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On Apr 30, 2012, chespen Neudorf, SK (Zone 3a) wrote:
I have been ordering from this company for a number of years and am very impressed with their service, their prices and their very informative catalog-I use it as a reference for lots of things from correct pronunciation to hardiness information. They are not hard to order from: fill out order form, buy money order and mail. As well, the germination rate of the seeds is very high. If there was a star rating, I would give them 10 out of 10.If you are looking for flashy pictures and flowery descriptions, this is not the company for you but it is if you are looking for excellent service and seeds.
We are installing an apiary in the next few weeks and have done lots of "home work" on what bees thrive on. Some of what I was looking for could be found on other sites but I wanted to see if there was one site that had it all. Somewhere in Googledom, I found a link to JL Hudson and I could not believe their website! Retro! But you never judge a book by its cover and once I began to forage through their garden of seeds, I was smitten. They had everything I was looking for (and some I was NOT looking for)! Seeds came today and just as I expected, in nice small typewritten (looks just like their site) envelops with great attention to detail. Will be starting these seeds off this weekend and will post results. Thank you, JL Hudson. Now I am going out to tell 10 friends!
On Apr 5, 2012, RoseyQ Crystal Lake, IL (Zone 5a) wrote:
Posted on December 17, 2006, updated April 5, 2012
I like this company very much.
On April 5th, 2012, RoseyQ changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
The reason why I am not ordering from them this year is becuase it's too much work to place an order. You have to send them an email with cut and pasted decriptions of what you want, the quanity and price, add it all up, figure the correct shipping fee, send them the email request, then you have to pay through PayPal. It's a two-step process. They really do make ordering alot of work for their customers and I find no other seed companies ask this of their customers in order to sell seeds.
Maybe they could look at the other top 5 companies at the Garden Watchdog and see how they recieve and process orders online.
Plentiful in seed and cordiality. I look at the pictures in T&M then go shopping at JLHudson. Great prices- Support these Majestic sons'o bitches. Real nitty gritty individually owned buisness breakin' sweat. Delivery?... All the express none of the ponies-they put the horsepower in hot rod's & cold ones. Love'M
On Mar 19, 2012, lawyer3145 vancouver, BC (Zone 7b) wrote:
I have only been ordering from J L Hudson for a few years but I must agree with everyone else: the selection is wonderful, the service rapid, the seeds of high quality, and the prices low - so low that I hope they can stay in business. And my children love the catalogue, getting a feel for old tyme anarchism.
On Mar 16, 2012, dwc47 Chattanooga, TN (Zone 7b) wrote:
Posted on April 22, 2010, updated March 16, 2012
I have bought seeds here for many years now. Seeds have always been fresh and viable and the quantity received very generous for the low price paid. Read the catalog thoroughly, and you will find a refreshingly honest view of exotics vs. natives.
On March 16th, 2012, dwc47 added the following:
Last year I had some problems with germination of the Fatsia japonica offered. I sent a short note to David, not really as a complaint, but more of a fyi. I didn't expect anything, but a year later he sent me 2 packets of new seed, and I have already gotten germination in about 9 days. I have never received this level of service from any other seed company! I offer my highest recommendation for David and for Ms. Calkins.
What a terrific source for seeds! Love the no-frills catalog. Exellent service and very fast shipping, even during the busy season. I'm a customer for life.
Just an amazing catalog both online and print.
I'm glad to find some use for the Latin classes I took back in the day!
I can't see how they break even with the shipping fees they charge, not complaining just very appreciative dealing with a company who doesn't gouge you at the checkout.
I have been exuberantly ordering from J L Hudson Seedsman Catalog for countless number of years and it is one of the few that I am proud to share with my neighbors. The switch to using Paypal is another example of J L Hudson Seedsman's continuing search for excellence. I like the online for ordering and the catalog for sharing.
Orders at J L Hudson Seeds
On Feb 8, 2012, gregr18 Bridgewater, MA (Zone 6b) wrote:
Posted on August 11, 2011, updated February 8, 2012
I ordered a variety of interesting seeds from J.L.H. and they shipped my order quickly. There were detailed sowing instructions and a generous quantity of seeds in each packet. Reading the website is an education in itself, and includes some interesting and thought-provoking words about biodiversity and man's role in it. The information about GA-3 for seed germination is also a good read for anyone interested in propagation from seed.
I don't yet know about the germination rates on their seed, and I will update on that as I find out, but I expect good results considering their reputation.
On February 8th, 2012, gregr18 added the following:
Germination, even of tricky seeds, has been excellent, and just as importantly, seedlings have been healthy and putting out their true leaves. Germination times listed in their interesting (and very aesthetically pleasing) catalog have been, for me, accurate if not a little conservative, at least in the conditions in which I am sprouting them.
I really encourage anyone interested in growing from seed to try one of their GA-3 kits. The stuff couldn't be any easier to use and the results, both good (bypassing cold treatment, jump-starting slow to germinate seeds, initiating overnight germination, etc) and bad (watching over-exposed seedlings turn into little more then long spindly stems with tiny stunted cotyledons that keel over and rot) are really interesting. The good far outweighs the bad, and most of the bad results I obtained intentionally just to see what would happen.
I like this seed bank a lot, and will gladly continue to buy from them.
I ordered seeds from J.L. Hudson Seedsman after reading their feedback and must say, they are a great company to deal with. They mailed the seeds (Fatsia Japonica) to me without delay. I had requested a catalog, however, assumed it would arrive with my seeds. I had also ordered catalogs for my mother and sister, who live in another state. My seed packet directions referred me to the catalog for sowing, so when I did not have the catalog, I sent an e-mail inquiring about this, and received the following reply!
Thanks very much! I learned something - when people request catalogs for others, always include a note in their order letting them know that they were sent!
The catalog arrived a few days later, has a wealth of information, and is a pleasure to have. They are definitely up front and courteous to their customers, and have maintained their ability to be personable throughout their many years or business. I will definitely order from them again!!
Another happy experience ordering from "J.L. Hudson, Seedsman".
Reasonable prices, an excellent list of seeds, and very fast service are once again characteristic of their service.
Thanks!
Posted on August 31, 2004, updated February 3, 2012
I absolutely love this company. What a great list of seeds. Never a problem, ever!
On February 27th, 2005, chunx added the following:
I just received my Spring order of seeds. Once again, not a disappointment. Fast shipping, very low prices, dirt cheap shipping, and everything was in stock. I am always happy in my dealings with these people. If I can't find the particular seeds I'm looking for from this company (which carries a lot of unusual and native seeds), I can find them at Park Seed. These are my favorite 2 seed providers because of selection and customer service. Why go anywhere else?On February 3rd, 2012, chunx added the following:
Each year I've placed my order for seeds and they've never failed me. Excellent germination, fast shipping, no errors, and excellent customer service. See, it can be done the old fashioned way. Why? Because they care.
I have ordered for years and am always pleased. They have seeds that you won't see down at the big box. Be prepared to see things you never knew existed! I hope they never get a shopping cart system- stay small and focused and be unique. It also keeps the riff-raff from bugging you all the time! I will be back!
I found the transaction of ordering seeds to be quite satisfying. The instructions how to place a order was explained well. I even recieved an email notification when my order was shipped without even having to ask for one.
On Jan 5, 2012, JacobJacob Beverly Hills, CA wrote:
Have ordered for several years now. They have new toys for those of us too old for colorful plastic. The orders are always correct and they barely take any money for anything they do. And besides that you might as well get corn/tomatoes/okra/etc while you're ordering from them, they don't just do exotics. They like their jobs obviously. (I will slightly echo one thing someone said below, I did once suggest NZ Spinach should be marked "cook this, it's mildly poisonous raw." The guy wasn't angry, but he did say he'd never heard of that, he eats it all the time. I think he was full of manure. (Come to think of it the stuff that burned my mouth was from another seed company, maybe JLH has a breed with lower oxalic acid.) Anyway don't eat anything raw with high oxalic acid.)
On Oct 11, 2011, greybanks Staten Island, NY wrote:
Their catalog is a thing of wonder. "Produced without the use of computers!" As in typeset by hand. I think this shows dedication to doing things a certain way, and I greatly appreciate their philosophy and mission of preservation. Truly rare these days.
Service was prompt and friendly. My recent (internet) order was filled promptly and I had received it later that same week. The shipping cost is the most reasonable I've seen. Emails are answered promptly.
Their selection is very wide. I ordered mostly flowers and some vegetables, just due to the time of year it is now, but will be ordering more in the future. I've already started those from my order that don't require chilling and germination rates have been great. Overall, really delighted with these guys and will be ordering again soon once I have some more space for starts.
On Sep 16, 2011, jtellerelsberg Norwich, VT (Zone 5a) wrote:
I have ordered seeds from J.L. Hudson twice now, and on both occasions the orders were filled correctly and promptly. I appreciate J.L. Hudson's extensive selection. It would be nice if the website were a little more user-friendly and included a bit more information on each plant, but even without those changes I am sure that I will order from J.L. Hudson again in the future.
I bought from this company a few years ago. Their catalog was easy to read and find things in, their prices were good. and delviery was prompt, that's all anyone could really expect. My only complaint was i wrote a short note inquiring about a certian speices, the owner wrote back very disturbed by my question. I'm not sure, but it sounded like he was disturbed because he felt I questioned his integrity via his products. I never wrote back explaining it was nothing personal, rather I told myself in the future if I've any questions to use google rather than ask him. His reply really did disturb me just because he was so angry, and i hadn't a clue my question would cause that kind of reaction. I'd do business with them again, but don't ever ask any questions.
I've been a long time costumer with J.L Hudson. They always have the most interesting plant seeds . I've never been dissatisfied. They always come through A++++++++.
On Jul 22, 2011, BreadnButterFly New Chicago, IN (Zone 5a) wrote:
First time customer, so before I ordered I stopped here to read the reviews - all of which impressed me a great deal. Happy to report that my experience was also extremely positive. Very large, diverse & unusual inventory available & the service was great! Simple ordering process, safe on-line payment option (Paypal) & quick response time. I received a timely acknowledgment of my order & the order, placed on Tuesday, arrived on Thursday. Seeds well-packaged & clearly marked.
Well, that's all for now - off to peruse the catalog....which is loaded with possibilities & information!
Posted on February 16, 2009, updated June 30, 2011
I have been ordering from this company for many years...perhaps since I was 12 years old, back when it was called World Wide Seeds or something like that. It is an excellent company...quick service both in the US and abroad, and (with few exceptions) great germination rates, fresh seed, great informative catalog...highly recommended.
On June 30th, 2011, botanikk added the following:
As always, highly recommended. Recently received a refund because I paid too much postage...as indeed it seemed. They say on their website they will, and they do. One of (and very few) top favorite sources for seed.
I love J.L. Hudson - great collection of rare, wild species. I use them for both home enjoyment, but also as a source of material for research (I am a plant biologist). Fast, inexpensive shipping, and a seeds are usually high quality (good germination rates on most items). I would highly reccommend them.
On May 10, 2011, Matera_the_Mad Sturgeon Bay, WI wrote:
I've been getting seeds from J.L. Hudson for nevermind-how-many years. In a way I miss getting the paper catalog. It was once my favorite annual reading, full of fascinating details about plants I'd never heard of that weren't in any other catalog. Nowhere else could I get some of the uncultivated natural species. Now that my eyes have gone to crap from glaucoma, reading on paper is no pleasure -- but the online catalog is here to make my day.
On Apr 27, 2011, peavine5 Shingle Springs, CA (Zone 9a) wrote:
Have been ordering for several years now. Every year I receive excellent, fast, professional service. Many unusual seeds are available and they all germinate successfully at the stated rate. Thanks for the wonderful catelog with germination recommendations, and also for selling GA-3 in the form a "home gardener's kit" to improve germination - the instructions are clear and easy to use and I always have successful results.
Have searched unproductively for this plant for years. Pleased to finally find seeds at Hudson. Ordered late Thursday, 4/21/11 arrived Monday, 4/25/11. Hudson thoughtfully emailed to apologize for delayed order acknowledgement due to computer problems at their end. Nice customer service touch. Wish seeds all sucess in germination - not my strong suit!
Posted on April 22, 2007, updated March 22, 2011
Wanted to bulk order some seeds, and found them here for a reasonable price. Arrived in about a week from the time I ordered. Will order from them again.
On March 22nd, 2011, Ruth_MI added the following:
ordered from them again in 2011 and once again received fast shipping and good value.
On Mar 12, 2011, gorganzola Raleigh, NC (Zone 7b) wrote:
I have ordered several times from this company, and, indeed, they are the first place I go if I need something. Not only has the seed has been great every time, but the shipping has been very fast. On first glance, one might suspect that the method of payment is a bit awkward, but whoever does the billing/shipping seems to be VERY on top of things. Generally, I receive my order a 5-7 days after I order. For across the country, this is awesome, and, in fact, better than I have gotten from other places much closer to me. Very swift service, very good product, which means a definite recommendation from me.
On Feb 27, 2011, oak_tree_01 upstate NY, NY (Zone 5a) wrote:
Posted on November 27, 2010, updated February 27, 2011
Very, very pleased with this company. Their catalog offers a vast array of hard-to-find and unusual seeds, and their shipping/handling costs are extremely reasonable ($1.50 for up to 20 seed packets). They have an out-of-stock page on their website that they update often, so you can check to see before you place an order. The catalog listings tell you how many seeds per packet, and what percentage of seeds usually germinate. They offer the usual easy germinators as well as some plant seeds that are more difficult to wake up out of dormancy, and are up-front about the more difficult germinators, mentioning in the catalog if the seed is one that is a bit tricky. The seed packets (and catalog) aren't detailed with lots of information about growing the plants, like you might be used to from buying seed packets at Home Depot, but this is a seed bank, and they seem to assume that you either know what you are doing, or are willing to take responsibility to educate yourself if you don't know something about the plants you'd like to grow. I've ordered from them 4 or 5 times now, and have been very satisfied with their professionalism and the seeds I've received.
On February 27th, 2011, oak_tree_01 added the following:
Yet another excellent batch of seeds from them! I love their ecclectic collection. The seed varieties they offer varies somewhat from year to year, and the website lists new arrivals not in the print catalog. Highly recommended.
I have been ordering from JL Hudson for ten years and they are simply EXCELLENT! They have educated me about sinister things going on with the federal government and the FDA and the USDA since before it was fashionable! We gardeners should all be thankful for their existence...seeds are available here that are nowhere else. They have awesome books and pamphlets, check them out too...and they are awesome about posting customer comments in the catalog and the website. I can't say enough positive things about these people. My number one place to order seeds!
Not the first time I have found unique and interesting seeds at J L Hudson Seedsman. This time, I was looking for heirloom vegetable seeds. I learned so much just reading the descriptions and information on their site, and found just what I wanted.
On Feb 5, 2011, tonistreasures Coshocton, OH wrote:
I haven't yet received my order and wrote to inquire about what may have happened to it. Having immediately shipped the order after it was received, JLHudson, Seedsman, took his time to explain the reasons there could be a delay in my receiving it, especially at this snowy, icy, time of year, and was very polite about it, even offering to replace the order if it didn't arrive soon, although I had not purchased insurance. I recommend this super company, and one that I will order from again.
Tried to order seeds and had problems with Paypal. Company followed up with me and was very patient till Paypal was able to process my payment, one and a half weeks later. I received an email from JL Hudson when the payment had gone through to let me know they were mailing my seeds on 2/1. Got the packet on 2/2. Very impressed with the customer service and quick delivery. Will follow up on product once I've had a chance to see how the seeds perform.
On Jan 16, 2011, Tabacum Mantua, OH (Zone 5a) wrote:
Posted on February 3, 2009, updated January 16, 2011
2/2/09....Another good order from this company...
Seeds always germinate well.....good prices for the
amount of seeds sent....the Reserved List is full of
unique and endangered seeds....Hope to try one of these
this year....
On January 16th, 2011, cannabinatea added the following:
1/16/2011........Ordered seeds again, from J.L. Hudson, Seedman.....seeds arrived quickly and well packaged....
This year is the 100th year for seed distribution for this
company.....no genetically engineered seeds are available here, which is a blessing! Vegetable seeds offered here are open pollinated with many heirloom varieties....lots of information on hard to germinate seeds
along with the availability of Gibberellic Acid Kits. Good source for seeds from plants in other countries.
