Free Garden Catalogs

Raintree Nursery or Territorial Seed Company?

I'm hoping people can share experiences they've had ordering from these two catalogs. I have one of each right now and am starting to budget my garden this year and I'd like to know what people think of these two companies, as far as price, quality, etc. I'd also like to know if you think their phone operators know their stuff because I'll be calling in an order but I'll have a lot of questions for them as far as what varieties will do well in my area, when to plant, etc. Thanks for your input!

Public Comments

1. I've not bought from either. But, I haven't heard anything bad about either company. But, the best place to learn about what varieties do well in your area isn't the seed catalog outfits. Go visit the local nurseries and garden centers. Look and ask what varieties they carry. Ask your neighbors what they plant. Web search your county agricultural extension office. You can even try searching topics like "growing broccoli in Santa Barbara, California." Obviously you'd substitute your city and state. Good luck.
2. I've ordered from Territorial with fine results, but I've never phoned an order, so I can't advise you on that. They have a good selection with hard-to-find vegetables, are reasonably priced, and orders arrive in a timely fashion and in good condition. I have no experience with Raintree, sorry. I'd research your question such as planting times and zones before I made my decision and placed an order. The phone operators will probably only be able to tell you what information the catalog gives for each variety. Don't forget that your county extension office has tons of free information concerning gardening in your area. Hope this helps...
3. I've had excellent results from Territorial Seed but I have never ordered from Raintree. If you have questions you should call Customer Services before placing the order; the operators know a lot about taking orders but they may not have time to research your questions. If possible send them an e mail; they will take the time to research your questions and provide the best answers possible. It may take them a few days to get back to you so ask the questions as soon as possible to avoid getting caught up in their busy time. Once you have your answers look over the catalogs and fill out the order form. That way you will have all the information at your finger tips and will be able to place your order quickly, without having to search through the catalog while on the phone. You can also fax your order and avoid the possibility of being misunderstood by the operator. Good luck and enjoy!
4. Not familiar with either, but here in Ca. most mail order companies stink. Search on line under complaints about.....raintree nursery or territorial seed company....you may find information you need. Just being a gardener for years, I find a large percentage bad.