The seed companies listed below are those most often recommended by gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. They offer seed varieties suitable to the cool, wet, marine climate in the Puget Sound region where the growing season is later and shorter than other areas of the country.
All these seed companies can ship your order. You can also find some of these brands at local nurseries and garden centers where you shop.
How many seeds to you need?
Planting vegetable seeds in a container garden – DepositPhotos.com
Don’t over buy. Each packet typically lasts more than one growing season.
Unless you are an experienced gardener, we recommend you limit your order to 5-6 different seeds at most. Trying more plants than this your first year will be overwhelming. Too many varieties will more likely lead to crop failure and discourage you from continuing to garden.
Each seed packet contains hundreds of seeds. For many vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes, you need only to grow one plant per person. For crops such as lettuce and other greens, carrots, peas, and beans, you need only a few dozen seeds per person.
For more information about starting a vegetable garden:
- Farmer’s Almanac vegetable gardening for beginners
- Good Housekeeping Tips a Vegetable Garden
- How to start a vegetable garden in the Pacific Northwest
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Seed companies for online ordering
The best time to order garden seeds is late fall and or early winter. The later you place your order, the more risk you run in your first choice being out of stock.
(Listed alphabetically by company name, with headquarter state. Northwest companies are listed first in the highlighted box.)
Deep Harvest Farm (Washington State/Whidbey Island) is a Whidbey Island-based farmer-run seed company that grows 100% Certified Organic, Open-Pollinated, Northwest Adapted produce and flower seeds. Over 90% of their seed comes from Whidbey Island.
Nichols Garden Nursery (Oregon) offers vegetable and herb seeds well-suited to Pacific Northwest gardens.
Territorial Seed Company (Oregon) offers conventional, organic, and heirloom seeds well-suited to Northwest gardens. Check out their Garden Planner desktop application ($29/year), as well as their free growing guides. You can also find Territorial Seeds at retail locations around the Puget Sound region.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (Missouri) offers the largest selection of heirloom vegetable, herb, and flower seeds in the country, including seeds from the 19th century, and many Asian and European varieties.
Botanical Interests (Colorado). Check out their section on “easy to grow” garden essentials and plants that are good for containers. Get access to their free coloring book when you submit your email address.
Burpee “Cook’s Garden” (Pennsylvania). Well-known national company offers this selection of popular products for the home garden. Their seeds are widely available at garden centers and major retailers, such as Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Ferry-Morse (Massachusetts). Well-known national company with a large variety of vegetable, herb, and melon seeds. Check out their easy to grow and container-friendly seeds. Their seeds are widely available at major retailers, including Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Grow Organic (California) offers Peaceful Valley brand certified organic vegetable seeds.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds (Maine). If you are new to gardening, check out their “easy choice” vegetables category for popular varieties. Also check out their selection of fruits suitable for containers.
Renee’s Garden (California) offers heirloom vegetable and herbs seeds for home gardeners.
Seed Savers Exchange (Iowa) offers vegetable and herb seeds, specializing in heirloom seeds to protect biodiversity. You can also find Seed Savers in retail locations across the country.
Seeds of Change (New Mexico) features organically grown heirloom vegetable and herbs seeds. Check out their “collections” such as best sellers, culinary herbs, kids easy garden, salsa collection, and other choices—a quick and easy way to get started!
You might also like:
- Home gardening resources and plant sales
- How to start a vegetable garden in the Pac NW
- Nurseries & garden centers in the Puget Sound region
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Gardening tools and vegetable starts – DepositPhotos.com
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