Go-To Seed Sources

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant."

- Robert Louis Stevenson

I grow about 90% of my garden from seed. I buy some starts and young plants as well, but I just love the challenge and gratification of watching a tiny seed transform into the beginning stages of a gorgeous plant.

In my illustrious two-year gardening career, I’ve done a ton of searches on seed resources. Some shops have been awesome and some total duds. Unfortunately, there aren’t as many customer ratings on seed websites as on other types of retailers. I have gotten the best recommendations from fellow gardener friends on social media.

Here are a few of my go-to resources for seeds.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is probably one of the most popular seed sites out there. They offer a wide variety of each type of seeds, with thorough germination and growing instructions. The site features great photography of each plant, making it easier to make your selection if you’re not 100% sure of the species/type of plant you’re trying to find. You can even order a FREE hard-copy seed catalog to be shipped to your home, to have everything at finger’s reach to highlight and add sticky notes to compile your wish list.

Beware, looking through this sight is like looking through a Christmas catalog or a favorite brunch buffet – your eyes may be bigger than your stomach (or your wallet, LOL!) But there are tons of seeds available all year, so you can always come back for seconds or thirds.

Favorites so far:

Cosmic Purple Carrot

Marketmore Cucumber

Crisp Mint Lettuce

True Love Seeds

I love to support black- and brown- owned businesses, and I make no exception with my garden resources. I originally found True Love Seeds through an Instagram recommendation, and surfed their site for hours afterward. From their site: “Truelove Seeds is a farm-based seed company offering culturally important and open pollinated vegetable, herb, and flower seeds.”

What immediately caught my interest was their African Diaspora seed collection. This collection includes seeds from countries around the world that also have a strong African heritage such as Haiti, Jamaica, and the diverse regions of the United States. My order from this collection even included commemorative post cards. All plants from this collection site have proven to be prolific producers, and I will be trying more varieties in the coming seasons.

Favorites so far:

Plate de Haiti Tomato

Hill Country Red Okra

Mississippi Silver Hull Crowder Pea

Dollar Tree

One of the most slept-on resources for seeds (and other gardening equipment) is your local Dollar Tree.

Buying seeds does not have to be expensive or complicated. Each spring and summer, Dollar Tree has a large selection of commonly grown flower, vegetable and fruit species. This is a great option when trying a certain plant for the first time – especially for foods that are new to you. My propagation rate has been on par with seeds from other sources. They are also great if you are an educator teaching students about germination and growing.

At my local store, seeds aren’t always available year-round and they sell out quickly because of their affordability. But keep an eye out whenever you stop in!

Favorites so far:

Romaine Lettuce

Sugar Baby Watermelon

Herbs (Sage, Basil, Mint, Oregano, etc.)

*One vendor removed while I research allegations of racially insensitive contents.