10 Trusted Seed Companies to Buy From for Your Garden (& What to Know When Ordering Seeds Online)

Starting a garden begins with one thing—good seeds.

But with so many places to buy from, how do you know where to turn for quality?

Some seed companies focus on heirloom varieties, others specialize in organic seeds, and a few have been trusted by gardeners for generations.

If you want to ensure you're planting the best, here are 10 U.S.-based seed companies that stand out for their reliability and offerings.

1. Johnny’s Selected Seeds

If you’ve been around gardening for a while, chances are you’ve heard of Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

This company has been around since 1973, and they’ve got a reputation for being reliable.

Located in Maine, they offer a huge variety of seeds—from vegetables and herbs to flowers and even cover crops.

Their seeds are non-GMO, and they provide plenty of growing info to help you succeed in the garden (whether you’re a beginner or not).

Johnny’s has a pretty user-friendly website where you can filter seeds based on what you’re growing, your climate, or even your gardening method (like organic).

They’ve also got great customer service, so you can always ask for help or advice (if you’re feeling a little unsure about your choices).

2. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Now, if you’re into rare, hard-to-find seeds, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is a solid place to shop.

Based in Missouri, they’ve got an impressive collection of heirloom seeds (we’re talking non-GMO, open-pollinated varieties).

What sets them apart is the variety—they offer some seeds that you might not find anywhere else.

They even share the history behind some of the varieties they sell (so you’re learning a bit about plants as you shop, which is fun if you’re into that sort of thing).

3. Seed Savers Exchange

Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit with a big mission—preserving plant biodiversity.

If that sounds like something you’d want to be a part of, then check them out.

They’ve got a massive collection of heirloom and rare seeds, and the good thing is, you’re supporting a cause while you shop.

Most of their seeds are non-GMO, and they even offer varieties that are hard to find elsewhere (so if you want to get your hands on something special, this is a good place to look).

Beyond just buying seeds, you’re also contributing to a larger mission of saving rare plants.

If you’re a gardener who enjoys a little extra meaning behind your purchases, then you might want to consider Seed Savers Exchange.

4. High Mowing Organic Seeds

High Mowing Organic Seeds is committed to organic gardening. If you’re serious about going organic (or at least want to try), this is a place you should know.

Everything they sell is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, so you’re getting naturally grown seeds.

They carry a range of options, from veggies to herbs, and if you're managing a large garden, they even offer bulk seeds.

Their sustainable practices make them a solid choice for eco-conscious gardeners.

5. Territorial Seed Company

Territorial Seed Company has been around for more than 40 years, and they’ve earned a great reputation over that time.

They’re based in Oregon and offer a wide selection of seeds (everything from organic to hybrid varieties).

What makes them stand out is their testing—they make sure the seeds they sell are suitable for a wide range of climates. So whether you’re in a hot, dry area or somewhere cooler, they’ve got options that’ll work for you.

You get seeds that have been tested and approved by gardeners in real conditions.

Territorial Seed is a trusted name in the seed world, and if you want seeds that are proven to work in various climates, this is a solid option.

6. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

If you live in the southeastern U.S., Southern Exposure Seed Exchange might be the perfect place to buy seeds for your garden.

Based in Virginia, they specialize in heirloom and open-pollinated seeds that are perfect for hot, humid climates (so if that sounds like where you live, keep reading).

They work with small-scale farmers to grow many of their varieties, supporting local agriculture and helping keep small farms going.

Southern Exposure sells rare and unique varieties as well, so if you’re looking for something different, they’ve got you covered.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is an excellent place to shop if you want to grow crops that are well-suited for southern climates.

7. Burpee

Burpee is one of the oldest and most well-known seed companies around.

They’ve been around since 1876 and have built a reputation for offering a huge selection of seeds for vegetables, flowers, and herbs.

Whether you’re into heirloom, hybrid, or organic varieties, Burpee has options for all gardeners.

It’s one of those companies that’s pretty accessible—both online and in stores—so if you need seeds fast, you’ll probably find Burpee at your local garden center.

Burpee is trusted by gardeners everywhere, so if you want something reliable and easy to find, it’s a good choice.

8. Park Seed

Park Seed has been selling seeds for over 150 years, and they’ve definitely earned their place in the gardening world.

They offer a huge range of seeds for vegetables, flowers, and herbs, and they even sell gardening supplies like seed-starting trays (so you can get everything in one place).

They’re a good option for gardeners of all experience levels because they’ve got something for everyone—from beginners to pros.

If you’re looking for a little extra guidance, they also have a helpful blog full of tips and gardening advice.

9. Fedco Seeds

Fedco Seeds is a cooperative, which gives them a different approach.

They’re based in Maine, and their specialty is cold-hardy seeds—perfect for northern gardeners.

They’re also very affordable, with many of their seed packets starting around $2.50 (so if you’re on a budget, this is a great option).

Beyond just selling seeds, Fedco is all about sustainability and offers many organic varieties. They have a cooperative structure, so their customers have a say in how the company runs.

Fedco is a great pick if you want hardy varieties, especially if you’re gardening in a colder area.

10. Hudson Valley Seed Co

Hudson Valley Seed Co is based in New York, and they’re known for their beautiful heirloom seeds.

Many of their varieties are organic, and they have a great selection of plants.

What’s fun about Hudson Valley Seed Co is that their seed packets feature beautiful artwork (who doesn’t love a little art with their seeds?).

Hudson Valley Seed Co is a great pick if you want to support a creative company that cares about sustainability, and their heirloom varieties are a fantastic way to add diversity to your garden.

Buy Seeds Where You’ll Find What You Need

So, whether you’re looking for rare heirlooms, organic varieties, or reliable, easy-to-grow options, these companies have you covered.

Each one offers something unique, whether it’s a focus on sustainability, history, or quality seeds.

Find what fits your gardening style and get growing—it’s never a bad time to plant something new!

4 Things to Consider When Ordering Seeds Online

Ordering seeds online can really open up your garden to new possibilities, especially if you're looking for something special or hard to find. 

But before you click “add to cart,” there are a few things to think about. 

You want to make sure you’re getting the best seeds for your garden, so here are some things to consider before you order.

1. Selection Variety

One of the best things about buying seeds online is the variety (and it’s a big one). 

You’re not just limited to what’s on the shelves at your local store. 

Online, you’ll find everything from the usual garden staples like tomatoes, lettuce, and beans, to rarer varieties you might not even know existed (like purple carrots or unique flower mixes). 

Some websites specialize in hard-to-find seeds, so if you want to try something new or different, it’s easy to go exploring and find those garden seeds.

2. Germination Rates

Before you order, you might want to check the germination rates (this is basically the percentage of seeds that will likely sprout and grow).

A higher germination rate usually means you have a better shot at getting healthy plants.

Reliable companies often list this info, either on their websites or on the seed packets themselves.

It’s reassuring to know that the seeds you buy are likely to grow. If you want to improve your chances of success, learning how to start seeds indoors can help you get a strong start before transplanting them outside.

3. Shipping & Delivery

When it comes to shipping, most seed orders are pretty light (it’s not like you’re buying bags of soil or large plants).

That said, shipping costs are often reasonable, and some places even offer free shipping if you order enough (which can be a great excuse to grab a few extra packets).

Delivery times can vary, so it’s worth checking how long it’ll take for your seeds to arrive—especially if you’re looking to plant them soon.

There’s nothing worse than getting all excited for your garden and then realizing your seeds won’t show up until weeks later.

4. Return Policies

If things don’t go as planned and your seeds don’t sprout (which can happen sometimes, no matter how careful you are), it’s good to know the return policy.

Most seed sellers won’t refund you for seeds that didn’t germinate, but a few offer store credits or replacements if your seeds fail.

It’s always better to have a little backup in case your garden plans don’t work out as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)