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Was amazed at the gorgeous catalog I received from Baker's this last spring, and felt compelled to place an order, though I had already finished my plans for ordering seeds. Ordered lettuce, carrots, and tomato seeds; all germinated terrifically and grew outstandingly well. They threw in some free wildflower seeds, which also grew very well. I will definitely order from Baker Seed again, and look forward to their 2010 catalog!
On Oct 28, 2009, Nayeli Deadrock, MT (Zone 4a) wrote:
I've ordered seeds from Baker Creek for 3 years now. I've never had any problems.
I grow many varieties of vegetables in a very large garden. My garden was the talk of the town this year.
I started several mountain princess tomatoes from seed and everyone was amazed at the clusters I had so early in our short mountain climate.
The only problems I've encountered are due to my own errors. For instance, last spring I had started many seeds inside. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough lights so some of my peppers and tomatoes were much smaller than they could have been.
My only other problem was with my onion seeds. After they sprouted, I left them in a south facing window! Wrong move on my part. Those onions were cooked!
I can't wait to see the variety that will be offered up in 2010!
On Oct 28, 2009, sandnsea2 Winston Salem, NC (Zone 7a) wrote:
The seed I ordered here were a big hit. Beautiful old varieties of many different flowers. Love their gorgeous catalog. A joy to read on a cold winters' night, and then all through the year. A masterpiece, really! BRAVO, to you at Baker Creek!
Over the last 10 yrs or so, I have bought hundreds of seeds from them. I "stash" seeds in addition to using them. I have a small freezer that is dedicated to seed saving (stashing). I have never had a problem with any of the seeds that I bought- even the ones that have been frozen for quite a while.
I too get free packs of seeds occ'ly and don't care what the free packs are. The fact that these people are nice enough to give me something for buying from them is great.
They have always been courteous, friendly and immediately taken care of anything that I bring to their attention.
I will continue to buy seeds from them and support them. They are a valuable resource for us.
On May 29, 2009, Kimbrah Bakersfield, CA (Zone 9a) wrote:
When I first ordered from this company, I did notice that their website and order tracking does leave a bit to be desired. Hopefully, as their success increases they can address those issues a little better. :)
Overall, my order came in a timely manner, considering that it was the middle of "seed season" and everything was wrapped in bubble wrap and no seeds were missing or broken. I was a bit disappointed that my Asian Winged Beans were back ordered and therefore cancelled. Now that I know about that option of writing that you want the back order shipped when its available, that won't happen again next year.
I planted my seeds, the squash did great, but some of the other seeds had poor or no germination. I know that these things happen, sometimes at no fault of the seed company. I called the company and they were VERY PLEASANT TO DEAL WITH. They made every effort to be kind and to make sure that I was satisfied. I ended up getting my winged beans after all and some other items I hadn't thought to order the first time around, in place of my low germinating items that were now out of stock. The ones that are still in stock are being shipped as well. It was a win win situation for all.
I am very satisfied with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and I will definitely be ordering from them again. I would encourage anyone who has left negative or neutral feedback to give them a call and the opportunity to make things right. I don't think you will be disappointed. :)
On May 22, 2009, Gangajay Marine Parade Singapore wrote:
The seeds arrived within two weeks which I think is pretty good for an international order. The seeds have all germinated and the seedlings are doing very well. I will definitely order from them again.
On May 9, 2009, denver_dry Denver, CO (Zone 5a) wrote:
Baker Creek seeds made our summer last year--this review is long overdue. Driven mad by Amy Goldman books, I ordered six varieties each of heirloom melon and squash. Seeds arrived, very nicely packed, about 10 days later. Nearly 100 % germination, combined with an unusually long fall meant lots of melons and squash for us and for Project Angel Heart. Baker Creek has many varieties, great prices AND they've signed the Safe Seed Pledge. Website very easy to navigate, a lush and tempting paper catalog, and yes, great politics. I will happily order from this company again.
The catalog is absolutely gorgeous and I think businesses should put their personal opinions wherever they want, I can (and often do) choose not to spend my money with a company whom's politics I don't like. I also don't understand complaining about free seeds, who cares, give them away for someone else to eat if you don't want them.
I put my order in earlier this year and was very greatful to receive everything I ordered, last year I didn't get items.
I also have noticed far more than the minimum seeds in packets.
Last month I thought that I would be leaving negative feedback--and I hated the thought--since I have had great experiences with Baker Creek for years. First, there were the delays-although they were more than adequately explained. Then I found that 4 out of 7 of the tomatoes that I'd ordered did not germinate, although they seemed to receive exactly the same culture as the others. Then, the one item I really wanted was missing from a second order. I e-mailed the company and got a quick and very gracious reply. Pam (thank you Pam!) not only said that she would send the missing item out immediately--but would replace the seeds that seemed to be bad. When I set up my replacement tomato seeds-I made a discovery. There was a small fault in a window that (when the wind was from an odd direction) sent a focused blast of Chicago winter air right to the seeds that had not germinated-sparing the ones that had. The fault was plugged and my replacement seeds sprouted vigorously--in the way I had come to expect from Baker Creek seeds.
Given weather problems and the increased demand that the company has been experiencing (it seems that everyone is reponding to high prices by growing produce themselves) I think that they are coping in the best possible way. I am more impressed than ever. They certainly did not have to offer replacements!--especially since the seeds were absolutely fine. I am recommending Baker Creek to every gardener I know.
I read about Baker Creek and ordered their catalog early this year. I fell in love with the entire catalog and took 3 weeks to make a decision on 60+ varieties. It was a wonderfully put together catalog with beautiful pictures and illustrations, it also gave a detailed description of the seed and where it came from (which was quite entertaining). I also ordered several books and their Heirloom magazine. My order came in a very timely fashion. The seeds, books etc... came in a box and were well packed. To my surprise they included two free seed packets (yellow star pepper & French beets). They were out of stock on a few things but noted on the form what was missing and gave me an instant check refund stapled to the order. I had such a positive experience that we are planning a trip to their Heritage farm (Baker Creek) for their festival in May (we live in Texas). I love Jere's vision and want to give my $$$$ to a business that has scruples. They are the closest thing to dealing with a old general store atmosphere with a huge selection of rare & heirlooms. I cannot believe that anyone would actually complain about free seeds, that is certainly not a reason to give negative feedback. ****I planted most of my garden in early March - I am in 8A zone and practically everything has sprouted so the seed germinations are above average***I was very surprised by the amount of seed in several packets..if it said 25 seeds on packet there were usually 5 to 10 more.
On Mar 31, 2009, Centaurea Roanoke, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:
I ordered bunches of seed from them 2 years ago. They still sprout. When a packet says "minimum 50 seeds," very often there are hundreds in there. I am currently reopening packets for this years sowing and I am happy. I will definitely be a repeat customer.
Thank you Baker Creek.
I was looking for seeds for a fabled "Million Dollar Mellon" about which I had heard in the past but wasn't sure even existed! Via a Google search, I found Baker Creek Heirloom which included an informative blurb about the melons which coincided with the story I had heard. They also had plain old Black Seeded Simpson seeds so I ordered a packet of those as well. Not exactly a big spender order . . . just two packets of seeds, one of which is rare and one of which is very common. But obviously I was not treated any differently from those who would have larger orders because the seeds arrived swiftly and included a free packet of St. Valery Carrot seeds! (YUM!) So far, so very good with Baker Creek!
On Mar 27, 2009, Janna Mahwah, NJ (Zone 6a) wrote:
These guys are the best. The catalog is awesome and cool, I love the quotes! I can feel young creative energy behind this company. The selection is amazing, well described, well illustrated. The seeds were shipped on time and are great. I highly recommend this company, what a pleasure to deal with!
Received my shipment minus one item that was no longer in stock in under 7 days.
Got notice when they received my order, got notice when it was packaged on on its way to shipping, and received notice when it was shipped.
Prices can be a little high on some items but it is well worth the price to receive my items in a timely manner; unlike another company I ordered from this year.
On Mar 24, 2009, brandie21 Tucson, AZ (Zone 8a) wrote:
I placed my first order with Baker this year after reading so many of the positive comments posted here. I received my order in good time. The only issues I had were the fact that some of the items I ordered were out of stock so I received substitutions but the packing slip did not specify it was a substitution so I wasn't sure if I had received the wrong item or a substitution. I also received a refund for one variety that was out of stock but was completely missing one item.
I emailed them the day I received the order to ask and waited for a response but never received one, finally 2 weeks later I decided to fax them my questions. I am guessing that my original email ended up in email never-never land because Baker Creek responded to the fax within 2 hours, all of my questions were answered and the missing seeds were to be sent out right away. That was on Friday and today is Tuesday so as long as I receive that last packet of seeds soon I will continue to order from them in the future. It is obvious that they try to have good customer service which is more than I can say for some of the other companies I have ordered from this Spring.
On Mar 18, 2009, DixieDirtDiva Nashville, TN wrote:
I ordered a variety of heirloom tomato seeds, in all colors, and they arrived quickly. I planted three seeds per pot, and except for one type, (which was noted as not germinating well and included extra seeds), nearly every seed germinated, so I've been separating transplants all week, and have three times the tomato plants I intended. If I'd known how well they would do, I'd have put one seed per pot! I did use heat mats and humidity domes for germination & now have the seedlings under good light, but at this point, I have true leaves on all my little plants. Great seeds! Stay away from the Atkinson, which I can't get to germinate at all, and you'll love their heirloom seeds.
I've ordered from this company for a few years and have never had a problem before- until now.
My second order of the year was close to $50.00. It was very slow to ship, but finally arrived. A few days later, a duplicate order appeared. I am honest so I emailed them about the double order. They told me to send the seeds back and I could have a credit for the shipping on my next order.
Okay, I was fine with that. I sent in a new order with a note about my credit and previous problem. I quickly got my new order, though with no free seed packet, which was a first. Also, my debit card was charged for the full order price. No credit was issued or refunded.
I also started my tomato plants that weekend and found that my cream sausage tomato packet was EMPTY! No seeds! I again emailed them last Monday and again Friday about the missing seeds and lack of credit issued. NO RESPONSE. Looks like their customer service has evaporated and they are ignoring my emails. I've spent close to $100 dollars on seeds and products from this company this year. Never Again!
On March 24th, 2009, hlebear changed the rating from negative to positive and added the following:
I have now received my refund and replacement seeds. So, I am adjusting my rating.
Seeds came within a week after I ordered them, even though I had waited until March to place the order. The full packet of free seeds was a nice bonus!
On Mar 13, 2009, belle_michele Shakopee, MN wrote:
I just received my seed order from Baker Creek Seeds and I still don't know how they managed to get my seeds to me SO FAST!!!
Great job of packaging in bubble-wrap envelope and VERY reasonable shipping charge (I was aghast at some of the shipping charges I was seeing for shipping just seeds).
I've ordered seeds from this company in the past and have always been very satisfied with germination rates and the 'end' results...mostly melons.
I was very pleased at the free packet of seeds that I received happened to be a melon seed (I ordered mostly melon seeds this time) that I had been considering buying/trying.
This is a GREAT, relatively inexpensive source of high quality, unusual and heirloom seeds.
Love the seeds and heirloom veggie/fruit selection at this place! Shipping is ridiculously fast, and customer service excellent. It's a nice touch with the free seed packet in every order too...fun to see what you'll get this season! Definitely a company that has my business for life.
Baker Creek is, hands down, my favorite seed source.
I'm primarily a veggie gardener, with some herbs for cooking and tea thrown in, but I transitioned to heirloom veggies in order to be even more food independent and save seeds.
Basically, I'm a total plant geek and adore gardening.
Now that confession is out of the way.
Their catalog is to die for, truly gardener's porn, if I may say so. Loads of varieties and amazingly strong seed!
While the Applegreen Eggplant had only a 20% germination and was quite weak this year, all of the other dozens of varieties of seeds are strong sprouters with dependable germination. I find their descriptions spot on and really liked that when I called to try to find out a particular breed of eggplant for a container in the hot coastal south, she could spout one right off and give particulars.
For those concerned with GMO, I think it is great this year that they don't just sign the safe seed pledge, they TEST for contamination. That is significant for us home scale corn growers.
And I like the free seeds. Of course it will be whatever they have extra of, but it is still super fun to find the treat in the box.
On Mar 6, 2009, veggiequeen Shepherdstown, WV wrote:
I ordered last year. Service was prompt, the veggies grew well, and varieties appeared to be the ones advertised.
My single small complaint is that I wish the catalog would provide more specific information about growing conditions, zone hardiness and days to maturity for each seed they list.
The quotes in the catalog are thought-provoking, especially the ones I don't agree with! And the photos are works of art. Together, they provide food for the mind and soul.
I appreciate the fact that Baker Creek makes their catalog readily available in print. For comparing varieties, this format is much easier than online. This year, I requested two catalogs in print. Baker Creek's arrived in a week; the other hasn't shown up after a month. Baker Creek gets 100% of my order this year!
I ordered for the first time. The shipping was prompt, the catalog is wonderful. I enjoy the quotes in the catalog, regardless of my personal views. Those that did not like them were not forced to read them. Duh. The manifest was hand signed with a thank you which is a quality and rare touch these days. I will be ordering from them in the future.
On Mar 4, 2009, SatorArepo Charlottesville, VA wrote:
This was my first order with Baker's, but I was very satisfied. Seeds came quickly, within a week, with an apology that they weren't mailed sooner! The germination was the best of any of my seeds this year so far. And I love the catalog, and the free packet of seeds you get with your order!
On Mar 3, 2009, paracelsus Elmira, NY (Zone 6a) wrote:
I've been ordering from this seed company for several years and have been glad to see their selection grow. This year they even had some things that I had ordered from Europe, like Crapaudine beet. I was bowled over by the catalog. And I liked the politics they had in there. Fits in with other catalogs like Fedco and J.L. Hudson.
On Mar 2, 2009, jennifer1000 W Hartford, CT wrote:
This was my first time ordering from Baker Creek, and I am pleased with the experience. My order only took a couple of weeks to arrive, which is apparently longer than normal because they included a note explaining the delay was due to that major ice storm. One seed packet was out of stock, and they included the refund with my seeds. So far, I have only started the lettuce seeds and the germination rate seems great. Shipping is only $3 -- you can't beat that! And their catalog is GORGEOUS, and I really appreciate the time and attention they devote to highlighting the powerful forces that are influencing seed/food production -- something we as gardeners and as Americans should understand better.
On Mar 1, 2009, ceresone Willow Springs, MO wrote:
Put my order in early this year, as I had suspected every seed company would get behind. Ordered January 21, order came on January 31-well ahead of the others I'd ordered from.
As for the political and other statements in the catalog, isn't that what freedom means? He has the right to post it--You have the right to not read it.
I'll definetly order every year.
I have ordered seed from Baker Creek the past three years. Their shipping prices are the best and fast, seed selection is incredible, germination is always very high. I love this company! As for the free seeds, I've never got the same pack twice and am always have to have them!
On Feb 23, 2009, luv2binagarden Knoxville, TN wrote:
I am new to heirloom plants.I have never mail ordered seeds before. I was refered to BC from a fellow gardener who loved her plants last year. I went to their website and looked it over. Made my decisions and ordered $55. worth of seed, mostly tomaotes. I was like a kid going to the mailbox everyday. 10days later I finally get an envelope from them. Can you imagine my surprise to find 3 boxes of herbal foot soak?! I imediately called customer service. She apolized several times, asked me to send it back to them, and they would reimburse me. I offered to mail it onto the correct person instead of paying postage 3x on same package. I called back 2 more times before I spoke with someone who could help me with MY order. They resent my order (along with the postage paid for the other order and 2 free tomato seed packets) No company is perfect. Mistakes happen to everyone and I feel BC corrected theirs quickly and much to my pleasure. My seeds arrived 2 days later.
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.
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.
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.
