when you only need a LITTLE BIT of seeds........

[Berti]

I am trying to pick up and do a square foot type gardening/ container gardening this year.
But buying WHOLE packets of seeds is far too much.
What would you recommend? its a pity you cannot get smaller quantities.

thanks :)
berti

[Green Aura]

I'm not sure what to suggest other than sharing with neighbours or friends.

Some seeds keep for ages so it's not such a problem - we're still successfully striking PSB seeds that were supposed to expire in 2007.

[Odsox]

Or failing that, you could perhaps find a seed supplier that sells smaller packets.
Nickys Nursery is one ... http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/p ... seeds1.htm and they post worldwide.

[Berti]

no I don't have any people to trade with, so THANK YOU odsox for the site link!!
it sure brought me some ideas and I will look further.
also are there any other UK seed suppliers you all can recommend, I am in Netherlands, but choices are limited and relatively expensive.

[Big Al]

If anyone wants to do seed swaps then I'll volunteer to co ordinate it all.

Something like
show intrest
list seeds you have
list seeds you would like
send seeds to me with some stamps and SAE label
I'll repack and send out

alternativly you send me all the seeds you have and I'll repack and send some seeds of every type recieved to every interested party etc. Same thing applies to postage label and stamps. I have a ready supply of jiffy bags that need using up.


Big Al.

[darkbrowneggs]

Hi Berti - The seeds here in the UK seem very expensive, and have a very small amount in the packet, but Lidl do reasonably priced ones with a reasonable quantity of seeds as well - I don't know if there are branches in your country, but it might be worth a try.

If I don't want to use them all I fold the top of the packet over, and put in a small zip seal polythene bag, then put the bags in a plastic Lock'nLock box and keep them in a fridge. I think it is something to do with the humidity which helps them keep longer. I used to use a glass jar with a screw on lid which worked also


All the best
Sue

[Odsox]

If anyone wants to do seed swaps then I'll volunteer to co ordinate it all.

Al, if anyone takes you up on your offer, I have several packets of last year's (opened) seeds that I don't need, plus a couple of unopened ones.
I don't need any myself but would willingly post you my unwanted ones if they will be useful.

[Millymollymandy]

Lidl are excellent value, their smaller packets (here in France) are only 29c and the bigger packets about 50 - 70c (can't remember offhand). Normally in France we are paying about €3.50 for a packet of seeds! They don't have a vast selection in Lidl but do have the basics and I haven't had any problems with the ones I've bought.

[darkbrowneggs]

Lidl are excellent value, their smaller packets (here in France) are only 29c and the bigger packets about 50 - 70c (can't remember offhand). Normally in France we are paying about €3.50 for a packet of seeds! They don't have a vast selection in Lidl but do have the basics and I haven't had any problems with the ones I've bought.

3.50 for a packet - I am shocked and horrified, I only hope they put as many seeds in as they used to when I last bought seeds in France (which was about 25 years ago!!!!)

Here I find good value seeds as we said at Lidl - but for the more unusual then I use http://www.realseeds.co.uk

There website is excellent too, and gives lots of advice on seed saving. I also use Biodynamic seeds from http://www.stormy-hall-seeds.co.uk/

all the best
Sue

[Berti]

thanks for the suggestions, will take looks...........but for LIDL?
we have one in the town but I have never seen seeds that cheap here.

[Odsox]

Here I find good value seeds as we said at Lidl - but for the more unusual then I use http://www.realseeds.co.uk

Real Seeds is no good for Berti or anyone else outside of the UK as they charge £7.50 for postage plus an £8.00 minimum charge, even if you just want one packet it will cost you £15.50.
I used to buy a lot from them a few years back, but not any more.

[darkbrowneggs]

Sorry - I was maybe thinking of others who are here in the UK - but they still have useful seed-saving info.

What about taking a look on Ebay for cheap seed options? Or maybe buy a larger packet, split it and sell the surplus on ebay?

All the best
Sue

[theabsinthefairy]

Lidl in Holland have the same cheap seeds as here in France but only in about March and April, same as here in France - only a limited time but their choice is pretty good. (A friend bought the same selection of seeds in Utrecht as I did here in France).

[Berti]

absinthefairy, it really depends where in netherlands you are.
bigger lidls have different stocks than smaller ones, I have never seen them offered here in the south but sure will try again!!!
we will see what we are gonna end up with.
here in netherlands we do have a very good company selling seeds from all over the world, vreeken, very well known elsewhere and have a lot of special varieties too (MY tip for YOU then :D )

[AngeB]

Hi Berti, I might have some spare seeds if you like (I'm a beginner so am of the plant-everything-and-something-will-be-successful thinking). What seeds are you interested in?