OMG The seed catalogues!!

[Alison]

I spent quite a lot the first year I had my plot as I was suddenly able to grow a much wider range of stuff. However since then I don't need to buy much each year. For next season all I'll be buying is parsnips, carrot, beetroot, lettuce and a couple of other new things I want to try. I have plenty of saved peas and beans and the likes of my brassica seeds will last for years. It is easy to get carried away though even though I tend to avoid the big boy seed companies on the whole as I've not been impressed with their service / price / selection. I've found that one of my favourite things is getting my heritage seeds from the library every year although OH does always refer to that as my illegal seeds

[SarrissUK]

Oh I agree with several of you that suggests finding someone to share the seeds with. Most of the people on my allotment seem to be of the traditional variety, although I found someone growing the purple teepee beans. Gorgeous aren't they!

However, they were all so kind to me that I plan on turning a LOT of seed into plug plants and give back to the friendly neighbours I have Some of those cool varieties will be nice for that, I hope!

[allmark879]

I suggest setting up a spreadsheet with a list of your current seed packets horde, then looking to see, if the catalogs have anything new and interesting
worth buying.

[Leeds_lad]

ALmost spent close to £40 on seeds the other day but had to persuade myself to hold back for now but £100 that's almost an obsession, you may have to get medical help for that XD

[ugley_matt]

Does anyone collate all peoples successes and failures of certain seeds for certain catalogues? Would be a really useful resource so i could say, show me the tomato varieties from each company, yields, germination rate, overall mark out of ten....

If not i might be able to come up with a resource if people think it would be useful.

[Newton]

Good Gourd.

I generally do buy each season, but I make my money back on mine by selling off the remainder each year. Currently, I have in my 'sold' account more than I originally spent on buying last year's. Which is nice.

Where do you sell Zaz? Auction websites? Sounds like a good idea but some of my free seeds say Not for Resale. I did buy some tomato seed off tinterweb that came in a little plazzy bag with a little slip of typed instructions with them .. I expect somebody split their pack.......

Great idea though.......

[alex-adam]

There are strict regulations about selling seeds to protect the various strains of vegetables. (Google Seed Regulations).

You would have no problems if giving away seeds at a Seed-Swap for example, or even listing some saved seed of a favourite variety on eBay, so long as you make it clear that you are offering 'saved seed' from your own garden.

[zazen999]

There are strict regulations about selling seeds to protect the various strains of vegetables. (Google Seed Regulations).

You would have no problems if giving away seeds at a Seed-Swap for example, or even listing some saved seed of a favourite variety on eBay, so long as you make it clear that you are offering 'saved seed' from your own garden.

Mine are all packets that were bought from suppliers who have already registered their seeds; so no issues on re-selling.

[alex-adam]

Mine are all packets that were bought from suppliers who have already registered their seeds; so no issues on re-selling.

Hi Zazen,

I wasn't for one moment suggesting otherwise, just making a general observation which may assist others.

a-a

[Speed Gardener]

I buy a lot of my seed from Wallis Seeds, they are generally much better value than the flashy package types like T&M and because they're mail order only, you're not paying the shop mark up.
Mind you, I did one year buy over £200 worth of seed, must have been mad! You soon learn to only buy seed for things you're actually going to eat, and if you save seed from easy things like beans and peas, you'll be spending a lot less next year!

[ginger ninger]

The seed catalogues are starting to arrive at my house as well. I REALLY don't need encouragement to buy more seeds. I too love the look of the "Zephyr" courgette from T&M Sarriss, but I must be strong and resist temptation. I visited my local nursery at the weekend and 7 packets followed me home...I haven't got a clue how that happened

[alex-adam]

.................. I visited my local nursery at the weekend and 7 packets followed me home...I haven't got a clue how that happened

Seeds obviously must be similar to cats, - they instinctively know who will look after them ..........!!!

a-a

[WendyC]

I buy most of my allotment seeds through the Kings catalogue through the allotment. Works out nice and cheap.

[Curlykale]

Does anyone know which seed companies offer discounts for allotment holders/societies?

[alex-adam]

Does anyone know which seed companies offer discounts for allotment holders/societies?

Might be worth a short email to the major companies and ask.