Where do you get yours?

[chris]

If there's something I'd like to try, I'll ask on here for a seed swap/SAE - if I like, then I'll buy the packet (i.e. I did this with Crown Prince, definately growing a LOT of these next year).

I'll also buy on the internet if I've a vouncher (from a present), but recently I joined an allotment soc, whilst on their waiting list - who offer discount on a certain companies seeds.

[Gearoid]

I saved some seed from my parents' garden and way too many 50p packets at a garden centre (Dobbies) this summer. A mix of vegetables for me and edible flowers for the tortoise.

I also like to find more unusual stuff off eBay or online retailers. Going to try some heirloom tomatoes, mallows and mexican sunflowers next year!

[Pies]

I generally get my seeds from

moleseeds.co.uk
nickys-nursery.co.uk
medwynsofanglesey.co.uk
selectseeds.co.uk

Odd packs I get from T & M

[Nicos]

I potted up about 60 strawberry runners,20 gooseberry runners and 30 sage plants ( cuttings) , and 50 passion fruit cuttings whist doing the Autumn cut-backs.
It looks like most of them have rooted well, and, having given several away to friends and family I have way too any for me!
So- I've decided to 'sell' them at a rock bottom prices at the carboot sale I'm intending to go to in the summer....much better than chucking them in the compost heap! We all enjoy a good bargain- so that should put a big smile on a lot of people's faces!

[Sinmara]

I buy mine mostly at Nicky's Nursery, but also on ebay - although I've only recently discovered Real Seeds, which seems to be fantastic as well. Awaiting a large batch of seed packets from them at them at the moment.

I rarely buy seeds at the Garden Centre as they never have the ones I want to buy - I love trying heritage seeds and unusual plants.

PS: no sooner have I written this post when the Real Seeds package came through the door :-D

PPS: AND the Nicky's Nursery seeds! Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow lol

[jackie j]

I have loads fo seeds so will be using up those before I buy any. I tend to buy locally and dont always buy from seed catolouges, the cost of postage puts me off. I save as many of my own seeds as I can and pass them around. As I now have a grrenhouse it will be easier to grow my own plants. We have a couple of good garden centres but I also use the Market stalls to buy plants.

[burnie]

I have tried the cheap seeds in the supermarkets,Lidl etc,but apart from radish,I'm usually dissapointed with the results.
Suttons and Dobies seem to be of good quality both in terms of germination rates and flavour.I also use T&M and Robinsons for their unusuals.
Robinson onion seed for example is a favourite that I 've grown on and off for nearly 40 years,always reliable.I am hoping to grow their trench celery next year as I prefer to grow for flavour these days and I don't like this green stuff thats sold as self blanching.

[Florence Fennel]

In shops, on line (especially special offers) and from the Seed Swap on the GYO Forum. I save enough of my garlic to replant and seed from my coriander. I propagate mint and other herbs. I use MorVeg quite a bit, as they have quite a personal kind of service and the seeds are in small amounts, so there's no waste.

[Two_Sheds]

I ... dont always buy from seed catolouges, the cost of postage puts me off.

T&M frequently have postage free weekends.
Keep a running list, and order then

[Storming Norman]

I follow Two Sheds' suggestion as well.

I keep a list of what I'm low on clipped to the fridge so I buy from this list whenever I see a deal; or if I must have something now by mail order I use the list to get enough to make the postage worthwhile.

I also like More Veg - much less wasted seed - enough to grow but not enough to drown in, and the small packs are much easier to store. I filled a raised bed this year with 15 asparagus plants grown from a 50p pack of their seeds this year - a bargain when compared to the cost of crowns and postage. Plus no postage is charged if a reasonable order is placed. There is a lot the bigger companies could learn from these guys.

Fortunately I'm near RHS Wisley, who have a vast selection of seeds, so if I just want a couple of packs of one companies seeds I can get them there, without paying several suppliers postage - and it's a good excuse to go there for another visit!

Of course Kings and T&M do supply great seeds, and Seeds of Italy are very generous if you need a large quantity of seeds [and such choice of variety].

However some things you have to check the quality yourself - expensive plants or onion sets have to be good quality and I prefer to choose from the garden centre or RHS at a visit. I learned this after getting a few dodgy orders from some quite reputable firms.

[FIREMAN627]

the real seed co , all open pollinated good prices and good number of seeds per pack, small company where the customer comes above all else.

[Tomatoking]

I tend to find that buying seeds is a bit like buying books. I check out the front covers, read the descriptions on the back and if I am tempted I will buy them.
Which is why I like buying seeds in a garden center if possible. It also means I probably end up with seeds I dont need and sometimes the wrong variety, but what the heck, its all part of the fun of growing from seeds.

[Sara]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the great comments! We'll squeeze as many as we can into the January issue.

[chris]

T&M frequently have postage free weekends.
Keep a running list, and order then

If people aren't aware, T&M's (lovely ) new website has a wish-list facility that will let you do this.. Their cart empties once your session with them expires (or you buy, obviously).

Sarz - may also be worth noting that the kind members here often post vouchers for discounts/free delivery too - been a few recently!

[gojiberry]

I think that once you have a couple of seasons growing under your belt you will have at least a small collection of seed packets. I then just add to it as the season goes on. If I see cheap seeds during the year then I top up. (Wyvale 50p per packet come August) Free packets on magazines (3 mags every month not always free seeds though) Some mail order and some saved seed. Always on the lookout. Current seed tin contains several hundred packets.

Ian