Spring Into Gardening: Where to Find Seeds for Your Garden
Spring Into Gardening: Where to Find Seeds for Your Garden
By Christayla Vassar
It’s springtime and that means it’s time to get growing! But where do you find the seeds to grow? Lucky for you, options abound!
Check Your Stash
If you gardened last year, you might find seeds you saved. Check where you put your collected seeds; aka, your stash. Did you put them in a basket, cabinet, or drawer? Be sure to check your refrigerator and freezer too.
Feed and Farm Stores
Feed and farm stores carry seeds. You can find organic and non-organic options. Oftentimes the stores provide a good variety to select from. They often carry Ferry-Morse and Burpee Seeds, but may also carry other brands. Tractor Supply, for instance, carries other varieties such as Seeds of Change.
Stores
Stores like Walmart, Publix, and dollar stores also carry seeds. They may carry Burpee and Ferry-Morse. They also carry cheap seed packets like American Seed Company.
Organic Produce
You can find seeds by saving them from the organic produce you buy. Conventionally grown produce may sprout, but won’t always produce. Buy organic and buy local if possible.
Neighbors, Friends, and Family
Check with your neighbors! You can find some great varieties grown over several years. Plus, they are probably open-pollinated. Friends, family, church family, and co-workers may also save seeds and they may be willing to give you some. You never know who else loves to grow!
Seed Swaps
Seed swaps pop up every spring. You can find them with a quick Google search, via Eventbrite, Craigslist, Facebook Events, and even in the newspaper! You may also find seed swap groups on Facebook or Telegram with whom you can trade all year round.
Etsy
You can find some great independent seed growers on Etsy. If you’re looking for grown for years or rare varieties, look here!
Seed Companies
Many seed companies exist to help you procure seeds for the growing season. Some favorites include:
With free shipping over the continental USA, what can’t you love? Some people reported problems with sprouting these last few years, but Baker’s Creek offers a warranty for two years after the purchase date. They also provide reviews on each seed page to help you decide.
Seed Savers Exchange not only sells its own seeds! They also allow you to buy seeds from other independent growers! Some are even free. It’s like a huge seed swap.
Sow True Seed has a beautiful little catalog and great emails throughout the year to help you grow! They are also open-pollinated.
This is a great stop for all my southern friends! Southern Seed Exchange growers grow their seed in the south. So, it’s already partially acclimated to the climate.
Fedco sells an excellent array of seeds, plants, and trees! They send you huge catalogs of seeds, bulbs, and trees.
Others:
Find some seeds and get to planting!
