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Company Profile
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. is a Watchdog 30 company.
It all started in 1998 with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, the company that now offers one of the largest selections of heirloom seeds in the U.S. with over 1,300 varieties of tasty vegetables, fragrant flowers, and spicy herbs. Groovy seeds for all your home and market garden needs. Jere collects many ethnic varieties each year through his extensive travels. We offer the most unique, colorful and flavorful varieties. Our varieties have been grown in many major gardens, including Disney World, the U.S. National, Chicago, New York, St. Louis Botanic Gardens, Monticello, Living History Farms, and Colonial Williamsburg, to name a few.
Baker Creek carries one of the largest selections of seeds from the 19th century, including many Asian and European varieties. Jere Gettle founded the company in 1998 as a tool to promote and preserve our agricultural and culinary heritage. Our varieties have been featured in Organic Gardening, Mother Earth News, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, O Magazine, Martha Stewart, and many others. Gardeners can request a free 124-page color catalog that now mails to over 250,000 gardeners nationally.
Over the past dozen or so years, Baker Creek has branched out into other related projects as well, including The Heirloom Gardener magazine, which is now in its seventh year of publication. The Gettle family has also expanded to a location in Sonoma County, California, in the beautiful town of Petaluma. In June 2010 they expanded to Connecticut, buying and preserving the near 200 old Comstock, Ferre & Co. One of America's first seed companies.
We started hosting festivals in 2000 as an idea to bring gardeners, homesteaders and natural food enthusiasts together to exchange thoughts, seeds, listen to speakers and enjoy vendors, old-time music and much more. These festivals gave birth to the idea for our pioneer village, Bakersville. Other projects include our trial gardens, seed collecting expeditions, our popular online forums at idigmygarden.com, and educational produce exhibits.
We also work extensively to supply free seeds to many of the world’s poorest countries, as well as here at home in school gardens and other educational projects. It is our goal to educate everyone about a better, safer food supply and fight gene-altered Frankenfood and the companies that support it.
I love Baker Creek Seed so much that a friend from high school thought that I worked for them! I talk about them so often on my website paisleycarrot.com that my friend thought for sure I was getting some monetary incentive. While I do not, I certainly reap the benefits of their excellent, quality seeds, knowledge, and good advice.
Posted on March 16, 2012, updated April 24, 2012
Posted on March 14, 2012, updated March 16, 2012
Posted on March 24, 2011, updated March 14, 2012
This was my first time placing an order with this company. They have much better prices than some of the other heirloom seed companies, and the shipping costs were much more reasonable. My order came quickly, and i received a free seed pack of flowers. It was a good experience and led me to placing a second order. On March 14th, 2012, Pitcom changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
First off I want to say that I love the seed varieties that Baker Creek offers. They always ship fast and I think they are a fantastic seed company. I have purchased over 70 different varieties of seeds in the past year. I am changing my review to neutral this year because of the bad germination rates on about half a dozen seed packs. I have had some pepper, leeks, beets and cauliflower, germinate around 15%. I've also had a couple that were 50/50. On the other hand, I 've also had packs of the same type of veggie, just different variety, germinate at near 100%. Not sure what is going on but I was not too thrilled about the low rates. I sent Baker Creek an e-mail about the situation. I understand that they are probably busy this time of the year, but a reply would have been nice as I have not heard back. Hopefully I will be able to leave a positive update. On March 16th, 2012, Pitcom changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
Baker Creek sent a nice e-mail, asking if I would like replacements, substitutes or a refund. I selected some replacements and substitutes for the problem packs. I am very pleased with the customer service and the outcome concerning my problem packs. On April 24th, 2012, Pitcom changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
The more seeds I plant from Baker Creek, the more bad ones i find. The germination rates are pathetic on so many of the seeds they sent out this year that it is a disgrace. Perhaps instead of trying to get people to buy your magazines, books, and other items, you should concentrate on providing quality seed first. If Baker Creek is using satellite farms and other growers for their seed, then your company needs to institute a better system for quality control. I have lost count of how many different varieties I have planted of your seeds this year, but it is at least over 70, yes Seventy, different varieties. 15 of those seed packs either did not germinate, or have horrible germination rates. I just finished planting all of my melons and squash which is why I am writing this review today. Charentais Melon 0%, Sikkim Cucumber 0%, Mexican Sour Gherkin, Musquee de Provence, Spaghetti Squash, Blue Hubbard and the Thai Golden had lousy rates below 20%. Yet the other dozen melons I have from your company germinated at better than 90%. Thanks for the replacements you sent earlier, but seriously, how many times should a customer have to contact you about bad seed? I hate leaving a less than positive review, but bad seeds are a serious problem in my opinion. Company representative comment on March 15, 2012: On Mar 15, 2012 8:28 AM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:
We apologize for the delay in answering your email. We would be happy to work with you to either replace the low germination seed or refund you for those packets. An email has been sent to you at this time.
Posted on April 14, 2010, updated April 23, 2012
I have been buying seeds from Baker Creek for years and I am a dedicated customer. I buy more seeds than I should so I have plenty of experience to say this company will go to the end of the world to please a customer. I have only had one experience with seed from this company that didn't germinate. I reported this to them and was given the option of getting a different type of seed or getting another package of the same variety! I also received a package of free seed and a hand written note thanking me for my business .
I recommend Baker Creek to anyone who asks and give them a 10 out of 10 for service, variety, germination rate, price, shipping and friendliness. On April 23rd, 2012, annatomic changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following:
I have decided to sever ties with this company due to the rampant racism, sexism and zenophobia supported on their forum. I cannot morally support an organization that would give a wink and a smile at the sort of hateful, divisive comments expressed on their site.
If you hate Muslims, think Obama is a communist and believe women shouldn't have access to healthcare then Baker Creek is the perfect company for you. If you have different opinions then perhaps you should spend some time in the Politics of Food forum before placing an order.
Very user friendly catalog, great prices and fast friendly service. Reading about this company, it was wonderful to know how serious they take their mission.
I recommend them very highly!
Positive
socalheirs Meiners Oaks, CA (1 review) April 21, 2012
Excellent seeds. Almost 100% germination rate. Fast shipping. I have been very happy with this company, and am glad to be able to purchase GMO free heirloom vegetables/flowers/herbs.
My sister just ordered me ton of seeds from Baker Creek. I couldn't be happier. Came quickly, with a free seed sample and an apology for shipping late... which, she only ordered them a couple of days ago, so... their late is great :)
Lots of heirloom/rare seeds (some I haven't even heard of) were ordered for me. I am too excited.
Thanks!
Positive
JenniferRuth San Diego, CA (Zone 9b) (26 reviews) April 18, 2012
I am so pleased with this company. Their seeds show excellent germination, even after several years. I have a lot of kinds from 2009 which are sprouting just fine.
I also ordered seeds this year and they came promptly--a week or less--and included a gift packet of Love-in-a-Mist Mixed Colors, which I was really pleased to get.
My husband and I visited Baker Creek in Mansfield, Missouri, along with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum. (The two are both in Mansfield, but it is a fair drive between them. Worth it, though!) They have a pioneer village there with interesting things to see. We arrived very late in the day, so we only went to the seed store. Even though it was late, they allowed us to take as long as we wanted to pick out our seeds. They have so many wonderful kinds to choose from. I really recommend them!
Positive
EarthWarrior Lemmon Valley-Golden Valley, NV (1 review) April 16, 2012
I am very satisfied with this company. I recieved my seeds faster than I had expected and I can't wait to plant them :)
Positive
zanna D, Central Florida, FL (Zone 9a) (4 reviews) March 31, 2012
Posted on March 8, 2011, updated March 31, 2012
I got to know Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. because of my neighbor who gave me their 2011 catalog. I loved the catalog and what this company stands for. So I decided to call to place an order. I placed the order on the2nd of march, and I recieved my order on the 8th! That's fast shipping! I am very satisfied with everything. Customer service is awsome (Thank you Eric B.).
I love the great selection of seeds and rare seeds. I love the catalog and the website. I will definitly order again in the future.
Thank you so much Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co..
Isa
DB, Florida On March 31st, 2012, zanna added the following:
I ordered again this year, at the beginning of this march and I am again very satisfied with everything. Great catalog and I can't wait to try that eggplant cake recipe on the catalog when I harvest my eggplants! Great customer service as always!
Thank you Baker Creek!
Positive
FLAGPHARMER Kachina Village, AZ (4 reviews) March 27, 2012
Posted on January 16, 2012, updated March 27, 2012
Extremely fast service- I ordered over 50 seed varieties (I am kind of a seed junkie) and they literally arrived within a week and mind you this was at peak season March time frame. I was impressed with the timeliness as well as quality of seed. So far I have only grown out a few of the varieties sent- I ended up being gone most of April. I will give an update regarding the progress of my seedlings this year. Thanks again!On March 27th, 2012, FLAGPHARMER added the following:
Again- very fast seed delivery during peak seed time. Excellent germination rate for everything so far even celery, which tends to have low germination rates. THANKS!
Everything I ordered came quickly although I received an apology for late shipment. I even received a bonus pack of seed! : - ) One item was out of stock so I'll will order earlier next year so I can get some! I received a cash refund for the out of stock item! Wow! What great customer service. Don't know about the germanation rate yet, but since they have such wonderful customer service and really care about what they sell, I'm sure they will make it right if I have problems. Thank You Baker Creek!
Positive
ladycrow93 Millington, MI (1 review) March 26, 2012
This was my first experience with Baker Creek and I was very pleased with the seeds and the shipping. Although they had sent an apology with my seeds about the delay, I did not notice a delay. Everything looked very good, from the packaging to the seeds themselves. I look forward to seeing the great fruits and veggies I will be recieving after the sow of these wonderful seeds.
Positive
morning4glory Lynn Haven, FL (2 reviews) March 22, 2012
Posted on April 14, 2011, updated March 22, 2012
Great service and selection. My entire order arrived quicker than I expected and in excellent condition.On March 22nd, 2012, morning4glory added the following:
This is the second year I have ordered from Baker, and am very pleased. They sent a note apologizing for the "delay", but the order came at the same time as what I had ordered from another company, so I was unaware of a delay. Baker's will be the company I go to first from now on!!
I was excited to just look through the catalog and now I have my seeds! I can't wait to start planting! I want to support companies that put our world ahead of the profit and I am content that this company is one of them. I plan to use them again next year.
I received my order very quickly and I am so very excited to plant my garden this year!! The cusomer service was excellent and the Heirloom Life Gardener book is beautiful and full of wonderful information! I am so thankful for companies like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds who are preserving the future of our food!! :)
Positive
Old_Gardener Calabasas, CA (20 reviews) March 14, 2012
I had forgotten about Baker Creek until I saw them listed in the Watchdog 30. I had ordered from then many years ago and was quite pleased with their seed. At that time, there were a couple of seeds out of stock (I had ordered late in the season) and I really appreciated it when they sent a refund with the order in cash (no waiting for the credit card company).
After seeing Baker Creek listed here, I placed an order with them for 9 packs of seed on 3/7 and I received that order today (7 days later). Baker Creek also sent me a bonus pack of seed (thank you!) and an apology for the "delay" in shipping. Considering that most companies that take more than 7 days, I am thrilled with their "delay" time. I will be using Baker Creek as my primary source for vege seed next year. Thank you, Baker Creek, for the service, and thank you Dave's for the Watchdog 30.
Positive
donnyczech Sioux Falls, SD (Zone 4b) (2 reviews) March 13, 2012
March 13, 2012
I purchased several packages of seeds from Baker Creek for a few years now. They are a great company and the product is good, better than some others that I have bought from and definitely better than what I can purchase locally. My friends are amazed that I am able to purchase seeds from all over the world, especially the tomatoes from Russia and the peppers from Asia and Europe. The Rampicante squash is particularly interesting and the only one that I have ever planted that is bug resistant. I have them growing on my 6 foot cedar fence from top to bottom. People walk by and stare at this unique plant, which is also very tasty especially grilled. I have my fingers crossed with the black tomatoes and will wait and see whether they are better than some of the hybrids I obtained from other seed companies.
The bottom line is that I like this company and hope they keep in business.
Had ordered a few seeds but asked if my order could be placed on hold until I could speak with my wife. We decided to order a few more things which were added to our order with no problem. Everyone I spoke with was very pleasant and helpful. Great company with great products.
Positive
prairiegrass1 Willow Springs, MO (1 review) March 10, 2012
I ordered from Baker Creek for the 1st time March 6. I received the seeds on March 10, with an apology for the delay in delivery!
I am very pleased. Catalog is beautiful and informative. Lots of planting info on the seed packages also.
Neutral
SPIDERPAPA Cambridge Springs, PA (2 reviews) March 10, 2012
I ordered seeds from Baker Creek, their catalog and website promised that the seeds would be shipped in 4 to 5 days. I figured they meant after the check cleared the bank. 3 weeks after check cleared I still hadn't heard anything from them, so I called. First guy I talked with had trouble finding me in their system. When he did, he said he would look into the problem and call me back quickly. One and half hours later I called them again. Got a lady this time. She informed me that they had been having trouble with the Post Office delivering their products. She then said she would connect me with the first guy I spoke with. I ended up being sent to another lady. She was able to find me in their system immediately.? She told me they had been having trouble getting orders filled.? She then told me the first guy I spoke with had instructed that the order be re-picked and re-shipped. 20 minutes later the first guy finally called back. He said the order was being re-picked and a supervisor was having the order shipped by priorty mail. The end result of these confusing and conflicting excuses was, they were out of one item. On their website the out of stock notification wasn't this on this item at the time I placed the order or when the check cleared. They did include a refund with the order, as a result of this I'll try them one more time next year, but will monitor things much closer. Now I will need to find the missing seeds from one of their competors.
Positive
jenturk71 Dallas, TX (Zone 8a) (4 reviews) March 8, 2012
This catalogue gives me a ridiculous amount of joy. I am a life-time loyalist in regards to Baker's Creek. AMAZING selection of heirloom, non-GMO seeds, decent prices, and great customer service. AND they donated a bunch of seeds to me several years ago when I was putting in a school garden at the elementary school where I worked. These guys are kind of my heroes.
This is my second year using BCH. I had great results last year, and this year I'm so impressed with the customer service. I placed my order first week of February, and it apparently got lost in the mail. I contacted them, and within a week had my replacement order waiting for me at the post office. Great product, great service.
Positive
Dione129 EAST FREETOWN, MA (4 reviews) March 2, 2012
Great customer experience!
I had never ordered before and recently bought some seeds online from them. I messed up my order and ordered double, so I emailed their customer service to explain my failure at online ordering. They quickly responded and corrected my mistake.
The order arrived in just a few days and was well packaged. The seed packets are very pretty too :)
What a wonderful company! The customer service has been great! Orders are filled quickly! Also if you take the time to put the seeds in a dark, cool place the seeds will sprout even a couple years after they are packed! The difference in these seeds and other places I have tried is amazing! Their fighting against Monsanto and the GMO train makes it even better(yes so we are clear GMOs have caused so much damage that of course won't be reported because of special interests). KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BAKER CREEK! Libetarian for Life!
I love laughing at the few bad reviews this company has received. Some(with the truth attached) are as follows:
"My seeds didn't come up" really? I am sure you didn't have anything to do with that! Also this may be a shock to you BUT some seeds will not germinate! Some people can't have kids unfortunately your parents could....
"I don't like your political stance" Guess what? I am sure Baker Creek and a majority of their patrons don't like your political stance either.
"Your catalog is too fancy" Well considering its a Christmas Wishbook to most of us self-sufficient adults(I know you probably live off the Government so that doesn't count for you!)
"You are out of the seed I wanted" Well guess what? Their seeds are made in China and sold at Walmart(I know you probably didn't know that was possible!) so when they are out they are out. Same when my moms makes a great homemade apple pie. When the last piece is gone its gone! Maybe you can plan ahead for once in you life? Stop being a victim because a company sold their supply.
"You think the world will end because of Obama" Considering Baker Street started 10 years before that guy they call President got elected I think they had their own opinions on the world before that.(You should try forming an opinion on your own and not on what Rachel Maddow says)
Most of feel since the world teeters on cheap oil, a grid that can't handle all the anchor babies on the planet, and a food system that involves way more travel than needed that problems can and will happen. Not to mention the fact when the dollar falls things will get ugly.
Positive
tomtkitty Memphis, TN (12 reviews) February 29, 2012
Posted on February 5, 2012, updated February 29, 2012
Posted on January 29, 2012, updated February 5, 2012
Posted on January 15, 2012, updated January 29, 2012
Posted on June 15, 2011, updated January 15, 2012
Posted on April 7, 2011, updated June 15, 2011
Posted on April 6, 2011, updated April 7, 2011
Posted on April 5, 2011, updated April 6, 2011
Posted on January 13, 2011, updated April 5, 2011
Posted on May 17, 2008, updated January 13, 2011
This was my first time to order seeds from them. They were delivered quickly, and included a bonus pack of lemon cucumber seeds! So far, everything I've planted has come up. Also enjoyed looking through the catalog. Really like the quotes and comments!On January 27th, 2009, tomtkitty added the following:
Once again I sent in my order, and was not disappointed. One of the items was unavailable, so they automatically sent a cash refund. That's the customer service I prefer - refund instead of store credit like so many other places do. I also enjoyed the new catalog.On January 13th, 2011, tomtkitty added the following:
I just received my order today and was pleased. They didn't have one of the flowers that I wanted, but I can get that elsewhere. I've been happy every time I've ordered from Baker Creek. The various comments in the catalog are a bonus...On April 5th, 2011, tomtkitty changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
Ordered on 3/23, still waiting. I guess my order has disappeared in the depths of the local post office.On April 6th, 2011, tomtkitty added the following:
It has been two weeks since I ordered, and my order seems to have gotten lost somewhere. Not happy, since I'm waiting on the beans before I start planting my vegetable garden. On April 7th, 2011, tomtkitty changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
Baker Creek comes through! Just received my order today. Baker Creek triumphs over the post office once again.On June 15th, 2011, tomtkitty added the following:
Great seeds, great prices. I'm on round 2 of beans...the first batch is already harvested and drying. Can't wait till the baby watermelons grow. I've never been disappointed with any of the seeds I've ordered.On January 15th, 2012, tomtkitty added the following:
I,too have been a happy customer for several years. I'm waiting eagerly for my catalog to arrive. Seems like they're running behind this year, because normally I get the latest catalog before the first of the year. Can't wait to see what's new!On January 29th, 2012, tomtkitty changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
Evidently, the catalogs have been sent and the Post Office has once again mislaid mine. Has this happened to anyone else? I had the same problem last year with two other companies. The catalogs came 6 weeks later, and everything I wanted was sold out.On February 5th, 2012, tomtkitty added the following:
I guess I won't be ordering this time, since I can't seem to get a catalog...On February 29th, 2012, tomtkitty changed the rating from neutral to positive and added the following:
I emailed Baker Creek and they sent me a new catalog Priority Mail. The day after I requested a catalog, I received the one that had been sent in December! Evidently the Post Office isn't delivering certain catalogs in a prompt and timely manner, because this also happened with Old House Gardens and Select Seeds. I applaud Baker Creek's customer service, and yes, I was able to get the seeds I wanted. Thanks!Company representative comment on February 7, 2012: On Apr 6, 2011 1:35 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:
Tomkitty, Checking we found an order that we believe is yours. We're basing that on your handle on this forum, since we don't have your real name. (Didn't see any emails from you regarding this.) Anyhow, you'll be happy to know that your order was received, it was inputtes April 4, which might be a bit longer than a week from the time you sent it, and it shipped yesterday. Hopefully you'll see it in a day or two.
Thanks so much!
On Feb 7, 2012 3:43 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. added:
Tomkitty, if you will send an email to seeds@rareseeds.com and put ATTN: Lisa in the subject line, she'll get a catalog out to you right away.
Positive
collomia22 Lillington, NC (2 reviews) February 27, 2012
Have dealt with Baker Creek for several years. Large selection, good seeds, never a problem with service.
We've ordered Baker Creek seeds for the last several years and plan on continuing to do so. The service has been great and the seeds wonderful. :)
Positive
wolfecastle Broomfield, CO (1 review) February 3, 2012
I have ordered from them the last two years. Love the service, the seeds seem to do well for me, and I love all the different varieties that are offered. Happy gardening !
Positive
chickenlady1 Tallahassee, FL (2 reviews) January 29, 2012
I am in Tallahassee, Fl
and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Baker Creek Heirloom catalogs (they read like books!) when they come!
I get SO excited to start marking seeds I want right from page 1. I must go over it several times with different color pens befor placing my final order. It is so hard not to order all I really want! Last year I spent about $350 so I had to get control of myself this year. Only spent about half of that this year. I think I 1-need to have stock in them and 2- work with them! (I can send my email if you want me to come there to work or if you want to send me free seeds :)
And yes, I would still get excited!
Oh. Havn't had any trouble with any of the seeds I have planted.
YOU ROCK MY WORLD Baker Creek!
Positive
nightwood Bellville, OH (1 review) January 28, 2012
Ordered seeds on Jan 25, and received seeds on Jan 28, along with a complimentary lettuce seed packet. Great turnaround time! (I'll post a germination rate update later on.)
I like the new seed packets. My only complaint is that "days to maturity" is not listed on each packet, as with most seed companies. With the unusual varieties found at Baker Creek, at least a rough guess would be nice.
Positive
grenouille Carignan, QC (Zone 5a) (11 reviews) January 27, 2012
I have ordered from Baker Creek two years in a row, and this will be the third, to fill in the gaps in my seed collection. Each time I order seeds arrive in about a week. When I follow packet directions on germination, I have a good success rate. I would like to point out that some seeds need chilling hours before planting, and I've had success when I followed that method for seeds that previously did not germinate.
Some of the tomato seeds sparsely or did not produce fruit, but I am convinced that was due to my warmer climate as I shared some of the seeds with a family member (in a different climate) and they were spectacular and fruited longer into the winter than any other variety she had. I look forward to doing business with Baker Creek in the future.
Positive
claire25 Salisbury, MD (11 reviews) January 17, 2012
I enjoy doing business with this company! Rising prices at plant nursuries I used to regularly order from have led to my experimenting with growing from seed, and even though I'm still a novice at this I've had good results with almost every variety I've planted from these folks. Each year I grow more and more plants from seed that I used to buy as plants. I enjoy patronizing Baker Creek because sustainable agriculture is important to me...in addition, it's amazing to see what a great variety of rare and historic veggies they carry...I can't believe it took me so long to discover them!
Beautiful catalog; lovely seed packets; lightening fast shipping; great germination; courteous and speedy correspondence; very reasonable postage fee; delightful selection (can't wait to plant Ali Baba watermelon!)—looking forward to ordering from again.
I have ordered from Baker Creek a couple of times now and could not be more pleased. Their reputation is sterling. I asked a friend of mine, who is a horticulturalist, about Baker Creek, after my first order, and he assured me that they are one of the few companies that can be trusted to provide truly heirloom seeds with a very high germination rate. I do not need to look any further for the plants they provide. My food future is secure. Can there be anything more important?
Positive
nitadrend Yorkville, IL (4 reviews) January 11, 2012
I have ordered from Baker Creek for several years. I can't wait for their 2012 catalog to arrive. The Sweet Peas that I ordered last year did not germinate very well and 2 of the packages were short 6-8 seeds. Since I split my seeds between 4 close friends and family, the shorted seeds made a difference. I emailed Baker Creek and Lisa replaced the seeds within a week of my email. Once again, wonderful service.
Positive
mtcarol East Missoula, MT (1 review) January 9, 2012
Year six and counting. I ordered seeds and in less than 4 days I received my package. Our Montana growing season is short and the weather is not always cooperative. I love the heirlooms that Baker Creek offers. They do well in our northern climate. Keep up the good work and please continue to look for short season varieties. Happy Gardening!
Positive
obeltane Flourtown, PA (2 reviews) January 8, 2012
Posted on January 13, 2011, updated January 8, 2012
Well, seeing as it's 15 degrees outside, the seeds are still snug in their packets. But I did want to say that I received my seed order today, just four days after I placed the order. I'm impressed. I'll keep you posted in four months when I can actually plant them.On January 8th, 2012, obeltane added the following:
Getting ready to place my summer 2012 garden order, I thought I'd update last year's comments:
For many years, I had ordered from a folksy-type seed catalog who offered smaller packets for a cheaper price. I just sort of accepted that germination rates are normally 20% to 50%. Until I read lots of other people's complaints about poor germination rates for seeds from that company. I found Baker Creek through the Dave's Garden website and decided to try them. My germination rates were so close to 100% I was amazed. I had ordered online, and this year received their paper catalog. Wow! The only negative I can say is, I wonder if seed prices could be lower if the catalog wasn't such an expensive-to-print item? Other than that, as I say, germination was wonderful and I very much admire their philosophy, especially the anti-frankenfood stance. I'll be placing this year's order as soon as I decide what I want.
Negative
criplegarden SNOW CAMP, NC (3 reviews) January 7, 2012
I would like 2 say I tried handling this thru the company,but they didn't respond. I purchsed seed from them last season and was impressed by the expensive high quality seed catalog & the fancy seed pkts. However, that is were my favor ended. Several of the seed didn't EVER( after a green house & two seperate planting attempts) NEVER came up. Some things just wound up being greenery in my garden-they never produced anything. I followed the directions & made several tries to grow their seeds. I even waited to pass judgement until the entire season was over,giving them every chance. I emailed them the other day and have not had any response, so be warned...you may get your seed, they may look nice in the pkt.-BUT good luck you have probably purchased some expensive greenery for your garden-if it comes up. Beware!Company representative comment on January 9, 2012: On Jan 9, 2012 6:14 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:
We're sorry that you had a problem with your plants making fruit. I've tried to find an email from any of our customers in your town, but can't seem to find anything. If you could email seeds@rareseeds dot come, and put ATTN: Lisa in the subject line, we would be more than happy to work with you by either replacing the seed, or giving you a refund.
I buy way too many seeds from Baker Creek. Their catalogue is so beautiful and their shipping is reasonable and they send that enticing free gift packet with your order! I know I've ordered plenty of seeds that I really shouldn't have... I've had good experiences with germinating most of the seeds I've received from them - I can't think of any real duds (although a few varieties haven't done well in my area, but that's to be expected).
The only thing that really annoys me about the company is that they include so little information about the plants and especially the specific varieties on their seed packets. This is especially frustrating when you order something weird like Red Orach, which came with generic planting instructions for "Cress, Corn Salad, and Arugula". Also, some tips for "Mustard greens" and "Collards". Notice the lack of mention of "Orach"? No spacing information, nothing about light specifications... And it's not like it's your standard lettuce plant that your can find instructions for on the internet. Very few of their packets contain this information - especially regarding spacing - very annoying.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. is a 
Positive
Neutral
Negative