Where to Buy Quality Vegetable Seeds for a Large Organic Garden

A Southern New Hampshire gardener planning a 5,000 sq ft organic vegetable garden asks for seed sources balancing price and quality, and whether organic seed is worth the cost.

Recommended Seed Companies

• Baker Creek (rareseeds.com): Heirloom vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs worldwide.
• Pinetree Seeds (superseeds.com): Maine-based, smaller packets, lower prices, many heirlooms.
• Heirloom Acres (heirloomacresseeds.com): Specializes in heirloom tomatoes and vegetables; organic options.
• Gourmet Seed International (gourmetseed.com): Unique and gourmet varieties.
• Seed Savers Exchange (seedsavers.org): Premier source for heirloom/open-pollinated seeds.

Organic vs. Conventional Seed

Organic seed is grown without synthetic chemicals. For a certified organic garden, organic seed is required. For home gardening, conventional untreated seed is often fine. Focus on heirloom/open-pollinated varieties for seed saving.