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Vegetable Seed Catalog

seed packets, garden map, old couchImage by cafemama via FlickrWith the temperature at around 10 degrees all week, there’s not a lot of gardening that can be done. Thankfully, I can still spend some time pouring through the many seed catalogs that started showing up right around Christmas. Thanks Santa, they’re exactly what I wanted.

In the past I have mostly bought my seeds from Burpee and some from Seeds of Change or Johnnys. This year I made the decision to try someone new and get the majority of my seeds from Baker Creek. Why? Well for one thing, they’re a lot cheaper. Buying seed packets at $3.95 each, adds up. My usual Burpee invoice winds up costing about a $100. Most of the vegetables that I want are only $2.00 per packet at Baker Creek.

Another reason is the fact that they sell open pollinated heirloom seeds. Most of the seeds I usually buy are hybrids. And because of that, I’ve never done any seed saving. What a waste. So I figured it was definitely time to change that. Maybe I’ll even get to participate is one of those seed swaps that I’m always reading about.

And the last reason is because they have some very unique offerings. Last year, gardening was a bit of chore. I really didn’t have much fun in the garden. Growing new and exciting vegetables will hopefully change that in 2009. Have you seen some of the melons in that catalog? They look like they came from Mars or the bottom of the ocean or something.

Spring is a long way off and it’s still another month or so until I start some seeds indoors under grow lights. Until then, it’s back to the catalogs.

Hey feel free to offer up your favorite seed catalog in the comments section if you like. When it comes to seeds sources, you can never have enough.



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11 Comments:

  1. jayedee said...
    seriously, you have to take a look at heirloom acres seeds. not as slick as rareseeds.com, but good stuff, nontheless. i buy 90% of my seeds from them each year.
    Kate said...
    We started saving seeds a couple of years ago, and it's not only cost effective but very satisfying. I'm not sure exactly where you're located in NJ, but Turtle Tree sells exclusively open-pollinated seeds, and many of them are from around here. Genesis Farm in Blairstown is one of their sources. We took a great class on seed saving at Genesis this year, and some folks there are talking about starting a loose affiliation to swap local, open pollinated seeds.
    Matriarchy said...
    That Baker Creek catalog is like plant porn. I can't stop looking at it. I am ordering from a few other places close to me, Amishvile and Landreth, maybe some Fedco garlic, but most of my order is going to Baker Creek.

    I did a little seed saving last year, and I plan to do more this coming year, since I will have all heirloom varieties.
    Anthony said...
    Hi Jayedee,
    Thanks, I'll check them out too.

    Hi Kate,
    I'm in Bergen County very close to the NY border. Taking a class is a great idea, I may do that this year.

    Hi Matriarchy,
    Yes, plant porn is awesome. :)
    Anonymous said...
    I really like Victory Seeds - they have a lot of hard to find varieties, their prices are reasonable and the owner is very friendly!
    Kate said...
    So I guess you're pretty far from Blairstown, but Genesis Farm is worth a trip.

    Before I forgot to mention Southern Exposure, which specializes in heirloom seeds specially adapted to our zone. You might want to check them out, too.
    Chiot's Run said...
    Thanks for the reference. I haven't had time to order my seeds yet. I want to use more heirloom this year.
    Marc said...
    I agree with you Anthony, Baker Creek is my absolute favorite. I even traveled 11 hours to go to their Spring Garden Festival last year. I buy almost everything from them now too, but I also still buy from Pinetree Seeds(superseeds.com)because they have great quality for the absolute cheepest.

    For instance, some of the same heirloom tomatoes that Baker Creek has for $2.00 are $.95 to $1.25 from Pinetree. I have bought from them for years. I think they save money by not advertising much or printing color catalogs or seed packets.

    I'm not trying to steer you away from Baker Creek, but you mentioned price as something you were looking at.

    Have fun planning!
    - Marc
    AR said...
    Hmmm...I'm going to have to check out that Baker Creek catalog. I could use more sources for open pollinated seeds.

    I like Pinetree Garden Seeds. Their packets are pretty cheap and just the right amount. I like their selections of ethnic herbs and veggies too.
    Territorial is not much cheaper than Burpee, but I love their unique selection. They're the quickest company I've order from as well.
    These 2 are my favorite at this point. Both have good selections of open-pollinated along w/the hybrids.

    I wasn't able to save much last year because of all the hybrids I planted. I have saved a few varieties of heirloom tomato, but my goal this year is to plant at least half open-pollinated stock. We'll see how that works, I guess.
    Joe said...
    Glad to here you're already planning for spring. I love heirloom seeds - last summer I grew heirloom 'Grandpa Ott' morning glories. Talk about incredible and beautiful vines. Definitely consider growing them - they're awesome!
    Joe said...
    P.S. Another seed company that sells heirlooms is the Seed Savers Exchange. I've made a few purchases from them, mostly lettuce.

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