Where to Buy Seeds, Bulbs, or Starts

One of the best things about starting a flowerbed is your sheer number of choices. There are so many different types of flowers to choose from and where to purchase them.
Whether you are buying seeds to germinate or have chosen to go with bulbs or starts, there are many places to buy quality items.
Local Places to Buy Supplies
When it comes to local selection, you’d be amazed at the different places you can find seeds, bulbs, or plants: greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries, big-box stores, home improvement stores, hardware stores, discount stores, and maybe even your favorite grocery store. Local farmers’ markets are another great place to look for young plants. Seeds are even easier to find and can be picked up at many of the same places as bulbs and young plants.
Some advantages of buying locally:
  • You can have what you want immediately, instead of waiting for shipping.
  • You can stretch your budget further since you aren’t paying shipping charges.
  • You have the chance to go into a store, look at what you’re considering, and pick the best products.
  • Most local retailers sell products known to handle your growing zone, so there’s no worry about whether they can thrive in your climate.
  • Nurseries and greenhouses may offer seeds bred and adapted to your local climate, meaning they are known to succeed in your area.
However, the drawback to buying locally is that most places usually only carry the most popular, well-known varieties, so you are limited in options.
Online Places to Buy Supplies
There are many great online retailers for seeds, bulbs, and young plants. Buying online does offer a more fabulous selection than buying locally. This selection is nice if you’re looking for a specific plant or a variety that isn’t available around you.
Things to remember when buying from online retailers:
  • Online retailers only ship live plants at specific times of the year, limiting when you can get plants. Plants are usually shipped early in the season, based on your growing zone and recommended planting dates.
  • You’ll often pay pricey shipping charges, especially on live plants.
  • Products are available online for every possible growing zone, so you need to check when purchasing and ensure what you are buying is compatible with your local climate.