Seeds and Plants Are Still Selling Like Crazy—Here’s Where to Get Them
Every year in early spring, people start buying seeds and daydreaming of warmer days ahead. But last year was a little different. After the national emergency was declared in mid-March, seed and plant sales skyrocketed as people turned to gardening in record numbers. And it's no wonder: Growing things is a family-friendly way to get outdoors and make productive use of your space—whether you have a big yard or just a planter box on your deck.
Many retailers reported 2 to 3 times their normal sales volume, or increases of 250% in a matter of days! For example, Burpee sold more seeds last March than at any other time in its 144-year history. And now that people have caught the gardening bug, there's no sign that things are slowing down. Burpee reports that the heightened demand has persisted this year and even grown beyond the level experienced last year. Plant sellers also have increased resources and demand to keep up with the surge.
In a way, our new-found love of plants (both indoors and out!) has been the silver lining in a very dark year for all of us.
It's fun to shop local nurseries for plants because you can see and touch everything, but you also can find an excellent selection of seeds and plants online without ever having to leave home. And sometimes, online retailers are the only ones who carry a specific type of plant you want. They're also a good option if you want to start seeds indoors early.
Here are some of the best places to buy seeds and plants online:
Botanical Interests
What they sell: More than 600 varieties of seeds, including heirloom and organic types of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The seed packets (with gorgeous illustrations!) have detailed instructions for planting, growing, and harvesting—super-helpful for newbie gardeners.
Grower tip: “Vegetables need full sun, which is 6 or more hours. Start with a few pots or a small bed,” says Curtis Jones, co-founder of Botanical Interests. “You’re not going to survive solely on what you grow if it's your first attempt, but it will make a difference, and it will bring you joy.”
The Burpee Company
What they sell: A gigantic array of seeds and live plants including vegetables, herbs, perennials, fruits, flowers, and garden products such as seed starting kits. Leaf through the digital catalog to get ideas, or read tons of helpful tips in the Garden Advice section.
Grower tip: “Gardening has an emotional connection,” says George Ball, chairman of The Burpee Company. “You can get reacquainted with your yard and learn to experience it in a new dimension.”
GardenTrends
What they sell: An array of vegetable and flower seeds, bulbs, and plants, as well as tools and indoor growing products.
Grower tip: “New gardeners should stick with seeds that can be directly sown into a raised bed or container after the last frost date in your area,” says Marissa Verdi, brand manager with GardenTrends. “Beans, leafy greens, or a compact squash variety are all good choices.”
Johnny’s Seeds
What they sell: A massive selection of seeds including flowers, herbs, and vegetables, plus gardening tools and supplies. Their chief market is commercial farmers, but home gardeners will find an incredible amount of detailed planning and growing information on the site, including indoor seed starting dates and fall planting times.
Grower tip: “Radishes and cucumbers are easy first-time crops,” says Joshua D’Errico, marketing coordinator with Johnny’s Seeds. “Lettuce and herbs also can be grown indoors with a grow light. And sprouts such as alfalfa can be enjoyed in a matter of days without sunlight or a grow light.”
Park Seed
What they sell: A vast selection of flowers, veggies, herbs, and fruit plants and seeds, as well as supplies such as fertilizer and plant supports. Read through the Garden Learning Center for detailed advice on specific edibles.
Grower tip: “Gardening is a great way to connect with kids and get them interested in how things grow,” says Kelly Funk, president of J & P Park Acquisitions, Inc., which includes Park Seed. “Try easy-to-grow things like greens. They’re not as temperamental as some other vegetables, and they grow fast.”
Proven Winners
What they sell: Tried-and-tested live plants including annuals, perennials, and shrubs including many varieties that are reblooming, more cold-tolerant, and more disease-resistant. Their new edibles line includes tomatoes, peppers, basil, and strawberries. Seeds also are available for some veggies if you want to start them yourself.
Grower tip: “Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if you only have a small space such as your balcony,” says Jeanine Standard, media and public relations with Proven Winners. “Gardening is about nurturing, which we all need during stressful times.”
Territorial Seed Company
What they sell: Vegetable, herb, and flower seeds and plants. The Growing Guides contain tons of useful info for when to plant and how to grow the most common edibles.
Grower tip: “Local food security starts in your own back yard,” says Tom Johns, co-founder with his wife, Julie, of Territorial Seed Company. “Start with something that will give you the most bounty for your efforts, such as bush beans, which are prolific so that you can freeze the extras.”
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