Cheap Seeds

BB15

Just wondering if More veg are still the cheapest and best value for veg and flower seeds.

Davesnave

They have a good choice of veg varieties and the prices look very reasonable to me. I gather these are based on smaller amounts, but that's probably fine for most people. Some seed keeps, but others, like parsnip, are better bought annually.

I see Lidl will have their seeds in from tomorrow and they're still doing the basic ones at 5 for a £1.:)

DigForVictory

A bit depends on if you're after the F1 varieties or the somewhat weirder &/or heirloom seeds - I've done well on ebay for the latter.

Silvertabby

Buy cheap, sow twice.

Davesnave

Silvertabby wrote: »

Buy cheap, sow twice.

Is that based on tests, like 'Which?' used to do, or personal observation?

None of the varieties of Lidl seeds I've sown have been failures, but then vegetable seeds are usually quite easy and accommodating.

It's a whole different ball-game with some flower, tree and shrub seeds, many of which need either stratification or catching very quickly before dormancy sets in. So, with those, one either needs to collect the seeds personally, or know a seed seller who will supply in the autumn, because it's too late now.

There are a few suppliers who go the extra mile for fresh seed; the internet is a great place for those with the will to explore.

Or there's buying the same varieties of seed from one of the big names, complete with glossy packet, as soon as they hit the garden centres. It'll be expensive enough, and like I say, too late for this year to be sure of good results, as anyone who's ever sown last year's prize hellebores in the spring will testify!

Silvertabby

Buy cheap, sow twice.
Originally posted by Silvertabby

Davesnave wrote: »

Is that based on tests, like 'Which?' used to do, or personal observation?

None of the varieties of Lidl seeds I've sown have been failures, but then vegetable seeds are usually quite easy and accommodating.

It's a whole different ball-game with some flower, tree and shrub seeds, many of which need either stratification or catching very quickly before dormancy sets in. So, with those, one either needs to collect the seeds personally, or know a seed seller who will supply in the autumn, because it's too late now.

There are a few suppliers who go the extra mile for fresh seed; the internet is a great place for those with the will to explore.

Or there's buying the same varieties of seed from one of the big names, complete with glossy packet, as soon as they hit the garden centres. It'll be expensive enough, and like I say, too late for this year to be sure of good results, as anyone who's ever sown last year's prize hellebores in the spring will testify!

Personal observation. My dad always 'saved money' by buying the cheapest of the cheap seeds - usually off the market, so you had no idea how fresh they were.

Packs of tomato seeds, in particular, would contain about 100 seeds - but it didn't matter that only a handful would germinate, 'because he'd saved all that money'.

Personally, I prefer to buy branded seeds for the peace of mind - and more choice.

BB15

Thanks for all your replies just found Lidl seeds have arrived so I have bought these as I have never had a problem with them before and such good value.

savemoney

I tend to buy Browns seeds for allotment as I get around 50% discount allotment bulk buy large order for all people on allotments. I then buy others seeds from Premier seeds, and Simply Seed

Davesnave

savemoney wrote: »

I tend to buy Browns seeds for allotment as I get around 50% discount allotment bulk buy large order for all people on allotments. I then buy others seeds from Premier seeds, and Simply Seed

I've used Premier for some years and had no issues. One of the only places I could buy tomato 'Floridity' in 100s.

Here you go. Personally recommended. People come back year after year for these:

http://www.premierseedsdirect.com/product/tomato-cherry-floridity-f1/

Moobop

Seed swap events are great - all seeds are free, and you can share any that you have spare