[andy_h]

I need to buy some seeds for this year within the next few weeks.  I've had a look in a few garden centres & a few online places & online definitely seems to give a better selection (not surprisingly).  I wonder if anyone has any recommendations?  it's my first year of allotmenting (& indeed doing anything more than growing some toms & herbs in containers) so I'm not looking to grow anything too fancy - a few varieties of toms, some salad leaves, herbs, courgettes/squash, beans/peas & the like.  any suggestions much appreciated!

thanks

Andy

[arugula]

This is always a priority question until people settle for supplier/s they are happy with. Here are some recent discussions:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=50457.msg597426#msg597426

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=66600.msg760748#msg760748



I like Premier Seeds Direct (through eBay), but I find that there range can be a bit limited. Garden Organic are also excellent.

[Carrotcake]

Lidl are very cheap for some of the basics and I've always found the germination rate good.

[Jamie Butterworth]

My favourites are Premier seeds direct too Argyllie, I hadnt used them until this year but have been very impressed with them

[compostqueen]

Wilko 

Seeds of Italy, Fothergills, Real Seeds I really like as you can save all the seeds which they sell. 

[andy_h]

thanks for the suggestions   I particularly like the look of "Real Seeds" - it might make next year's seed bill a bit cheaper!

[Hobnails]

If you don't plan to grow a lot of any variety then MoreVeg.co.uk offer a reasonable range at a cost effective price ( 50p a packet upwards).
The packets contain just a few seeds eg Carrots 150 instead of 1000+ and is a goodly way to try different varieties on the plot without having to lay out £1+ a packet to try them out.

[Poolcue]

Do you have an allotment shop on site? If so try them
These people are quite good and always send some free seeds http://www.vegetableseeds.net

[LeeR]

I've always found Tuckers seeds are good value.

http://www.tuckers-seeds.com/

I've also used The Organic Gardening Catalogue before, but they can be pricey.  Very good germination rates though.  I got most of my tomato and chilli seeds from Nickey Nursery this year and they have a high germination rate.

http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/

Oh and one more for you that I can recommend

http://www.plantsofdistinction.co.uk/

And if your starting to think that I go over the top buying seeds your right 

[arugula]

thanks for the suggestions   I particularly like the look of "Real Seeds" - it might make next year's seed bill a bit cheaper!

I understand Moles Seeds are extremely good value, they have a number of enthusiastic customers who are on here.

And if your starting to think that I go over the top buying seeds your right 

You most certainly are not alone! 

[DD.]

As you know, I'm a great - but unpaid  - promoter of Moles.

BUT - you've got to be prepared to be able to use/store/share a largish quantity. If you can it's very difficult to beat their price and their quality is top notch.

[Lardman]

+1 for Moles.

But - Their range is limited on some items and packets are just foil, there are no pretty pictures or instructions, not ideal for the beginner.

[DD.]

You can always ask here!

[Goosegirl]

D T Browns are post free if that's any help.

[mickeyboy]

DOBIES all the way for me... have much more success with them than other cheaper seed suppliers...

I always say and believe you get what you pay for