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Seed Sources for Frugal Gardeners

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

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.

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.
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.
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.
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:

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!

4 comments

4 comments to “Seed Sources for Frugal Gardeners”

Jeff, December 19th, 2008 at 6:01 am:

Love your blog. This is the first time I have been here. Lots of great information and your favorite garden blogs are very good too. I will add to my RSS feed. Thanks. Jeff

The Cheap Vegetable Gardener, February 15th, 2009 at 8:55 am:

Don’t forget your spice rack and collecting/harvesting seeds from the grocery store. There are a few more suggestions at http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/2009/01/cheap-vegetable-seeds.html

Garden Man, June 4th, 2009 at 6:37 am:

Great blog post! I love learning about this online as gardening/landscaping are not only hobbies of mine but I actually do a little bit of work like that during the summer months as a second job. I appreciate your content in your blog and wish that you would keep up the good work

Maureen, November 18th, 2009 at 1:46 pm:

Hi Colleen, another source of seeds for the frugal gardener is the Seed & Bulb Exchange at the Annual Gardening Show sponsored by the Porter County Master Gardeners Association and Purdue Extension-Porter County (IN). “All the dirt” on this Saturday, January 23, 2010 regional gardening show is at http://www.pcgarden.info. Just click on Gardening Show and you’re good to go!

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From the Archives

Seed Sources for Frugal Gardeners

4 comments

4 comments to “Seed Sources for Frugal Gardeners”

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