| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | lilygrandma
Ellijay, GA
(14 reviews)
April 20, 2012 | I placed my first order with this company Tuesday afternoon, and Friday have the seeds in hand! I can't wait to try them! |
| Positive | lssfishhunter
Jonesville, SC
(Zone 7b)
(5 reviews)
March 5, 2012 | I ordered some crowder peas and some okra seed from this company. The seeds came very quickly after I ordered. I am very satisfied. |
| Positive | Reddoorfarms
Grundy, VA
(2 reviews)
January 28, 2012 | Posted on January 28, 2012, updated January 28, 2012
Posted on January 22, 2011, updated January 28, 2012
Posted on February 5, 2010, updated January 22, 2011
I love to browse the catalog first, kind of like my Christmas wish book, before ordering online. The seeds are great, descriptions true, the price is reasonable, and customer service wonderful. Truly an A+ company!
On January 22nd, 2011, Reddoorfarms added the following:
I placed my order the last week in Decemeber '10 and received it the first week in January. I tried to order early because the bean seeds I wanted last spring were sold out. I'm glad to have gotten them this year, and so PROMPTLY despite the bad weather! Love this company and their garden seeds!
On January 28th, 2012, Reddoorfarms added the following:
I received my order promptly (as always!) but wanted to comment on the dvd on cover and compost crops I ordered along with my seeds. If you wanted more information and to see how it works I highly recommend it. You can get the same information from various books but watching Cindy Conner's garden progress through the seasons along with what I already knew really helped to make it all click. SESE's catalog really has it all and I haven't been disappointed with anything I've ordered from them yet!
On January 28th, 2012, Reddoorfarms added the following:
I received my order promptly (as always!) but wanted to comment on the dvd on cover and compost crops I ordered along with my seeds. If you wanted more information and to see how it works I highly recommend it. You can get the same information from various books but watching Cindy Conner's garden progress through the seasons along with what I already knew really helped to make it all click. SESE's catalog really has it all and I haven't been disappointed with anything I've ordered from them yet! |
| Positive | rnation
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 6a)
(4 reviews)
January 16, 2012 | Been ordering from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange for years. Same fast service, accurate orders, and friendly people each year. Must give credit where credit is due.. Wonderful people to deal with.. |
| Positive | AZPHATMAN
Mesa, AZ
(20 reviews)
January 12, 2012 | I have ordered from Southern Exposure several times over the last three years. Each time shipping was prompt the seeds were packaged well and I've had no complaints with their germination gates. Could not ask for any better. A+++ |
| Positive | hatchingbunnies
Gilbert, AZ
(7 reviews)
January 9, 2012 | Good prices and good germination on the varieties I ordered. Shipping could be a little quicker. Also, not a huge deal, but worth mentioning to anyone sowing lots of seeds--the tomato seeds were in large clumps and had to be carefully pulled apart before sowing, so it took quite a bit longer to sow ones from SESE than other companies. Again, probably only applicable to those sowing hundreds or thousands of seeds at a time. |
| Positive | veggiequeen
Shepherdstown, WV
(2 reviews)
January 7, 2012 | I ordered from SESE for the first time in 2011. The lettuce mix grew exceptionally well, and I was giving away fresh leaf lettuce after other people's lettuce beds had bolted.
Deer got into the garden and ate the Potomac beans almost to the ground, just when they were getting ready to flower. The plants recovered beautifully and I had an amazing crop, just a little late. The beans had excellent flavor and froze well. I'm placing a much larger order this year. |
| Positive | makocat2000
Fort Bragg, NC
(1 review)
August 29, 2011 | I have been very pleased with SESE's customer service. I was planning on having a great gardening experience this year as I discovered them this past winter. I ordered seed from them, but unfortunately, I came down on orders to deploy to Iraq. I had to return the seed and the company was very gracious and understanding.
I did bring the catalog over with me and have been going over it with a fine tooth comb to plan my garden next year. I love the catalog, the layout is great and the descriptions are excellent. I look forward to ordering seed this winter. |
| Positive | olereb
Valdosta, GA
(2 reviews)
February 9, 2011 | Been using Southern Exposure for several years. Great experience every time. Seed arrive in a timely manner, good germination, heirloom seeds, and they are consistant. |
| Positive | treesmoocher
Spencer, WV
(7 reviews)
February 7, 2011 | Sigh. I think I'm in love! Just discovered this company this year, but will make them my primary vegetable seed source because
1--they grow their stuff and slant their advice to central VA--since I live in WV, this is MUCH more useful than the information--and cultivars--from Oregon or Maine.
2--the catalog (this year's has some really rad frogs on the front) is loaded with useful information--cultivation information for each vegetable, and specific information about cultivars that includes the bad stuff. They don't pretend every variety is perfect in every way.
3--they focus on open-pollinated varieties, in fact only offer four hybrids in the whole catalog.
4--they offer equipment for seed saving--waterproof vials in four sizes, silica gel, corn ear bags, etc.
5--My one order came promptly and without errors
6--I know that this business supports people living in communes, experimenting with solutions, a plus for me.
The only thing that isn't perfect is that they don't sell inocculant. Hint. |
| Positive | terri_emory
Alba, TX
(Zone 8a)
(5 reviews)
December 9, 2010 | This is my first time ordering from SESE and I will again. Prompt service and a good selection of seldom found varieties. A good selection of determinat tomatoes (not as popular to grow). I'm glad to have found them! |
| Positive | millvalley09
Mill Valley, CA
(3 reviews)
June 21, 2010 | Wow! I bought 6 packets of lettuce seeds. I presprout everything I grow, so I know germination rates to the day. Every single one of these seeds sprouted and was ready to plant within 3 days. 100% germination in 3 days (or less). I have planted 11 other types of lettuce and have never had such great results (most of my other lettuce seeds are from Botanical Interests, which has great customer service but I've had trouble with some of their seed.) I've never ordered from this company before so I don't know if this is typical, but I'm extremely happy with what I bought. |
| Positive | SMStauffer
Baton Rouge, LA
(1 review)
June 7, 2010 | Posted on April 16, 2010, updated June 7, 2010
I so want to rate this company as Positive because they have a wonderful selection of heirloom products and other seeds and plants that cannot be found elsewhere. I placed an order with them in February for seeds and a pound of fingerling seed potatoes. The seeds came promptly, accompanied by an invoice that indicated that the potatoes would be sent in early March. That is too late for planting Irish potatoes in southeastern Louisiana; I should have had them in the ground in January. I decided to wait, and take a chance on planting them late, since the weather was unseasonably cool. Early March came and went and no potatoes. In mid-March, I e-mailed them and asked that the order be canceled, as it was now much too late to plant. At this date (April 16) I have not received a response to my e-mail, I have not received any potatoes, I have not received a refund, and I have not received any information about the issue. I have e-mailed them again and hope for a reply soon. I will happily upgrade the rating when this issue is resolved.
On June 7th, 2010, SMStauffer changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
Thanks to Dave's Garden Gardenwatchdog, I finally heard from the folks at Southern Exposure. They could not have been more apologetic. They not only refunded the charge, they included a gift certificate, one that I can hardly wait to use this Fall. |
| Positive | karmakaytlyn
Wolcott, VT
(Zone 4a)
(2 reviews)
June 4, 2010 | I heart SESE. Last year we ordered peanuts and they actually did quite well in our chilly Zone 4 climate. This year we started over 100 ground cherries from SESE, both the Cossack Pineapple and the Goldie varieties and had a near 100% germination rate. The plants are growing strong and vigorously. SESE is not just for folks in the south! Thanks for the awesome seeds! |
| Positive | blackthumbmary
Williams, IN
(1 review)
May 28, 2010 | Fantastic seed quality with an average of 99 % germination rate. I planted 1,800 Buhl corn seeds, 100 Pike melons seeds, 100 Kansas melons seeds, and 300 Rattlesnake beans and literally had an average of a 98-99 % germination rate. Some seeds were started indoors, others sown directly into Southern Indiana clay soil.
Really unique heirloom varieties - especially corn, beans, and melons. One of the few companies that carries Bulh corn.
Fast delivery and good prices. I have placed multiple orders with this company and always received my seed on time!
Excellent informative catalog. One of the best in terms of giving planting dates and directions-as well as product description. Almost like a basic gardening book.
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| Positive | VAgardener2
Richmond , VA
(Zone 7b)
(9 reviews)
April 13, 2010 | I ordered from this company twice this year already. I like their selection and speedy delivery. Return customers get a 5% discount.
I live in Virginia, and I like that they identify the plants suited to this region.
I recommend this company and their seeds and support their mission of non-GMO seeds. |
| Positive | OlgaGarden
Littleton, CO
(8 reviews)
February 9, 2010 | Great company. Had the one things no one else did...Oxheart Carrots! |
| Positive | girlgroupgirl
(16 reviews)
January 22, 2010 | Posted on December 10, 2009, updated January 22, 2010
I have purchased seed and also onions from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. I found their communication about when shipments would be sent to be outstanding. Their descriptions of each seed and how they will perform in a Southern Garden area wonderful, as is the selection. Shipments are always timely.
I will continue to purchase from Southern Exposure!
On January 22nd, 2010, girlgroupgirl added the following:
I purchased some more seeds in January 2010 from Southern Exposure. They arrived within the week with a note of apology for taking so long!!!!
What a wonderful company! |
| Positive | MustafaMc
Leland, MS
(4 reviews)
January 21, 2010 | This is one of my most favorite vegetable seed company. I love the wide diversity. This year I ordered "Washday" cowpea that I believe may be the same as a "Rotten Crowder" pea that my grandparents grew. |
| Positive | borged
Thomasville, GA
(Zone 8b)
(10 reviews)
December 7, 2009 | Great selection and prices. Fast shipping. Will definitely be ordering from them again in the future. |
| Positive | Xxrobinson
Cambridge, MA
(1 review)
April 20, 2009 | Seeds arrived in a timely fashion... already germinating. Wunderbar! |
| Positive | SatorArepo
Charlottesville, VA
(3 reviews)
March 4, 2009 | I love these guys, I really do. They're my sentimental favorite. I grow a garden full of their seeds every year. I love their commitment to heirloom, open-pollinated varieties that are well-adapted to the Mid-Atlantic and South, and I love that their catalog is full of thoughtful horticultural advice. Growing some of their varieties (like Hickory King Corn, Cornfield Beans, Hill Country Okra, Cayenne Peppers etc.) gives you a real sense of the history and tradition of gardening in the South. |
| Positive | Julie40391
Winchester, KY
(4 reviews)
February 6, 2009 | Excellent heirloom seed source - have used this company for 20 years. Shipping speed and handling excellent, resealable packets clearly marked with germination date and percentage rate. Very good selection of varieties.
Top-notch customer service - I got a personal phone call about a substitution prior to shipping as opposed to a bulk email or note enclosed with my order.
Website can be a little unwieldy, with supersized images filling the screen. |
| Positive | Cougiecat
Baton Rouge, LA
(1 review)
February 1, 2009 | I ordered several packs of seeds and a set of multiplier onions from this company just a few days before a hurricane hit my area. They had the order ready to send the next day, but made a point of not sending it until I let them know that I was ready. (Tree and leaf removal took priority over gardening for a week.)
The onions came with a planting and care guide, which I found very helpful. The seed packaging was generic, but so far they are sprouting fine. |
| Positive | Spookycharles
Langley, WA
(Zone 8b)
(29 reviews)
February 1, 2009 | Southern Exposure Seed Exchange offers a wonderful quantity of heirloom varieties, including many difficult to find ones at great prices.
The order arrived very quickly and while I haven't yet had a chance to grow any of the seeds one of the packets arrived with extra seeds because it tested low on germination so it would seem that they are serious about ensuring good germination rates on their seeds. |
| Positive | Rain
Louisville, KY
(6 reviews)
January 24, 2009 | A good selection, including several varieties I've never seen anywhere else. Good quality seeds, too; I think just about every Queen Anne blackeyed pea I planted came up, made a strong plant and produced well. The mustard greens and chard filled up the freezer almost _too_ full, and my lovely, bushy, TALL stand of larkspur was the hit of the community garden I'm in. I'll use this company again. Their prices aren't the lowest, but you get what you pay for. |
| Positive | hintonlady
Baldwin, IL
(4 reviews)
July 1, 2008 | I ordered from SESE a couple years ago. (just found this website)
At the time they were very helpful when an order got lost due to a confused mailman at our new address. They also answered my silly questions very graciously.
The varieties they offer and choices in quantity are wonderful. I agree that reading the literature was a lot of fun.
I live in the midwest, zone 5 and did well with the seeds, even when a season old at planting.
On the flip side a few varieties were shipped with kind of low germinations tests on the package. That was't inspiring. Everything went well because I ordered much too ambitiously: )
Considering product prices were fair enough to stock up so I never ran into problems, in fact I still have some left over......
Did have trouble getting the catalogue this season. Never came even after requesting it. I understand that these things come up. I just lack the time to follow up when it pops back up in my mind.
Will order again in the future. |
| Positive | farmertony
Maplesville, AL
(1 review)
May 15, 2008 | In Nov/Dec 2007 I ordered peanut seeds from SESE. After much delay I finally received the seeds (in the shell) at a cost of $57.50 for 1 pound in the shell seeds under order number 40626. The cost of $51.00 not including shipping is very excessive for 1 pound of peanut seeds! I had ordered more than 1 pound and didn't expect them not be be shelled (SESE did not indicate shelled or unshelled). I returned the 1 pound of unshelled seeds to SESE on 8 FEB 2008 via insured mail. After not hearing anything from SESE or a credit to my credit card, I e-mailed SESE several times requesting update on my credit for returned seeds. I have not received a reply or credit on my credit card from SESE as of this date. I am a farmer and I order most of my various seeds on line. This is the first time I have had a problem like this and SESE will NOT be one of the companies I will order from again. I did order my peanut seeds (shelled) from another company at a cost of $7,45 a pound.
On July 18th, 2008, farmertony changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
Since my first comments on Dave'sGarden concerning Southern Exposure Seed Exchange I have been contacted by them (SESE) about my return order and my credit card has been credited with the cost of the item returned. It only took six months and a complaint on Dave's Garden to get corrective action. Thanks.
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| Positive | artemiss
Toledo, OH
(Zone 5b)
(11 reviews)
February 16, 2008 | I actually received their catalog in the mail addressed to the former occupants of the house we moved into this summer.
And I am SOO glad I did!!
I just received my order and I am VERY impressed.
Even though they specialize the "mid-atlantic" states, I was able to find plenty of organic selections that should do well in my Great Lakes area. Their catalog/site is very clear in the requirement of the plants,and the quantity of seeds I received was quite good for the price...way more veggie seeds than I will have room for..(which gives a novice like me plenty of room for error.)
Very highly recommended here!
~Angel |
| Positive | brownale
Norfolk, VA
(Zone 8a)
(1 review)
February 7, 2007 | This is an outstanding company. Check out their planting calendar. Excellent info about the species they sell. Good organic and non-gmo source. |
| Positive | sacajawea
Keswick, VA
(14 reviews)
March 23, 2006 | Southern Exposure is wonderful. Their orders arrive very quickly and in excellent condition. Their catalogs are perfect for reading by the fire on a cold winter night! In two cases, I have had them include an "extra" package of seeds if something has a low germination rate.
A couple of years ago I called with a question about using "old" seeds and was told that they would probably be fine. Nobody tried to sell me "new seeds." |
| Positive | shockme_wv
Grafton, WV
(3 reviews)
February 2, 2006 | Very quick delivery of seeds, order was accurate and complete. I originally found them because I wanted to try their cotton, but ordered a few extra things too. I only wished they had included a catalog with my order, since I ordered via the internet and didn't get the full opportunity to browse what they have to offer (I love going thru catalogs but don't take the time to go thru every webpage). Most companies will include one if you order, but I guess this is not one of them. Small thing to complain about, but otherwise a good experience.
Company representative comment on February 3, 2006:
On Feb 3, 2006 12:38 AM, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange added:I am sorry that you were disappointed to not receive our Catalog & Garden Guide with your order. Once a week we do a bulk mailing of catalogs for all new customers (and returning customers upon request). Yours will likely arrive in the mail next week. |
| Positive | cricketsese
Mineral, VA
(3 reviews)
January 28, 2006 | Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is a wonderful source for heirloom seeds and other open-pollinated (non-hybrid) seeds with an emphasis on vegetables, flowers, and herbs that grow well in the Mid-Atlantic region. We support seed saving and traditional seed breeding. Seed savers and breeders are to thank for our rich selection and we will do whatever we can to support our customers and associates to carry on this noble tradition.
We do extensive germination and purity testing of our garden seeds and nursery stock to ensure that we can always provide our customers with the highest quality possible. We want your plants to excel.
We carry many hard to find heirloom tomatoes, peppers, ginseng, potato onions, okra, naturally colored cotton, southern-style greens, and much more. We think that after you try them, you'll agree that our tomatoes taste better!
On December 11th, 2006, cricketsese changed the rating from to positive and added the following:
As of 2007, thanks to so much support from all of y'all who love southern and heirloom seeds, we are going to send out our catalog and garden guide for FREE to anyone who wants it!
THANKS to all of y'all that have made this possible and continue to support our work to preserve our plant heritage!
We're also going to host a the first ever Heritage Harvest Festival at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello here in Virginia. There will be all kinds of food, music, and fun for the whole family, as well as lots of great workshops, speakers, and learning opportunities. Check our website for more information, as we'd love to see you there.
Be sure to sign up for quarterly email newsletter while you're there, and check out all the new photos we've been adding from our gardens.
We wish you an abundant harvest!
Radish Bruce
Worker and Owner |
| Positive | eukofios
Vancouver, WA
(2 reviews)
August 20, 2005 | This year I bought several seed varieties from Southern Exposure, and last fall I bought multiplier onions from them.
They have many seeds and plant varieties, heirloom varieties, that I have been unable to find elsewhere.
Their seeds and the onion sets were well packaged.
The onions grew great. The multiplier onions were the same as my German Great-aunt grew in the midwest 50 years ago. It was like a renewed memory.
The tomatoes and peppers have done well. This is not the best climate for tomatoes and peppers, but the catalog is detailed and gives expected time to harvest, so I bought early ones. The tomatoes and peppers are fruitful and look like I expected.
The growing information is detailed and very helpful.
I hope to buy more from them for 2006. |
| Positive | Zeppy
Shenandoah Valley, VA
(Zone 6b)
(8 reviews)
April 6, 2005 | Had only good experiences with SASE: good & honest service by phone or by email, quick shipping, good germination, great advice. Fine heirlooms are here, and almost everything else open-pollinated & organic (AND they're the only place you can get the gorgeous Tashkent French marigold, found outside a mosque in Uzbekistan). Their catalog/garden guide - no glossy photos here! -- contains tons of culture info, including a great table of planting dates for southern regions. Really great resource, and it's online, too. |
| Positive | gm319
Glade Hill, VA
(2 reviews)
March 9, 2005 | I was very impressed with this company. They have a great selection and order confirmation and shipping was very fast!! |
| Positive | tomatojam
Winchester, KY
(Zone 6a)
(2 reviews)
February 3, 2005 | My experiences with this company have been 100% positive since 1987 when I got my first catalog. This was the company that got me hooked on heirlooms.
I still grow most of the varieties that I first ordered from SESE, even though half of my garden each year is mostly new varieties.
Seeds come quickly, are packed professionally, and germination is high. Occasionally I will receive a packet that says "low germination, extra seed included", but I've never had trouble with germination from this company.
Great customer service, great history of each heirloom. Very nice folks answering the phone.
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| Positive | Innoma
Kingsburg, CA
(Zone 9a)
(4 reviews)
January 24, 2005 | Their website is a little slow (for me, anyway) but I always have great luck ordering from this company -- prompt replies, speedy shipping, generous amount of seed at reasonable prices, plus the added benefit of a wide range of interesting varieties. Definitely in the top 5 choices for my own supply and look forward to using them again in the coming years. |
| Positive | sderemer
Monticello, WI
(7 reviews)
January 6, 2005 | Never a problem with this company. Great people committed to preserving our genetic diversity. |
| Positive | marshtackie
Orlando, FL
(1 review)
June 11, 2004 | Talking to them on the phone is like talking to your mama. They're warm, they care. They'll steer you off rocambole if you live in Zone 9, as I do, and they listen to your comments. Red Turkish Italian eggplant came out bitter because (1) I let it ripen fully and (2)the skin is bitter. Now I grow it as an ornamental. Next catalogue they incorporate the comments. They also have odd and interesting things like natural brown cotton and red currant tomatoes and tell the complete story behind Radiator Charlie's Mortgage Lifter (tomato). |
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