I do not know if this topic has been discussed already. On the 'Which' website there is a report comparing seed companies. In this report they compare 15 companies in relation to how well certain veg and flower seeds germanited. I found it very interesting reading. Plants of Distinction was noted as excellent for seed germination, while Tuckers was very poor.
2 of the companies that I regularly get seeds from, Tuckers and Kings both came out poor.
Whats your experince of the various companies tested?
Thomas
http://www.which.co.uk/reports_and_campaigns/gardening/reports/products_and_services/feeds_and_composts/Seed%20suppliers/Seed_suppliers_report_657_122802.jsp
I buy from Tuckers and find their germination rates very good, so was surprised by this report Even my two year old parsnip seeds (stored in opened packet as well) germinated well this year. :)
that really is surprising.
They don't seem to mention price and therefore value for money.
Yay, Thompson and Morgan get a good rating. Considering I've just placed a big seed order with them for next year that's very good to hear.
:)
I've looked at the site but the companies seem limited....spect that I'm missing something, I usually do :-[
Kings, personally, I don't rate much at all..one could place a discounted order through BOG (Birmingham Organic Gardeners) and I did, years ago.Results weren't brilliant :-\ and I wouldn't buy from them again.
Experienced some mix-ups with T&M orders...including empty seed packets ::)
The Company that impressed me was Real Seeds (?) something like that....when I visited Shirltone at their Erdington allotment way back, she was so enthusiastic at the preparation of the seeds + the nigh-on 100% germination that that's the company I'll certainly be buying from for next year.
Personal recommendations & a good track record report from someone I respect wins hands-down for me.
I used Alanromans, they are pretty good except for no imfo on the packets, I had jotted down realseeds in my tips diary for next year. ;D ;D ;D
I havce ordered seeds from Kings in the past via the NSALG and found some of the seeds I recieved were 5-6 years out of date. The germination was dreadfull. The onion sets were only fit for the compost heap. I have never bothered to place another order with them since then,nor would I recomend them to anyone