|
You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants! Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
|
|
 |
| Feedback History and Summary |
|
Comments:Displaying the 50 most recent comments:
| Rating | Author | Content |
| Positive | gafbuffalo
(4 reviews) | On May 12, 2008, gafbuffalo Orchard Park, NY
(Zone 5a) wrote:Stokes is a semi-local company for me, with their US warehouse about ten miles away and their headquarters in Canada within easy reach. They have excellent seeds with great germination and are to be recommended in every way -- fast service, decent and comprehensive selection and amazing cultural information, both in their catalog and on the seed packets. Mystery seeds are unlikely from them. I highly recommend their products. The one time I had an issue, I got a letter of explanation from their CEO and a no-questions-asked refund (even though the seeds were not really defective). I've bought from them for over 20 years.
Buy from them with confidence. | | Positive | zinnialover
(3 reviews) | On April 14, 2008, zinnialover Selinsgrove, PA wrote: Super fast, had order in 5 days. Good selection, they were the only ones who had my special painted daisies. Very happy, seed is germinating well. | | Positive | cattican
(1 review) | On March 23, 2008, cattican Vancouver
(Canada) wrote:One of the best things is the comprehensive list of instructions on the back of the packages. I've followed them closely, with what I consider 100% success. All seeds had a high germination rate, and performed in the garden as illustrated. I always recommend Stokes if asked about my beautiful flower beds. | | Positive | debbymck
(6 reviews) | On February 15, 2008, debbymck Racine, OH wrote: Sent an order in on January 21, 2008, recieved February 2, 2008. In that order there were 2 packages of pelargonium, (geraniums) that I planted on February 11. Out of 41 seeds, I already have 36 that have germinated. I think that's pretty good. I will be ordering from them again in the future. | | Positive | arachide
(12 reviews) | On February 5, 2008, arachide Chicago, IL
(Zone 5b) wrote:I have ordered from Stokes for three years in a row because they have a good product and excellent customer service. They offer a large selection of seeds sold in individual color packets so I can order the exact colors I want and not just a pack of mixed. In addition, most seeds can be ordered in quantities ranging from small up to bulk. Their seeds have excellent germination and are shipped promptly with email notification of order status. All in all a great company. | | Positive | glendalekid
(17 reviews) | On January 7, 2008, glendalekid Tuscaloosa, AL
(Zone 7b) wrote:Great service from this company. Seeds were shipped quickly and arrived quickly. Prices and shipping costs are very reasonable. They had several varieties I was having trouble finding, so I was very happy to find them here. | | Positive | paracelsus
(12 reviews) | On November 25, 2007, paracelsus Elmira, NY
(Zone 6a) wrote:I've been ordering seeds from this company since the eighties. I like them primarily because they offer some unusual varieties (at very reasonable prices), and they have a very informative catalog, especially if you are growing in the north. For years they were one of the only companies that had unusual sweet peppers, esp. pimento types, which I favor. Pretty much every color of pansy and petunia as well.
Yes, their website used to be wiggy, but they seem to have resolved that. | | Positive | machiasacres
(6 reviews) | On September 25, 2007, machiasacres Everett, WA wrote: I have been ordering seeds from stokes for several years. Service and shipping is excellent. They have many seeds in larger quanties at very reasonable prices. The pelleted seed makes planting a breeze. The information in Stokes catolog makes it a great reference source. I highly reccomend this company. | | Positive | crazy_gardener
(29 reviews) | On August 27, 2007, crazy_gardener Wainwright, AB
(Zone 2b) wrote:in Thorold, Ontario, Canada.
+ Positive, 2 greenthumbs up for this seed company!
I’ve been ordering seeds from this company for many years now and I’ve never had a problem with their products.
Good selection, always something new, reasonable prices, good quality, informative growing instructions, always great germination, wonderful customer service, fast delivery, easy to navigate website, free colourful catalogue, what else can I say!
| | Positive | 14milecreek
(2 reviews) | On July 27, 2007, 14milecreek Tahlequah, OK wrote: Positive Feedback - This year was the first time I had ever heard of this company, but I will definitely be a repeat customer!
I ordered Brocade sweet corn from Stokes in the Spring of 2007 and had it in hand within the week! I don't know how they did it! Their catalog was a wealth of information. I was able to compare growth and production charts of seeds; even those seeds advertised by other companies whose catalogs had no comparison information available.
The Brocade Sweet Corn was the best I've ever eaten! Definitely the best I've ever grown! Brocade produced consistant 2 inch diameter ears, 8 inches long, pollinated to the the tip, in tight husks, on strong upright stalks 7 and 8 feet tall.
People that I gave corn to asked, "How did you do it?"
"Easy, I planted Brocade Sweet Corn - God grew it - I picked it."
I have ordered from a lot of mail order seed catalogs over the last 35 years, but I have by far been most impressed by Stokes Seed and service. Now I am a local gardening success. My neighbors, my horse, and my family have some how put away about 1400 ears of corn this summer. We are very happy.
I will be ordering my corn from them again next Spring! | | Positive | goatmama22
(1 review) | On June 21, 2007, goatmama22 Fort Plain, NY
(Zone 5a) wrote:I called in an order on a Tuesday afternoon and had it in hand on Friday. The people on the telephone were very friendly and professional. This was my first order, but certainly will not be my last. I also love the catalog, there is a wealth of information, I am still reading and learning. The only problem that I have is that the print is very small. | | Positive | calstateworker
(1 review) | On May 16, 2007, calstateworker Sacramento, CA wrote: I have placed a couple of orders with Stokes this spring and both were delivered promptly. There was a wealth of information included on their seed packets. They had the best prices I could find for Jiffy pots, too. I'll certainly be placing more substantial orders with this company next year! | | Positive | Philleagle
(2 reviews) | On March 30, 2007, Philleagle Sterling, VA wrote: I have ordered seeds from Stokes for many years and did so again this year. I trust their catalog and their very prompt delivery. Although I do not order large quantities of seeds, I find that whatever premium I may pay (not large, if any) is offset by the wide variety of choices I get and the reliability of their seeds. | | Positive | warrennj
(3 reviews) | On March 6, 2007, warrennj Great Meadows, NJ wrote: Stokes has always provided me with some of the best quality (and often hardest to find) seeds, always quick shipping, and reliable germination. Have been dealing with them for over 15 years and I see no reason I won't be dealing with them in the future. | | Positive | rebecca101
(10 reviews) | On February 22, 2007, rebecca101 Madison, WI
(Zone 5a) wrote:I made my first order with Stokes this winter. I took advantage of their shipping special - free shipping if you order early. Otherwise they have somewhat pricey shipping for a seeds-only order - somewhat high flat rate. But if you order supplies from them as well it turns out to be a good deal.
The reason I ordered from them is their selection - they have several single-color flower seeds that I couldn't find anywhere else, as well as a few hard-to-find Asian and other vegetable seeds. Their catalog is extensive and contains a lot of useful cultural information. The order arrived very quickly. I will definitely order from them again. | | Positive | PhlowrsInPhilly
(1 review) | On February 21, 2007, PhlowrsInPhilly Philadelphia, PA
(Zone 6b) wrote:This was my first time ordering from Stokes- they had a Cosmos I was looking for that others were out of. Also ordered some seed starting supplies to take advantage of that shipping fee so it didn't seem so high. And wow- I am impressed. There was excellent communication via email as to the status of my order, and I was given a UPS tracking number. It was well packed, has great information on the seed packets, AND I got my order in like a week- a great turnaround. I will definitely be back. | | Positive | cbh720d70
(3 reviews) | On February 17, 2007, cbh720d70 Portland, OR wrote: I have been purchasing seed from Stokes for thirty five years during which time I have been gardening in various parts of the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. They have excellent variety at excellent prices as far as I am concerned and their specific germination information is as good and better than material in published books.You can depend on their seed. Anyone who considers their shipping and handling charges to be expensive has not compared them enough or considered their relative seed prices. | | Neutral | bestgardener
(8 reviews) | On February 10, 2007, bestgardener Cincinnati, OH wrote: Stokes has a great selection and great seeds. The only problem I have had in the past is slow service. Shipping costs don't necessarily bother me since I buy a lot seeds. Also I have had problems ordering on line, so I usually have to call in my order. | | Negative | hart
(8 reviews) | On February 9, 2007, hart Shenandoah Valley, VA wrote: I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw on their website that shipping and handling of $6.95 is charged on any orders under $200. This is ridiculous. That was the end of any plans I had for placing a seed order. | | Positive | Helios
(6 reviews) | On February 1, 2007, Helios Louisville, KY wrote: My seeds were promptly shipped and I received several emails concerning the progress of my order. The planting information on the foil packs is very specific and worth saving for future reference. It is also nice that they identify the country of origin. Well done. | | Neutral | ilithiya
(4 reviews) | On January 31, 2007, ilithiya Salem, OR
(Zone 8a) wrote:I haven't grown out my seeds yet, so my comments are just about the service and ordering process.
Frankly, I'm unhappy. I ordered five packs of seeds and the shipping was $6.95. The only way I could justify it is that they had seeds I wanted that I couldn't get elsewhere. The shipping was slow as well - simultaneous orders from Pinetree and Baker arrived a full week before Stokes' did.
The packaging is good - foil lined packets - and has good growing info on the back, and does cite country of origin.
My only complaint is the shipping costs. I'm satisfied enough with the rest of the process that should their shipping prices drop, I would probably order again. | | Positive | declfi
(27 reviews) | On September 9, 2006, declfi Fenton, MO
(Zone 6b) wrote:Great. Quick Shipping. | | Positive | willmetge
(4 reviews) | On July 15, 2006, willmetge Spokane, WA
(Zone 5b) wrote:Stokes has good delivery time & great germination rates. They have a nice selection with reasonable prices. I would like to see variety-specific germination instructions. They often use the same instructions for a genus rather than instructions specific to an individual species or variety, but I plan to do business with them again. | | Positive | yentzn1
(11 reviews) | On June 29, 2006, yentzn1 East Orleans, MA wrote: very good prices on seeds and culture info,
very honest about diseases and crop limitation,
(i.e. F1 hybrids need more fertilizer in order to
deliver promised results),no flashy languages.
Kinda opposite of burpee. | | Positive | veges2
(2 reviews) | On June 29, 2006, veges2 Jamestown, ND wrote: My all time favorite seed catalog. My husband and I have had tremendous success with their products. He grows a 13 acre vege garden and I grow flowers/plants/vines. We sell at the local Farmers Market and to area grocery stores. Our customers are impressed by the quality of our produce and plants. The majority of our seeds come from Stokes.
Catalogs containing flowers only or vegetables and flowers together are available. There are clear instructions for growing that include germination temperature, transplant advice and growing advice. This is included in the catalog and on the seed packet. Germination rates are excellent (probably because of the clear instructions for growing). Easy to order on-line or via mail.
The customer service people are very helpful. Their on-linsite is improving. I would like to see them include zone information with their perennials...we North Dakotans are a bit limited. Happy gardening! | | Positive | chunx
(29 reviews) | On May 27, 2006, chunx San Diego, CA wrote: Stokes came through for me once again. I was looking for a cheap mini-greenhouse to replace the one I had. They had it on clearance much cheaper than anyone else. I also needed some fairly rare seeds and they had those also. They give very detailed planting instructions on each packet and on their website plus germination rates. Stokes sells a lot of seeds to commercial growers, so you can buy in packets and bulk.
One of the real benefits is their shipping charges. $4.95 for orders under $100 regardless of weight. My order was filled quickly, I received email confirmations on processing and when it was shipped.
I hadn't ordered from Stokes in probably 10 years. All of my previous experiences with them were positive, but I pretty much forgot about them. I'm glad they came to mind again since they have very reasonable prices and a large selection to choose from. | | Positive | Bec_No_Va
(29 reviews) | On March 27, 2006, Bec_No_Va DC metro, VA
(Zone 7a) wrote:Ordering was easy, follow up great and delivery right on time!!! Happy customer! | | Positive | ownedbycats
(28 reviews) | On February 7, 2006, ownedbycats Southern, NH
(Zone 5b) wrote:I've ordered from Stokes for a couple years now. I've found the web site easy to use and it has a lot of information. I wish that all the different varieties had a picture on the web site, and that seed counts were given for all varieties, but these are minor nitpicks. I love being able to get packs of individual colors as well as mixtures. They also have one of the largest pansy/viola selections of any company.
I will continue to order in the future. | | Positive | towers
(15 reviews) | On January 26, 2006, towers tell city, IN
(Zone 6a) wrote:just got my seeds
well buy some more soon A+ | | Neutral | oswald
(15 reviews) | On January 22, 2006, oswald Wausaukee, WI wrote: Suggestion: pack small/dust size seeds in double packets. In my order minute seeds of Clarkia, Chamomile, Xeranthemum, Silene all stuck in corners and eges of large packet, difficult to extract. Only Gypsophila was in double packet. Ordered some extra packets as gifts, but their appearance is dreadful -- might discourage the recipient. Could packages be of the same quality as the visually excellent catalogue? | | Positive | DONBROWN
(12 reviews) | On January 5, 2006, DONBROWN Halifax
(Canada) wrote:Great selection of fresh seeds and prices are reasonable. Service is prompt. | | Positive | hoosac
(1 review) | On February 21, 2005, hoosac North Adams, MA wrote: I have been buying mail order for about about 40 years and about 25 years from Stokes. I have always been happy with this companies seed quality,quantity,germination rate and huge selection.The service is great and the employees always honest. Best of all they treat the homegardener with total respect. Their catalog is a must written by real gardeners. It is the Bible of home seed starting. Every new gardener should read this book. It is better than a set of how-to-do seed books. I think this company is the best of all seed companies and am thankful that it is there. | | Positive | theplantmgr
(2 reviews) | On February 13, 2005, theplantmgr Schenectady, NY wrote: Best catalogue on the market. Phone order process efficient. Seeds arrived in a couple weeks. I appreciate their catalogue being alphabetical and divided into vegetables and flowers. Catalogue arrives in December, I order in early January
Their seed packages are most detailed about planting instructions including needs light for germination, temperature, freeze seed 1 week before using, etc. Seed packages also contain % germination so you have a reasonible understanding of the quality of the seed and what to expect.
They are beginning to mix pricing by weight and seed count more and more each year and do not necessarily price by both methods which makes ordering difficult if you don't understand the seed weight vs. quantity. | | Positive | JDWHIT
(5 reviews) | On February 11, 2005, JDWHIT Andrews, TX wrote: Order was received promptly. Good source of quality hybrid seeds for both flowers and vegetables. | | Positive | frstbrn24
(12 reviews) | On January 15, 2005, frstbrn24 Warwick, RI wrote: Today marked my third order with Stokes this season... Their service has been impeccable each and every time (hence the reason for repeated business), they have everything I have needed to do my "stuff" this season, the selection of seeds is quite impressive, and delivery has been near immediate on all three occasions.
I encourage you to at least try this company~ I am positive that you will not be disappointed. | | Positive | lmelling
(13 reviews) | On January 8, 2005, lmelling Ithaca, NY
(Zone 5b) wrote: I've been a solid customer of another well-known seed company, but have been unhappy over the last year or two with germination %'s of their seed. After reading all the positive comments about Stokes Seeds here in the Garden Watchdog, I decided to purchase my 2005 seed from them.
I ordered my seed (about $50 worth) on the 3rd of January, 05 and received it yesterday - January 7th! Not only was the service speedy, the company kept me abreast via email on the status of my order. I'm very pleased with the service so far. I'll report on the viability of the seed later on in the year when I've had a chance to evaluate it.
| | Positive | EskieLeia
(6 reviews) | On January 5, 2005, EskieLeia Leesville, SC
(Zone 8a) wrote:Received order in a timely manner - even though Christmas and New Year's holiday was involved. Order came complete - no backorders. They had a different variety of seed I was looking for. Now, if they just germinate ok.....but so far, I'm pleased with their service and products. | | Positive | StvNicksFan
(2 reviews) | On December 31, 2004, StvNicksFan Sisters, OR
(Zone 4b) wrote:This is a copy of an email I sent to Stokes five minutes ago. I felt this needed to be added here. I changed the names invloved, just in case. Thanks!
"Hi Deb,
My name is Mike. I placed an order on the 16th of December. I was hoping to have the seeds in time for Christmas (though it was my fault for ordering so late!) I called today, December 31st, to inquire as to where my order was and I had the utmost privilege of working with Jolynn. Not sure if I spelled that correctly! Anyhow, you have a great employee here! One that knows how to treat people and one that truly cares about her job and the well being of the company she works for. This will be my first year of gardening, as we just bought a new house. I have never touched a plant before and so I have spent hours browsing the web reading as much as I can. I have found the Garden Watchdog site to be very useful in reading reviews of seed companies and nurseries. I found that Stokes had one of the highest ratings of service anywhere! And now I can see why! My order had apparently gotten stuck somewhere in fulfillment. Jolynn was very concerned about my order, so much that when she said she would call me right back after investigating, she called back within FIVE minutes! That is unheard of! She was so apologetic that she offered my free shipping on a second order I placed on the phone with her today. And I'll tell you what, that won't be my last order either! Your catalog is beautiful, your selection is tops without a doubt and the service is tops in my book. It is very rare today to find someone working in a customer service job that has the right attitude such as Jolynn. Hang onto her! I am 24, I have worked in retail for six years now, a supervisor for three, and I wish I had employees just like Jolynn. Please be sure that she receives a copy of this email. And please let me know that you have received it as well. If you would like to call, my number is below. I will follow up with her to make sure she has received a copy as well. Jolynn and Deb, thank you and you have a GREAT New Year! I look forward to adding my review of Stokes to the Garden Watchdog!
Most Sincerely,
Mike" | | Positive | nevadagdn
(114 reviews) | On December 30, 2004, nevadagdn Sparks, NV
(Zone 7a) wrote:My internet order was confirmed and shipped in a timely manner. The shipment was complete. I like Stokes' low prices and wide selection of annual, perennial and vegetable seeds. I don't care whether the seeds are organic or not, because I bought mostly flower seeds, don't plan to sell anything, and even with vegetable seed, the potential amount of pesticide residue per plant would be very minimal. (I don't USE any additional pesticides other than insecticidal soap, and that only rarely because I'm lazy).
On March 14th, 2005, nevadagdn added the following:
germination rates are good.
On December 21st, 2005, nevadagdn added the following:
This year\'s order arrived in a timely fashion, and was complete. I\'ll continue to use Stokes for a portion of my garden budget. | | Positive | purplepinkpolka
(14 reviews) | On May 2, 2004, purplepinkpolka Leesburg, VA wrote: I really like Stoke's selection, which is tilted towards the demands of nurseries and thus quite different from catalogues that focus on home gardeners alone. The prices are pretty good, shipping is reasonable, and I've never had no problems in the two times I ordered from them. The catalogue has some devastatingly elaborate and dire instructions on some plants. |
| Read the rest of the comments
Add your own comment and rating to this companyReturn to the Garden Watchdog homepage Learn how to link to this page |
Positive
Neutral
Negative
