Question
QUESTION: Thank you for taking my questions:

I need to buy seed for a 5000 sq ft vegetable garden. I live in Southern New Hampshire and I was wondering if you could tell me where to buy my seed? I am of course looking for the lowest price and the best quality. I am planning to be as organic as possible. (I follow Joy of Gardening and The Veg Gardener抯 Bible).

Also, how important is it to use organic seeds since they cost more?

Much abliged,

Phil


ANSWER: Phil, I purchase most of my seed online. The two companies I have come to trust most are Park Seed and Burpee. Johnny Seeds is also a great company.

These companies also carry a line of organic seed. They provide free catalogs after registering on their sites. Their catalogs have great illustrations and planting instructions for every seed.

Attached are the links to these companies:

http://www.parkseed.com
http://www.burpee.com
http://www.johnnyseeds.com

I have also noticed that most garden centers and nurseries now dedicate a rack strictly to organic seed. Being from the midwest, I am not familiar with the garden centers in your area, but I'm sure you can find a reputable one that carries organic products.

I hope this information helps. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you mike for answering my questions. The main reason i asked is to avoid finding out down the road that i paid too much or i could have paid less. (seeds are expensive).

But i still would like to know how important it is to use organic seeds since they are more expensive.

Much abliged,

Phil

Answer
Phil, the only difference is that organic seed is bred from plants grown in pure organic soil and not treated with any fertilizer that is considered synthetic.

I personally do not use organic seed, but I do use organic growing techniques in my garden. Organic seed is generally 20%-30% higher than regular seed. To me it is not worth the difference. The important thing is that you grow your plants in organic soil that has been amended with compost, peat, manure, and other natural products. If you do so, your plants will thrive.

Good luck.

Mike