The Reliability Of Seeds Directly Impacts The Success Of Your Garden. It Is Worth Investing In Good Quality Seed Stock. Purchased Seed Is Of Known Origin & Is Governed By Law.
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We can of course save our own seed and when growing heritage fruit and vegetables, provided you know how to rogue and select correctly it is worth doing. But we also have to consider pest and disease issues. To ensure seeds are free of pest and disease problems many seeds are grown in remote locations where diseases risk is lower. For example seed potatoes, (I know it isn’t technically a seed), are grown in areas where aphids are unlikely and hence the viruses that aphids spread unlikely to infect the crop.
There is also the issue of saving seed from F1 plants. They will not breed true and the crop, whilst it will probably grow, is likely to continue many inferior plants. This was first discovered by Mendel and is as established a fact as gravity.
The main thing to remember about seeds bought from reliable seed companies is that they have to be registered and seed tested. It must reach certain standards of purity, germination etc. This isn’t going to be true of seed bought online from overseas suppliers and those not registered. In fact the risk off disease and pests is much higher in these cases.
1. Reliable Seed Suppliers (Mail Order)
UK-based seed companies are generally highly reliable, offering varieties specifically tested and recommended for British growing conditions.
Established Mail Order Houses: Companies like Suttons, Thompson & Morgan, and Fothergill’s offer extensive ranges of common and specialist vegetable seeds, along with plug plants and equipment. They are large-scale, well-established firms with long track records.
Specialist/Smaller Suppliers: Consider companies like Real Seeds, Vital Seeds, etc., which focus on open-pollinated, heirloom, or organic varieties. These often provide seeds that allow you to save your own for future years and are often favoured by organic and ‘no-dig’ practitioners.
Budget Options: For common varieties, check suppliers such as SimplySeed or Budget Seeds. While they offer good value, ensure you check the sowing and harvesting details for suitability.
2. Young Plants (Plug Plants)
For a beginner, buying young plants (plugs) is an excellent way to skip the fiddly, early stages of germination and avoid having to manage delicate seedlings indoors.
Garden Centres/Nurseries: These are ideal for instant purchases and high-demand items like courgettes, tomatoes, and cabbages. You can check the health of the plant before you buy. But beware those that sell plants far too early in the year and those that don’t look after their plants to the highest standards.
Mail Order Plug Suppliers: Companies like those mentioned above will also supply trays of young plants ready for hardening off and planting out when the weather is stable.
3. Seed Potatoes, Onion/Garlic Sets
For these ‘non-seed’ crops, you should use specialised planting stock to avoid importing diseases:
Seed Potatoes: Buy certified disease-free seed potatoes from a reputable supplier (online or at a garden centre). Never plant supermarket potatoes, as they may carry viruses. Yes, I know many people do .. but it is a risk for your crops and for everyone growing crops nearby.
Sets (Onion/Garlic): Purchase small, dormant bulbs called sets. They are significantly easier to grow than starting onions from seed.
