The seed catalogs have been coming in the mail for months. Like Christmas decorations, they seem to arrive earlier and earlier. There’s nothing better than spending the dreary months of winter pouring over glossy photographs of plants in all colors, shapes, and sizes. However, early catalogs often come with early orders. If you want something unique you have to pounce on it before it’s spoken for.

While we love those glossy catalogs for inspiration, they also come with a hefty product price. After all, someone has to pay for the five color processing and thirty plus pages. That’s why we love Fedco Seeds. No frills here. If you are on the mailing list, you get a simple black and white newsprint catalog full of type and illustrations. Want to see what a plant really looks like? You’ll have to go to their extensive and informational web site http://www.fedcoseeds.com/.

Why do we love Fedco? Well first off they have five different divisions; Fedco Seeds, Moose Tubers, Organic Growers Supply, Fedco Trees, and Fedco bulbs. This means that you can get almost everything you would ever want or need from one place. Aside from that, they offer untreated seeds, many organic seed options, and they do not knowingly sell Genetically Engineered Seeds. From the Fedco Seed web site:

“Agriculture and seeds provide the basis on which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing are necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities.”

Fedco also offers a unique school fund raising opportunity. Instead of your usual candy or bake sale why not start a school seed store? Their customer service is prompt and more than reasonable. We recently ordered a seed variety that was back ordered, then out of stock. Our other seeds were shipped out. In the meantime the seed variety we ordered came back into stock. Fedco offered to send the seed packet out without an additional shipping or handling charge.

Lastly Fedco seeds can be bought in numerous packet sizes from 1/8 oz and up depending on the seed variety. This makes Fedco perfect for the home gardener who may only need a few seeds right up to the farmer who may need pounds.

And the price? We found some packets listed at under one dollar each. You can also combine orders with friends or neighbors for additional savings. Fedco offers bulk order discounts starting on orders of $100 or more. Be sure to order early or you risk being disappointed when your seed choice is sold out!

Do you have a favorite seed supplier? Are you growing a new flower or vegetable this year? Tell us about it in our forum or the comments section below.

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