Topic: seed catalogues

[Shelle]

I have two catalogues delivered this week which is making pretty exciting reading.

As a newbie though having never ordered through any of them before, I wanted to ask should I order from them, or hang fire and buy from local garden centres nearer the time??

I would like to buy some potatoes from T and M, plus possibly other seeds, but wondered if I am better off waiting til nearer the time? Does anyone know if there are usually potato days in the north east (Tyneside or Northumberland) that would be better?

Also what about their reputation (T and M)?

Any advice before I take a plunge that I may regret?

[cambourne7]

I started off buying spuds from T&M and the return was ok.

You might want to wait though and go to a potato day where you might be able to get more variaty.

[SnooziSuzi]

Shelle,  I have'nt ordered anything from T&M but I have ordered lots from Suttons (www.suttons.co.uk) and Harrod Horticultural (www.harrodhorticultural.com) without any problems.

I used to get seed and plant catalogues addressed to the previous owner of our house long before I realised I was interested in gardening and just chucked them in the recycling!!   :o  Now I know better!

A lot of folks on this forum use T&M and they are really well established so I don't think you should have a problem.  Re potato days; sorry can't help you there - I just do everything online!

[saddad]

T+M are a tad expensive IMHO... and too fulsome in their praise for my stomach!
We do use them for some things that other cats. don't carry!
 :-X

[raisedbedted]

Agree with saddad 100%

For seeds I prefer to order from catalogues / online - more choice and better planning.

For potatoes the cost of postage makes a lot of difference and so I use the allotment association trading hut plus potato days (which are GREAT).

Plus browsing through seed catalogues keeps me sane during the winter months  :)

[sunloving]

Hi
If you are ordering normal types of fruit and veg and flowers then just check wilkinsons, woolworths and poundstretcher first. They often supply the same varieties for half the price of the "proper" seed companies. Also try ebay and have a look on our swap section maybe you have spares of things other people would be willing to swap for things you want.
happy hunting
x sunloving

[euronerd]

This link points to national potato days. I've always done OK and it's more fun than ordering online  ;D
.
http://thewhitchurchweb.org/potatoday/potatodays.htm

Last year I ordered some direct from Alan Romans, considered by many as the potato guru. He certainly doesn't lack enthusiasm.

http://www.alanromans.com/

Very satisfactory service and excellent quality.

Geoff.

[Shelle]

Thanks to you all, as usual you are all so helpful!

Am going to hang fire until nearer the time!