Jennifer Kleffner

Thanks for the help on including it with the seed company grid. That's where I started, but could not figure out how to include it (I'm new to this interface and its not especially intuitive to me). You did what I originally intended. Many thanks.

J

I give this seed source 9 out of 10 acorns. I've been buying from Fedco for about 10 years. I found them after a bad experience with another "go-to" seed company, looking for a place that was more down to earth, CHEAPER, and didn't send me 4 catalogs every winter. Fedco is a cooperative. Their catalog is fun, printed on newsprint in black and white (website has color photographs), contains a ton of extra info if you read it, shipping is fast, and the seeds have always done well for me. And they are simply unpretentious and open to feedback. I've had several conversations with them about various things over the years. I've also bought plants and potatoes through them with good success. They are a LONG way from me (they are in Maine, I'm in SE Washington) but they get the majority of my money every year. Good selection of heirloom and organic as well.

I give this seed company 7 out of 10. The catalog is beautiful and they are the darling of anyone who is looking for heirloom or unusual varieties. That said, a few years ago I started pepper seeds from them side by side with the same variety from another company, and there was a dramatic difference in germination. The Baker Creek seeds were FAR less vigorous. When I sent them a message, giving my background, long gardening experience (I've been starting seeds for over 20 years) and results with the specific varieties I had purchased, rather than saying, "Thank you for your feedback" or "Would you like a refund", they shrugged it off while implying it was user error. That never feels good as an experienced gardener. Side note: Their use of their children in their catalog always feels a bit exploitative to me, especially when they were quite young. I'm sure that's not how they think about it, but I always think about it from the kids side and hope someone is at least asking if they are OK with their photographs are all over the catalog and internet.

I still order from them on occasion, but they aren't my "go to" place to get seeds.