in the season (I usually order mine in February).
Pros:
- Only offer heirloom and open pollinated varieties
- Offer a large selection of rare seeds
- Often tell the stories behind the seeds
- Work to find rare seeds and then introduce them in their catalog
- Offer a free print catalog
Cons:
- Slow shipping
- Don't offer free shipping
MI Gardener
Located in Michigan (hence the MI) MI Gardener offers a range of 100% open pollinated and heirloom seed varieties. They are always adding new items to their website and their prices are very reasonable.
MI Gardener is a small company and they pride themselves in being transparent (I have even seen public reports showing how they price their seeds). They want to offer reasonably priced seeds so that gardening is more accessible.
This company doesn't offer a print catalog at this time but their website is very user friendly. I personally have never ordered from this company although I want to in the future.
Why should I be buying heirloom seeds?
All the above companies offer heirloom and open pollinated seeds, but why should you be buying these seeds. Well, first let's define a few seed terms.
Open pollinated seeds have only been pollinated with other plants of the same variety and they will produce viable seed. This means that if you save seeds from open pollinated plants they will germinate.
Heirloom seeds are open pollinated, but have been grown for at least 40 years. Some choose heirloom seeds because they know they are tried and true.
Hybrid seeds are crossed with other varieties to produce a desired cross. These plants will not produce viable seed and can often taste subpar when compared to heirloom seeds.
GMO (genetically modified organism) seeds have had their genes altered in a lab or exchanged with an animal, insect, or other living organism. These seeds are not currently available to individuals, so you don't have to worry about buying these.
Heirloom and open pollinated seeds are known to be colorful, flavorful, and resilient. If you are going to garden organically (I highly recommend you do), then you are better off to buy heirloom seeds.
Heirloom varieties were grown before the conventional pesticides and fertilizers were invented, so they can grow better in an organic garden. You can learn more about heirloom seeds here.
By buying open pollinated seeds you also save money if you start saving your own seeds. Saving tomato seeds, zinnia seeds, and other seeds is a great idea. You can visit this page to learn more about seed saving.
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