[r+lchick]

Just about to order my seeds from the Dobies catalogue.  I bought small plants from the local garden centre last year and it cost me a fortune; so thought I would give seeds a go.  Q:  Can anyone recommend any other seed catalogue company?   Trouble is, it is hard not to get carried away.  I am sure I have ordered too much.  And what is with the packaging.  Carrots - 1100 seeds a packet.  I want a row not a field.  I know they do not all germinate but why so many.  Not efficient to pack any less?  I pity the poor sod who has to count them out.    And potatoes by the 3kg.  I only want 5 of 3 varieties.  Well back to the garden centre for them or our local market.   

[HappyHippy]

Suttons are quite good as are Marshalls.
There's also a company that specialises in non hybrid F1 seeds, so that if you wanted to collect the seeds and resow the following year from those they would grow true to type - I can't remember their name, but leave it with me.
Ebay is another good one - you can get smaller quantities too.
I get soooooo carried away with seed catalouges though - seem to forget how little space I have 

[oink]

http://www.realseeds.co.uk/index.html

These offer non-hybrid seeds so that you can save the seeds for following years.  I haven't actually used them yet (I only just about find time to save my runner beans and potatoes!) but I read what happyhippy wrote and it reminded me of the website. 

I actually keep meaning to try them but.... oh well, maybe next year.

Good luck trying to only buy as much as you need.  I think there must be some kind of conspiracy going on 

[aparker155]

I've used 'Real seeds' and found them really good - you do have to be quick for the popular seeds though as it's only a small company so the sell out fairly quickly. The 2010 seeds have only just gone on sale so should be fine for a while yet!

[r+lchick]

Just had a quick look at the Real Seeds catalogue.  Although more expensive, I have looked at carrots and it gives you tips on how to save your own seeds.  So initial expense might be more, but you could save if you follow their instructions.  Will give them a go.  Thanks.   

[Rosemary]

I like Thomson and Morgan, or you could try The Organic Catalogue. Just don't buy everything - I get seduced by the blurb and end up wth far too much.

[RUSTYME]

isn't it funny how we look at things differently.
 I am forever moaning about how FEW seeds there are in a packet nowdays.  I get a packet of carrots with only 2,000 seeds in for £2 and I feel done. I can remember when I was a kid (the sound of the Hovis music plays in the background !! ) , that day after war !!! er no...I remember as a kid how I would buy a packet of seeds and it would be half full . The thing is you don't have to sow them all !!!
Once you start collecting seeds from your own plants , you realize just how many thousands of seeds you get , so it is easy for the companies to put plenty in , they choose not to though , compared to 40 years ago.
Also if you use 20 carrots a week , that adds up to 1,040 per year !!!! 

cheers


Russ

[doganjo]

Why not do a seed exchange with others on the forum.  Postage is very little.  I still have loads of seeds from last year so I'm going to have a hard think about what I really want to eat and get rid of the rest, possible freecycle/freegle or to anyone on here who wants them.

[daniellestocks]

I was also going to suggest seed swaping, i have a few spare
This year i got some from the real seed co, and they were great!
Danielle x

[Greenerlife]

Now a seed swap is a really good idea.  I went to the Brighton organised one a couple of years ago.  I didn't have my hair in dreadlocks or wear sandals, but I still got some seeds!   

I have bought seeds from realseeds for a few years now and have all but abandoned the biggies.  I can thoroughly recommend buying their "Cherokee trail of tears" french bean.  I have a ton of them and leave them for next year as well as bean stew forever!

[little blue]

Like Rosemary, I like The organic gardening catalogue, and T&M... always wait until their end-of-season sales, to get really cheap seeds for the following year.

I am NOT buying (!) anymore seeds until all the ones I've ever bought are planted, not just in the cupboard!  Also got loads of 'free' ones from Amateur Gardening magazine (subscription was last years Christmas present!)

[Lavinia]

Hey just used the link to real seeds, i'm amazed at the tips for getting your own seeds from your plants....

Lavinia

[marigold]

I like the organicgardeningcataolgue too and
http://www.suffolkherbs.com/
Just about to have a look at real seeds

[r+lchick]

Bought from the Real Seed company.  The site was so easy.  All the different catagories on the side, I just went down and picked one or two from the selection.  In fact, because there wasn't reams of pages to look through, I think I saved by buying fewer seeds.  Of course, I picked out the ones that have their roots in France, for obvious reasons.  Unfortunately, I am not the most patient of people and can't understand why things have not grown in 2 days!!!!!

[Touchwood]

I like the idea of a seed swap, I'm sure I've still got far more of somethings than I need, I'll have to have a look.

I buy a lot of seeds from Suffolk Herbs, (not only herbs) lots of veg, wild flowers etc.