the best seed companies - vegetable gardens

20+ best seed companies to order from

The best seed companies for home gardeners include Botanical Interests, Renee’s Garden Seeds, High Mowing Organic Seeds, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and Burpee Seeds. These companies consistently deliver high-quality, non-GMO seeds with strong germination rates, clear growing instructions, and reliable shipping. Botanical Interests and Renee’s Garden stand out for beautiful seed packets and curated home garden varieties, while High Mowing offers 100% certified organic seed. Baker Creek specializes in rare heirloom varieties, and Burpee provides widely available seeds with a 150-year breeding legacy.

For most home gardeners, Botanical Interests or Renee’s Garden Seeds offer the best combination of quality, variety, and value. If certified organic matters to you, start with High Mowing Organic Seeds. All of these companies have taken the Safe Seed Pledge, meaning they do not sell genetically engineered seeds.

Seed quality varies significantly between suppliers, affecting germination rates, plant vigor, and harvest success. Purchasing from reputable seed companies with proper storage and handling practices leads to better garden outcomes than bargain seeds of unknown origin. Taking time to find a reliable seed source is one of the highest-impact decisions a gardener can make each season.

I have personally ordered seeds from the majority of the companies on this list over the past decade of gardening. The companies I haven’t ordered from directly were recommended by fellow gardeners I trust. This list represents seed sources with proven track records for home garden success.

Seed packets from Botanical Interests seed company displayed on a table

Botanical Interests

Botanical Interests is a Colorado-based seed company offering untreated, non-GMO seeds known for exceptional packaging and reliable germination. Founded over 25 years ago, the company is now part of Epic Gardening. Their seed packets feature detailed growing instructions and beautiful botanical illustrations that make them useful references throughout the season.

Botanical Interests seeds come properly packaged for viability, the website offers regular sales and discounts, and orders ship promptly. The company donates seeds to school gardens, children’s hospitals, food banks, and non-profit farms. Find their seeds on their website or at independent garden centers, natural food stores, and hardware stores across the United States.

Seed rack displaying Renee's Garden Seeds packets

Renee’s Garden Seeds

Renee’s Garden Seeds offers a curated selection of non-GMO flower and vegetable varieties chosen for flavor and ease of growing. Founded by Renee Shepard, the company focuses on varieties that perform well in home kitchen gardens. Their seed packets and catalogs feature original watercolor artwork that gardeners often collect and display.

Renee’s Garden has taken the Safe Seed Pledge, confirming they do not sell genetically engineered seeds. For the best selection, order directly from their website. Seeds are also available at independent nurseries and garden centers throughout the United States and Canada.

“Easily at the top of my list for favourite seed companies, Renee’s Garden has the most beautiful selection of flower seeds that I’ve had the pleasure of coming across. Not only are the varieties gorgeous, but the beautiful artwork on all seed packages are a pleasure to behold.” — Julia Dimakos, Gardening Girl

High Mowing organic seed packet resting on garden soil next to a trowel

High Mowing Organic Seeds

High Mowing Organic Seeds offers 100% certified organic seed, tested for germination rates, disease, and GMO contamination. Based in Wolcott, Vermont, the company distributes seeds across the United States and Canada. Every variety they sell meets USDA organic certification standards.

High Mowing has taken the Safe Seed Pledge. Their seed packets can be ordered directly from their website and are also sold at select brick-and-mortar garden centers. This is the top choice for gardeners who prioritize certified organic seed.

Carrot seed packets from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds specializes in rare heirloom varieties that are difficult to find elsewhere. Based in Mansfield, Missouri, the company publishes a gorgeous annual seed catalog celebrating the gardening season. Their seed packets feature striking photography and detailed variety information.

The founders have authored several gardening books, including The Heirloom Life Gardener. Baker Creek has taken the Safe Seed Pledge and offers only open-pollinated, non-GMO varieties. Order directly from their website for access to their full collection of unusual vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

“I love Baker Creek! Not only are the seeds affordable, they are all heritage non-GMO seeds. The selection is huge from vegetable seeds to flower seeds and herbs too. Their shipping is super cheap, and they include a free seed packet with every order.” — Virginia, Homesteadyish

Burpee seed packets arranged together

Burpee Seeds

Burpee Seeds is one of the oldest and most widely available seed companies in North America. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1876, Burpee has bred iconic vegetable varieties including Big Boy Tomato, Golden Bantam Corn, and Iceberg Lettuce. The company popularized Victory Gardens and introduced reliable naturally-bred hybrid seeds to home gardeners.

Burpee seeds are available on their website, through Amazon, at Home Depot, and at local nurseries and garden centers nationwide. Their wide availability makes them a convenient choice for gardeners who prefer to see seed packets before purchasing.

Hoss garden seeds packets

Hoss Tools and Seeds

Hoss Premium Garden Seeds is an American company based in Georgia known for high-quality vegetable seeds and garden tools. They produce the popular “Row by Row” weekly gardening show on YouTube and Facebook, providing practical growing advice alongside their seed offerings.

Hoss carries reliable varieties including many All-American Selections winners. Their seeds are available directly from their website. The company is a strong choice for vegetable gardeners who want proven performers and appreciate educational growing content.

Pumpkin seed packet from True Leaf Market

True Leaf Market

True Leaf Market is a major organic seed company founded by a plant geneticist from Utah State University. The founder’s research focused on varieties suited to high-altitude growing climates, giving the company expertise in challenging conditions. They offer a wide range of vegetable, flower, herb, microgreen, and sprouting seeds.

Originally called Mountain Valley Seed Company, some seeds are still sold under this legacy brand. The company remains independently owned. True Leaf Market is an excellent source for pumpkin seeds specifically, with an impressive variety selection. Purchase directly from their website.

MJ Duford examining seed packets
Ordering seeds is one of the most enjoyable parts of the gardening year.

Eden Brothers

Eden Brothers specializes in hard-to-find flower seeds, herbs, and heirloom vegetable varieties. Based in Arden, North Carolina, they are often the source for rare flowers that gardeners remember from years past but cannot find locally. The company has taken the Safe Seed Pledge and offers only non-GMO seeds.

Eden Brothers seed packets contain generous quantities compared to many competitors. Order from their website for access to their full specialty flower collection.

“Their seed packets have a lot of seeds in them—I was surprised. I went to them for my celosia seeds and they have a great variety.” — Mattie, Organic Gardening Community

Territorial Seed

Territorial Seed is known for high-quality vegetable seeds, detailed growing tips, and their online garden planner tool. Based in Cottage Grove, Oregon, the company offers varieties with various maturity dates so gardeners can maintain continuous harvests throughout the season.

Territorial Seed has taken the Safe Seed Pledge and offers only untreated, non-GMO seed. Order online from their website or find a local retailer. The detailed variety information on their website makes them particularly valuable for gardeners planning succession plantings.

“The reason I like Territorial is that they provide a ton of information on the website about planting individual varieties of plants. They also have a lot of interesting varieties. They certainly aren’t the cheapest, but they make up for that in other areas.” — Hayley, Organic Gardening Community

Seed rack displaying West Coast Seeds

West Coast Seeds

West Coast Seeds specializes in vegetable seeds for home kitchen gardeners. Based in British Columbia, the company ships across North America and offers untreated, non-GMO seeds suited to organic growing methods. Their catalog emphasizes practical varieties that perform reliably in home gardens.

Beyond vegetables, West Coast Seeds carries herb seeds, wildflower mixes, and cover crops. They are particularly useful for gardeners interested in companion planting or attracting pollinators to vegetable gardens. Order from their website.

Victory Seeds

Victory Seeds is a family-owned American company offering open-pollinated, naturally-grown, untreated vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. They sell exclusively direct to gardeners, ensuring seeds are stored properly rather than sitting on retail shelves where conditions may compromise viability.

Victory Seeds carries Dwarf Tomato Project seeds, making them essential for gardeners growing tomatoes in containers. They also offer tobacco seeds, grains, cover crops, and particularly rare vegetable varieties. The company has taken the Safe Seed Pledge. Order from their website.

Gurney's seed and nursery catalog

Gurney’s Seed and Nursery

Gurney’s Seed and Nursery Company is a historic American seed company with an extensive catalog of seed types and varieties. Founded in 1866 in Monticello, Iowa, the company is now based in Greendale, Indiana. Their long history means access to both classic varieties and modern introductions.

Gurney’s has taken the Safe Seed Pledge. Their seeds and plants are available on their website. The company is a good option for gardeners seeking one-stop shopping for seeds, bulbs, and nursery stock.

Seed Savers Exchange

Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and promoting biodiversity. Based in Iowa with member growers nationwide, they operate a seed exchange program connecting gardeners who save and share seeds. Their work helps preserve vegetable varieties that might otherwise be lost.

Seed Savers has taken the Safe Seed Pledge. Find seeds on their website or at select retail locations. Membership in the exchange provides access to thousands of rare varieties through their member seed listings.

“I’m a big fan of Seed Savers Exchange. They have a lot of organic seeds and I’ve had great success with their seeds.” — Erika, Organic Gardening Community

Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a top choice for market gardeners and homesteaders with larger garden plots. Headquartered in Fairfield, Maine, they sell seeds and supplies for both home gardeners and small commercial farmers. Johnny’s is known for dependable disease-resistant varieties and crops with short maturity dates ideal for market production.

Johnny’s has taken the Safe Seed Pledge and does not sell GMO seeds. Their detailed grower’s guides and seed kits make planning large plantings straightforward. Order from their website. This is the standard choice for serious vegetable growers scaling beyond backyard gardens.

Fedco Seeds

Fedco Seeds specializes in cold-hardy vegetable seeds adapted to Northeastern growing conditions. Based in Clinton, Maine, Fedco is structured as a cooperative owned by members and employees. They offer organic and heirloom vegetables at reasonable prices, with particularly strong selections for short-season climates.

Fedco also ships bulbs and live plants. The company has taken the Safe Seed Pledge and regularly tests for genetic contamination. Order from their website. Gardeners in northern regions with short growing seasons will find their variety selection especially relevant.

“Fedco is a Maine company and a big go-to here in Maine. They have a great reputation, attend the organic fair we have here, and their staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.” — Mattie, Organic Gardening Community

Ferry-Morse Seed Company

Ferry-Morse Seed Company is a historic American seed company formed from the 1930 merger of two 19th-century seed companies—one founded in Detroit in 1856 and another in Santa Clara in 1874. They offer both seeds and baby seedling vegetable plants shipped directly to gardeners.

Ferry-Morse is now part of Green Garden Products, along with McKenzie (Canada), American Seed, Livingston Seed, Seeds of Change, and Jiffy seed starting supplies. Find their seeds on their website and at garden centers nationwide.

Richters herb seed packet for sweet violet

Richters Herb Seeds

Richters Herb Seeds is a favorite among herb gardeners in North America. Based in Goodwood, Ontario, they offer an impressive variety of culinary herbs and unusual plants. Beyond seeds, Richters ships potted herb plants and plug trays to both the United States and Canada.

Richters is the specialist choice for gardeners building serious herb collections. Order seeds and plants from their website. Canadian gardeners will appreciate their domestic shipping options.

Pinetree Garden Seeds

Pinetree Garden Seeds of Maine offers a wide variety of seeds at reasonable prices. They have signed the Safe Seed Pledge and focus on sustainable agriculture. Their catalog includes vegetables, flowers, herbs, and gardening supplies.

Pinetree is known for value—their seed packets are affordably priced while maintaining quality. Order from their website.

“I’m a big fan of Pinetree Garden in Maine. The variety and prices are great and I always get beautiful plants from them!” — Nikole, Organic Gardening Community

Jung Seed

The J.W. Jung Seed Company is a historic American seed company founded in 1907 in Randolph, Wisconsin. They publish a beautiful catalog and offer seeds alongside plants including perennials, trees, and shrubs. This makes them useful for gardeners planning comprehensive landscape projects.

Jung Seeds are available on their website. Their combination of seeds and nursery stock in one catalog simplifies ordering for gardeners establishing new garden beds.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange specializes in heirloom seeds suited to Mid-Atlantic and Southeast growing conditions. Based in Mineral, Virginia, it operates as a worker-run cooperative. A majority of their seeds are certified organic, and nearly all are open-pollinated with no chemical treatments.

Southern Exposure has taken the Safe Seed Pledge and maintains a comprehensive non-GMO policy. Order directly from their website. Gardeners in hot, humid climates will find their heat-tolerant variety selections particularly valuable.

“The seeds are reasonably priced and the quality of the seed and varieties have consistently been good, with my plants often being strong and withstanding some serious challenges including bugs and deer.” — Shannon, We’ll Eat You Up We Love You So

Harris Seeds

Harris Seeds is a historic American seed company established in 1879 in Rochester, New York. They supply a wide variety of high-quality vegetable strains and have a strong reputation among serious home gardeners and market growers in the Northeast.

Harris offers both home garden packets and larger quantities for market production. Order from their website.

SeedsNow

SeedsNow is a newer online seed company offering vegetable, herb, flower, microgreen, and sprouting seeds. Their online-only model keeps prices competitive, and they carry a broad selection across multiple gardening categories.

SeedsNow is worth checking when searching for specific varieties that may be sold out elsewhere. Order from their website.

Landreth Seeds

D. Landreth Seed Company is likely the oldest seed company in the United States. Now based in Shelburne, Vermont, as part of American Meadows Seeds, Landreth introduced many popular garden plants to America including the zinnia, tomato, and white potato.

Their historical legacy means access to classic American garden varieties with documented heritage. Order from their website or through American Meadows.

Mail delivery box containing seed packets

How to Choose the Right Seed Company

The best seed company for you depends on your gardening priorities. Gardeners focused on organic certification should start with High Mowing Organic Seeds. Those seeking rare heirloom varieties will find Baker Creek and Seed Savers Exchange most valuable. Gardeners wanting reliable, widely-tested varieties can trust Burpee, Johnny’s, or Territorial Seed.

Regional considerations also matter. Fedco Seeds excels for cold-climate gardeners with short seasons. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange offers heat-tolerant varieties for the Southeast. West Coast Seeds and Territorial Seed serve Pacific Northwest growers well. Matching your seed source to your growing conditions improves success rates significantly.

For beginning gardeners, Botanical Interests and Renee’s Garden Seeds provide the best combination of quality seeds, detailed growing instructions, and curated variety selections. Their seed packets serve as useful references throughout the growing season, making them ideal starting points for those building gardening knowledge.

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Mary Jane Duford - Home for the Harvest

Home for the Harvest

Hi, I’m Mary Jane! I’m a Master Gardener and the creator of Home for the Harvest, where I share simple, science-based gardening tips for growing a beautiful and productive garden.


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14 responses to “20+ best seed companies to order from”

  1. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Mississippi Foundation for Renewable Energy has a lot of rare heirloom seeds https://www.backwoodsenergy.org

  2. Clint L Avatar
    Clint L

    Thankfully, I didn’t see HomeGarden Company on this list. Price isn’t everything, folks. Bought a bunch of them and almost half didn’t even sprout. Them and Valley Green turned out to be junk.

    1. MJ Duford Avatar
      MJ Duford

      Thanks for sharing your experience Clint. Quality can vary a lot…and its so disappointing to go to all the trouble and then half don’t germinate. I hope your next planting goes better – MJ

  3. LAURA Avatar
    LAURA

    I’ve had mixed results with some companies. Can anyone recommend a company with good quality control? I’m tired of poor germination rates and unexpected squash.

    1. Cynthia W. Avatar
      Cynthia W.

      I’ve been ordering from Johnny’s Selected Seeds for years. Their germination rates are excellent, and the customer service is top-notch! And you get what you’re supposed to get with pumpkins.

  4. Jimmy Durante Avatar
    Jimmy Durante

    Are you still going to promote Baker seeds now that they have sold a GMO tomato ( the Purple Galaxy ) and had the audacity to feature it on the cover of their latest catalog? Highly disappointing

    1. Mary Jane Duford Avatar

      Yeah that was definitely sus. I had been under the impression they were actively testing all their cultivars (especially new, novel ones…) although that process always seemed quite complicated to me. I’ll update this. For anyone who didn’t see the dust-up, here’s the reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/gardening/comments/1ase04e/turns_out_the_purple_galaxy_tomato_advertised_by/

  5. Henry Avatar

    Mississippi Foundation for Renewable Energy has a unique variety of heirloom seeds. Their website is backwoodsenergy.org. They are a non profit grower/distributor.

  6. Melissa Avatar

    I would have loved to see more Canadian seed companies in this list such as Gaia Seeds out of Ottawa, or Rainbow Seeds out of New Brunswick.

    1. Mary Jane Duford Avatar

      That’s a wonderful suggestion! I’ll look out for those two companies :) I do keep a separate list of Canadian Seed Companies here: https://home-for-the-harvest-gardening.mystagingwebsite.com/canadian-seed-companies/

  7. Jessica Aaron Avatar
    Jessica Aaron

    This is a great list. I don’t have tіme to go through it alⅼ at the moment but I have bookmarked it, so when I have time Ι wiⅼl be back to read more, & I also love Lake Valley Seed in Colorado!

    1. Mary Jane Duford Avatar

      Very cool! I’ll look for them :)

  8. Gwen Avatar
    Gwen

    This is a great list. I also love Lake Valley Seed in Colorado! Check them out and maybe consider adding.

    1. Mary Jane Duford Avatar

      Thanks so much Gwen for your recommendation! I’ve not heard of them so I will be on the lookout :)

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