If your garden ambitions are larger than your garden budget, starting plants from seed is definitely the way to go. And if your budget still won’t allow for several dollars for one packet of seed, there are several sources to find quality seed at low prices. Here are a few inexpensive seed sources that I’ve come across. I’ve ordered from most of these companies, and I’ve been very happy. The only one on the list that I haven’t ordered from yet is HeirloomVeggieSeeds.com, but members of one of the forums I frequent wrote very highly of the company.

Five Great Sources for Inexpensive Seeds

1. T’s Flowers and ThingsWhile T’s offers a limited selection, I have been pleased with the purchases I’ve made from them, including seed for Sweet Autumn Clematis, Love-in-a-Mist, and several varieties of cosmos. T’s also offers veggie and herb seeds, daylily seeds, and bulbs. All seeds (except daylily seeds) are $1.00 per packet, and you can pay by Paypal or check.


2. Pinetree Garden SeedsThis is probably my favorite source for vegetable seeds. In addition to a wide variety, including several heirloom varieties, I like that you can find a type of vegetable based on the cuisine it is most used in. Most seed packets sell for well under $2.00, and some are under $1.00. If you’re interested in growing gourmet mushrooms, they also have mushroom growing kits. Oh, and they sell flower and houseplant seeds, too.
3. Cheapseeds.comThis is a great source for flower seeds, and especially for large quantities of flower seeds. Most packets of seeds sell for under $3.00 (keep in mind, these are very large quantities–for example, you can purchase 2,500 Sensation cosmos for $2.75!) and you can pay for your order via credit card or Paypal.
4. HeirloomVeggieSeeds.comThis is a different kind of seed company. They sell their heirloom veggie seeds in packages of 50 or 100 packets, varieties selected by the company. This may not suit all gardeners, but if you’re just starting out or you’re open to trying new things, this may be a good way to go. Pricing is very reasonable, with the 100 packet package selling for $49, and the 50 packet package selling for $35–with free shipping. Orders are paid via Paypal.
5. Home Harvest SeedsThis is a very useful source—Home Harvest Seeds sells discounted Ferry Morse seeds at savings of 40% or more per packet. Payment can be made via credit card or Paypal. Another thing I happen to like about this company is that it is owned by another Michigan company, Superior Growers Supply, Inc., of East Lansing. If you’re into supporting our local economy, throw some business their way!

More Inexpensive Options

If you have a Walgreen’s in your area (who doesn’t?) they typically sell their American brand seeds for ten cents per packet in December or January. Watch your sales paper for the coupon.

If you’re interested in exchanging seeds, it may be the most frugal option of all. Here are a few of the seed exchanges that I like:

• GardenWeb Seed Exchange
• WinterSowing Seed Exchange
• In the Garden Online Seed Exchange

So, there you have a selection of my favorite sources for obtaining inexpensive garden seeds. Do you have other sources other than those listed? Share them here!