The Best Shops to Buy Vegetable Seeds Online
Flex your green thumb this summer.
Want to flex your green thumb this year? If you ask us, you really can’t go wrong with a vegetable garden. Not only will some produce bring some fresh life to your outdoor space — yes, even if you only have a teeny, tiny balcony — but you can use your veggies in your home-cooked meals. (Ah, just imagine life with ripe, juicy tomatoes available on demand.)
At first thought where you buy your vegetable seeds might not seem like a big deal, but in reality? When it comes to growing your vegetable garden from the ground up — literally — it matters. While it’s important to find the exact varietal of your culinary dreams, you’ll also want to pick up quality seeds that can lay the foundation for a lush, fruitful garden.
So, where should you start? Right here. To help, we’re sharing the six best places to buy vegetable seeds. Happy growing!
Want to grow a salad in your backyard? You’ll find a lot to love about Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Over the past 48 years, the retailer has become a mainstay of the gardening world, thanks to its A to Z assortment. (On the hunt for asparagus? Have a hankering for watermelon? Johnny’s got you covered.)
Of course, variety is only one piece of the puzzle. Instead of selling genetically modified seeds, this company’s breeders use natural crossing methods to create hybrid seeds that are safe and healthy. It’s no wonder why Nick Cutsumpas (a.k.a. Farmer Nick) is such a fan of this retailer.
“For a homegrower that wants a diverse selection and seeds that perform, Johnny’s Selected Seeds can’t be beat,” he says. “They’re reliable across every fruit, veggie and flower, and it would be difficult to find a seed that they don't carry.”
Let’s be honest: You really want to grow a vegetable garden to make your meals taste even better. It’s okay, you’re not alone; in fact, that’s exactly why Cutsumpas turns to Row 7 Seeds.
“If you're a culinary-inspired gardener like myself that is looking for more of a challenge, look no further than Row 7 Seeds,” he says. “The centercut squash is my personal favorite but all of these seeds will add diversity to your garden and palate.”
Co-founded by Blue Hill at Stone Barns chef Dan Barber, this seed company focuses on never-before-seen hybrid varieties that are specifically bred for flavor. Row 7 Seeds works with a team of growers, breeders and eaters to ensure that every option has that garden-to-kitchen appeal. Though its selection is very curated, you can expect to find a cornucopia of patchwork peppers, Badger Flame beets and experimental cucumbers — all of which are … *chef’s kiss.*
If you want to expand your vegetable garden beyond the typical array of carrots and tomatoes, check out what Hudson Valley Seed Company has to offer. The Upstate New York-based business is dedicated to offering species that are harder to find in the U.S., making it your one-stop site for varieties like bok choy, Thai basil and the oh-so-spicy wild bergamot. (Hudson Valley Seed Company also places a huge emphasis on sourcing locally and sustainably, which we can always get behind.)
Another perk of buying from Hudson Valley Seed? Thanks to its Art Pack program, the brand sells seed packets that are gorgeous. Every year, the company puts out an open call for artists nationwide to create designs that make their seed packets feel like collector’s items. (Read: You have our permission to keep these empty packets and repurpose them as art.)
Thanks to Kitazawa Seed Co., it’s possible to round out your vegetable garden with produce from Asia — no passport required.
Since its founding in 1917, Kitazawa Seed Co. has specialized in Asian vegetables. The company reportedly sells over 500 types of herbs, fruits and, of course, vegetables. From Korean mint to various types of Chinese cabbage, think of this destination as a great way to celebrate Asian culture and cuisine.
Anyone who wants to grow tomatoes will find a lot to love about Wild Boar Farms. Instead of offering an array of produce, the California-based business focuses on your favorite, juicy summer vegetable — with an unexpected twist. You see, Wild Boar Farms uses all-organic growing techniques to create otherworldly tomatoes. Some of the coolest varieties include Blue Chocolate, Kaleidoscope Jewel and Berkeley Tie-Dye.
Of course, no conversation about vegetable seeds would be complete without Burpee. Founded in 1881, Burpee is often considered the gold standard of seeds. (Fun fact: It was one of the first catalogs to offer yellow seed corn. Wow!) But, just because Burpee is a horticultural institution doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. The company’s team of horticulturists are constantly reinventing the wheel with new varieties like a hybrid squash and supersized tomato that’s perfect for homemade sauce.
Best of all? Burpees’ seeds are non-GMO, so you can rest assured that everything you’re growing is made with you and your tastebuds in mind.
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