Seed Catalogues

By: John Degroot

January 30 2010

Seed Catalogues - Garden Clippings for Jan 30, 2010

                Seed catalogues have arrived in my mailbox during these last few weeks, and their offerings whet my appetite like never before.  All the seed suppliers have at least something that’s new with the hope of enticing new shoppers.

                Those who have never bought garden seeds from a mail order seed supplier should give it a try.  There is no money to be saved by catalogue shopping because prices are comparable to the seed display racks that are found in nurseries, grocery stores or other retail outlets.

                The real bonus in catalogue shopping for garden seeds is in selection.    Each Canadian seed supplier has their own area of specialty which will suit the needs of fussy gardeners.  Even the smallest seed supplier has a certain variety that cannot be found in retail display racks.

                I have assembled a list of Canadian seed catalogue suppliers.  The list is not complete, but should easily satisfy all but the most discriminating gardeners.  The suppliers listed below have both paper and on-line catalogues.

                 Stokes  Seeds is Ontario’s oldest seed supplier.  Their catalogue is very complete, as is evidenced by their list of over 70 varieties of tomatos.  Stoke’s paper catalogue is free, and their on-line version is friendly and prompt.  Stokes can be contacted by mail at Stokes Seeds, Box 10, St. Catherines, Ontario.  Their web address is www.stokesseeds.com.

                Richters main area of specialization is herbs.  Look to Richters for seeds, books on herbs, as well as a variety of supplies.  They have an expanding line of vegetable and flower seeds as well.  Their mailing address is Richters, Goodwood, Ontario.  L0C 1A0.  For internet shopping, go to www.richters.com.

                Ontario Seed Company, Box 7, Waterloo is a friendly seed company with great selection and good prices.  Their catalogue is colouful and seed descriptions are easy to follow.  During the past decade or so, Ontario Seed Company has continually expanded their product line in order to meet the needs of practically every gardener.  Their tomato lineup now includes more than 40 varieties.  For web shopping go to www.oscseeds.com.

                William Dam Seeds is a smaller player, but big on European seeds as well as organic untreated seeds.  Their address is Box 8400, Dundas, Ontario.  Their website is www.damseeds.ca.

                T and T seeds has been serving the Manitoba and Prairie Provinces for decades, and is trying to cater to the larger Ontario market.  Their growing variety list now contains over 35 tomatos and 15 cucumbers.  Their website is www.ttseeds.com.

                Vesey’s In Prince Edward Island is the dominant seed supplier in the Maritime Provinces.  Their area of specialization is short season flowers and vegetables.  Vesey’s has an expanded supply list that includes tools, books, fruit trees, berry plants and starter seedlings.  They can be contacted by mail at Vesey’s, PO Box 9000, Charlettown, PEI, Canada, C1A 8K6.  Their complete catalogue can be viewed at www.veseys.com.

                  In next week’s Garden Clippings we will look at new novelty seed selections.