Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!grkermit!masscomp!clyde!floyd!harpo!seismo!rochester!ritcv!mmr From: mmr@ritcv.UUCP Newsgroups: net.garden Subject: Re: Seed catalog query (reposted) Message-ID: <887@ritcv.UUCP> Date: Tue, 24-Jan-84 20:47:18 EST Article-I.D.: ritcv.887 Posted: Tue Jan 24 20:47:18 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jan-84 08:36:17 EST References: ut-sally.824 Lines: 94 I get seed catalogs from about a dozen different companies. To an extent it is worth getting them, in that I see new and different items in each one. If you are interested expanding your repertoire of vegies and/or flowers it is worth sorting through them all. If you have mostly favorites that you don't want to change, then don't bother - the prices are not that much different between companies for seeds. Here is a summary of my interpretation of the companies strengths: (I am strictly a vegetable person; I get overwhelmed by all the flowers) (P.S. There are many I get that are left off the list - I got tired of typing. The more interesting ones are included below.) W. Atlee Burpee Warminster, PA 18974 They have a well rounded selection of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits. Their prices tend to be slightly higher than many of the others - not significantly for seed, but for fruit you might better go to a house specializing in fruit (like Miller's or Stark's) All their seed is untreated, for those that find that desirable. I have had excellent results ordering from them; they are prompt and complete. Gurney's Yankton, SD 57079 I find Gurney's fascinating. The catalog is an unusual format, and is full of unusual seed and plant items. I am ordering much of my seed from them this year, since they have the largest subset of things I am interested in. I have ordered from them in the past and have been pleased. Joseph Harris Co. Moreton Farm 3670 Buffalo Rd. Rochester, NY 14624 They also have a well rounded selection of vegetables, but not as many flowers, and they are strictly seeds - no plants. Their seed is treated, and I understand you have no option about that. For me, Harris is my local seed company so I buy much of my stuff there and have been very satisfied. From what I have read in magazines they have a good reputation as a mail-order business also. Vermont Bean Seed Co. Garden Lane Bomoseen, VT 05732 This catalog has the largest selection of E.H. Hybrid Corn (that is supposed to stay sweet many days after picking). They are primarily a vegetable seed co., and as their name would imply they have an extensive selection of beans: fresh and drying types. Their prices are slightly lower than the other catalogs for many items. I am ordering from them for the first time this year, so I can't report personally on their responsiveness. Stokes Seeds Inc. 737 Man St. Box 548 Buffalo, NY 14240 This seed company has commercial growers as its target more than home gardeners. The catalog is half vegetables and half flowers. They have a few unusual items, like Spartan Sleeper onion seeds, and a section on Chinese vegetables. They have a good reputation; my only complaint is that the format of their catalog is uninteresting - it is almost all on newspaper stock. I have been pleased with what I have ordered from them. George W. Park Seed Co. Inc P.O. Box 31 Greenwood, SC 29646 Like Burpee Park's offers a wide range of seeds, plants, trees and gardening aids. Prices are comparable to others. This is one of the biggies too. I have been pleased by what I have ordered from them, and it arrived in reasonable time. Thompson and Morgan P.O. Box 100 Farmingdale, NY 07727 They seem to be oriented towards flowers more than vegetables. however, if you are looking for a globe artichoke that you can grow as an annual in northern climates, they've got it. I have no personal experience with them. Johnny's Selected Seeds Albion, ME 04910 They specialize in seeds for nothern climates, with short growing seasons. Stricly vegetables and herb seeds. No personal experience. Margaret Reek rochester!ritcv!mmr P.S. I've already got it all planned and ordered - now what?