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The Baker catalog is great and I look forward every year to recieving it. My children gave me a hundred dollar gift certificate for Christmas. Being overwhelmed by all the choices I sent an email to Baker asking them for feedback about what kinds of corn and tomatoes to order. I never got a response. I emailed to find status of my order again no response. I ended up ordering eighteen different tomatoes so in retrospect the feedback didnt end up being so important because I used the shotgun effect. It would have been nice to get a response. I ended up ordering the corn from Seed Savers who was more than happy to give me the feedback I was looking for. I decided to call and find out status of my order and had difficulty getting anyone on the phone. Eventually I got a gentleman on the phone named Randall who was very patient with me and gave me feedback on my order even telling me how to prepare certain seed for germination and what strains he thought were good choices. I sent along an email to Baker complimenting Randalls professionalism and how cool I thought he was. I got no response. It is my thought and hope that when I see how the seeds perform that I can revisit this site and change my neutral to a positive. Let me make clear that in the grand scheme of things this is not way up on the importance scale but I think it is important the company knows what is up . The company should give their client base an opportuinity to be able to order on line with a gift certificate. In the present configuration they dont give you that option. I had to fax the order. I will continue to do business with Baker but hope on the next go around they are more responsive to my questions and concerns. I look forward in anticipation to see how the seeds perform and hope it sways my review to a positive. I confirmed the email address and know I had it correct. I hope we can improve on our business relationship.
On Feb 19, 2009, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:
Our mail server lost many emails last winter, but know seems to be working again, so sorry for the lack of responce, we reply to emails in a couple of days under normal conditions, and the gentleman you talked with answers many of them.
So sorry!
We also had a shortage of phone lines last season, but are working to get that fixed for the coming season!
If you have any other comments or suggestions please call us a 866-OLDSEED
I have always got great seed from baker creek and it is a great company.And it is child like to complain about not getting a great free packet of seed.
On Feb 7, 2009, heirloompumpkin San Francisco, CA wrote:
As much as I bought from them they always give me the same free seed packet - it's either Lemon Cucumber or St Valery's Carrot. What's up with that?????
I rather they did'nt give me any because every time I get that packet of stupid free seed it just makes me mad. I heard other people get great free seed packet.
I won't buy from them anymore.
On February 9th, 2009, heirloompumpkin added the following:
I am entitled to have an opinion and that is exactly how I have been treated!
This is the 8th year I've ordered seeds (usually 20-40 varieties of tomatoes, peppers and eggplants) from Baker Creek.
I have only experienced good to excellent germination in that time, with the "good" (60%) germination fairly rare, and in seeds that BC had clearly marked on the packet that seed was overpacked due to poor germination rates. That occurred only 3 times in 7 years, among about 130+ varieties sampled.
The customer service is excellent and staff are immediately and warmly responsive whenever I've called with questions about a particular variety.
BC also fills a niche for Appalachian and Ozarks gardeners by offering many of our less-common heirlooms to a wider audience at affordable prices.
The only minor disappointment I've had is that bulk quantities for a particular variety may be available one year but not the next, or that a particular variety popular here may not be available at all in bulk. Still, the overall selection of varieties available in bulk is very good.
This was my first season to order from BCH, and I couldn't be happier with the seed quality and the customer service. Everything I've started germinated quickly, and the shipping turnaround was top notch.
And unlike Daisy, I like the catalog quotes. Food is political.
Ordered several vege. seeds last week. I received the order about 10 days later. It was packed in a bubble mailer and included an inventory sheet. THe sheet was quality control checked by at least three people as all three initialed the sheet. The seed packets are beautiful to look at in an old retro kinda way and I received a FREE packet of carrot seed with my order. I will defin. be ordering from them again each season and mayb again this year. Very happy.
On Jan 25, 2009, CarynDalton Marysville, OH wrote:
I will try my best to remember to update my review of this company after the 2009 seeds have grown so now I am only commenting on the pre-growing experience for this year.
Website: Easy to navigate. Also has a search box. Flowers and vegetables listed by common name.
Checkout was simple and quick and they are a Mcafee secure site which means they are tested daily by Mcafee. They accept Checks, Money Orders, VISA, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Cash in both U.S. and international funds. And, you can still print out an order form and send it in to order by mail.
Merchant Rating with BBB: I always check this before ordering online. This company has a B+ rating with 0 complaints within the past 36 monhts. The B+ is becuase the BBB "doesn't have sufficient background information on this company". 0 complaints sounds good to me! They are not accredited with the BBB which basically means they don't pay the fee to say they are.
Seed Selection: According to the site, they offer heritage seed varieties that are selected for flavor and nutrition. Non-treated, non-hybrid and non GMO" is what they stock. They have vegetables, herb, flowers and they also have some tools and other merchandise. The selection is ok but not super fantastic. Still, worth visiting.
Shipping: Super Quick and came in a standard bubble manilla envelope. They did as I requested and emailed me to let me know that they had shipped my order. They chareg only 3.00 per order for postage and handling which is the best price I've found anywhere. Period. (All items & large bulk orders are included in this flat rate) They ship seeds year-round.
Seed count for price: Reasonable to generous.
Product information: On the site, there were occasional drawings of plants. They have general info for classes of veggies/flowers/herbs and sparse info on each variety. I had to go to other sites to find the information I needed to make my purchase but I require a lot of information.
The seed packets are large, glossy paper with drawings or pictures and contain a lot of sowing/growing on information. More information than what is on the site, at times!
There is a free color paper catalog available.
They included a free packet of seeds with my order which is standard for them. Their choice of free seeds! They sent a carrot seed with my order of mostly vegetable seeds.
I have read some of the other reviews here and personally I go to Gardening websites for one of two reasons.
1. To find seeds or plants
2. To find information.
This website is great for both, depending on what info/seeds plants you are looking for. If the info does not fill your need, it doesn't mean it is useless to others.
Their descriptions are over blown. The tasty melons were horrible. But more important they sent my seed to my deep freeze unused mailbox, instead of my PO Box, even after I specifically asked them not to.
Customer service tried to convince me frozen squash seed is a good thing and it was my fault.....
On Jan 11, 2009, isaytomahhtoe Amesbury, MA wrote:
I was a longtime, loyal customer of Johnny's Seeds until about 5 years ago, when I felt the company's prices had gotten too high. I found Baker through this Website. I like the selection and the prices are reasonable. The catalog is an eye-popping treat -- I love the personality that Jere injects into it. He's proud of what he does and it shows.
One suggestion regarding the free pack of seeds the company includes with each order (a nice bonus). I ordered veggies, and the freebie was wildflowers. I'd suggest trying to keep the freebie in the same vein as the order -- for instance I ordered a few packs of cucumbers, so it would have been great to get a small freebie sample of another variety of cuke. I won't buy wildflowers next year, but I might order a different variety of cuke if I liked the sample.
I heard about Baker Creek by word-of-mouth, all from gardeners who knew what they were doing. Being a first-time gardener (but an eager student) I knew I wanted open-pollination stock, so we took a little road trip to their store and ended up with so many seeds! It's a gardener's candy store. The very wonderful folks there made the day extra special. There was music, and the nice man who checked us out added an extra couple of seed packs to our bag! But what really sold me was Jere's moving letter at the front of last year's ('08) catalog. I knew I'd found my favorite gardening source then and there. He touched on all the reasons I wanted to garden, and his commitment to heirloom varieties made me so happy! Don't let his age fool you, he and his staff KNOW seeds, and do a great job providing a wide variety. We grew one tomato (Paul Robeson) that made everyone who tried it want more. I can't wait to get started on our NEXT garden, the one that is triple the size of last year's. Baker Creek, you rock!
I have been very pleased with both the customer service and the products available from this site. Ordered my seeds from them first, choosing from many neat varieties. Delivery was fast, with a bonus gift. I also checked out their Heirloom Gardener magazine, and was very impressed with it- have now got a subscription. For a good source of hard to find seeds, this is a great place.
On Nov 17, 2008, Spookycharles Langley, WA (Zone 8b) wrote:
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. is one of my absolute favorite seed sources. They have a vast selection of heirloom and difficult to find open pollinated varieties. Their seeds have grown very well for me and are always interesting and fun.
Just received another fabulous order containing more varieties of sweet peas then I've yet seen from any other single source. Delivery is prompt and they always include a fun extra.
On Oct 9, 2008, slatwood Sun City, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote:
In spring 2008 I ordered twice from Baker Creek, including quite a number of "weird" Solanums, including African , south American, poison, etc. Their other seeds (not Solanum/eggplant) performed very well - but all but one of the Solanum had zero to poor germination, poor seedling vigor and viability. I complained -- and was immediately asked which ones I wanted a refund or a store credit for! No attempt to "blame the gardener"; no hesitation -- Just how many, and how do you want to handle it! EXCELLENT customer service!
Also, their orders arrived timely, well packaged, with packing list. A good company, putting out a good product, and customer friendly -- almost an oddity in this day and age!
I was new to Heirloom Gardening and found Bakers Creek on the web. I order my seeds spring of 2008 they were friendly and prompt with sending my order.
All the seeds germinated and grew beautifully the Charentais Melons did wonderfully and were a delectable treat. I most certainly would recommend Bakers Creek they are a friendly family oriented company.
Great prices! I thought I was just going to get 10 sweet pea seeds but I got atleast 20 seeds or more. Happy with this store, and I'll be coming back for more seeds.
I love their philosophy on seeds/growing, and I grew some veggies this year from their seed to great success.
But, I'm not interested anymore in reading left wing politics in their catalog or on their web site when I'm trying to decide which eggplant to order.
Is this what happens when 20-somethings start a company & think they know it all?
I'm not buying it anymore - literally.
(Plus, what's with the snarky attitudes from their customer service?)
On Aug 8, 2008, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:
"
On Sep 16, 2008 10:02 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. added:
Glad to hear our seeds did well for you, if you save seeds you should be able to have planty of your own seeds.
Thanks for letting us know how you feel, but we feel like we should still support the wisdom of our founding fathers and support food freedom. That is why we quote Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln and even Ronald Regan, So I dont feel we are all that left, but rather very indepentent!
No, we don't know it all, that is why we post quotes from great leaders from our past, the Bible and other texts.
I hope this does not sound snarky. Sorry about that!
Thanks again, but this is more than a business, it is a tool to spread old-fashioned ideals, like freedom, safe food and peace.
God Bless and I am sure you can find many great sources that are free of most or all quotes, I like Seed Savers, Sand Hill Preservation Center, Native Seed Search and others, So I hope you don't stop growing heirlooms just because you can't grow with us.
On Jul 21, 2008, greengardener07 Philadelphia, PA wrote:
I ordered some different and unique seeds from Baker Creek recently and within 3 business days they were in my possession. S&H was very reasonable, not to mention the generous amount of seeds in each packet.
I will definitely order from here again, even if it is for just one packet of seed.
This company should be a model for all companies out there. With Baker Creek, customer service comes first, which shows the way they handle your order.
On Jul 17, 2008, admodeva Dutton, AL (Zone 7a) wrote:
I've ordered from Baker Creek for 3yrs running and consider them a fantastic company to purchase from - prompt shipping, reasonable prices, and I've had high germination with the seeds I've purchased. They are my first choice when ordering vegetable seeds, thanks Baker Creek!
When you look in the book for examples of how to treat your customers, Baker Creek is the reference. Prompt service on my order of tomato seeds and even a gift to go with the order. The shipping was reasonable. They will get more orders from me in the future.
On Jul 15, 2008, lemonwater Mountain View, CA wrote:
I absolutely LOVE Baker Creek! Their selection of heirloom vegetables is unbelievable, especially their melons and tomatoes, which are my two favorite things to grow and eat. I've ordered three times from them in the last month (I keep seeing more melons or tomatoes I just have to have) and each experience has been nothing but positive.
Both orders arrived in three days, well packaged, with an free packet of eggplant seeds. I don't particularly like eggplant, but I'm not complaining! I started one pack of the free eggplant for my mom, which had double the seeds due to low germination.To my surprise, almost all the seeds came up anyway! I've also gotten 90% or higher germination from everything else I've planted. Each pack of seeds is also generously over packed, and prices are very reasonable. I will certainly be ordering from these wonderful people again, and recommending them to others.
There is nothing not to love about Baker Creek! I found them a couple years ago from a co-worker that had come across their catalog, and I have been hooked to them since. I have always had great luck with them, starting with their awesome selection, the fast shipping, and the great plants that grow. This company is a real treasure!
The most unbelievable variety of heirloom vegetables for all over the world, especially squashes.... heaven for me. Great website, so user friendly. Transcontinental shipping just took 10 days. Upon successfull germination of my seeds, I'll do business with them over and over and this will for sure become my 1st choice seed supplier.
This was my first time ordering from this company, based on reading reviews & searching for heirloom veggies on this site. I'm a little slow in posting the review, as I actually ordered the seeds back in February. They arrived promptly, along with a few extra sample packs and a note apologizing for the delay (ice storms!) Frankly, I hadn't noticed any delay, but I appreciate the freebies. Eagerly awaiting the harvest my first Tiger melon...
:-)
On May 28, 2008, d_montaigne El Cerrito, CA wrote:
I placed my order online Sunday, May 18. The seeds were in my hands in California on Friday, May 23! Wow! No info on viability yet, obviously, but I was absolutely thrilled with Baker Creek's speed--and accuracy--in filling my order. I will definitely do business with them in the future and talk them up to my gardening friends/acquaintances/anyone I can button-hole!
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.
Just like everyone else says...the biggest plus I have noted is the viability of the seed. I purchased about $30 worth of seeds and not have had any "duds" so far, which is just amazing to me considering that these are heirloom varieties.
The only drawback is not having the absolute greatest variety of seeds, and they were out of a few items when I ordered, but they gave me free gifts for being "late" (I thought the order was definitely shipped in a timely fashion), for not having everything I ordered (they also refunded the money), and then a free gift just for the sake of it.
It really appears they do what they do with love and am glad to support them. You should do the same!
On Apr 22, 2008, nolabug New Orleans, LA (Zone 9b) wrote:
I started gardening from seed 2 years ago and simply did a google search and ordered a thing or two from each promising-looking website, including the big names. Baker Creek was the quickest to get the seeds to me, sent me what I ordered and not a substitute, packed more seeds than stated, included a free gift apparently geared toward my climate, and sent me seeds that consistently germinated and grew lovely, healthy plants. I've become almost exclusively a BC customer as a result. Thanks for doing good business.
On Apr 18, 2008, oklaquilter Grundy Center, IA wrote:
Love the variety of seed. Placed a $50+ order and when several of my requested items were out of stock, the staff refunded me in cash (was sent w/my seeds). Shipping was very quick! I would recommend this company and plan on using them again next year.
On Apr 14, 2008, cindilocks Pompano Beach, FL wrote:
I ordered from this company after seeing reviews here on this website....I was very pleased with my order. I received it in a timely manner and got generous amounts of seeds in the packets. I would definitely order from them again!
On Apr 8, 2008, Ladeedah Lindenwood, IL (Zone 4b) wrote:
A terrific seed company in every respect! The order I placed on Apr 4 was in my hands on April 7. As a professional market grower, I place heavy reliance on seed companies that offer excellent service as well as unique varieties of seed. Seed count accuracy and viability is also very important and TS delivers on all counts! I am not surprised that they have a rock-solid reputation; they have earned it! I thank them for giving me the opportunity to offer unusual varieties for my customers' enjoyment! Two Green Thumbs Up!
On April 8th, 2008, Ladeedah added the following:
My sincere apologies in the foregoing review for BAKER CREEK. I should have said that "......BC delivers on all counts" for that was my intention. Must have had a snarkle moment there! Two green thumbs up for you, and a slap upside the head for me!
Great mail order seed co. I ordered about 20 packs of seeds and they were only missing one, a rare winter cress that they substituted with crinkly cress. It sprouted through the snow in my western Arkansas garden plot and as of late March has produced many soup seasonings. The other seeds that I have started so far (inside and out) have an exceptional germination and development rate. They really know what will grow in my stony mountain soil. I can't wait till the next catalog. The quarterly magazine is a gem also.
Say no to GMO and stop the war in Iraq! (Free Tibet too.)
I enjoy homegrown vegetables and I love to buy seeds from companies that promote open-pollinated, heirloom, and rare varieties. Over the past 7 or so years I have watched as Bakers Creek grew and expand their catalog offerings. I am thrilled that they are so successful at adding to the world of seed saving and preserving heirloom varieties from around the world. Yet still, Bakers Creek has that "homegrown" style and feeling to their mail order business. I hope they never lose that.
This is definitely the company to buy from if you are searching for biodiverse treasure. BC seems to specialize mostly in squashes, melons and tomatoes, but they do have a respectable listing for other things such as specialty asian vegatables. You won't find any GMO seed, which is an issue that they are passionate about.
Many of the listings have good photos in the top and bottom page borders, and some have antique illustrations reprinted in full color. There are also little quotes from historical figures, various authors and the Bible sprinkled throughout, some relating to gardening and some relating to a decidedly pacifist political slant. This makes for a fun catalog experience IMO, although some would find it chaotic or uneven.
Of the many varieties of tomatoes and melons, etc. I have ordered from BC over the years for my home garden patch, I have been very pleased with germination and overall quality. One negative; the seed packets, which over the years have varied in style but which have never had enough info on the variety or on culture for me -- I kept having to run back to the catalog to look them up if I wanted to remember things like height, bush or vine, etc. Only one packet of seeds had an actual picture of the vegetable on the front, the golden Marconi pepper.
Still, I enjoy looking through BC's catalog more than any other of the multitude I receive each winter. It truly inspires me!
If I ordered from only one company, it would be Baker Creek. They have never been anything but extremely helpful and prompt with assistance and orders. The selection is unmatched, and the plants and harvest have been very successful. It's easy to tell they love their plants and what they do, and that shows in how they run their business.
The only suggestion I would have is to include planting suggestions on/with seed packets. When I'm trying out several new crops, it'd be great not to have to keep referencing the web page to double check that I haven't mis-remembered the specifics.
Otherwise, I have nothing but praise for Baker Creek. Thanks guys!
We've ordered from Baker Creek 4 or 5 times over the past 5 or 6 years. We just received the order that we placed on March 8. It's a great company. The selection is excellent. We have not had better quality seeds or service from anyone. They always throw in a couple of interesting free packets of seed. Though we do like to do some business with other companies that do a good job or carry things that Baker Creek does not, our big order is always placed with Baker Creek.
