The scoop on 'Pinetree Garden Seeds'

Company Profile   Mailing Address: P.O. Box 300 New Gloucester, Maine 04260 (United States) Phone: 207-926-3400 Fax: 1-888-527-3337 Catalog Order Page: Hyperlink Paper Catalog Cost: Free Categories: Edible Mushroom Kits & Spores Gardening Books & Journals Lawn and Garden Equipment Seeds: Annual flowers Seeds: Cover Crops Seeds: Heirloom Seeds: Herbs Seeds: Perennial flowers Seeds: Vegetables Click here to send email to Pinetree Garden Seeds Click here to visit Pinetree Garden Seeds's website Recent reviews: Past month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months Positive 1 24 30 Neutral 2 3 4 Negative 1 1 3

Feedback History and Summary   264 positives 30 neutrals 34 negatives

Comments:

Rating Author Content Neutral asphodel (2 reviews) On May 13, 2008, asphodel La Grande, OR wrote: Last year I ordered Rouge D Etampes pumpkin seeds. The plant grew beautifully, but the fruit was clearly NOT a rouge d' etampes, it was wrong shape and wrong color. Clearly a hybrid of some sort. I have ordered there a couple of years in a row, and the seeds arrive slowly but they DO have to cross the continent...... Negative blueplanter (1 review) On May 11, 2008, blueplanter Washington, DC wrote: I ordered blueberries, purple asparagus, seeds and innoculant in late March, and they arrived OK about 2 weeks later. The staff were pleasant and seeds and innoculant worked well. When the asparagus grew green, I eventually found out on my own on the internet that purple asparagus stems do that (Pinetree said purple asparagus starts green and becomes purple, but apparently it's actually the reverse). The blueberries appeared small, and the Elliott had only some thread roots (I separate roots by hand on planting, and so see them directly). Pinetree said to be patient, and the thread roots without any main roots were due to the Elliott ripening later. I pointed out this was irrelevant, and after continuing uninformative email communications, eventually went to our area's best full-service nursery about 15 miles away to check things out. The nursery's same-age plants were twice the stem thickness of Pinetree's, with more stems and much more robust growth. I estimated the Pinetree plants at about a year old rather than 2 years as advertised, which meant that fruiting would be delayed an additional year. Pinetree then owned up that their plants are tissue-culture grown and smaller. I complained to Pinetree about their uninformative and misleading advertising, with no further response. I've replaced one blueberry, and am looking to replace the other. Overall, a mixed esperience, but since the blueberries were the most expensive, they determine the rating. Positive jayt36 (6 reviews) On May 8, 2008, jayt36 Ashland, PA (Zone 6a) wrote: After the frustrating experience that I had with Wayside Gardens, I suppose I became a bit paranoid. In checking my orders from various companies I found that Pinetree Gardens had indeed shipped the seed that I had ordered and they were in perfect condition. I had also ordered two live plants which I expected to be shipped at the proper planting time for this area. When I checked their online catalog, I found that both of these plants were "sold out." I called Pinetree and talked to the nicest lady you can ever imagine. She told me indeed the plants were "sold out", but since I had ordered early, my plants would ship next week. I can not tell you how nice it was to deal with a knowledgeable person who did not try to give me a runaround. I definitely will continue to order from this company. Neutral littlebrook15 (3 reviews) On April 28, 2008, littlebrook15 Rock Tavern, NY wrote: I found that the selection was great, but the germination rate for some of the plants was very low, though it was an easy to grow plant. I am giving the Neutral rating because I had some problems communicating with this company. I have ordered some plants from them (haven't received them yet), and needed a better time frame for their arrival other than April-June. I sent them an email and heard nothing. I called several times, and got a busy signal. I did finally get a short email a week later, informing me the plants would be shipped today. I will have to see. Positive martieinct (1 review) On April 5, 2008, martieinct Enfield, CT wrote: Again this year, great selection, service and germination rate for several seed varieties. I'm particularly excited about Bacopa blutopia which I've not seen offered by others in the U.S. to retail consumers. A good number of my mature perennials were started from Pinetree seed and continue to be outstanding. For value, there isn't anyone else like them, and I've ordered from no fewer than 30 MO companies in my gardening life. Positive MGinTraining (3 reviews) On March 25, 2008, MGinTraining Norwalk, OH (Zone 5b) wrote: Wow, I was floored by the negative comments since I have been ordering from Pinetree for probably ten years or more without a problem of any kind with seeds, books, products OR customer service. BTW, the reason that they give less seeds (and a correspondingly cheaper price) is because they are specifically geared toward the backyard gardener. In one catalog now many years gone, I read about how Dick Meiners started out with the idea that most gardeners did not need as many seeds as came in most seed packets. I LOVE this approach. There's not nearly as much waste this way, which is good eco stewardship, IMHO. Think about it...how many of us with yards and not market stands need 50 zucchini seeds for instance?? Pinetree has a good selection of interesting varieties, and when I asked them if they'd consider carrying a particular tomato I had really found worthwhile, they said they'd pass on my suggestion. Fast forward a couple years and lo and behold they were carrying it! AND when I planted some older Sungold and SunSugar seed (late) last season, they sprouted like champs and proceeded to take over the garden bed they were in. We spread some of these vines out at end of season and had some close to ten feet long. I've found that you get what you give with customer service. Having done customer service work myself, it can be very hard not to return diatribe for diatribe. Even if you are displeased, try to remember that the voice on the other end of the line is doing the best they can with what they've got. They are not trying to thwart you or hold up your order! Re the person who was told to "give it a try" and see what happens -- unless it was said to me directly in a nasty tone, I'd not have been offended. Via email, you really cannot tell tone. The suggestion was just a simple statement of fact. How else would you get to the next step of figuring out if replacement was needed? Positive CatnipCandy (1 review) On March 24, 2008, CatnipCandy Alexandria, MN wrote: I've ordered from this company twice before and all my experiences with them have been good. The timing between ordering and shipping was fast. There was initially a problem with my debit card and the customer service person was really nice and it all got straightened out promptly. I ordered seeds and books and they arrived UPS nicely packed. What I really like about this company is the price point. I like to try a lot of varieties and I don't need 200 cabbage seeds of one variety so this enables me to try different items without having a lot of left over seed and without breaking the bank. Also, love the books. Great price on books I'd love to have but don't want to pay the normal retail cover price. Positive RAYTJK (1 review) On March 19, 2008, RAYTJK Stedman, NC wrote: I have been gardening for years,and I ordered over 30 packets, for these prices and such an assortmen I was impressed. Right now they are in my Biodome and are germintining perfectly.lus, over the years I scoured the website and ctalog a have never seen pplanys like some they sell! Positive gemini_sage (24 reviews) On March 17, 2008, gemini_sage Winchester, KY (Zone 6a) wrote: This was my first order with Pinetree, and it has been a pleasant experience. The prices were excellent, and allowed my to try a larger assortment. The germination on those I've started so far has been excellent, and delivery was speedy. Neutral girlsingardens (1 review) On March 14, 2008, girlsingardens Ansley, NE wrote: I received my seeds in a cardboard like envelope. There was no padding or bubble wrap to protect the seeds. When I went to the post office to pick up my package I was dissapointed when I saw that it was in one of the damaged package envelopes. I went ahead and took it home to open up. The envelope looked like it had been crushed in a postal machine and part of the end of the envelope was opened. I was missing several packages of seeds and the ones that I did receive were either open and loose in the envelope or crushed. I have contacted pinetree garden seeds and am hoping to get this matter resolved and be able to change my review to a positive one. Positive grafter (3 reviews) On March 4, 2008, grafter Lenoir City, TN wrote: I have used Pinetree seeds for most of my plantings for several years. The packets are small but very reasonability priced which allows me to grow more varieties for an affordable cost. This year (2 orders thus far) as in the past I have received exact and complete orders of seeds and supplies in reasonable time. Shipping gets slow during the busy season but they warn you of that. I also appreciate the easily recyclable packing material. Positive WindhamOldPa (3 reviews) On February 20, 2008, WindhamOldPa Windham, OH wrote: I ordered seeds and books via the Net from these folks this year. Order was filled promptly and completely. They offer good value. Positive doccat5 (2 reviews) On February 7, 2008, doccat5 Fredericksburg, VA (Zone 7b) wrote: I ordered vegetable seed from Pinetree, which arrived promptly. I did discover a mistake in the order. I emailed the company and received a response the next day. With an apology for the oversight. I was told they would send the correct seed pkgs and for me to just keep the one's I already had. Prices were quite reasonable and service was excellent. I will certainly buy from them again. Positive DASIYS (4 reviews) On January 31, 2008, DASIYS Mount Orab, OH (Zone 6b) wrote: I LOVE THIS COMPANY. My order (several (6) packets of vegatable seeds, some cover crops, and 12 peat flats) came in less than a week and a half, and was packaged very nicely using the flats as the main support and some newspaper. At the bottom of the box I found a few ads, an extra order form, a packing slip stating that everything came except walla walla onion seeds and a credit for $1.10, as well as a $2 coupon!!! I will be ordering within the next week. Positive piano10 (2 reviews) On January 30, 2008, piano10 Boston, MA wrote: Just wanted to let everyone know that I've had great experiences with Pinetree Garden Seeds! I have ordered a wide variety of flower seeds, both annual and perennial, from this company each of the past two years. All seed varieties have had excellent germination rates and have grown into strong, healthy, beautiful plants. The prices and shipping are quite reasonable, too. If you haven't ordered from them before, go ahead and give them a try... Positive kaisersmom (1 review) On January 29, 2008, kaisersmom Fargo, ND wrote: I, too, have ordered seeds from PineTree for about 10 years. I appreciate the lower cost for less seed. Who needs 2000 seeds of one plant for a backyard garden? I have always received exactly what I ordered, and it all comes fast, too. I will probably order from PineTree for many more years to come. Positive LostMeadow (5 reviews) On January 29, 2008, LostMeadow Bradford, NH wrote: I've ordered from Pinetree for the past few years and always received my order promptly. I like their smaller packet sizes and the prices are great! My garden last season was planted mostly with Pinetree seeds, and it was the best ever. I already have received this season's order and can't wait to get planting. Positive mudpiegirl (10 reviews) On January 20, 2008, mudpiegirl Los Lunas, NM wrote: On Jan 2, 2008 I ordered seeds from 5 companies. Pinetree's order was the second order to arrive, in about a week. I have ordered from Pinetree for at least 10 years now and I am consistently happy with their service and quality. They are a great company for the backyard gardener, because they sell small quantities at reasonable rates. In addition, I was happily surprised by the changes they have made to their website this year. It is much easier to navigate and order, and much more fun to use. Positive Beltane (3 reviews) On January 18, 2008, Beltane Milton, NH wrote: I have ordered from Pinetree for about 10 years now and have always been satisfied. If they are out of an item they send you a credit to be used towards your next order. I enjoy finding their catalog in my mailbox every December. Positive nanasgarden1 (2 reviews) On January 14, 2008, nanasgarden1 Anderson, IN wrote: I have ordered seeds from Pinetree Garden Seeds for over 20 years and have never had a problem with their seeds or their service. I like the small packets so I can order more varieties and their prices are always reasonable. I also love to browse their discounted books and other items. I just received my order for 2008 in record time. Positive pardalinum (3 reviews) On January 7, 2008, pardalinum Willamette Valley Z8a, OR wrote: I have ordered seeds from Pinetree for many years, probably around 10 years. I have always ordered early, usually in December shortly after I receive the catalog. I have received my orders within a week or shortly thereafter. I like the smaller, lower priced packets. I have already ordered, received, and grown out a batch of wheatgrass (kittygreens) from their 2008 catalog. A couple of years ago I ordered a vial of wave petunia seeds and it had a low seedcount. I emailed them and they promptly sent out another vial. Thanks, Pinetree. Positive ShaunMarie (2 reviews) On January 5, 2008, ShaunMarie Ionia, MI wrote: Ordered a large number of seeds and quite a few berry plants last spring - as well as lots of plastic mulch and seed starting products. They were a new company to me, but as an organic gardener on a budget, I couldn't resist trying them out. Their seed starting and mulch products were less expensive than anywhere else I saw, and the products were great. I had fantastic luck with all of the seeds I purchased, and even good luck with the clearance flower plants I bought at the end of the season. The blueberries did very well. Our only failure was the raspberries. We didn't have a single one of the 30 I ordered survive. I planted half at my house, and my daughter planted half at her house. We did have a dry summer, but we watered 2-3 times a week, quite deeply (we have a well, thank goodness). Most of the plants never broke dormancy, and the few that did didn't survive. But who knows why? I'm not sure I can blame that on the company. I will be ordering more products from them this winter for this coming summer's garden, although I don't believe I'll try any more of their raspberries. I was happy with their service; got my orders in a timely fashion, and exactly what I'd ordered. Positive rasely (2 reviews) On December 28, 2007, rasely McDonough, NY wrote: I have ordered from Pinetree for the past several years and have been pleased with their seeds and plants. Their website is not the most sophisticated on the net (it's better than it was!) but I love the smaller seed packets and the prices are great. Positive Depsi (2 reviews) On December 25, 2007, Depsi Orofino, ID (Zone 6a) wrote: I have purchased from this company three different times and have been very pleased. Recieved a broken ornament and was replaced with 24hr shipping. Courteous, friendly phone transaction each time & things were packed very well. I've purchased numerous sale priced items which I've been delighted with so I will continue to shop them first. Deb Positive EloiseEdna (1 review) On December 20, 2007, EloiseEdna Saint Louis, MI wrote: I have ordered from Pinetree Seeds for many years and have never had any problems. My seeds have always been as I expected and have grown well. The only thing I was disappointed with is they have discontinued many of their vegetable seeds I always liked and ordered. Likely what they discontinued was not a highly requested item so do not order my vegetable seeds from them any longer but do order a considerable amount of flower seeds. Positive sesitz (2 reviews) On December 19, 2007, sesitz Fort Worth, TX wrote: I have shopped with Pinetree for a number of years and find them to be extremely inexpensive, prompt, and cooperative. Recently, I took advantage of sale items of Siberian iris and daylilies. When I reported that several of the daylilies and all of the iris had not made it, they refunded my money. Their garden products such as black plastic and red plastic mulch (used to increase growth in tomatoes) are much cheaper than those of other garden centers and catalogs. I was well-pleased with my tulips and daffodills that I ordered this fall. Time will tell how they do when they come up. Positive EugeniaBostwick (6 reviews) On December 11, 2007, EugeniaBostwick Pinckney, MI wrote: I have ordered seeds and plants from Pinetree for several years. I also work at a nursery that orders seeds from Pinetree. I appreciate the no-frills, low price/small quantity approach and have had excellent results with their products. My purple wave petunias were easy, gorgeous, and CHEAP! I did have a packet that was supposed to be mixed zinnia augustifolia which turned out to be entirely orange. One baneberry died, the other is beautifully alive. But I don't expect every plant --especially cheap, small plants, --to live. It is entirely possible that it was my fault that this small plant did not make it. And when you order a plant that is $4.95, you have no business expecting it to be anything other than small. If you order only one thing from Pinetree it should be their fabulous Korean gardening tool. It's a hand tool that I cannot live without!!! I lost it a few times last year, so this year I painted the handle bright red. And the price!!!! Pinetree is just about my favourite seed company. Positive SandWitch (1 review) On November 20, 2007, SandWitch Farmington, ME wrote: These folks are always a pleasure for me to deal with. That said--I'd like to note that the seed provided by Pine Tree has always been dependable and true-to-type. This may not seem as important as having the box delivered on a particular day of the week, but after the expense in time and money, this gardener wants her pencil-pods to be pencil-pods and her hubbards to be hubbards. Pine Tree Gardens has never let me down. Kudos to you, Pine Tree. Neutral Kaylar (1 review) On September 27, 2007, Kaylar Moab, UT wrote: Until a year ago, I lived 4 miles from Pinetree. I enjoyed recommending them for specific items. I enjoyed their onsite sales, geared towards being a community minded business. I was also allowed to go inside to pick out my own bulbs/roots. I did find that as a so-so gardener the germination of some seeds required more than I was willing to give. I will defend the amount of seeds in a packet for an affordable price. Other companies I end up with left over seeds and can only hope they will germinate next year. As a 'wanna-be-gardener' I would not recommend Pinetree for SOME seeds and products. You need to have more experience especially with some of the more exotic species. I actually applied for a seasonal job there to fill that dreary time of year in Maine but never got called. Pinetree is a small business that does not waste money on glitzy catalogs or comfortable space for the human element (especially the lack of parking spaces). They do spend their time working with new product and being real. It's nice to call a place and know you're speaking to them. I now live in the LaSal Mts in Utah at 7750' elavation and my gardening knowledge is in its' infancy...again. I don't know when I'll be ordering seeds or bulbs again, but I still enjoy many of their other products. Positive willmetge (4 reviews) On September 19, 2007, willmetge Spokane, WA (Zone 5b) wrote: I had no problems. Seeds were delivered on time. They had great prices. Everthing grew. However, it would be nice if they would seal seeds in a foil envelop so excess seeds can be used the following year. Negative bookworm28 (3 reviews) On August 21, 2007, bookworm28 Houston, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: Last spring I ordered a mushroom kit and some seeds in late March. The final date to order the mushrooms was within that week, so I ordered before that date. The seeds came quickly, but the mushroom kit came in late April, and came from a different company. After reading for the first time in the instructions that temps in the 50's are needed to grow mushrooms, I immediately emailed them that I could not provide the proper temps in my area in April. It took quite a while to get a reply, and got a very terse, "Go ahead and try it." Not a Try it and let us know how it goes, which should have been a clue. I did try it, followed directions to a "t" and nothing happened - I just misted a very expensive box of dirt for a few weeks. I emailed them several weeks ago, and have had no reply. The box of dirt and spores cost over $30! I can get high quality seeds from countless other companies that have excellent customer service, unlike theirs. I will not trade with this company again. Positive firestar2124 (1 review) On July 16, 2007, firestar2124 Dallas, GA (Zone 7b) wrote: I ordered a few packs of seeds for a fall veggie garden....they arrived in only 4 days!! Their selection is great also. I did order a little garden planner (only .95) which was not in my order when I received it, but I've sent them an email and I'm sure I'll get it later. I would definately order seeds from them again. Negative laurk (2 reviews) On June 25, 2007, laurk Lowville, NY wrote: I placed a very small (thankfully!!) order from Pinetree last month. FIrst of all their site wasn't current and the book I ordered wasn't available and I wasn't notified this PRIOR to shipment or I'd have cancelled my order compltetely. And the blueberry bush I ordered as an afterthought since the book was on sale was pathetically small and looks as though it may not make it. But my BIGGEST disappointment is in the customer service. I emailed them three different times to let them know about my disappointment with my order and not once have I heard from them. Every single other gardening company I've ordered from has always made good on their products. So my opinion is save your money and order elsewhere- I certainly will be!! On June 25th, 2007, laurk added the following: Wow! I just went back through and read the other negative comments. If you need further proof not to order-do just that. Customer service consistantly gets a bad report and the comments from the company itself only adds to it!! I've never heard of a comapny being so rude- talking about "real" customers. Please do not order from this company! Positive Buddy44 (15 reviews) On June 8, 2007, Buddy44 Eagle Rock, VA wrote: I have been a coutomer for at least 10 years. They have a good selection at a very good price. I have never had any trouble with germination unless I did something wrong. Will continue to be a faithful customer. On March 19th, 2008, Buddy44 added the following: Great selection and prices. Quick to ship your order. Positive saintartaud (8 reviews) On May 27, 2007, saintartaud Kansas City, MO (Zone 5b) wrote: The cheap price on seeds packets is a pretty good reason to check this company out, though it is worth mentioning that the quantities are fairly small. Everything I've planted thus far has sprouted and done beautifully. Especially pleased with the purple Trionfo Violetto pole beans, Vera lavender, pennyroyal, and hollyhocks. I haven't been able to plant the morning glories or borage yet and I just planted the millet, but I think I'll have decent results with all of these as well. Their catalog is a bit weird and they could use more photos, but I like the way it's organized, along with the personal slant of their descriptions. The shipping was also pretty fast. I would definitely order seeds from them again. Positive gardadore (11 reviews) On May 23, 2007, gardadore Saylorsburg, PA (Zone 6a) wrote: I placed an order for seeds, onion sets, asparagus, strawberries, Kiwigold raspberries, rhubarb and cherry bushes in January. I got the seeds in good time but was waiting for the plants. When they hadn't arrived by the first week in May I called to enquire and they said the order was being held up because of the cherry bushes. I then requested them to please send what they could because it was getting late to plant the onions. The rep agreed and within 2 days I had my order except the cherry bushes which I am still waiting for. Customer service was excellent in this matter and the plants arrivied in excellent condition. I have ordered from this company a number of times and continue to be pleased. Positive 2happy2plant (2 reviews) On May 21, 2007, 2happy2plant Windsor, NY wrote: I have been purchasing seeds as well as plants from this company for 12 years and have never had any problem (except reining in my budget) when it comes to their line up. I have ordered bluberries which were FAR larger and healthier than those of the big box stores as well as less expensive. I love their honest review of the seeds they have planted and evaluation of their performance...drawbacks included...which you will NEVER get from corporate seed companies. Their books are too inexpensive not to enjoy buying too many. And their seeds have never failed to germinate..even when I have kept them for 4 years. The small size is perfect for the homegardener/hobbyist and nothing costs so much that it is frustrating when something goes wrong and the seedlings die. I cut them slack on delivery issues...they are in MAINE for crying out loud! They get snow and cold as bad as Canada! But that also tells me that their homegrown stock should be hardy. I love them and will not leave them. My only complaint is their catalogue could use a bit more flash....but it would probably drive up the cost of the seeds. Neutral guielmo (1 review) On April 30, 2007, guielmo West Newbury, MA wrote: Pinetree has excellent prices on certified seed potatoes and stocks some old New England favorites such as Kennebec and Green Mountain. Last year's delivery was good for this area (North Shore, Massachusetts) but this year's delivery seems to have been delayed about two weeks A phone call April 30 yielded info that potatoes would be shipped "within a week or so"; however, in response to an e-mail, I was told potatoes had shipped that day. Positive 3dognite (1 review) On April 11, 2007, 3dognite Homer, AK wrote: I have ordered from Pinetree Garden Seeds for a few years now. Like most home gardeners, I appreciate the price and size of their seed packets. I had always received my order promptly in years past ;so this year when my order didn't arrive after 3+ weeks, I emailed them requesting the status of my order. They replied they had mailed it a month ago; and asked that I check with the post office and verify the mailing address. Was I embarrassed!! I had given them the wrong PO Box #! They were SO accommodating given that the mix up was my fault. They sent out another order for just the cost of shipping. This saved my vegetable gardening season, I will continue to use Pinetree Garden Seeds and will recommend them to other home gardeners. I am certainly a satisfied customer. Neutral seedbeads (3 reviews) On March 30, 2007, seedbeads Lebanon, NH wrote: I will not order plants again from this company. Shipping took 7 days between ME & NH. Strawberries arrived wilted and full of tiny orange spiders. Ordered replacements which also arrived in poor condition with more orange spiders. Zero germination with their Last Chance seeds. Regular seed packets had good germination and were priced and sized just right. I will order seeds again from this company but not live (barely) plants. On April 22nd, 2007, seedbeads added the following: Thank you for the company response. The strawberry plants were from a prior year's order but I didn't feel it fair to comment until I had given them ample time to recover & grow. As my review commented on germination for a prior year's seed order, I thought it would be o.k. to included comments on a prior year's plant order as well. Perhaps your strawberry stock is healthier this year. In any case, I will continue to order seeds and have recently placed a new seed order with you. Company representative comment on April 13, 2007: Note from Pinetree rep...... We only received our strawberry shipment the week of March 26th and not only have we not sent any to New Hampshire, we have certainly not shipped any replacements, therefore we respectfully contend that this defective shipment was from another supplier.

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