[fluffstermum]

I personally love Dobies of Devon. Never had a problem with germination, seeds always arrive in perfect condition, and most importantly their customer service is fantastic.
I dropped them an email saying I was putting together a gift for my husband and could they please send any useful hint leaflets/guides if possible. Straight away they sent a whole bundle of useful leaflets out to me.

With some other companies/shops we've had a lot of wasted seeds, but I feel happier spending a little bit more and knowing we won't have that problem.
They have quite a few packets of seeds under £1 and a great range. I managed to get everything I wanted for hubby's gift, including all the usual varieties alongside the funky ones like red carrots, yellow beetroot and pointy cauliflower.

I'm a fan!

[JaK]

I also love Dobies of Devon, mainly because they are reasonably local to me so I like to support them. I also like the seed packets, they look beautifully uniform together.

[davejg]

Carrot man your right about Medwnys for quality, but very pricey, plants are even worse was going to to get some leeks & onions last year but the bank would'nt lend me enough.

[makedoandmend]

Folks,

I like the raison d'etre of the Real Seed Company, but I had some very disappointing results with some of their varieties - I am tempted to try them again, but with so little growing space I have to be sure of outcomes. Like their olde english varieties, heirlooms and the fact that they're open pollinated.

Best overall outcomes cames from 'Nicky's seeds' online - excellent germination rates and strong plants. Loads of varieties too.

After this it's Wilko's if I run short or need to fill a gap.

[lottielearner]

Real Seeds for me, brilliant germination rates, excellent flavour and very good service 

[Hobnails]

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

I used to buy from Garden Organic- more for the cause- but had germination problems too often.
Must say though the service was excellent and replacements followed without question- BUT, when they fared poorly I went elsewhere.

[DD.]

Moles Seeds - if you need quantity.

Can't be beaten on pro rata price, but you either need to sow a lot, be able to store well, or share with others.

[shokkyy]

I can highly recommend Premier Seeds on ebay. I bought a lot from them last year, all received promptly and all did well. I really like their little resealable packets too, which take up far less space than the big packets. I also buy quite a few packets from DT Browns, which are good quality and value and free P&P.

[gobs]

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!  )

Indeed, that's all that matters. Price and choice. All will work and very freely do buy offers. The sell-by/sow-by date is a fluff, most seed is viable way beyond that time.

For seed, unless you want a lot, as DD says, it is hard to beat D T Brown and Kings, both for price and choice.

For bulbs, etc, you might want to look elsewhere.

For peppers and tomatoes, Simpsons are one cracking specialist seed supplier.

[sunshineband]

I can highly recommend Premier Seeds on ebay. I bought a lot from them last year, all received promptly and all did well. I really like their little resealable packets too, which take up far less space than the big packets. I also buy quite a few packets from DT Browns, which are good quality and value and free P&P.

I agree with you about Premier Seeds -- sensible amount in the packet too, not masses which I might not use 

[bazial]

I have used  www.Simplyseeds,co.uk  for the last 3yrs and they are good for  price and quality , they seam to be the first with new varieties (ie ; the first clubroot resistant Brussel)

[gobs]

I have used  www.Simplyseeds,co.uk  for the last 3yrs and they are good for  price and quality , they seam to be the first with new varieties (ie ; the first clubroot resistant Brussel)

Very good choice and cheap. So I looked into it. Unfortunately for corn they sell 30 in a packet. I'm sowing 40 as a minimum. So they are out for me.

And that's what it depends, whom you choose, on what you grow and how much. They will all supply quality seed.

[DD.]

I know these are flower seeds, but just to compare prices, I'm after some Lobelia seed with a view to putting some plants on a church stall.

Thompson Morgan - £4.84 inc. postage for 1,000 seed
Moles - £2.20 post free for 25,000

Yes - 25 times as many for half the price!

[mumofstig]

I agree, T&M are looking expensive this year, with high P&P, when you compare them with most other suppliers.....................

[Higster]

I going to give Garden Organic a try, as this is my first planting season :blink: