The Best Plants and Seeds can be Purchased Via eBay

Using eBay to buy Plants and Seeds

We've all done it. First, we carefully selected a pack of flower or vegetable seeds. Then we ordered it from the seed catalogue or bought them off a seed rack display, and patiently waited for that perfect planting day in the Spring. Later, we asked ourselves:

So why didn't any of the seeds come up?

The ground was too wet and the seeds rotted
The ground got too dry and the seeds sprouted then died.
The ground was too cold for the seeds
I didn't plant them deep enough
I planted them too deep
Something ate the seeds
And so on鈥?/H3>

But, WHAT IF you started out with bad seeds in the first place?

Which brings me to the reason for writing this guide.

Sure, you do have to have the right combination of light, moisture, and temperature, for success, but often the problem is simply germination. Germination is a one-shot deal - either the seed germinates or it doesn't.



Germination tests, while usually done on old seed, are a quick and effective way to judge whether the seed you want to plant is actually viable or not. Gardeners usually perform germination tests on older packs of seeds. A germination test will tell them whether the seed is fresh and viable, or if it needs to be sown more thickly, or if the seeds need to be discarded.

A few years ago, I sadly learned that germination tests also need to be performed on fresh seeds, especially if they are from a hard to find variety or if the seeds are expensive. I bought two packages of 7 seeds from a Northrup rack. The total cost of the 14 seeds was $7.18, a price I consider expensive for seeds. Since I was starting the plants indoors and my space was limited, I chose to germinate the seeds first, and then plant each one as it sprouted. Imagine my surprise when only one sprouted.

Another time, I had a O% germination rate on a pack of datura seeds that I ordered from a seed catalog. When I called the company, the customer service rep told me that they were already aware of the problem and that I could have a refund or a replacement. Those seeds were $4.69 per package. I wonder just how many packages were shipped to buyers who blamed themselves and didn't call the company to complain?

Why eBay?

As you can see from my listings, I no longer sell seeds and plants on eBay. I do, however, still purchase them on a regular basis, and here are some of the reasons that you should shop eBay for seeds and plants:

Many of the gardeners who sell seeds and plants on eBay have years of gardening experience.

Many of the seed and plant sellers are doing it as a hobby. They are offering their good stuff on eBay for extra gardening and seed money. Hobbyists usually have great gardens with big healthy plants.

EBay seed and plant sellers are usually happy to share. You can benefit from their knowledge, they can answer your questions, and are happy to offer gardening tips.

EBay is a great source for locating hard to find cultivars and heirloom plants and seeds. For instance, when I do sell datura seeds, they come from a 47 year old plant that is winter hardy in Zone 5. That kind of information might be invaluable to a new gardener or to someone interested in older cultivars.

Free Seeds. EBay sellers, since they are usually other gardeners, will often give extra seeds for you to try. It's always a nice surprise to get an extra free gift, and many gardeners have plenty of extra stuff that they enjoy sharing with others.

Seeds and plants from eBay are often much cheaper. Sellers can offer low cost shipping, and you usually get fresher seed, and more of it, for less money than nursery catalogues.

Browsing the listings and me pages give you an opportunity to connect with "pros." You can meet prize winning rose growers, champion vegetable gardeners, professional day lily hybridizers, tomato growing experts, fellow hot pepper lovers, and more.



(1. The orginal bamboo plant bought via eBay 2. Same bamboo, a few years later 3. Down at the end of the row, that bamboo is 20 feet tall.)


I have been buying seeds and plants from eBayers for eight years now, and I have never been disappointed with any purchase. As with all potential eBay transactions, be sure to check the feedbacks of your seller before you place a bid.

I hope that this guide has been helpful in explaining why, when I want to buy expensive seeds or plants, I shop eBay before I check the nursery catalogs or the seed racks.

Tomorrow, I will be submitting a guide for doing simple germination tests. Stay tuned.

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