Looking for quality seeds? The following seed suppliers can be counted on for quality seeds

Our Top Best Seed Companies for non-hybrid, open-pollinated, pure and natural and NON-GMO Seeds

Did you know that today, 90% fewer seed varieties are planted than were planted two generations ago? That more than HALF of our seeds are controlled by chemical companies and three companies control 62% of ALL seeds? That it’s illegal to save some seed, even if you grew them yourself?

When you choose a seed company to purchase seed from, you are investing in a system that either encourages the growth of diversity in a particular plant or inhibits it. Whenever possible, you want to grow with LOCAL seeds and purchase seeds that are NOT patented. Home gardeners who save seed, are going to be the ones who secure the continuation of non-hybrid, open-pollinated, pure and natural (untreated and free of pesticides), non-GMO (not genetically modified) plants.

The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) enacted in 1970 and amended in 1994 allows companies to patent seeds that they had cross pollinated. And in 1980, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling (not a law from congress) opened the door for utility patents on plants in the key case Diamond v. Chakrabarty that ruled living things were indeed patentable. Today, three major chemical companies control 62% of all seed patents. That means, you must purchase seed year after year from that seed producer source for the plant variety to continue to exist.

“When choosing a cultivar, you are choosing
an entire agricultural system.” —Joy Hought

When you purchase seeds that are not patented and have not been genetically modified and hybridized, the plants you grow locally from seed that is pure and natural will adapt to your local growing environment. And if your plants are open pollinated, your seed will continue to grow and improve as you collect it at the end of each growing season — no need to continually buy seed. You can collect for your family and save for the next growing season (but if your seed was grown from a seed that was patented, you could be breaking the law saving your own plant’s seed!)

As a home-grower, you have the power to secure the continuation of plant varieties not only for you and your family, but also for future generations. Join us in purchasing seed from these reputable seed companies that believe seed should be “open source” essentially and allowed to cross-pollinate and create new varieties specific to each region so it can benefit and feed people in that region:

• GYHG Seed Co. —  Southeast, U.S.
  Hydroponic-adapted seeds grown with organic methods, 100% heirloom and open source seed, non-GMO and non-hybridized seeds. If you live in Zone 7 or the SE, our seeds are especially strong in matching your growing conditions.
• Seeds Now — Growing locations unknown.
  Pure NON-Genetically Modified seeds, 100% NON-Hybridized seeds, 100% Heirloom/Open-Pollinated seeds, 100% Raw & Un-treated seeds in smaller packaging so you don’t have to store as much. You can pay less for seed and get a greater variety of seed using this source. (One of our fav’s)
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds  — Growing locations unknown.
  Read their commitment to quality non-patented seeds here. We love their catalog (best way to shop their seed collection so order one if you don’t have one) and uncommon varieties. This is part of what makes gardening so fun! Mansfield, MO, U.S.
• Seed Saver Exchange — Midwest, U.S.
  Heirloom seeds from Seed Savers Exchange. Buy rare, organic seeds and support our nonprofit mission to preserve garden diversity. Free catalog. Decorah, Iowa, U.S.
• Seeds of Change — Rancho Dominquez, CA, U.S.
• Adaptive Seeds — Oregon/Pacific Northwest, U.S.
• Hudson Valley Seed Company – Northeast, U.S.
• Monticello Heirloom Seeds — Eastcoast, U.S.
• Native Seeds/SEARCH – Greater Southwest, U.S.
• Sierra Seeds – Northern California
• Siskiyou Seeds – Oregon/Pacific Northwest, U.S.
• Snake River Seed Cooperative – Intermountain West, U.S.
• Southern Exposure Seed Exchange – Southeast, U.S.
• Tomato Growers Supply Company — Florida, U.S.

In choosing seeds from these seed companies, you are helping to save America’s heirloom seeds.

Each of the following seed companies have taken the Safe Seed Pledge and tested their stock to be free of GMOs. It reads:

“Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities.”

Resist Plant Patenting—Support Open-Source Seed!

• Step One: Planning Your Tower Garden

• Step Two: Check to see what light requirements your seed may require

• Step Three: Purchase seeds from suppliers that support the Open-Source Seeds

Grow Your Health Gardening partners as a
Seed Steward and is a Member of the
Seed Saver Exchange and Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance

Shop Seeds Now to support Grow Your Health Gardening