[Hesse2509]

So in my initial excitement at getting my lot I've contacted a whole host of different seed suppliers and hence have had their catalogues landing on my doormat over the last couple of days.

As a noobie I'm inclined to play it safe and go for RHS award winning varieties that are suitable for my conditions before going crazy on more experimental varieties next year onwards. Obviously most of the seed companies offer these varieties, so the question then comes down to whether there is a difference in quality between the companies, or in customer service, or is the only factor to really think about is cost?

I notice for instance there are some pretty good offers and discounts available, but are these the be-all and end-all? Any opinions would be gratefully received, including suggestions on who to maybe consider. So far I have catalogues from Thompson and Morgan; Real Seeds; Dobies of Devon; Mr. Fothergill's; Unwins and D.T, Brown. (told you I got excited!  )

[Yorkie]

This comes up very regularly as a topic.

Try this thread for starters 
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=73681.0

[bazh]

I've just bought 13 packets of seed off these people http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Premier-Seeds-Direct?_trksid=p4340.l2563

Can't recommend them as I've not grown any of them yet but had them recommended to me a couple of guys on our site use them.

[solway cropper]

I would recommend Premier Seeds Direct as I've bought from them for the last few years. No fancy packaging just a wide range of varieties at a very good price.

I tend to ignore the major brands unless they are on special offer somewhere

[bigben]

I like these guys http://www.realseeds.co.uk/
They offer some really interesting seeds and they supply instructions so you can then use the stuff you grow to save your own seeds. Unlike the F1 hybrid stuff that will not come true if you save the seeds.

Dont mix them up with http://therealseedcompany.com/
Who only sell cannabis seeds!

[crh75]

I like garden organic.  A bit pricy but a good cause.

[arugula]

This comes up very regularly as a topic.

Try this thread for starters  
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=73681.0

We could end up in a loop one day with this. The link here has two other links at the top of it.

[AnneB]

I can really recommend Real Seeds too, their germination rates are excellent, you can save all their seed, some unusual varieties, but all tasting nice.  Price is good too, but there is a biggish minimum order.   

I have also had good stuff from Tuckers seeds,
www.tuckers-seeds.com

I have just ordered some things for the first time from Garden Organic, nice range and small postage cost and no minimum order.

I have also used Seeds of Italy in the past.

[Kleftiwallah]

This is my recommendation.


http://www.organiccatalogue.com/catalog/.



Cheers,    Tony.

[Totty]

I cannot recommend DT Browns highly enough. Fair pricing, excellent choice, and very good customer service. Always get a free packet of trial seed and free postage and packaging on seed only orders.
 While on the phone to them ordering some plants a couple of months ago, i mentioned that my carrot and parsnip seed had sporadic germination, and two fresh packets were on my doorstep free of charge within 48 hours.

Totty

[davejg]

Another vote for Premier Seeds very reliable Fab germination rates ( also quite cheap. although not so important)   

[Madame Cholet]

realseeds

and growing old

[johnny5]

Cant recommend Marshalls seeds highly enogh. everything i planted this year gave me great germination rate and healthy crops. Not to bad on postage and some good freebies and other offers 

[Carrot Man]

I agree with Johnny5
If you are looking for a good general seed company then you have to go a long way to beat the quality of Marshalls
However, if you want a real top quality seed company and you only get out what you put in, then try Medwyn Williams http://www.medwynsofanglesey.co.uk/shop/vegetable-seed/cat_2.html Guaranteed to be a top quality item what ever you get. You'll be surprised and have the top veg on your plot. It is worth paying the little extra for better results

[Hesse2509]

Thanks for all the replies so far guys; the help is really appreciated, and there are a couple of names in there I hadn't previously considered, so will be ordering more catalogues. OH, how pleased will the wife be!?