henry fields or gurneys

Gurney's is no longer owned by the Gurney family and no longer frows it's own seeds and stock. They were bought out by a large conglomerate, as was Henry Fields, and several other national companies 3-4 years ago and in my op[inion the seed quality and customer service went into the pits. I have not bought from any of those companies for several years. They did have excellent trees as they were grown in Yankton, SD and were good for harsh climate. No longer true. They contract out their trees and most everything else. May be good, may be not. I'll stick with smaller, family controlled companies. Glad you had good luck with them.

 

So who do you all recommend for a place to get seed?

Quality?
Price (always important)?
Service?
Family owned?

What other factors?

 

I like Johnny's Seed Co. and most especially Pinetree Seed Co. Pinetree usually sells their packets at less than $1.00. Granted there are a few less seeds than Burpees, but they are open pollinated, mostly organic, and the variety is tremendous. I don't personally need 100 broccoli seed at a time. Good service and great catalog. I think their WEB site is www.superseeds.com. Shepard's Seeds carries a huge variety of European/Asian seeds and varieties. I get my tomato/pepper seeds from Totally Tomatos. Burpee Seed Co. has been expanding their open pollinated selection in the last few years, and Park Seed Co. is getting better in that area also. Vermont Bean and Seed Co. is fantastic. I'm sure there are others out there. These are just the one I personally use and have used for years.

 

We also like Pinetree. The seeds were viable, just the right amount for us and reasonable prices for shipping.

 

Gardens Alive! now owns Gurney's, Henry Fields, Breck's Bulbs, Michigan Bulb, Spring Hill Nursery, and several other smaller garden supply companies.

The only major old seed company that is still in the hands of a founding family is Jung's Seed Co. They also own Shumway's, Seymour's, Totally Tomatoes, and Vermont Bean. Recent disposal was Totally Tomatoes UK which now is part of Thompson & Morgan.

Martin

 

I get most of my seed from Pinetree. In addition to price, everything unless otherwise listed is open-pollinated - great for seed savers. They have tons of heirlooms, too (one passion is historical veggies, great for selling to local societies & selling at re-enactments!!)

I've never - ever - had a problem with germination, even of seeds I've saved, and they are great at answering questions, too!

Sue

 

Thanks to all who responded.....

One catalog that I really like is Territorial Seed Company, but the prices are higher than the norm, I think. One reason I like the catalog is that it tells you a great deal about planting, so it's a great teacher for a beginner, or someone who wants to branch out :haha: and try new plants.

I ordered the Pinetree catalog--thanks again. BTW, I like their website, too.

-oakhillhubbards

 

Pinetree is my favorite also. Good short season stuff for us in the north.

 

For what it's worth:

http://gardenwatchdog.com/c/184/

http://gardenwatchdog.com/c/185/

Martin

 

Randy, was that from HenryFields or from Gurneys? They are not the same now, are they? I have also had pretty good luck with Gurneys, although I lost some things last year. Was that coupon offer on the end of season closeout?
mary

 

Randy, I suppose that was my fault--I see your point. However, if you were to read the thread as a "Hey I really like THESE guys" then your comment is completely out of line. If you are advertising for either Henry Fields of Gurneys then you have a reasonable beef, however, I doubt that the others on the thread took this a direct attempt to sway the conversation away from someone you want to recommend. I appreciated the note you gave, and I had an honest question from some of the other replies.

Now, *if* you really don't see my point, then let me make 2 suggestions. In the future you can:

a) write me personally, as I can assure you, the slight was not intentional.
-or-
b) write the moderator who has the perfect right to correct me if the moderator sees that I have erred in my netiquette.

Otherwise, please refrain from attempting to slap a fellow poster down on a thread, whether you started the thread or not.

With much regard, apologies, and innocent recommendations intended,

oakhillhubbards

 

Mary, here's a link to what Henry Fields coupons are still valid. You can use that to also see what Gurney's coupons are valid as well.

http://www.1-online-coupons.com/HenryFields_coupons/

Martin

 

We are all here to help each other. Sure hope no one takes offense to anybody's comments. We are still able to state our opinions on any subject as this is a free country. Sorry if I put my comments on the wrong page. Guess my only experience was with Fields' (some good and some bad results). They did refund my money on things we purchased that died.