The Temptation of Online Seed Shopping: A Gardener’s Guide
For avid gardeners, browsing online can be irresistible. But it’s not just any browsing—it’s the lure of gardening websites and heirloom seed dealer pages. With enticing descriptions and promises of incredible growth, it’s hard to resist adding everything to your cart.
However, before you go splurging your tax return money on seeds, it’s important to take a step back, do some planning, and avoid the temptation to overspend. Not all online seed dealers are reputable, and, unless you have acres of unplanted land, you definitely don’t need all 128 seed packets in your shopping cart. With a little strategy and some research, you can control your spending and avoid getting ripped off.
Sleuthing Duty
Unfortunately, not every seed seller or gardening store online is trustworthy. Scammers know that gardening is big business, especially in North America, and that they can profit from unsuspecting buyers. To protect your wallet, here’s how to evaluate a site before making a purchase:
Check Their Reputation
Is the site a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? If so, check for any complaints. The BBB tracks customer grievances and cases of fraud. If there are no complaints, that’s a good sign, but a history of issues could be a red flag. A clean record in the gardening world is always a good sign!
Check for Guarantees
Does the site offer any guarantees on the seeds? Look for warranties—whether 30 days, 60 days, or something else. Do they offer a growth percentage guarantee or a money-back option? Knowing the company’s return policy beforehand is crucial in case things don’t go as planned.
Check for References and Referrals
Trustworthy companies will often post reviews from satisfied customers. If they don’t, reach out and ask for a few referrals. If the company hesitates to provide them, it could signal a lack of positive feedback. Proceed with caution if this happens, as it might indicate a less-than-reliable operation.
Compare Prices
Price isn’t everything, but it’s still an important factor. Don’t just compare seed prices—also factor in shipping fees. If the shipping costs are too high, see if you can find the same brand at a local nursery or greenhouse. This could save you money in the long run.
Planning Your Garden
Once you’ve done your research and the website checks out, it’s time to start planning. When it’s the middle of winter and you’re dreaming of lush flowers or a bountiful vegetable garden, it’s easy to get carried away. However, your imagination can quickly exceed your budget—or even the size of your garden. The vivid photos and tempting descriptions might make you want to buy everything in sight, but you must plan before you buy.
Draw Your Garden Plan
Start by measuring the area where you’ll be planting. Sketch out what you want to plant and where each seed will go. Be realistic about your space—don’t overcrowd plants. Overcrowding can stunt growth and lead to wasted money. Order only what will fit into your garden space.
Separate Needs vs. Wants
It’s OK to indulge a little, especially if you’ve got extra space. But if your garden is only 20 x 10 feet, you can’t plant 100 pumpkin seeds. They’ll compete for space, suffocate each other, and die. Choose wisely. If you want to try a new variety, it’s fine, but be prepared to sacrifice weaker seedlings for new additions.
Buy Only What You Can Use This Year
As tempting as it is to stock up on seeds, resist the urge. While seeds can be stored for the following year, their viability often decreases over time. Gardening professionals recommend buying seeds for one year at a time. If your garden is already full, don’t buy seeds that will sit unused in a drawer for a year.
Lastly, to find the best online seed sources, ask fellow gardeners. Online forums and gardening chat rooms are full of people who are eager to share recommendations. After all, what’s a gardener’s favorite topic other than seeds? Start planning your seed-buying adventure today!
