Generally May 15 is New Jersey’s frost date. (See here for your frost dates.) As I started to sift through my seed drawer, I noticed that I didn’t have enough beans to plant. Thank goodness weather is on my side since it is way too cold to plant right now. (Um, low of 37 degrees last night in New Jersey.) So you might be wondering where does the great and powerful Oz green gardening girl buy her seeds?
What kind of Seeds Do I buy and Why?
1. Heirloom seeds. Why heirloom? You can save them and be guaranteed that you will grow the same plant next year. Plus, I love tradition. Many of these seeds have been around for 50 years or more. I honestly have never had any trouble with growing my heirloom seeds. My issue are more pest and animal related.
2. NON-GMO. If the seeds are certified organic, then they can’t be genetically modified. So, always look to see that the company signed the Safe Seed Initiative. For a list of companies, see here. (Note, the hyperlinks for the companies directs you to the Green People directory rather than the actual companies. You may just need to copy the name and search for it on the internet.)
By the way, heirloom seeds can not be genetically modified.
3. Organic: Most times, I buy organic, heirloom seeds but sometimes, I just can’t find organic and heirloom seeds for a certain vegetable I want to grow. If you can, opt for organic seeds. Then try and save the best seeds for next year. Last year, my black eye pea crop was terrible because someone was eating the beans. So, I have to buy seeds this year.
Where Do I Buy My Seeds?
1. Heirloom seeds: My first seeds were bought at Heirloom Seeds in Pennsylvania. I love their seeds; however, you have to order early or later in the season since they are a small company. Not all of their seeds are organic but all are heirloom seeds.
2. Bountiful Interests. Whole Foods carries their seeds. I also order a variety of herbs, vegetable, and flower seeds from them as well. Don’t forget to order flower seeds too. In addition to growing vegetables, I grow my own flowers such as nasturtiums, zinnias, and cosmos. These flowers help to attract beneficial bugs and bees to the garden.
3. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. In my opinion, the best seed catalog ever! I receive their catalog in the winter. Honestly, I am a kid in a candy store leafing through the pages of beautifully photographed vegetables. Seriously. The company offers 1450 different seeds from 70 different companies. (Yep, you will be a kid in the candy store too.)
4. Seeds of Change: Note, they are owned by Mars Company but they have signed the non-GMO pledge. All of their seeds are organic. They offer hybrid and heirloom seeds.
5. Territorial Seeds: They have a section on their site for heirloom seeds.
6. High Mow Gardens: I buy my crop cover, oats, from them. All of their seeds are organic. They offer heirloom seeds as well.
7. Victory Seeds: They offer heirloom seeds in both bulk and seed packages. I buy my 1 pound of buckwheat seed here since I need more than just a small package. High Mow Garden offers 5 pounds and up of buckwheat seed.
8. Sands Hill Preservation: I use to order my organic sweet potato slips from them until I figured out how to grow my own. They also sell some organic seeds and non-organic heirloom seeds.
9. Annie’s Heirloom Seeds. I adore this company. I buy a lot of my vegetable seeds from them.
10. Sustainable Seed Company. This company offers a variety of seeds. I usually purchase unusual seeds from them.
11. Fruition Seeds: This company is my new love since their seeds are made for the northeast.
Like always, let me hear your thoughts in the comments below. Be sure to share on your social media channels to keep the conversation going.
Join the Conversation:
- Where do you buy your seeds?
- What kind of seeds do you buy?
- Do you save your seeds?
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Joy @ Joyfully Green says
May 15, 2013 at 12:42 pmI did not know my frost date–thanks, Anna! It’s May 18th, which is funny because you’re the next town over, I think! Shows what a difference a couple of miles can make…
Sylvi T. says
October 5, 2016 at 9:26 amSeattle Seed Co.! They’re 100% organic and I love all their packaging and good service.