Seeds direct arrived hand packaged, anyone used them ?

[ukmastiff]

Lo all, I only wanted a couple of extra packs of seeds , you know how it is you have all you need and more but you read about something thats ideal
( on here I may add )

I like to give other providers a try instead of the mega sellers like T+M who I do use in the main. I ordered a couple of packs from seedsdirect.co.uk and they arrived in a handwritten jiffy bag and in little clear plastic bags obviously made up from a larger pack and again labelled in pen by hand.

Obviously this chap/ess is a smaller trader which is great but having never had ' loose' seends before I am wondering if this is normal and has anyone used them who can vouch for the quality of the seeds e.t.c

Cheers

Mas

[allotmentlady]

For me, it depends on whether I know the person or not.....a company I AM not really sure then I would steer clear. I prefer to buy them new in a packet, clearly labelled and what they are etc etc etc

Each to their own but then again, he/she could be a newish business trying to make it up the HUGE business ladder. Sow them, see if they come up as what u ordered and if so, then u know you can deal with them again

good luck xx

[ardroil]

ive bought from them, and planted some of the seeds allready and there all growing fine [ so far ] hopefully i wont have any problems, but i know what you mean, i was surprised when they came and were in the wee plastic bags, but mine had typed lables on them, but they do have some good seeds and i would buy from them again.

[Tractor Boys]

SD no problem

Like yourself Mas I had bought my main seeds and from a recomendation on here I just neede to buy some more seeds like you do. The seeds have arrived in hand prepared packets. I have since sown some caulis and brussells they have all germinated no problem.

Additionally I ordered some broad beans which were late arriving I sent them an e-mail got an apology and they said they would track where the seeds were they were delivered within a week with a free packet of suttons broad beans bargin.

[Peter]

Edwin Tuckers do their seeds in little plastic bags with a pop-seal bit along the mouth. Sometimes said bag contains a foil/plastic/paper envelope. I recommend Tuckers unreservedly, great organic range also.

Anyone thought through how seeds are dealt with commercially?

The big boys tip a big bag/drum of loose seeds from the grower (some they grew themselves, others they bought in) into a packing machine which produces lovely foil wrapped envelopes and bungs them into pretty picture paper packets. These then go off for sale
The foil and plastic sealed envelope is to protect the seeds from the retailers, customers and customers houses/sheds for the months it may take from packaging until the seed is planted. In theory you could keep the packet in a tub of water and the seeds would be ok inside, you might have trouble telling what was meant to be in the packet though.

The small operation has a small, medium or big bag/drum of loose seeds in his store, probably all bought in from growers or the big boys and packs by hand what people have ordered today, or pre-packs a number of each to fill orders and repeats when he uses the last ready packet.
Hopefully he has a decent store, humidity and temperature controlled and the loose seeds in resealable containers.
However, the theory goes that it goes straight from the store to you so should not need "being pawed at" protection, how you look after it arrives is up to you. Tupperware et al is a good idea, but be careful not to let it get too hot/cold/dry/damp inside the box.

[Beetroot Bob]

So far all the seed I've put it from them are up and looking very good

All the reviews I've seen say the same thing

[lyndap]

Seeds direct company are fine.Ive bought from them before and not had any problems with the seeds.All grew as they should.