Seed Facts for Informed Buyers

We offer these Seed Facts shopping tips when buying garden products online:

1. Know the merchant and their reputation (NGB Members are a great place to start).
2. Avoid offers that seem “too good to be true.”
3. Make sure the site is secure (does the URL start with https and not just http?)
4. Know or research the vendor, especially if going through a third party like Amazon.

9 Beginner Tips for online ordering of seeds and/or plants:

1. Ask around. Talk to your friends and other gardeners about what they buy and who they buy from.
2. Peruse the catalog or website. Get to know that company and what they specialize in. There is a huge variety of companies and each serves an important niche.
3. Know your limits or your garden’s limits. All experienced gardeners can tell you that buying too many seeds or plants is the most common problem. It’s like an addiction!
4. Buy seed now for fall too. Don’t buy just for spring because succession sowing is important for season-long harvest and there are wonderful vegetables like cabbage and kale that are great for fall plantings.
5. Note how many seeds are in each package and plan ahead. If you can use 25 of the same tomato variety, that’s great! You can always store leftovers for next year but be aware that the germination rate will decline slightly, even if properly stored. Maybe you want to share or swap seeds with a gardening friend? (Note: National Seed Swap Day is the last Saturday of January every year)
6. Pay attention to growing zones and conditions. No one wants you disappointed by trying to grow something that simply won’t grow in your garden’s conditions.
7. Try something new! Step out of your comfort zone and try at least one new plant each year…you never know, it might become your new favorite!
8. Order early if possible BUT PLEASE BE PATIENT. Seed companies are likely to experience delays in times of high demand so be aware of that company’s current timeline for shipping. They will be transparent. Sign up for or subscribe to that company’s communications to stay informed and up-to-date.
9. Keep records. Keep track of what you ordered, what you planted, what worked well, what didn’t work, which tastes you preferred, etc. Next year this time, you’ll be glad you did!

Read more about buying seeds and plants at Ask The Experts… #SeedFacts. Do you have more questions about buying seeds and plants and who to buy from? Post your questions in the comments below.

“This post is provided as an educational/inspirational service of the National Garden Bureau and our members. Please credit and link to National Garden Bureau when using all or parts of this article.”