Migardener hasn't let me down in years. I have old seeds that have still gone 100 germ. I love to support a simple home shop. Their customer service can't be beat!
@@Just-Nikki It does happen pretty often, and their cart is very frustrating, but they're a small family business, their fertilizer is excellent, and it's nice to not support big ag. Also, I'm sentimentally attached to them because I got the seeds for my first garden there and it came out great!
Hello, my name is Margaret, and I'm a seedaholic. I buy seeds long after the optimal planting time is past. I buy seeds that are NEVER going to grow in my climate, (insert whiney voice here) but the picture is so pretty ! My addiction started long ago with seed savers exchange, where I found the German Pink tomato, and the old fashioned Johnson tomato. Not to be confused with the now common German Johnson. The Johnson was a red tangy tomato, full of tart goodness. Those were the good old days. Everything now is bred for sweetness.
Oh my friend was growing those German pinks, she called them just pinks, they were amazing and they also grew a second year and gave her even more fruit. Thanks for telling me about them.
I literally stayed up all night once reading the stories behind the Rareseeds. Fascinating. Then I noticed the sunrise was coming in the window! Woops.
That Baker Seeds catalog is like crack on paper. It is beautiful and it was the first place I ever ordered from. I couldn't stop myself. I had to join the twelve step program for seed hoarders! 🤣
I have been a customer of Migardener for years, I buy more seeds from his family business every year. Great germination rates, excellent variety. Most seeds for your money, organically grown, heirlooms. I have been watching Luke garden since he lived with his parents before his family started. This man cares a ton about gardening, helping others, and ensuring quality. The seed co is so great, as it is rare, if they accidentally send the wrong order of seeds to you, you keep them and they rush your seeds to you. Grow big or go home! God Bless!
I only use Mi and Baker. I think because Luke is a small local operation his prices are incredible - sometimes 50% what others are charging. And the customer service is over the top.
anything i ever purchased from kitazawa has been successful, i am in central florida. malabar spinach, yard long beans, bok choy, onions not so good,but onions hate me
The Baker Creek catalog segment was so on point! I laughed very hard at how many times I just surf their website and end up with even just a few random items every single time!!!!
As soon as you started in on #3 I knew who it was Hahahaha I have HUNDREDS of dollars worth of seeds that are not going to save my family from starving thanks to their catalogue. One of my new years resolutions this year was to not buy any seeds from them....my $300.00 order placed in late January arrived in record time...
Me too! II'm not gonna buy oh look...pretty...No no no...well, maybe just this one...and this one...and look at that I've never seen that...ad infinitum.
I really like True Leaf Market because they sell larger quantities of seed at really good prices. It’s way more economical than buying little packets if you are growing more than a few raised beds, truly trying to grow all the vegetables for your family.
These are the seed companies we love and use regularly. If you have any favorites I missed, let me know in the comments. If you're worried about the future of your food supply, I suggest getting a copy of Grow or Die: The Good Guide to Survival Gardening: amzn.to/3vE38YR And joint the Grocery Row Gardening experiment this year: amzn.to/374Icjy
I recently sold my farm and am very skeptical of claims John Q Public can "grow their own food". Wheat, rice and nuts provide the highest calories but we don't grow them. We eat corn, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, etc. We should eat around 2,000 calories /day but the average is nearing 3,500. Using a low metric of 3,000, an acre of corn has enough calories for 12, wheat 4, beans 1.2. And this is maximum yield depending on soil quality, weather, disease, pests and it can be planted, maintained, picked and stored in a timely fashion. it's why we get 99% of what we eat at the store. I like those end of the world stories where folks learn to survive but they rarely comment on losing access to milk products, salt, pepper, sugar, non-local spices, flour, rice, products not grown locally....you get the idea. Like it or not, our society is interconnected.
I began to cry softly before you even announced #3. I keep my catalog well hidden, so no one messes up the pages of the grail. Thank you for your list! 🤣
Man, I can’t quit Johnny’s. But generally, I have a seed buying, seed saving and seed hugging problem. Sometimes when I can bear it, I plant them. Sleepless nights follow. I buy from Baker’s, Renee’s, Hudson Valley (gorgeous packets if you like to give seeds as presents and the seeds are excellent) Eden Bros, Johnny’s, Botanical Interests (you can buy potato seeds, who knew?) on and on. When the mail comes with a package in it my heart skips, mercy! what did I order now? It is truly a sickness.
I tell my hubby looking at seeds and filling 50 online carts is one hobby. Buying them and sorting them and putting them in my storage bins is another. Planning where I'm gonna plant everything yet another. So I have three hobbies before I even start a seed. I do this instead of going to a salon or spa. I don't buy excessive shoes or purses. I collect seeds. He doesn't complain lol
@@kelliwiemers6445 haha my husband used to complain all the time bout my compulsive seed buying. Gardening buying in general. I think hes getting to the point where hes backing off and just saying whatever cause I'm not backing down from growing stuff. But i mean i kinda understand where hes coming from when he says i need new clothes and shoes. Cause i just bought myself a new pair of tennis shoes this past christmas after owning my other ones for i believe 6 or 5 years. And just bout all my clothes dont fit me. I wear pretty much yoga pants and stained tshirts all time haha.
For the southwest, I would recommend High Desert Seed Co. Great heirloom varieties, many of which have been grown by the indigenous people in the region for hundreds of years and are adapted to arid, high-altitude conditions
I have a 10 year developed cherry tomato seed adapted to grow around Elko, NV that a buddy sent me. Our first year of growing food in the Mountain South led to disaster as I wasn't accustomed and had been growing food in the Sierra range. Those were the only veggies we got that year and were abundant! I reckon Southerners would benefit from buying seeds adapted to dry climates. Worked for us anyway.
@@erinerickson5904, I've been growing in Arizona with Native Seed Search. I love their selections. I don't have much experience yet, but I'll be fixing that soon enough.
For your Asian culinary seeds I love Kitazawa seed company. I believe they just moved from California to Utah. I love Chinese Broccoli and was able to find many varieties along with some of my favorite Asian peppers. They’ve got some good stuff!
They're still in California or sounded like the same person in California that answered the phone yesterday when I called them. They are under True Leaf now but I think Kitazawa still operates out of the same place. I could be wrong though. Another great place for Asian seeds (pulls more toward Chinese varieties) is Asian garden 2 table. She has lots of educational videos on u tube. Most of her seeds come from China I believe. Great selection of Asian vegetable seeds. Her site even lets you sort seeds by where you want to grow ie warm, hot, cold etc. Two other sources are Fukuda Seeds online, and the online seed store for the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).
Years ago, on a trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder home, I saw a sign for seed savers and made a detour! My daughter was upset but knew she would still get there! Jere was barely out of his teens, but was very helpful and knowledgeable! I was impressed and spent too much money! Still with him today!
My dad and brother would have both enjoyed your videos so much. They have both passed from this world, but if they were still here, they would be top subscribers!
If you're in Florida, "seed the stars" is a tiny company specializing in Florida centric seeds. Made acquaintance with them the other day, excited to work with them in the future Lord willing
You forgot the "Remember, I'm pulling for ya". ("We're all iin this together.") I used to love Pinetree Garden seeds for smaller packet trial varieties. They have a good selection of different things to try, but the days of < $.99 cent packets of seed (which were wonderful to try new things) are largely a thing of the past. They have some heirlooms, some oddities, and they offer things like dye plants and edible flowers. Many packets are still $1.99. Worth a look. Keep your stick on the ice!
I've been looking for a good local seed company in NorCal, I found some in the bay area and Sacramento and such but that may as well be a different state as far as climate goes.
I agree with the local seed place,especially for bulk. In my neighborhood we have a plant and produce store that also sell some bulk seeds which are the same seeds that they do well with on their farm. Also,they have their very own named collard seed which they developed over the past 100 years. For me,#1 is Southern Exposure because they have some great seeds for the south with nematode,disease and insect resistance without being hybrids. (My favorite is South Anna Butternut) Pinetree and Migardner are excellent for small amounts. Baker Creek-well,such interesting varieties and the catalog! Hoss Tools and Johnny Seeds if I want something hybrid or very specific.
I volunteer on an organic farm and the farmer buys his seeds from Johnny’s and I got to say you are right they have excellent seeds and they germinate very well. Those seeds are worth every single penny. ❤
Haven’t had a bad experience from anyone, yet Seed Savers Exchange gets half of my money every spring. They work for me since they’re in Iowa and it’s cool to get that regional/local line of seeds from a nonprofit organization whose aim is to protect old varieties of seeds.
Does it charge? I looked into them seed savers/exchange groups and they want freakin money to join their half baked websites just to trade seeds. Those people are the low iq ones lmfao why pay twice for a seed? Lol if not and it's something else my bad lol
When you reached #3… I knew the exact answer, as i was the same victim. Received their catalog as a x-mas gift. Had to stop half way through because i spent way too much money. Hehehe
Yes,I love the fact that I can get everything that I want/need from Baker Creek. Never had to wait for seeds to be restocked. Johnny's and Botanical as well!🥰
I've been happy with Sow True Seeds the past couple years. I like their South Anna butternut squash. It's a cross between seminole pumpkin and waltham butternut then selected for flavor and mildew resistance.
I order from Seeds n Such too. Inexpensive for people on a budget. Tons of tried and true heirlooms. Also, of course, Baker Creek, Kitazawa, Trade Wind Fruits, even packs from Walmart. I'm an addict.
Another great point on Fedco…is the catalogs…are spring, fall and then trees and shrubs..not the multiples that others send ..and the catalog is in newsprint..with great Radom information and historical facts and myths.
I ordered rhubarb roots from Renee's Garden and they were HUGE. I like Botanical Interests too. Thanks for the info about local sources. Makes sense they would grow well. God bless!
MIgardener is my first choice! Great germination, extra information on the back of the package and the BEST you tube videos! Their Trifecta + fertilizer produces great results and so so easy to use. I use it on everything. And it’s a family owned business, I love supporting them.
Started to die laughing when describing number 3!! You didn’t even mention the company yet and I knew exactly who you were talking about!! I’m still such a newbie and I shouldn’t even be in that catalog, but, every year, I can’t help myself.
For those in the Pacific Northwest my favorites are adaptive seed, uprising seed, and wild garden seed. Honorable mentions wild mountain seed they are in Colorado and the experimental seed network which carry seed from small seed growers around the country, also row 7 seed specializes in seed for the gourmand.
Hello. My name is Midwestribeye and I'm a seedaholic. True story. I accomplished one of my Bucket Lists this summer...I personally visited Seed Savers Exchange. My poor husband was left waiting in the car...for a while.😄😂 God bless all the seed collectors. Now, I really need to order some from his daughter!
Annie's Heirloom Seeds! Small, family run farm with a catalog that has tons of information and lots of herbs for culinary and health. They sell heirlooms and organic.
I know I can always watch some DTG when I need laughter therapy. This week was particularly challenging after losing my mother to cancer and then having cataract surgery (scheduled prior to her passing.) I nearly fell off the sofa when I heard DTG say that life is a series of…. And then you die. Thank you so much for your constant supply of humor. 🌿 I forgot to mention that I’ve had excellent germination on Daisy’s marigold seeds and I’m posting photos on her review page as they grow. I can confidently report 100% germination rates thus far on all of Daisy’s seeds that weren’t dropped on the floor and lost by me in the seed starting process. Now that I’ve had cataract surgery, I’m hoping my aim has improved enough to get Daisy’s Seminole pumpkins going.
@@davidthegood Looking forward to hearing Elray blow the pipes off our Brombaugh organ when he plays A Mighty Fortress is Our God at mom’s funeral. John Brombaugh is a member of our congregation and there’s a TH-cam video a couple weeks back showing him and the organ he built for Central Lutheran. We have to keep the sanctuary doors closed or we get noise complaints from as far away as Boise. 😳
I love trying those weird, odd and wonderfully strange veggies. I love taking them to parties and addicting my friends to them lol. One friend took a few years to win over, but once she found carrot fly only took her orange carrots, now she only grows purple ones lol.
In the North East of the US I love the following seed companies. Fedco Seeds has a huge selection and tons of valuable information for each type. They also carry trees, shrubs, plants, bulbs, tubers, for growing in colder places. They have cover crops and an impressive selection of soil amendments too. Hudson Valley Seeds carries regionally grown varieties that I can't find elsewhere and grow very well in cold wet New England. They also carry left handed gardening tools. Fruition Seeds is all regionally grown organic open pollinated seeds. They also have hard to find varieties that do well in New England. They have a great education section and it is worth getting on their email list for the videos.
@@billsmith2593 I am finding all the seed companies that grow organic seeds in New England or New York are all about the same price as Fruition Seeds. With the cold we spring weather of Northern New England I find that paying more for seeds that are grown in this climate is worth the extra money. In tough growing environments high quality, locally grown seeds make all the difference.
@@gardencat4952 The packs used to contain 3X/4X the quantity of seeds that are now offered for the same price...like the cost for 100 onion seeds now costs more than 400 seeds cost just a few years ago. Seriously I loved them. Great people and everything, but they've quadrupled the cost, and this is prior to COVID. I used to buy handfuls of packets, but now I only get stuff that I can't get anywhere else. It's disappointing.
Territorial seeds is my current favorite seed company. I have had massive success with their seed growing in difficult conditions. Great source for the Great Northwest!
Hahaha. David you had me laughing so hard. I knew it was going to be Baker Creek. Their catalogs are so nice that I keep them like a book series! lol. I also buy quite a bit from MIGardener but now that they've doubled their price, I'd rather buy from Baker Creek for the most part.
Totally agree with your choices! Brijette from San Diego Seed company also has lots of choices for southern zones. I hope to save my own seeds this year.
Sandhill Preservation Center! It's old school, you have to mail in your order and check, but the variety, price, quantity, and germ rates are unreal. Glenn Drowns used to be head of seed Savers and is single handedly responsible for bringing back American heritage breed turkeys (check out their poultry selection, OMG). Look at the collections based by era - Pioneer garden, Civil War garden. Just the best. Check it out. You'll see.
DAVID!!! I dug a hole. Dug up the dead chicken in the hole. Started a fire!!! I've got a beautiful bucket of biochar slush and I smell like smoke. Buried the chicken in the hole with biochar and look forward to planting Seminole Pumpkins in our sugar sand! Exciting times.
Sandhill Preservation is a source that I have used before and been satisfied with. So many unique heirloom varieties of a wide variety of garden plants.
I’ve had good luck with seed savers exchange and high mowing organics. I also buy from your number five, number one, and you are right about number three. This year I went crazy on the bitter melon and a few other things.
Seeds N Such has been a recent favorite. They carry many of the varieties that grow well here in Kansas & I have difficulty finding those varieties elsewhere. Jet Star & Juliet tomato. Castle Dome & Green Magic broccoli. Etc... Great germination rates as well.
Wild Garden Seed is my favorite! Many of their seeds are sold through other suppliers like Johnny's, but I order directly from them every year. Everything they produce is OP, and if you like having some breeding mixes to play around with and save seeds from, I highly recommend them.
Territorial (Pacific Northwest) puts out a great informative catalog. Mary's Heirloom Seeds (California area) used to have 99¢ sales, but not since COVID hit. I still buy from Mary's and Territorial even though I am in southern Tennessee. MIgardener is great.
Sweet, conscientious, caring, Luke. MI Gardener is the best place to do business! I've almost literally watched Luke grow up via TH-cam and he is the best. He wants you to succeed and I love that.
I've always used Burpee mainly but this year I'm also trying some from Baker Creek and Hoss Tools. So far I am extremely impressed with Hoss Tools. Super fast shipping, packaging, they even put a identification stake in the seed package for you and most importantly, I've gotten 100% germination from them. They are all still starts but they germinated first and they are outperforming everything else. I'm very excited to see what they, and my weird baker creek varieties do this year lol.
I used to use feed stores when I first started gardening…then box stores, but now more specialty heirloom catalogs and Florida seed exchanges. We’ve come full circle. Now I’m working on saving my own😎
I was going to suggest MIGardener as well. I think you meant the store that's run by PERSON-ites, LOL. The Everglades is a good, prolific tomato, and per our discussion last year, I bought Carbon seeds to try this year. 18" tall already and very stocky. They look like a good variety; thanks for the info on them.
MI gardener is my go to im blown away with the germination rate and price of Luke’s seeds plus he is in my region so I am confident it will grow for the most part in my zone 6 garden.
I use Park Seed in SC, and do the home improvement places primarily. Thank you for your videos. I've never had a problem using Burpee seeds either, and am starting to harvest more seed each year. Gardener Scott just did a video on the importance of seeds in our diet.
I knew you were heading for Baker Creek the minute you mentioned that catalog! I have a problem,and I love it! Trying those yard long noodle beans this year.
Snake River seeds have a great selection from Joseph Lofthouse seeds and they ship to Canada which is important for me. I also loved Joseph’s book and look forward to seeing more of your experiments in landrace seeds
You missed Dollar Tree for seeds! I’ve had great success with DT seeds of every variety. I buy one packet of red cherry, Roma, or Beefsteak (all open pollinated) tomatoes for 25 cents with 75-85 seeds in each, and near perfect germination. Last spring I helped my two granddaughters sell tomato plants from DT seeds and they each made over $800. The neighbors said they were the best tomato starts they’ve ever grown.
They have microgreen seed too! There's four or five different varieties in each pack. I just grow them out. I've found two different packs assortments in my local store.
I've actually had amazing luck with those $0.20 packs! The orange $0.50 packs at Walmarts actually do great too. I always grab the varieties that everyone sells from there, even if you have to grab 6 packs to get enough seed, you spend less
Number 5 is lifted with love from reading Steve Solomon. A great writer who has inspired many, particularly those who live in the Pacific Northwest and more recently Tasmania and Southeast Australia
Yay Johnny’s! I’ve used most of the companies you mentioned, and drooled over the Baker’s Creek catalogue, but at the end of the day Johnny’s is a solid performer!
For you south Florida/ zone 10 plus folks, you should look at sources from Hawaii. They have the same issues with weather and pests that we do and have developed some good breeds to cope and have some tropical choices as well. I have had good success with seeds from the University of Hawaii (UH seed lab). Limited selection, but cheap. Also just planted spring seeds (little late) from the hawaii seed growers network, which is similar to southern exposure....well see how they perfrom.
My dollar tree seeds did great this year. $1 per pack and they had decent counts. Turnips and spinach were standouts. I only planted them just to see if they would work, they were on par with big box store seed / burpee. I did just order MI Gardener Seeds for next year, waiting to see how the counts are before I order more.
Seeds from Italy is one of many seed companies I order from. They have lots of Italian varieties you can’t find anywhere else. You get tons of seeds in their packets, probably the most of any of the seed companies.
You are right about Baker Creek Seeds. The catalog will devour your time. When it comes time to order it's very painful. I can't have it all or even half of it so I spend a few more hours cutting it down to five or ten packets while I tell myself it going to be alright you can order more later. So I obsess over putting it in a safe place that I know I will remember where I put it, and IF I share it I always make sure I get it back. So I like Territorial too and think I would like to grow a fruit jungle.🌞🌴
I definitely have a problem with buying seeds.. You totallyspoke to me on the baker creek catalog issue! My husband does not understand but he allows it so everyone gets along ;) I just found Johnny's , great to hear you use and like them.
I just discovered David’s Garden Seeds based out of Poteet, Texas near San Antonio. I just got a few seed packs from them today and look forward to trying them out.
I live in the Pacific Northwest, Zone 6 in the Idaho panhandle and I've had great experience with Seed Savers Exchange, Annies, Snake River Seeds, MI Gardener and Johnny's.
@Manja Warner It's really hard for me to stay out of the Live plant section too! Oh - and their catalog, it's made of newspaper, and there's no color pictures, just drawings, but the plant info is fabulous!
I have such a love for Seed Savers Exchange and what they stand for. I have bought so much from them I should own stock in them by now. But seriously, I do love them!
First year to buy from Mary's Heirloom Seeds. Love the selection with the description easier to access than a physical catalog for me. Also a wishlist where I can save my dream seeds. Beautiful, clear, colorful photography. Who knew there were so many different kinds of heirloom squash from around the world?
You're too funny! "We're in this together, at least I think we are" . I chuckled out loud. I love buying seeds too. I have a local lady that sells them and starter plants at the farmers markets. I have also bought them at Home Depot and this year my Target had a display in their outdoor section and it actually had organic seeds!!!
I love Johnny's... however... I must say Hoss Tools will forever be my favorite for seeds. I've had almost 100% germination with their seeds. You should definitely try them. I've done a few squash varieties and some bush beans and everything did amazing! ...... And I just realized you said them at the very end. My bad for commenting prior to the end of the video. :)
Here in my part of Canada we have access to Seed Savers Exchange. Their effort is to keep seed varieties alive and encourage gardeners to share their seeds.
Solid list, David! 👍 I 100% agree about Johnny's. When everyone was hoarding bread, TP, canning lids, ammunition & seeds even Baker Creek couldn't keep up. But Johnny's came through. Their seeds are top notch, and as you said their germination rate is really high. As a matter of fact, out of 50 pepper seeds I started this year only 2 didn't come up. That's pretty damned good.
Some of the sites mentioned already are some of my favorites. True Leaf Market has really good prices and you get a LOT of seeds for the price! They also sell bulk seeds, grains, cover crops, microgreen seeds and supplies. I've also purchased from MIgardener and had great results with those seeds. A lot of my tomato seeds were seeds I purchased from him last year. I started them indoors already and I had a super high germination rate yet again this year. Very much looking forward to these. :) Botanical Interests is another spot that I enjoy getting seeds from. When you get your seed packet, on the inside of the packet, they have a TON of information about the variety as well as how to grow it, what to expect, etc. The hand draw images on the packets are a bonus. Little Shop of Seeds is one that I saw recommended in the comments of another YT channel. They don't have a lot of variety and they are very "no-nonsense" but you get a LOT of seeds for an insanely low price! Plus, I know that I'm supporting a small business farmer and that's always a cool thing. :) Urban Farmer also has really good seeds with another good seed-to-price ratio. I mentioned this in the comments on another channel that posted their recommendations....one of the ways that I keep my seed spending from getting "over-the-top" is to set a seed budget for that season. I take inventory of what I have (so I don't repurchase seeds I need to be using), make up an Excel spreadsheet of what I want (listing the seed packet size, the price and who is selling it) that I divide into "needs" and "wants." So, for example, if I am out of my favorite carrots or tomatoes, those go in the "need" category. If they are just stuff I think would be cool to grow, they go in the "want" category. I then compare those lists to my budget and decided what to get from there. It helps to keep costs down, helps me stay focused (so I don't get distracted by pretty pictures!) and then I have a list to start things with for next season. I also only get the "free" catalog from Baker Creek! ;) ;) Less tempting that way. Although, I did actually purchase the "Japanese White" and "Pink" Dandelions this year! :D But, that was "just for fun" from last year's list and fit in this year's budget. ;) ;)
I almost bought the pink Dandelion... Finger is on the trigger. Can't seem to talk myself into it for the "need" category just yet, but I do feel the pressure building! I'm sure it's only a matter of time...
@@gardengatesopen My boyfriend's favorite flowers are Dandelions. He keeps teasing me about not growing dandelions in my garden. He even reminds me EVERY year that they are completely edible as well (which I already knew). ;) So, last year when I was looking at what seeds to purchase, I told him I would grow dandelions in my garden on one condition....I get to be the one to decide which color to grow. "Wait, there are other colors other than yellow?" "Yep. Several, actually." "Huh." That was the end of THAT conversation. ;) ;) So, this year, I bought them. However, they won't be going into the garden. I planted some daffodils and "surprise lilies" (or "resurrection lilies") this past fall near the road to the houses. I was super lucky and got both sets of bulbs for free! :D I thought the pinkish/yellow dandelions and the white would go rather well in front of them. :) When he saw that I had purchased the seeds he asked me, "Oh, so you've decided to grow dandelions in the garden after all?" "Nope." I then told him where I was going to plant them. "Besides, even if I did grow them in the garden, are you actually going to eat them?" He never answered that question. :D
@Gwendy Rose They're sooo bitter to eat!! It might be fun to watch him eat them, especially the root! ha! Sounds like good fun! And I think you're right, those colors will be fabulous with the Lilies!
All tomatoes you get from seed packets are hybrids! You can save seeds from any heirloom or hybrid and unless you cut the flowers open prematurely and self pollinate with another's pollen before it's own pollen sacs have opened in the flower than you will get true to seed 99.99% and with hybrids you will get a mix of the parents genetics but they will all be similar and have more genetic variety like different colors and things or some phenos from a cross beetween a cherry and a beefsteak tomatoe will have pure cherry like tomatoes but flavor of one or the other and you can get beef steaks withe alot different flavor or a bunch of in betweens and in order to get the genetics you like the most you can self pollinate the best phenos together which will cut the genetic variation down around 80% making those seeds an f2 and making it so the f2 batch has mostly phenos similar to the 2 you selected but with some variation still but by the f3 you have a pretty stable variety and if you cross two common strains of the same pepper that are already identical than even tho their a hybrid the plants produced will all come out the same either way so it doesnt matter at all if it's a hybrid with those crosses but 99.99% of the time the flowers will self pollinate before the flowers have opened so it's impossible without human intervention to get cross pollinating with tomatoes or peas but with stone fruits and cherry's they produce Male flowers at first and than produce a bunch of female flowers after most the Male flowers have fallen and so if you have a plum that puts out Male flowers when the cherry is putting out female flowers than the seeds from those will pulerrys which are a cross beetween plum and cherry and so that's a very different but also desirable plant but with fruit you will most the time not get true to seed fruit while with tomatoes and peas you will always get true to seed plants!
@@GoldenBoy-et6of true to seed would be replicas dude. Heirlooms are breed into same stock and f1 aren’t. Like I said and try not to confuse people, can’t save f1 seeds and expect replicate tomato’s. Don’t need a novel to express the facts
@@GoldenBoy-et6of I wouldn't say ALL, even with the stats, but know what you mean. I think the point was made well by Jess Sowers that it's OK to JUST SAVE SEEDS, and then select out from what grows well and you like. It's how heirloom varieties were developed to begin with, just save seeds!
Migardener hasn't let me down in years. I have old seeds that have still gone 100 germ. I love to support a simple home shop. Their customer service can't be beat!
I like MIgardener but sometimes my packs are supposed to have 25 seeds and have like 11. It’s happened pretty often.
They need more info on the packs as does Bakers
@@Just-Nikki It does happen pretty often, and their cart is very frustrating, but they're a small family business, their fertilizer is excellent, and it's nice to not support big ag. Also, I'm sentimentally attached to them because I got the seeds for my first garden there and it came out great!
@@krisniznik3953 I love trifecta+ and I still buy from them for the same reasons. I even have his book.
I am in them Thumb. I love the selection at MIgardener! Sometimes they sell out fast, but for $2 per packet, I think they are worth it!
Hello, my name is Margaret, and I'm a seedaholic. I buy seeds long after the optimal planting time is past. I buy seeds that are NEVER going to grow in my climate, (insert whiney voice here) but the picture is so pretty ! My addiction started long ago with seed savers exchange, where I found the German Pink tomato, and the old fashioned Johnson tomato. Not to be confused with the now common German Johnson. The Johnson was a red tangy tomato, full of tart goodness. Those were the good old days. Everything now is bred for sweetness.
I like Johnny's Seeds
There shipping charges are way too high sometimes more than the seed order. Good quality
Seeds.
I have bought from most of those companies you mentioned and like them well, thank you much.
Oh my friend was growing those German pinks, she called them just pinks, they were amazing and they also grew a second year and gave her even more fruit. Thanks for telling me about them.
“This is the Seed company that gets you in trouble” with the dramatic music had me rolling.
I literally stayed up all night once reading the stories behind the Rareseeds. Fascinating. Then I noticed the sunrise was coming in the window! Woops.
That Baker Seeds catalog is like crack on paper. It is beautiful and it was the first place I ever ordered from. I couldn't stop myself. I had to join the twelve step program for seed hoarders! 🤣
Can you link to your daughter's etsy store? Can't seem to find it.
Me too. I need the 12 step program.
I can quit anytime!
I agree! I'm hooked on their catalogue. We need to start a Baker Creek Catalogue Anonymous to get off their drug LOL
@@laurenholladay 😄 Hi , my name is Farisa and I'm a seed hoarder!
My local public library has local seeds from the surrounding farms and the first 3 packs are free!
My local seed library is out of seeds😢
Yes. People need to find if their local library has a seed library.
I have been a customer of Migardener for years, I buy more seeds from his family business every year. Great germination rates, excellent variety. Most seeds for your money, organically grown, heirlooms. I have been watching Luke garden since he lived with his parents before his family started. This man cares a ton about gardening, helping others, and ensuring quality. The seed co is so great, as it is rare, if they accidentally send the wrong order of seeds to you, you keep them and they rush your seeds to you. Grow big or go home! God Bless!
Yes, I completely agree about Luke and MIGardner. They are wonderful!
I only use Mi and Baker. I think because Luke is a small local operation his prices are incredible - sometimes 50% what others are charging. And the customer service is over the top.
Kitazawa Seeds for all things Asian, and Seed Savers Exchange, they always have that one variety no one else has.
Kitazawa has cool stuff
anything i ever purchased from kitazawa has been successful, i am in central florida. malabar spinach, yard long beans, bok choy, onions not so good,but onions hate me
@@evelynkorjack2126 Their onions have been great for me, I have a few spring onions in their second year.
They just outsourced to...i forget but another good company... to fulfill their shipping.
I'm glad they were able to find a way to stay in business!
I bought some gochujang from Kitazawa this year. We will see how they do. 100% germination...so far so good.
The Baker Creek catalog segment was so on point! I laughed very hard at how many times I just surf their website and end up with even just a few random items every single time!!!!
As soon as you started in on #3 I knew who it was Hahahaha I have HUNDREDS of dollars worth of seeds that are not going to save my family from starving thanks to their catalogue. One of my new years resolutions this year was to not buy any seeds from them....my $300.00 order placed in late January arrived in record time...
Me too! II'm not gonna buy oh look...pretty...No no no...well, maybe just this one...and this one...and look at that I've never seen that...ad infinitum.
They got me with the pink okra this year.. like why do i even need pink okra but here we are lol
Yep me too lol
😂I even not so good at gardening but I buy seeds from them.
When he said "flashy catalog" my wife and I laughed from the gut.
I really like True Leaf Market because they sell larger quantities of seed at really good prices. It’s way more economical than buying little packets if you are growing more than a few raised beds, truly trying to grow all the vegetables for your family.
These are the seed companies we love and use regularly. If you have any favorites I missed, let me know in the comments.
If you're worried about the future of your food supply, I suggest getting a copy of Grow or Die: The Good Guide to Survival Gardening: amzn.to/3vE38YR
And joint the Grocery Row Gardening experiment this year: amzn.to/374Icjy
West Coast Seeds - I read about in Steve Solomon's book and I had great success with their seeds
Can you link to your daughter's etsy store? Can't seem to find it.
I recently sold my farm and am very skeptical of claims John Q Public can "grow their own food". Wheat, rice and nuts provide the highest calories but we don't grow them. We eat corn, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, etc. We should eat around 2,000 calories /day but the average is nearing 3,500. Using a low metric of 3,000, an acre of corn has enough calories for 12, wheat 4, beans 1.2. And this is maximum yield depending on soil quality, weather, disease, pests and it can be planted, maintained, picked and stored in a timely fashion. it's why we get 99% of what we eat at the store.
I like those end of the world stories where folks learn to survive but they rarely comment on losing access to milk products, salt, pepper, sugar, non-local spices, flour, rice, products not grown locally....you get the idea. Like it or not, our society is interconnected.
I began to cry softly before you even announced #3. I keep my catalog well hidden, so no one messes up the pages of the grail. Thank you for your list! 🤣
Who was number 3
@@kathychatty7017 same thing I'm wondering..
@@kathychatty7017baker creek heirloom seeds 😂
@@barowtbaker creek lol
Man, I can’t quit Johnny’s. But generally, I have a seed buying, seed saving and seed hugging problem. Sometimes when I can bear it, I plant them. Sleepless nights follow. I buy from Baker’s, Renee’s, Hudson Valley (gorgeous packets if you like to give seeds as presents and the seeds are excellent) Eden Bros, Johnny’s, Botanical Interests (you can buy potato seeds, who knew?) on and on. When the mail comes with a package in it my heart skips, mercy! what did I order now? It is truly a sickness.
I tell my hubby looking at seeds and filling 50 online carts is one hobby. Buying them and sorting them and putting them in my storage bins is another. Planning where I'm gonna plant everything yet another.
So I have three hobbies before I even start a seed.
I do this instead of going to a salon or spa. I don't buy excessive shoes or purses. I collect seeds.
He doesn't complain lol
@@kelliwiemers6445 😁😁😁😁😁
@@kelliwiemers6445 haha my husband used to complain all the time bout my compulsive seed buying. Gardening buying in general. I think hes getting to the point where hes backing off and just saying whatever cause I'm not backing down from growing stuff. But i mean i kinda understand where hes coming from when he says i need new clothes and shoes. Cause i just bought myself a new pair of tennis shoes this past christmas after owning my other ones for i believe 6 or 5 years. And just bout all my clothes dont fit me. I wear pretty much yoga pants and stained tshirts all time haha.
I'm starting to stop buying from bakers creek. Their seed germination is getting absolutely horrible
@@elimanning6520 I hadn’t noticed that. Something to consider.
For the southwest, I would recommend High Desert Seed Co. Great heirloom varieties, many of which have been grown by the indigenous people in the region for hundreds of years and are adapted to arid, high-altitude conditions
Also Native Seed Search! High and low desert, and lots of stuff for the extreme heat the southwest is known for.
I live in Colorado at 5400 feet. I have had great success with High Desert seeds. I will check into Native Seed Search.
I have a 10 year developed cherry tomato seed adapted to grow around Elko, NV that a buddy sent me. Our first year of growing food in the Mountain South led to disaster as I wasn't accustomed and had been growing food in the Sierra range. Those were the only veggies we got that year and were abundant! I reckon Southerners would benefit from buying seeds adapted to dry climates. Worked for us anyway.
@@erinerickson5904, I've been growing in Arizona with Native Seed Search. I love their selections. I don't have much experience yet, but I'll be fixing that soon enough.
For your Asian culinary seeds I love Kitazawa seed company. I believe they just moved from California to Utah. I love Chinese Broccoli and was able to find many varieties along with some of my favorite Asian peppers. They’ve got some good stuff!
They're still in California or sounded like the same person in California that answered the phone yesterday when I called them. They are under True Leaf now but I think Kitazawa still operates out of the same place. I could be wrong though. Another great place for Asian seeds (pulls more toward Chinese varieties) is Asian garden 2 table. She has lots of educational videos on u tube. Most of her seeds come from China I believe. Great selection of Asian vegetable seeds. Her site even lets you sort seeds by where you want to grow ie warm, hot, cold etc. Two other sources are Fukuda Seeds online, and the online seed store for the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).
I think Kitazawa sold through True Leaf They have wonderful Asian varieties
Years ago, on a trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder home, I saw a sign for seed savers and made a detour! My daughter was upset but knew she would still get there! Jere was barely out of his teens, but was very helpful and knowledgeable! I was impressed and spent too much money! Still with him today!
My dad and brother would have both enjoyed your videos so much. They have both passed from this world, but if they were still here, they would be top subscribers!
Trade winds fruits is my second to baker creek. They have a lot of unique and unusual varieties.
I love that company
If you're in Florida, "seed the stars" is a tiny company specializing in Florida centric seeds. Made acquaintance with them the other day, excited to work with them in the future Lord willing
Cool, thanks for sharing!
Love them! Bought several seed packets recently
Thanks I'm always looking for seeds that grow well in Ocala FL. I'll check them out!
You forgot the "Remember, I'm pulling for ya". ("We're all iin this together.")
I used to love Pinetree Garden seeds for smaller packet trial varieties. They have a good selection of different things to try, but the days of < $.99 cent packets of seed (which were wonderful to try new things) are largely a thing of the past. They have some heirlooms, some oddities, and they offer things like dye plants and edible flowers. Many packets are still $1.99. Worth a look.
Keep your stick on the ice!
For people in California, Redwood seeds is incredible. Every variety I’ve purchased from them has done very well and become a favorite.
Oooh I will check them out, thank you!
I've been looking for a good local seed company in NorCal, I found some in the bay area and Sacramento and such but that may as well be a different state as far as climate goes.
thank you from Tehama Cty
I agree with the local seed place,especially for bulk. In my neighborhood we have a plant and produce store that also sell some bulk seeds which are the same seeds that they do well with on their farm. Also,they have their very own named collard seed which they developed over the past 100 years.
For me,#1 is Southern Exposure because they have some great seeds for the south with nematode,disease and insect resistance without being hybrids. (My favorite is South Anna Butternut) Pinetree and Migardner are excellent for small amounts. Baker Creek-well,such interesting varieties and the catalog!
Hoss Tools and Johnny Seeds if I want something hybrid or very specific.
I volunteer on an organic farm and the farmer buys his seeds from Johnny’s and I got to say you are right they have excellent seeds and they germinate very well. Those seeds are worth every single penny. ❤
Strictly Medicinal is great. They have an awesome selection of medicinal herbs and veggies. Their catalog is really cute too.
I agree. I love them too. They have some seeds you can't find anywhere else, especially if you are into homeopathy
You hit the head on the nail with Baker Creek. I've ordered and grown so many interesting seeds from them.
Haven’t had a bad experience from anyone, yet Seed Savers Exchange gets half of my money every spring. They work for me since they’re in Iowa and it’s cool to get that regional/local line of seeds from a nonprofit organization whose aim is to protect old varieties of seeds.
Does it charge? I looked into them seed savers/exchange groups and they want freakin money to join their half baked websites just to trade seeds. Those people are the low iq ones lmfao why pay twice for a seed? Lol if not and it's something else my bad lol
@@elimanning6520 you don't have to be a member to order seeds from Seed Savers.
@@marybk882 that's cool! I'll have to check them out! Thank you!
@@elimanning6520 This is like any other seed company, they just have a mission to save old lines of seeds and operate as a nonprofit.
@@growshakephil awesome!! Then my bad!! Glad to hear! Will definitely check them out
When you reached #3… I knew the exact answer, as i was the same victim. Received their catalog as a x-mas gift. Had to stop half way through because i spent way too much money. Hehehe
I go through once as a skim, then pen circle ones I want, then go back a 3rd time a d highlight the penned ones that I cannot live without.lol
Yes!!
Yes,I love the fact that I can get everything that I want/need from Baker Creek. Never had to wait for seeds to be restocked. Johnny's and Botanical as well!🥰
I've been happy with Sow True Seeds the past couple years. I like their South Anna butternut squash. It's a cross between seminole pumpkin and waltham butternut then selected for flavor and mildew resistance.
They are very good-and the people at the store in Asheville are SO sweet. Excellent company.
I order from Seeds n Such too. Inexpensive for people on a budget. Tons of tried and true heirlooms. Also, of course, Baker Creek, Kitazawa, Trade Wind Fruits, even packs from Walmart. I'm an addict.
Fedco seeds is definitely worth a mention. A must for northern growers.
I love Fedco! Great selection, tons of information on the seeds and plants, volume discounts, group purchase options.
Another great point on Fedco…is the catalogs…are spring, fall and then trees and shrubs..not the multiples that others send ..and the catalog is in newsprint..with great Radom information and historical facts and myths.
I ordered rhubarb roots from Renee's Garden and they were HUGE. I like Botanical Interests too. Thanks for the info about local sources. Makes sense they would grow well. God bless!
MIgardener is my first choice! Great germination, extra information on the back of the package and the BEST you tube videos! Their Trifecta + fertilizer produces great results and so so easy to use. I use it on everything. And it’s a family owned business, I love supporting them.
Started to die laughing when describing number 3!! You didn’t even mention the company yet and I knew exactly who you were talking about!! I’m still such a newbie and I shouldn’t even be in that catalog, but, every year, I can’t help myself.
Yup, we all figured it out haha, hard not to
For those in the Pacific Northwest my favorites are adaptive seed, uprising seed, and wild garden seed. Honorable mentions wild mountain seed they are in Colorado and the experimental seed network which carry seed from small seed growers around the country, also row 7 seed specializes in seed for the gourmand.
Thank you, we live on the central Oregon coast and was looking for other options
Hello. My name is Midwestribeye and I'm a seedaholic. True story. I accomplished one of my Bucket Lists this summer...I personally visited Seed Savers Exchange. My poor husband was left waiting in the car...for a while.😄😂 God bless all the seed collectors. Now, I really need to order some from his daughter!
The second you started to describe #3, I KNEW it was Baker Creek! Love them too!
High Mowing seeds are really good too. They offer bulk amounts and are sometimes less expensive than Johnny's.
Get seeds from grocery store fruit!!! The best canteloupe I ever had was saved seed from an HEB canteloupe bought in Alvin Tx!
Annie's Heirloom Seeds!
Small, family run farm with a catalog that has tons of information and lots of herbs for culinary and health. They sell heirlooms and organic.
MI Gardener, I get a 99% germination rate, plus I love his channel. And Baker Creek. 😊
In the northeast zone 5 in western NY is Fruition Seeds. Owned by a young couple who offer a ton of growing info. Definitely should check out.
I know I can always watch some DTG when I need laughter therapy. This week was particularly challenging after losing my mother to cancer and then having cataract surgery (scheduled prior to her passing.) I nearly fell off the sofa when I heard DTG say that life is a series of…. And then you die. Thank you so much for your constant supply of humor. 🌿 I forgot to mention that I’ve had excellent germination on Daisy’s marigold seeds and I’m posting photos on her review page as they grow. I can confidently report 100% germination rates thus far on all of Daisy’s seeds that weren’t dropped on the floor and lost by me in the seed starting process. Now that I’ve had cataract surgery, I’m hoping my aim has improved enough to get Daisy’s Seminole pumpkins going.
Thank you. Sorry you lost your mom - that is really hard. I hope your eyes heal quickly and you get some good time in the gardens this spring.
@@davidthegood Looking forward to hearing Elray blow the pipes off our Brombaugh organ when he plays A Mighty Fortress is Our God at mom’s funeral. John Brombaugh is a member of our congregation and there’s a TH-cam video a couple weeks back showing him and the organ he built for Central Lutheran. We have to keep the sanctuary doors closed or we get noise complaints from as far away as Boise. 😳
😢🕯️🙏
I love trying those weird, odd and wonderfully strange veggies. I love taking them to parties and addicting my friends to them lol. One friend took a few years to win over, but once she found carrot fly only took her orange carrots, now she only grows purple ones lol.
We had great luck with purple carrots.
I was impressed with Dollar Seed this year! I was a little hesitant but their stuff seemed to germinate and grow well
I give them a try for the first time. Found about them a couple of days ago
And a good one for zone 9 and 10 is San Diego Seed Company and they have a TH-cam channel
In the North East of the US I love the following seed companies.
Fedco Seeds has a huge selection and tons of valuable information for each type. They also carry trees, shrubs, plants, bulbs, tubers, for growing in colder places. They have cover crops and an impressive selection of soil amendments too.
Hudson Valley Seeds carries regionally grown varieties that I can't find elsewhere and grow very well in cold wet New England. They also carry left handed gardening tools.
Fruition Seeds is all regionally grown organic open pollinated seeds. They also have hard to find varieties that do well in New England. They have a great education section and it is worth getting on their email list for the videos.
I used to love Fruition, but they've priced themselves out of common household budgets.
@@billsmith2593 I am finding all the seed companies that grow organic seeds in New England or New York are all about the same price as Fruition Seeds. With the cold we spring weather of Northern New England I find that paying more for seeds that are grown in this climate is worth the extra money. In tough growing environments high quality, locally grown seeds make all the difference.
@@gardencat4952 The packs used to contain 3X/4X the quantity of seeds that are now offered for the same price...like the cost for 100 onion seeds now costs more than 400 seeds cost just a few years ago. Seriously I loved them. Great people and everything, but they've quadrupled the cost, and this is prior to COVID. I used to buy handfuls of packets, but now I only get stuff that I can't get anywhere else. It's disappointing.
Fedco is the very best. Better prices than Johnny’s and better germination. Their fruit trees cannot be beat!
Baker Creek seeds is a wonderful place to order seeds! I have amazing luck with these seeds.
Territorial seeds is my current favorite seed company. I have had massive success with their seed growing in difficult conditions. Great source for the Great Northwest!
Based in my hometown of Cottage Grove, OR! Great seed.
Hahaha. David you had me laughing so hard. I knew it was going to be Baker Creek. Their catalogs are so nice that I keep them like a book series! lol. I also buy quite a bit from MIGardener but now that they've doubled their price, I'd rather buy from Baker Creek for the most part.
Totally agree with your choices! Brijette from San Diego Seed company also has lots of choices for southern zones. I hope to save my own seeds this year.
Sandhill Preservation Center! It's old school, you have to mail in your order and check, but the variety, price, quantity, and germ rates are unreal. Glenn Drowns used to be head of seed Savers and is single handedly responsible for bringing back American heritage breed turkeys (check out their poultry selection, OMG). Look at the collections based by era - Pioneer garden, Civil War garden. Just the best. Check it out. You'll see.
DAVID!!! I dug a hole. Dug up the dead chicken in the hole. Started a fire!!! I've got a beautiful bucket of biochar slush and I smell like smoke. Buried the chicken in the hole with biochar and look forward to planting Seminole Pumpkins in our sugar sand! Exciting times.
We are doing the same thing today!
Sandhill Preservation is a source that I have used before and been satisfied with. So many unique heirloom varieties of a wide variety of garden plants.
I’ve had good luck with seed savers exchange and high mowing organics. I also buy from your number five, number one, and you are right about number three. This year I went crazy on the bitter melon and a few other things.
Bitter melon is awesome! Look for the Vietnamese pickled bitter melon recipe! Best way I found to eat it!
I loved this video ! You hit home with most of us gardeners . I like growing both heirlooms and hybrids . Thank you for sharing !
Seeds N Such has been a recent favorite. They carry many of the varieties that grow well here in Kansas & I have difficulty finding those varieties elsewhere. Jet Star & Juliet tomato. Castle Dome & Green Magic broccoli. Etc... Great germination rates as well.
Wild Garden Seed is my favorite! Many of their seeds are sold through other suppliers like Johnny's, but I order directly from them every year. Everything they produce is OP, and if you like having some breeding mixes to play around with and save seeds from, I highly recommend them.
Mary’s Heirloom Seeds is also great! We also use Dixondale for our onions and leeks. They are located in South Texas.
Territorial (Pacific Northwest) puts out a great informative catalog. Mary's Heirloom Seeds (California area) used to have 99¢ sales, but not since COVID hit. I still buy from Mary's and Territorial even though I am in southern Tennessee. MIgardener is great.
Sweet, conscientious, caring, Luke. MI Gardener is the best place to do business! I've almost literally watched Luke grow up via TH-cam and he is the best. He wants you to succeed and I love that.
I've always used Burpee mainly but this year I'm also trying some from Baker Creek and Hoss Tools. So far I am extremely impressed with Hoss Tools. Super fast shipping, packaging, they even put a identification stake in the seed package for you and most importantly, I've gotten 100% germination from them. They are all still starts but they germinated first and they are outperforming everything else. I'm very excited to see what they, and my weird baker creek varieties do this year lol.
Good field report!
I used to use feed stores when I first started gardening…then box stores, but now more specialty heirloom catalogs and Florida seed exchanges. We’ve come full circle. Now I’m working on saving my own😎
I was going to suggest MIGardener as well. I think you meant the store that's run by PERSON-ites, LOL. The Everglades is a good, prolific tomato, and per our discussion last year, I bought Carbon seeds to try this year. 18" tall already and very stocky. They look like a good variety; thanks for the info on them.
MI gardener is my go to im blown away with the germination rate and price of Luke’s seeds plus he is in my region so I am confident it will grow for the most part in my zone 6 garden.
Good thinking - can't beat local.
I use Park Seed in SC, and do the home improvement places primarily. Thank you for your videos. I've never had a problem using Burpee seeds either, and am starting to harvest more seed each year. Gardener Scott just did a video on the importance of seeds in our diet.
I knew you were heading for Baker Creek the minute you mentioned that catalog! I have a problem,and I love it! Trying those yard long noodle beans this year.
Snake River seeds have a great selection from Joseph Lofthouse seeds and they ship to Canada which is important for me. I also loved Joseph’s book and look forward to seeing more of your experiments in landrace seeds
I live in the Sonoran desert. Mostly I use San Diego seed company and also true leaf market. Both have fantastic customer service and great seeds.
You missed Dollar Tree for seeds! I’ve had great success with DT seeds of every variety. I buy one packet of red cherry, Roma, or Beefsteak (all open pollinated) tomatoes for 25 cents with 75-85 seeds in each, and near perfect germination. Last spring I helped my two granddaughters sell tomato plants from DT seeds and they each made over $800. The neighbors said they were the best tomato starts they’ve ever grown.
They have microgreen seed too!
There's four or five different varieties in each pack. I just grow them out. I've found two different packs assortments in my local store.
I've actually had amazing luck with those $0.20 packs! The orange $0.50 packs at Walmarts actually do great too. I always grab the varieties that everyone sells from there, even if you have to grab 6 packs to get enough seed, you spend less
I also love High Mowing Organics out of Wolcott, VT and Hudson Valley Seeds in Upstate NY. Great companies, seeds, and customer service 💕💕💕
Number 5 is lifted with love from reading Steve Solomon. A great writer who has inspired many, particularly those who live in the Pacific Northwest and more recently Tasmania and Southeast Australia
Yay Johnny’s! I’ve used most of the companies you mentioned, and drooled over the Baker’s Creek catalogue, but at the end of the day Johnny’s is a solid performer!
For you south Florida/ zone 10 plus folks, you should look at sources from Hawaii. They have the same issues with weather and pests that we do and have developed some good breeds to cope and have some tropical choices as well. I have had good success with seeds from the University of Hawaii (UH seed lab). Limited selection, but cheap. Also just planted spring seeds (little late) from the hawaii seed growers network, which is similar to southern exposure....well see how they perfrom.
My dollar tree seeds did great this year. $1 per pack and they had decent counts. Turnips and spinach were standouts. I only planted them just to see if they would work, they were on par with big box store seed / burpee. I did just order MI Gardener Seeds for next year, waiting to see how the counts are before I order more.
Yes to all of your choices! I’ve ordered from and love them all. I was super happy to hear Hoss Tools at the end. Their germ rates are excellent.
Hoss has great hand tools also. I have several of their hoes and would love to have more
all great seed companies. my favorite is the sharing with friends in the community.
Me too!
I ordered this year from "Seeds from Italy". They have the traditional varieties and ship from Kansas.
Seeds from Italy is one of many seed companies I order from. They have lots of Italian varieties you can’t find anywhere else. You get tons of seeds in their packets, probably the most of any of the seed companies.
Try lunga di Napoli. You won't be disappointed 😂
Franchi seeds are the best.
Edible Acres is good for berry, bush, and tree starts. I think he sells seeds as well.
You are right about Baker Creek Seeds. The catalog will devour your time. When it comes time to order it's very painful. I can't have it all or even half of it so I spend a few more hours cutting it down to five or ten packets while I tell myself it going to be alright you can order more later. So I obsess over putting it in a safe place that I know I will remember where I put it, and IF I share it I always make sure I get it back. So I like Territorial too and think I would like to grow a fruit jungle.🌞🌴
I definitely have a problem with buying seeds.. You totallyspoke to me on the baker creek catalog issue! My husband does not understand but he allows it so everyone gets along ;) I just found Johnny's , great to hear you use and like them.
Fedco is another good seed source, especially for northern gardeners.
And their catalog is awesome 👍👍 ...
I just discovered David’s Garden Seeds based out of Poteet, Texas near San Antonio. I just got a few seed packs from them today and look forward to trying them out.
You named all my favorite! Except.... botanical interests. I really like them too 😀
I live in the Pacific Northwest, Zone 6 in the Idaho panhandle and I've had great experience with Seed Savers Exchange, Annies, Snake River Seeds, MI Gardener and Johnny's.
Strictly Medicinal Seeds is a great company that I order from every year
Me too! 👍
I rate them 5 seedlings!
🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱 🌱
Me three! So much goodness in that catalog. I've given some of their seed collections as gifts. Love their selections.
@Manja Warner
It's really hard for me to stay out of the Live plant section too!
Oh - and their catalog,
it's made of newspaper,
and there's no color pictures, just drawings, but the plant info is fabulous!
A “brilliant” catalog!
Me too, love them! Amazing selection of medicinal seeds!
I have such a love for Seed Savers Exchange and what they stand for. I have bought so much from them I should own stock in them by now. But seriously, I do love them!
First year to buy from Mary's Heirloom Seeds. Love the selection with the description easier to access than a physical catalog for me. Also a wishlist where I can save my dream seeds. Beautiful, clear, colorful photography. Who knew there were so many different kinds of heirloom squash from around the world?
Same here, first year for me too. Everything I've planted is doing very well, I'm impressed.
Baker's heirloom seed CO. and Annie's Heirloom seed Co, have been a go to for me lately. They are expensive yes, but best quality of heirloom seeds.
I have heard Annie’s is great.
Love your videos David! Never fails to lift my spirits 😊
You're too funny! "We're in this together, at least I think we are" . I chuckled out loud. I love buying seeds too. I have a local lady that sells them and starter plants at the farmers markets. I have also bought them at Home Depot and this year my Target had a display in their outdoor section and it actually had organic seeds!!!
I love Johnny's... however... I must say Hoss Tools will forever be my favorite for seeds. I've had almost 100% germination with their seeds. You should definitely try them. I've done a few squash varieties and some bush beans and everything did amazing!
...... And I just realized you said them at the very end. My bad for commenting prior to the end of the video. :)
Thanks Summer
Yep I get in trouble every single year with Baker Creek
Here in my part of Canada we have access to Seed Savers Exchange. Their effort is to keep seed varieties alive and encourage gardeners to share their seeds.
Solid list, David! 👍
I 100% agree about Johnny's. When everyone was hoarding bread, TP, canning lids, ammunition & seeds even Baker Creek couldn't keep up. But Johnny's came through. Their seeds are top notch, and as you said their germination rate is really high. As a matter of fact, out of 50 pepper seeds I started this year only 2 didn't come up. That's pretty damned good.
Some of the sites mentioned already are some of my favorites. True Leaf Market has really good prices and you get a LOT of seeds for the price! They also sell bulk seeds, grains, cover crops, microgreen seeds and supplies.
I've also purchased from MIgardener and had great results with those seeds. A lot of my tomato seeds were seeds I purchased from him last year. I started them indoors already and I had a super high germination rate yet again this year. Very much looking forward to these. :)
Botanical Interests is another spot that I enjoy getting seeds from. When you get your seed packet, on the inside of the packet, they have a TON of information about the variety as well as how to grow it, what to expect, etc. The hand draw images on the packets are a bonus.
Little Shop of Seeds is one that I saw recommended in the comments of another YT channel. They don't have a lot of variety and they are very "no-nonsense" but you get a LOT of seeds for an insanely low price! Plus, I know that I'm supporting a small business farmer and that's always a cool thing. :)
Urban Farmer also has really good seeds with another good seed-to-price ratio.
I mentioned this in the comments on another channel that posted their recommendations....one of the ways that I keep my seed spending from getting "over-the-top" is to set a seed budget for that season. I take inventory of what I have (so I don't repurchase seeds I need to be using), make up an Excel spreadsheet of what I want (listing the seed packet size, the price and who is selling it) that I divide into "needs" and "wants." So, for example, if I am out of my favorite carrots or tomatoes, those go in the "need" category. If they are just stuff I think would be cool to grow, they go in the "want" category. I then compare those lists to my budget and decided what to get from there. It helps to keep costs down, helps me stay focused (so I don't get distracted by pretty pictures!) and then I have a list to start things with for next season. I also only get the "free" catalog from Baker Creek! ;) ;) Less tempting that way. Although, I did actually purchase the "Japanese White" and "Pink" Dandelions this year! :D But, that was "just for fun" from last year's list and fit in this year's budget. ;) ;)
oh yeah true leaf has very good shipping rates on bulk cover crop seeds
I almost bought the pink Dandelion...
Finger is on the trigger.
Can't seem to talk myself into it for the "need" category just yet, but I do feel the pressure building!
I'm sure it's only a matter of time...
@@gardengatesopen My boyfriend's favorite flowers are Dandelions. He keeps teasing me about not growing dandelions in my garden. He even reminds me EVERY year that they are completely edible as well (which I already knew). ;) So, last year when I was looking at what seeds to purchase, I told him I would grow dandelions in my garden on one condition....I get to be the one to decide which color to grow. "Wait, there are other colors other than yellow?" "Yep. Several, actually." "Huh." That was the end of THAT conversation. ;) ;) So, this year, I bought them. However, they won't be going into the garden. I planted some daffodils and "surprise lilies" (or "resurrection lilies") this past fall near the road to the houses. I was super lucky and got both sets of bulbs for free! :D I thought the pinkish/yellow dandelions and the white would go rather well in front of them. :) When he saw that I had purchased the seeds he asked me, "Oh, so you've decided to grow dandelions in the garden after all?" "Nope." I then told him where I was going to plant them. "Besides, even if I did grow them in the garden, are you actually going to eat them?" He never answered that question. :D
Got all my seeds there this year. The seedlings are in because the weather has been warm since Feb. So far so good!!
@Gwendy Rose
They're sooo bitter to eat!!
It might be fun to watch him eat them, especially the root!
ha!
Sounds like good fun!
And I think you're right, those colors will be fabulous with the Lilies!
This is my first time watching your stuff, and I immediately subscribed. Your humor and presentation style are endearing and trustworthy 🤩
Welcome
Just remember you can’t save hybrids. Johnnys is mostly F1 hybrid so seeds savers don’t bother. Tomato Fest for awesome seeds with rare varieties
Yep. I only buy heirloom/open-pollinated seeds. If I want an F1 variety it's easier to just buy a start from the local co-op and save the hassle.
All tomatoes you get from seed packets are hybrids! You can save seeds from any heirloom or hybrid and unless you cut the flowers open prematurely and self pollinate with another's pollen before it's own pollen sacs have opened in the flower than you will get true to seed 99.99% and with hybrids you will get a mix of the parents genetics but they will all be similar and have more genetic variety like different colors and things or some phenos from a cross beetween a cherry and a beefsteak tomatoe will have pure cherry like tomatoes but flavor of one or the other and you can get beef steaks withe alot different flavor or a bunch of in betweens and in order to get the genetics you like the most you can self pollinate the best phenos together which will cut the genetic variation down around 80% making those seeds an f2 and making it so the f2 batch has mostly phenos similar to the 2 you selected but with some variation still but by the f3 you have a pretty stable variety and if you cross two common strains of the same pepper that are already identical than even tho their a hybrid the plants produced will all come out the same either way so it doesnt matter at all if it's a hybrid with those crosses but 99.99% of the time the flowers will self pollinate before the flowers have opened so it's impossible without human intervention to get cross pollinating with tomatoes or peas but with stone fruits and cherry's they produce Male flowers at first and than produce a bunch of female flowers after most the Male flowers have fallen and so if you have a plum that puts out Male flowers when the cherry is putting out female flowers than the seeds from those will pulerrys which are a cross beetween plum and cherry and so that's a very different but also desirable plant but with fruit you will most the time not get true to seed fruit while with tomatoes and peas you will always get true to seed plants!
@@GoldenBoy-et6of true to seed would be replicas dude. Heirlooms are breed into same stock and f1 aren’t. Like I said and try not to confuse people, can’t save f1 seeds and expect replicate tomato’s. Don’t need a novel to express the facts
@@GoldenBoy-et6of I wouldn't say ALL, even with the stats, but know what you mean. I think the point was made well by Jess Sowers that it's OK to JUST SAVE SEEDS, and then select out from what grows well and you like.
It's how heirloom varieties were developed to begin with, just save seeds!
I've been really pleased with botanical interests this year. Wonderful selection, and the packets are so friggin pretty 😊