seeds etc

[doc]

Hi all
I'm fairly new at gardening and have been visiting this site quite a bit. The advice here is brilliant. I have a couple of questions if that's ok
i've notice a number of people saying they order seeds online from Thomson and Morgan/Suttons etc. My query really is whether it is better to buy these more expensive seeds than popping down to the local Wilko or B&Q and buying their own brand seeds (which are cheaper)?
Secondly, a few months ago my boss very kindly gave me some 20 odd flowering plants from his garden - all perennials i think. I've been looking after them and most have grown quite well. The problem is i dont know what a few of them are - he didnt either!. Would it be OK to post pics of them in case anyone recognises them? They are not fruits or veggies so this may not be the right place....
Ta

[Maximillian]

Hi and welcome. I buy alot of seeds from t&m as we get allotment discount but I've bought from all over including b&q and wilkos and they've been fine. Just see how they are for you. As for your perennials, post away! Is there a flower forum on here?

[Two_Sheds]

whether it is better to buy these more expensive seeds than popping down to the local Wilko

I buy from T&M when I have a voucher to spend.
They also do certain varieties that Wilko don't carry (such as Adelaide carrots).

[geoff]

I've bought seeds from Focus DIY Store, and a couple of local discount stores and had no problems; they're fine for the basics. I'm especially pleased with Focus onion sets: all successful, and a good price

Seeds from seed merchants, either mail order or at your local garden centre will have more types of veg, and more varieties within each type. The seeds might also have a slightly higher germination rate than budget brands.

But I've only had my allotment for a couple of years, so I'm still a beginner. I have learned to plant more seeds than I think I need to allow for failures in both germination and growing, swapping seedlings with fellow plotholders, and so on

[vikkib]

Hello and welcome!

I bought quite a lot of seeds from Wilko's at the beginning of this year and they've all done really well. Reasonably priced, quite good growing info on the packets (if backed up with a lovely site like the vine!), and a nice basic selection of veggie seeds. As I say all mine have grown fine and it's my first season!

I've already bought a load more seeds from various different suppliers since joining the vine though as I had NO IDEA about the huge range of varieties available and I'm already planning to be more adventurous next year.

I haven't tried any of the cheaper suppliers (like Lidl) etc. but plenty of people on the Vine have had success with packets of seeds for as little as 29p!

Personally, I'd say go for some cheap seeds in your first season that way you can make some mistakes without it costing a complete fortune.

Most of all spend what you can afford and enjoy!

[Lemon]

Welcome Doc - it's a friendly bunch here

I have bought cheapo seeds (Aldi, Lidl and Poundland) & T&M, marshalls and other named brands from B&Q, Tesco's.......

Cheapo ones have worked for me - the french breakfast radishes are the same whatever brand I use. As others have said the world is your oyster when you use the online seed co's whereas they are quite limited when you buy the cheapy seeds.

It's up to you really. Now's the time of year when there are half-price seed sales wherever you go. I often can't resist and expand my collection for next year!

Good luck with the growing and post piccies so we can see your successes!

[doc]

Thanks a bunch! That's extremely useful.

[Mi Jardín]

T&M have a 50% seeds sale at the moment if you are after some now.
I prefer to buy direct as my local gc keeps their seed racks in what is effectively a giant greenhouse and it get sooooo hot in there. It can't do the seeds any good as proved by a pack of pea seeds...I had approx 20% germination rate!

[kerryp]

the majority of things hat are growing in my garden at the mo are from seeds from a multipack from poundland i got some from marshalls as well but that was mainly coz they did some seeds i couldnt find anywhere else... success sems to be coming from knowing how to treat them rather than where the seeds have come from.

[Storming Norman]

Try Lidl and Aldi as well - especially in the spring.

I got some amazing bargains from there - packs at 30p. Some German varieties that we don't often see and one radish that I will be growing every year now.

Be careful not to get carried away - they have to be stored properly to last more than one year.

Balance is the key in my choices.

The best bargain is getting the balance right i.e. storing really suitable seeds for several years and using up the pack as opposed to having the cheapest and throwing the lot away each year. Some seeds store for ages - some tomatoes are really expensive but can store 10 years.

The beauty of getting specialist varieties:
You get exactly what you want.
The best variety to suit your ground or situation.
Variety to suit the time of year you want to plant.
Lots of advice on their website for what a variety is best for [sun, shade, early or late etc] but watch out they don't tell you what they are no good for, don't assume something if you are not told.

My learning point for the past year or two was to chuck out what I didn't like or want to grow this year. It's really tough to sling stuff out but it needs to be done.

Ann

[zazen999]

Doc, in the flower board, you can post a thread with photos of your mystery plants and people will do their best to id them for you.

Me, I get seeds from wherever I can, and save loads for myself and to swap with other Grapes. I even have a large wooden tray in the greenhouse which houses the seed heads and anything else I'm drying for seed [beans, peas] etc which I picked up at a boot fair for 50p....it is full already

[doc]

All this advice is priceless! I cant thank you guys enough

[stacey2009]

Could someone share the link for t&m please x