![]() ![]() High Mowing Organic Seeds: “I love the personal service and wide variety of organic selections from High Mowing.” “I find the agronomics information listed for each type of vegetable very helpful, and I like their emphasis on biodiversity and sustainability.” Seeds of Change: “Good combination of heirlooms, open-pollinated and quality hybrids, all organically grown.” Here’s what some respondents had to say about them: Passions for ethical responsibility and high-quality seeds helped put Seeds of Change (Rancho Dominguez, Calif.), High Mowing Seeds (Wolcott, Vt.) and Fedco Seeds (Waterville, Maine) near the top of the list, too. Founder Jere Gettle is a prominent spokesman against GM seeds however, the company has been criticized for insufficiently attributing Indigenous seed varieties to the peoples who developed them. ![]() “They’re outside of the mainstream, consolidated seed-production system, and they have a wonderful community feel to their operation and network,” wrote an organic gardener in the Pacific Northwest.Ī strong sense of purpose has earned Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (Mansfield, Mo.) many loyal patrons. The Seed Savers catalog was rated highly for its variety descriptions and photographs, plus customers said they liked being a part of seed conservation. Seed Savers, a nonprofit organization, has “wonderful heirloom seed, a beautiful catalog and a great mission,” wrote a Mid-Atlantic gardener who puts sustainability first. Gardeners want to support preservation of heirloom varieties, so Seed Savers Exchange (Decorah, Iowa) received high marks for providing unique and nearly forgotten heirlooms. Others praised Johnny’s “cool tools” and hard-to-find organic gardening supplies, and many said they liked doing business with an employee-owned company. “The Johnny’s catalog is accurate and informative without the hype, and I have never had a failed crop from their seed,” wrote a Midwestern gardener with more than 20 years of experience. Superior ratings in multiple categories put Johnny’s Selected Seeds (Winslow, Maine), a company that offers heirlooms, organics and hybrids, in the top spot. Many gardeners said they didn’t know there were more than 100 mail-order seed and plant companies. The gardeners we surveyed were deeply concerned about genetically modified (GM) food crops, so we made sure all of the companies here have signed the Safe Seed Pledge - a written commitment to sell only non-GM seed - or made public declarations that they will not knowingly sell GM seeds. Genetic integrity was also a top priority. In addition to an array of varieties with consistently high germination rates, they wanted seed companies that provide detailed variety descriptions, growing advice and interesting stories. For our survey takers, it wasn’t just about the seeds. Our Top 15 seed companies is based on how often the vegetable seed companies were ranked in gardeners’ top three. (Join our Gardening Advisory Group to take future surveys.) Top 15 Sustainable Seed Companies Ultimately, the survey revealed 15 standout vegetable seed companies, all of which emphasize sustainability. Each respondent picked his or her three favorite vegetable seed companies and then ranked companies based on individual qualities. Our survey group was a well-seasoned bunch: About 65 percent had grown food gardens for more than 10 years. To answer these questions, we asked hundreds of gardeners to take our 2011 Seed Company Survey. So how do you know which have the best seeds and selections? And which follow sustainable practices? With so much potential in those seeds, you want to buy from a seed company you can trust. You’ve spent hours planning, weeks waiting, and your soil may reflect years of hard work spent building its fertility. ![]() Have you already found the best vegetable seed companies? MOTHER EARTH NEWS readers have rated their favorite garden seed sources based on value, performance, ethics and fun.īy the time you poke your first seeds into the ground each spring, you already have huge hopes for the success of your crops. Homemade Cheese Recipes: Cheese Making Articles.Sustainable Farming & Agriculture Articles.Power Equipment Articles - Lawn and Garden Equipment.Raising Ducks and Geese: Articles & Ideas.Homesteading Poultry - Chicken, Turkey, Ducks Archives. ![]()
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