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I ordered seeds and root zone. I like the catalog, and where else in mail catalogs can you find bat and seabird guano?
The products arrived quickly, and seed packets had good instructions on them. I like the selection of organic fertilizers, heirloom seeds, and the fact that 1% is donated to charity.
My only complaint would be that they were out of a few products I wanted, and I was told they were cancelled. I'm not sure if that means they no longer carry them, or just out.
I'll let you know how the seeds germinate.
I order from Seeds of Change every year. I think their selection is great, and they are one of the few companies out there that offer 100% organic seeds. They always ship promptly, and germination has been consistantly good. I look forward to their catalog every spring to see what has been added.
It is true the products cost more to ship, however, I truly like knowing my seeds are not genetically or hormonally engineered; a lot are heirloom. I have bought seed several times in the last few years and have been more than pleased with the produce I harvested. I will continue to order from Seeds of Change.
Enjoyed the catalogue, well organized and had nicely photographed. Prices and shipping are high. Selection is nothing special.
My order was received pretty quickly. I was missing one item, and the order form stated it was out of stock. I received a check in the mail a couple of days later.
Germination rates are good. Seed packets are informative. Packs are also plastic with a resealable opening. Seeds get stuck in the zipper when pouring them, causing them to scatter all over. I found it's best to scoop the seeds out of the pack.
My experience with Seeds of Change began in 2007, when a friend gave me the company's butterfly seed collection as a holiday gift. Not only was I delighted to receive a wonderful grouping of seeds, but I was very impressed by the company's mission. I also love the seed packets, which are recyclable and filled with planting information (unlike other specialty seed companies, who often post a generic label on each packet and direct you to their website/seed catalog for more information). Since then, I've ordered from them several times and been perfectly happy with the products and services. The shipping charges seem reasonable -- I paid $11.70 for six seed packets and 20 crowns of strawberries, and $20.40 for a dozen live seedlings shipping 2nd Day Air, a charge that was very clearly stated on their website. Everything germinated and grew.
I will always shop first at Seeds of Change. Not only are their products and services great, but their socially-responsible company mission is admirable: to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable, organic agriculture; permaculture; becoming carbon neutral; and their outstanding seed donation program. I love this company!
I purchased SOC packets at a local mom and pop retailer. I love the packaging, I think it's brilliant. Everything seems to be growing very well so far.
Reading the other reviews, I will not purchase from their website. But I will continue to support my local nursery.
On May 14, 2008, lemurianne Ida Grove, IA (Zone 5a) wrote:
I'm so sad to hear of the negative experiences other shoppers have had with Seeds of Change. They have an amazing selection of certified organic seeds and I have always received good service. This year I made multiple seed orders that arrived promptly and thus far have had 100% germination, with the pumpkin plants doing amazingly well already just in my south windows! Their shipping rates can be outrageous, but otherwise I'd highly recommend this company based on my experience with them!
On Apr 8, 2008, Ladeedah Lindenwood, IL (Zone 4b) wrote:
I am a professional cut-flower grower and have ordered from this company for a number of years. I placed an order with them on April 1. The person who took my order by phone was very pleasant. Only one of my choices was unavailable. I had the seeds by April 7.
I would not hesitate to order from this company. They have some wonderful varieties which are unavailable anywhere else. Their seed packaging is top notch in the industry and safeguards the delicate seeds to ensure excellent keeping and excellent germination. I am happy to support this fine company with repeat business and thank them for providing me with some very unusual varieties for my cut-flower markets and appreciative customers.
There's definitely a risk in relying on a company that is as environmentally and socially responsible as SOC is. I also know the frustration of having backordered seeds that eventually don't come. But I do think there is something really important about supporting them - and hope that our support for them will help them to be more proactive.
I buy seeds from Seeds of Change every year. The seeds germinate excellently, the company has a solid reputation for producing excellent organic seed, they offer a great variety of seed including heirloom varieties, and their gardening equipment is of high quality. I have never had any difficulty with paying for or receiving my seed order. Last year, I ordered seedlings, but the order was canceled due to unfavorable weather at their grower’s farm. Regardless, seed orders have always been timely and uncomplicated. This company is one of my garden staples..
I placed an order for a mix of vegetables, herbs, and flower seeds the 1st week of Jan. I received my complete seed order 2 days later, although I selected standard shipping. I do live in New Mexico, but even so, I had ordered in the afternoon, so they must have really got on it.
I ordered a packet of eggplant seeds and a paper pot maker from their website. My order arrived about 12 days from my purchase date (a little long but not enough to deter me from ordering again) and they included a free packet of seeds. Very nice touch.
On Jul 30, 2007, KrissyKol Westfield, PA (Zone 5b) wrote:
I had originally placed a large order with SOC but had to cancel the order a short time later. Customer Service responded very well and canceled the order for me with no problems. I did, however, decide to keep the potatoes that had already been shipped. They arrived on time and were excellent quality. I just pulled some out of the ground yesterday and they are absolutely beautiful.
On Jul 6, 2007, BDale60 Warren, PA (Zone 5a) wrote:
We've been ordering from Seeds of Change for nearly ten years now, and my experience with them has been nearly always positive. The printed catalog and website include beautiful photographs and helpful descriptions. I've only ordered seeds, never plants. The seeds have a marvelous germination rate and the plants mature true to form as described. Good company, good philosophy, good product.
On occasion I've had trouble with the "backorder" issue raised in other posts about SOC. That is, I've ordered a variety and received notification that it is on "backorder" which places the buyer in some limbo since one is never completely sure if the order will or will not be filled. Unlike books or shoes or lampshades, the "backorder" issue is a bit dicey with seeds since one has a limited window of opportunity for planting. I tend to order quite early in the season so I still have other options (including other companies) if a "backorder" problem occurs, but this seems to be an area where SOC could improve. More often than not I've either gotten my seeds (a little later but still in time) or I've gotten notification that the variety is unavailable for the season in time to make alternative plans, thus my "Positive" rating for this company.
On Apr 26, 2007, trillium612 Portage, WI (Zone 4b) wrote:
I have only ever had positive experiences with this company. I have always found their seed to be of excellent quality with high germination. I like that they sell unique varieties. It is the only place I have found the orange celosia, which is a gorgeous variety that has even yielded bicolor orange and red forms and a few exceptionaly huge ones as well as the multi stemmed plant. I appreciate any company that stands behind and supports organic and family farms. I have always have excellent experience with their shipping and they included the free packet again this year. I will continue to order from this company as long as I am producing cut flowers. I love their unique varieties of ornamental corn as well and have excellent luck with them even in heat and drought where modern hybrids fail.
On Feb 22, 2007, Chicago_Burbs North Aurora, IL wrote:
Love Seeds of Change.
Love organic & the varietey of items.
Wish they had more seedling options rather than just assortments.
Order seedlings early - they sell out quickly (at least that was my experience in 2005 and 2006).
Seem to be over priced on seedlings, but they do arrive in great quality.
Mountain Valley Growers (www.mountainvalleygrowers.com) grew the tomato and pepper seedlings I received from them in 2005 and 2006 and did a great job packing and shipping the plants which arrived in excellent condition. (You can't buy the seedlings direct from Mountain Valley Growers - they only sell flowers, strawberries and herbs direct.)
I ordered online and received my complete order in less than a week. Their shipping charge was fair and they included a free packet of seeds which I really appreciated. Just so happens it was one I was thinking of ordering and did not.
I've had great experiences with this company so far.
The seeds germinated well and the catalogue gorgeous.
There's always a free seed packet in the shipment.
The seeds I have received from Seeds of Change have been viable, and produced beautiful plants. I placed an order late this year (early May) and was pleased and suprised to find that I received my seeds within 5 days of ordering. Bonus seeds were also a plus.
On Feb 7, 2006, ownedbycats Southern, NH (Zone 5b) wrote:
I ordered for the first time this year. The web site was very easy to order from, and the seeds came very quickly. I'm looking forward to starting them in a couple of weeks.
I have been ordering from seeds of change for about 5 years now and am very impressed with the viability and vigor of their seed. I have had very good results with their squash seed. I found sweet keeper, hopi orange, and their buttercup seeds to be great performers. The first time I planted their sweet keeper squash seed they were huge, pretty to look at and made great squash pie.
I love their catalog and their web site, both have great information especially their online news letters. I have had a couple of varieties back ordered it took a bit longer to get them but that was ok since I ordered seed in janurary.
I will continue to do business with seeds of change. They also have an honorable mission in supporting organics and heirlooms. Excellent company,
On Mar 8, 2005, scutler Charleston, SC (Zone 8b) wrote:
Interesting variety of organic seeds, some hard to find. Placed an order in Feb 05, recv'd complete order in a week or so. Plan to order from this supplier again!
On Mar 8, 2005, kathyhel suburbs of the Nation's Capital, MD (Zone 7a) wrote:
They were very helpful this year when my package went missing. The only downer about that ended up being a late start on the sowing.
Last year they called to confirm an especially large internet order to be sure it wasn't a typo or fraudulent. I know it's in the company's best interest to avoid mistakes or stop fraud, but it works out nicely for the customer too, so it's nice that they take the time to check things out.
Their seed products have been reliable for me, and I have done comparison shopping and found they have the best price for certain growing aids and soil ammendments. The seed prices are higher than some other companies, but it's worth it for the variety--last year I was able to grow some plants from seed that I remember growing as a kid and haven't found since then, it was great!
I started ordering from Seeds of Change about 11 years ago and have ordered from them off and on over the years. I'm back to ordering from Seeds of Change.
My 5 year old son fell in love with some of the varieties in their catalog. Some of the items he chose are Celosia cristata 'Orange Temple Bells', regular old oriental poppies (the scarlet variety), Zinnia elegans 'Righteous Red' and Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sea Shell'. I'm so excited to have him interested in gardening and this catalog enticed him.
They have a great catalog, great website and an honorable mission. They've also signed the safe seed pledge. That is extremely important to me. Way to go!
On Feb 2, 2005, mosc0022 Coeur D Alene, ID (Zone 5a) wrote:
Order came quick, the catalog is great - lots of varieties of veggies and herbs. I can't wait to start growing! I'll re-post when I know how the seeds fare...
On March 18th, 2005, mosc0022 added the following:
I planted the several varieties of tomatoes and peppers that I bought. Almost 100% germinated, and within a few days (my tomatoes are popping up after 5 days, and the peppers after about 4 days!) So I must say that I am very happy with this company.
On Jan 29, 2005, TamaraFaye Fritch, TX (Zone 6b) wrote:
I continue to order from Seeds of Change, in packets and in bulk. Even when on backorder, seeds come quickly and there is no extra shipping fee. Price is very reasonable when compared to other organic or heirloom seeds. Excellent selection and viability of seeds. Will continue to do business with them AGAIN & AGAIN...
On January 25th, 2006, TamaraFaye added the following:
edited to add:
I have been so impressed with the plants grown from their seeds, both by myself and others!!! With the selection of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, with heirloom and rare varieties included, ALL of which are Certified Organic and NON-GMO, i can't imagine getting seeds anywhere else!!! Supporting Sustianable Agriculture has new meaning for me ;-)
Absolutely positive part: I have ordered from Seeds of Change, probably, ten times over the last few years. I have found their seed to be of highest purity and germination and have always used it with great success--every time. Also, the fact that they sell only 100% certified organic seed is really an incredible feat to accomplish. In many ways, this is the best vegetable seed company in the US.
Somewhat iffy part: I find their seed counts to be a bit on the low side for my needs. Also, I have had problems with their backordering and their customer service. I recently ordered 1/2 lb of sunflower seed online and when it did not arrive in 3 weeks I called their customer service. The order had been cancelled without giving me notice. Then, I ordered again, this time by calling them on the phone. They confirmed that although the "1/2 lb size was out of stock," they did have in stock "2 - 1/4 lb size" packets. So I ordered these, along with some celery seed, but when the celery seed came in the mail there was also a note saying that the 2 - 1/4 lb packets of sunflower seed were on backorder! It's not easy to run a seed company...
On Jan 3, 2005, nevadagdn Sparks, NV (Zone 7a) wrote:
My online order was filled, shipped and receivedVERY quickly. Seeds of Change offers a 5% discount for online orders, and included a bonus packet of seeds (a variety I had considered ordering) as well. The packets are very pretty and colorful, not that it influences the quality of seeds within.
On Jan 1, 2005, chesapeakesun Baldwin, MD (Zone 6b) wrote:
I don't know how I first came to know Seeds of Change, but I have been happy ever since. Over the years I have ordered many different types of seeds and been pleased with everything they've sent. My germination rates are high and the plant strains are right on target. I have ordered their catalogs for friends and give a large green thumb up for their mission. What a great company!
I placed my first order from Seeds of Change a couple of months ago, and received my seeds promptly. So far I'm very impressed with their selection, especially the vegetable seeds. Will most certainly order from them again.
On Apr 27, 2004, silkieweaver Salem, OR (Zone 8a) wrote:
I first purchased SOC seeds at a food coop in Albuquerque in 2001. I had good results then, and this year even got a good bunch of ancho chile plants from some of the leftover seed. Pretty impressive viability. I placed a large seed order on their website this spring, and my order arrived, complete and without mistakes, within a week. The free packet of seeds was a nice touch. I'll do business with them again.
I was blown away at how quickly they got these seeds to me. I ordered online and received them in just a few days. They also included an extra packet of seeds and a coupon. I'm very impressed and definitely will be doing business with them again.
I have ordered from them this year and a couple years ago. Both times the order came in quickly with all my seeds. Viabilty is OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!! If they don't grow for you, you did something very wrong. Love their selection and catalog information. The prices are a little higher than some companies but I believe the quality of the seed is also better and well worth it. I will definitely be ordering from them again.
On Feb 17, 2004, thorspippi Citrus Heights, CA (Zone 9a) wrote:
Order rec'd in 4 days. Don't know if the seeds are viable yet (too soon to say), but I was very pleased at the extremely fast order fulfillment. I think they have a very good website. And I particularly love the fact that they include varieties that are purported to grow in partial shade, since my lot is covered with huge trees that are too expensive to cut down at this point in time.
It has been my second year ordering from this company. I have mostly ordered vegetable and flower seeds. My orders are always shipped promptly, and I have had EXCELLENT germination rate on all seeds ordered. I also like their selection of gardening books, and their organic philosophy. Reasonable prices, as well.
