Supporting Canadian Seeds

There's just something mesmerizing about a freshly stocked seed display... It's easy to get lost in the bright colours and various shapes, little packages of potential. A favorite past-time of mine in the winter is to review seed catalogues (typically print copy but pdfs are becoming more common) for the same reason - they're just really beautiful to look at. 

Burpee Seeds (I haven't tried them - they financially support Monsanto) 

Over the years I have tried a handful of different seed companies, although I try to order from exclusively Canadian companies.  The only exceptions so far have been Valley Greene (which I bought at a local surplus depot) and this year (2021) when I placed an order with Baker's Creek based out of Missouri. Here's a list of companies I have used and my thoughts on them. 

OSC / Aimers (Waterloo, ON)

OSC Display in a local nursery

I was lucky enough to be born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario - meaning "OSC" or Ontario Seed Company is basically in my backyard! Their Headquarters is in Waterloo, ON. When I started planting seeds back in 2016 OSC was the only brand I used. Their retail display units are typically the first sign of spring for me. They have a little bit of everything and their prices are the cheapest I've seen. Their seeds are GMO free and they have a sister company called 'Aimers Organics' that carries all organic and heirloom seeds. 

They are my go-to if I'm looking to try something new inexpensively. 

William Dam (Hamilton, ON)

William Dam Store - Seed Heaven!

I was introduced to William Dam in 2016 and have purchased from them every single year since (I was unable to place an order in 2021 due to them getting overwhelmed with orders). Visiting their store in person and strolling the aisles of seeds is so much fun - totally recommend it post covid. They have a huge variety of non gmo seeds. 

Their prices are mid to low range and the large packages are quite informational. 

Vesey's (Charlottetown, PEI)

Easily one of the more popular brands of Canadian seeds, Vesey's has an impressive range of vegetables, flowers and herbs. Over 30 types of Tomatoes, 15+ petunias, etc. The prices are mid-range and I've had good luck with germination. They also have one of the most aesthetically pleasing catalogues.

T&T (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

I discovered this brand in 2019 while browsing for unique petunia colours - they have a red and white one called "Fire Frost" that I fell in love with and had to buy. I've purchased a handful of seeds from them every year since. 

Their prices are mid range and their packaging is simplistic - small eco friendly brown paper envelopes.  The type of seed is listed in large font so it's easy to identify what's inside despite the lack of visuals. They also provide planting information. 

W.H Perron (Formerly Dominion Seed House - Montreal, Quebec)

I'm not even sure how I came across this brand but they carry some more exotic and unique seed varieties, so I placed an order with them in 2021. I found their prices to be on the higher end so I had to be more selective with the items I purchased. 

Their packaging leaves much to be desired - they have a uniform photo for each subsection (ie vegetables, flowers, herbs) and it's impossible to tell what each seed package is from a distance - you have to read the text. They do provide a lot of valuable information but the text is so small I could see it being an issue for some.

Valley Greene (Greene, New York)

Valley Greene Display in KW Surplus

This brand came to my attention in a local surplus store - they were 4 packs for $1 - an offer too good to pass up. To my surprise the germination rates were really good and the plants did well all season. The options aren't plentiful but there's enough variety for everyone to find something interesting. I have picked up their seeds at Dollar Tree as well. 

Baker's Creek (Mansfield, Missouri) 

Simply stunning

Their seed packaging caught my eye over social media for years before I finally decided to purchase some of my own in 2021. The large vibrant photos make each package a piece of art - almost worth displaying. Their website can be overwhelming, there are more vegetables I've never heard of than ones I have... But it's exciting to discover new varieties!

Their prices were mid range and I appreciated that they mention approx. how many seeds you should expect - although I have received many over that number in several packages (not a complaint!)