This season we approached seed sourcing differently. In previous years we ordered from one or more larger suppliers whose service was perfectly adequate, but this year we wanted our purchases to reflect our values more clearly.
Our selection criteria were simple:
- Support smaller, family-run companies and specialist organic or sustainable seed producers
- Spread our business across several suppliers
- Choose varieties better suited to our local conditions
We also wanted to begin saving our own seed to reduce future purchases, increase sustainability, and select plants adapted to our site. To that end we avoided F1 hybrids this year, since they do not breed true for seed saving.
I’ll report on germination rates and seed quality as the season progresses. For now, here are some notes on the customer experience with the suppliers we chose.
The chosen few…
Nicky’s Nursery is a small, Kent-based operation of around six people. We ordered 12 items from them, mostly salad crops for autumn planting and a chilli collection. Their website is straightforward to use and ordering was easy. Delivery was excellent and reliable.
The Real Seed Catalogue is a Wales-based seed collection focused on saving and sharing open-pollinated varieties. Because of restrictive EU rules on seed sales, Real Seeds asks you to join their club (for a nominal fee) to access some of the varieties in their collection. They actively encourage seed saving and provide clear instructions. We didn’t receive the printed catalogue they mentioned, but the website was easy to use and delivery was prompt. We’ve ordered some interesting tomato varieties from them and will report back on those.
The Organic Gardening Catalogue is the commercial arm of the Henry Doubleday Research Association, now trading as Garden Organic. They’re not a small family business, but they aren’t a large corporation either, and their ethos aligns with ours. Their website is the most polished and user-friendly of the lot. They were, however, the slowest to deliver and a few items were out of stock and placed on back order, which required a phone call to follow up.
We’re also members of the Heritage Seed Library, part of the HDRA/Garden Organic. Due to the same EU regulations, some varieties can only be accessed by joining as a member. Membership allows you to choose up to six heritage varieties to grow and save, helping preserve older cultivars. We’ve applied to be ‘Seed Guardians’ to steward particular varieties and return seed to the library to keep the collection alive. I’ll share more about that experience as it develops.
Finally, we ordered from Seeds of Italy, a genuine family business run by Paolo Arrigo. They operate internationally, and their packaging is informative and generous in quantity, which has been great for sharing with friends. The website takes a little getting used to but is straightforward once familiar.
One order had a small mistake: a carrot variety was swapped and a copy of Paolo’s recipe book I ordered arrived as only one instead of two. How a company handles errors is revealing. I phoned and Paolo answered personally. Rather than request an order number he asked for my name and promptly remembered the order. He apologised, explained the mix-up, and sent the correct carrot variety immediately. He also agreed to dispatch the missing book quickly and even offered to sign it with a “Buon Natale” inscription for the gift. It was friendly, efficient service—exactly the kind of personal touch you hope for.
That’s the story so far; I’ll share updates on germination, seed saving, and how the varieties perform as the season progresses.