Four seed companies you should try in 2020

When I first started gardening, I didn’t realize the number and variety of seed companies. Therefore, I began to do some research. However, before I started my research, I reflected upon what was important for me in a seed company. Here are the criteria I use:

• Organic seeds
• Quality seeds with good germination and storing ability
• Having a mission that gives back to society
• Having a unique quality that set’s them apart

With the above in mind, I will share four seed companies that meet these criteria for me. For a review of my peaking performing 2020 plants, check out my article “2020 Peak Performing Plants in my Garden“.

High Mowing Organic Seed Company

I found High Mowing Seeds by chance when ‘googling’ organic seed companies. Based in Vermont means that they are in the same geographic region where I live (New Jersey, US). High Mowing is my go-to company for organic seeds. Here is what I love about them:

• All seeds are organic
• Germination rate has exceeded what is stated on their package
• Under the right conditions, their seeds preserve well. I am still using cucumber seeds from 2016 (it’s now 2020)
• Free shipping on orders of $10 or more
• High Mowing has great reference material for growing vegetables on their web site

Turtletree Seed Company

I first met representatives of Turtletree Seed Company at an organic gardening conference. No, they were not a vendor but instead were presenting a session titled ‘Seed Stories’. Not sure what to expect, I went to their session. I learned that seeds have stories and Turtletree Seed Company is proud to preserve and share those stories. Turtletree is based in upstate New York. Here are the qualities that I appreciate about this company.

• All seeds are biodynamic certified which goes beyond the requirements of organic certification
• They employ a diverse workforce including people with developmental differences
• Turtletree is a keeper of seed stories. You can read about the history of their seeds on their website

Hudson Valley Seed Company

My daughter introduced me to Hudson Valley Seed Company. Hudson Valley’s focus is on creating lovely ‘art packs’ of seeds. The seed packages are the most beautiful I have ever seen. The company and its farm are based in upstate New York. Here is what I like about them.

• Hudson Valley celebrates the story of seeds via their art
• Certified Organic seed for hard-to-find varieties
• Engage artists from around the country to create their seed pack designs

Seed Savers Exchange Seed Company

I came across the Seed Savers Exchange when searching for seed varieties that did well in Florida (I spend part of the year gardening in Florida). Seed Saver’s mission is to preserve biodiversity by collecting open-pollinated heirloom seeds. Today, they have a collection of 20,000 plants. Seed Savers Exchange is based in Iowa. Here is what I love about them:

• They maintain the nation’s largest nongovernmental seed bank of its kind
• Seed Savers is a nonprofit
• A large variety of seeds to choose from
• They have a ‘seed’ exchange program that you can join

In summary

It’s important to note that I am not paid nor do I receive anything free from these seed companies. I have written about them because I like their seeds and their mission.

Here are a few additional references on seeds and gardening:

• The complete guide to starting seeds indoors
• Soil Blocks: A simple approach to starting seeds indoors
• Four essential tools for starting seedlings
• Five steps to starting your vegetable garden