Where I Buy My Garden Seeds & How to Choose Your Own
- Vera Reinke
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
When buying seeds for my garden, I’ve developed a handful of favorite companies that I return to year after year. These are the ones I trust for quality, unique varieties, good growing info, ethical sourcing, and for growing in cold climates, like Wisconsin.
But here’s the thing—what works for me might not be the perfect fit for you. Whether you’re growing in a different zone, looking for specific traits, or prioritizing local sources, it’s worth exploring your options. In this post, I’ll share which seed companies I buy from and why, and hopefully, inspire you to dig into your own research to find the ones that best align with your garden and values.
Annie's Heirloom Seeds in Madison, WI, is new to me, a local WI company, and I’ve ordered seeds for this season. I'll report back at the end of the year.
Territorial Seed Company – Specializes in seeds suited for northern and short-season areas.
Seed Savers Exchange – Heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, many suited for northern climates.
Johnny's Selected Seeds – Strong selection of short-season crops and cold-hardy varieties.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds aka Rare Seeds – Many rare and heirloom varieties with good Zone 5 options.
Fedco Seeds – Based in Maine, they offer many varieties for cold climates and fruit trees.
Adaptive Seeds – Focuses on resilient varieties for shorter growing seasons.
Uprising Seeds – 100% organic and offers cold-tolerant vegetables and flowers.
Prairie Road Organic Seed – Upper Midwest-based, offering organic seeds adapted to cold climates.
Wild Garden Seed – Cold-hardy greens and root crops that thrive in Zone 5.
Below are some tips for researching seed companies that resonate with your garden goals and values. I hope they inspire you to do your own research!
How to Research Seed Companies (and Find the Ones That Fit You Best)
It's easy to stick with the first seed catalog in your mailbox, but digging a little deeper (pun intended) can connect you with companies that align with your garden goals and values. Here are some simple but powerful ways to research seed companies and find your perfect fit:
1. Know What You Care About
Before you start browsing, take a minute to define your priorities. Are you focused on organic or untreated seeds? Do you want open-pollinated or heirloom varieties? Maybe you're looking for regionally adapted seeds, rare edibles, or companies with strong ethical sourcing practices. Knowing what matters to you will help filter your options.
2. Read the "About" Page
A company's story often reveals a lot about how they operate. Look for details like where they source their seeds, whether they grow their own stock, their stance on GMOs and patents, and how they support biodiversity or sustainability.
3. Consider Your Climate
Choosing seed companies that operate in or test varieties for your growing zone can boost your success in the garden. Plants that are bred or selected for similar climates tend to perform better and be more resilient. For folks who live in Wisconsin, look for plants that are meant for colder climate as well as quick growing for our shorter summers.
4. Look for Transparency
Good seed companies will tell you exactly what you're getting—whether a seed is hybrid, open-pollinated, heirloom, or organic. Clear labeling and honest descriptions are signs that a company stands behind its product.
5. Browse the Catalog with a Critical Eye
I am a sucker for a beautiful catalog; it is fun to flip through but look beyond the photos. Is the information clear and helpful? Are growing instructions included? Thoughtful, educational catalogs show the company cares about your success.
6. Ask Around
Sometimes the best way to find trusted seed sources is to ask fellow gardeners. Whether it's a local gardening group, an online forum, or your favorite Instagram gardener, personal recommendations often come with great insights. Gardeners love to share their favorites!
7. Align with Your Values
There are seed companies doing amazing things—supporting Indigenous growers, preserving rare varieties, empowering women-owned businesses, and building seed sovereignty in their communities. If that resonates with you, seek those folks out and support their work.
Taking a little time to research now (or perhaps in the cold months) can make your gardening season more rewarding—and help you build a relationship with seed companies that truly support your garden, your values, and the kind of food or flowers you want to grow.
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