Every gardener knows that the foundation of a successful garden begins with good soil and choosing the right seeds. While it’s super tempting to pick up seed packs from big-box stores, there’s something truly special about buying seeds locally. In Canada, where our growing conditions vary drastically across the country, local seed producers offer numerous advantages for both seasoned gardeners and beginners. Here’s why buying seeds from local suppliers is a smart decision for your garden.
1. Locally Adapted Varieties for Your Region
One of the most significant benefits of purchasing seeds locally is that you are getting varieties specifically suited to your region’s climate and growing conditions. Canada’s vast geography means that gardeners in British Columbia’s temperate rainforests have very different needs than those in the harsh winters of the Prairies or the short growing seasons in the North.
Local seed companies often offer varieties that have been selected to thrive in the specific challenges of your unique area. These plants are adapted to the regional climate, soil, and pest pressures, which can lead to healthier plants and more abundant yields. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, the seeds you buy locally are more likely to perform well and produce plentiful crops in your garden.
2. Supporting Local Farmers and Businesses
When you buy seeds from Canadian suppliers, you’re supporting small businesses, farmers, and your local economy. Many local seed producers are family-owned or small-scale operations that prioritize sustainable farming and high-quality products. Supporting these businesses helps ensure that they remain viable and continue to provide locally adapted seeds to the gardening community.
3. Sustainability and Biodiversity
Choosing local seeds also helps preserve and promote biodiversity. Many local seed companies specialize in heirloom or open-pollinated varieties — seeds that have been passed down through generations and are naturally adapted to the region’s climate. These varieties are also more likely to be grown without pesticides or fertilizers, which have harmful effects on the environment.
Essentially, by buying locally, you’re encouraging sustainable gardening practices and supporting the preservation of rare or endangered plant varieties that are well-suited for your area. Many local seed companies are also committed to regenerative agriculture and organic growing practices, which contribute to a healthier ecosystem overall.
4. Freshness and Quality
Another reason to buy seeds locally in Canada is that you’ll likely receive fresher, higher-quality seeds. Seeds have a viability shelf life, and those that have been stored improperly or have been sitting on shelves for too long may have a lower germination rate. By buying locally, you also get access to fresh seed stock each season, ensuring that the seeds you’re planting are more likely to germinate and grow strong, healthy plants.
5. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
In today’s globalized world, many seeds are shipped long distances before reaching Canadian gardeners. This process adds to the carbon footprint of the seeds you’re purchasing. When you buy seeds locally, you reduce the transportation emissions associated with long-distance shipping. Additionally, buying seeds that are already adapted to your region reduces the need for artificial heating, cooling, and other energy-intensive processes to help plants survive.
6. Where to Buy Seeds in Canada
Across Canada, there are numerous seed companies and farmers’ markets that sell seeds for gardeners. If you are lucky, your local library may also have a free seed library. If that is not the case, you can order from within your province or outside of it. I do both, I have ordered seeds from the Ontario seed businesses listed below, as well as out of province especially from Vesey’s in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and West Coast Seeds in British Columbia.
Regardless of what province you live in here are a few sources for purchasing seeds in Canada:
British Columbia (BC)
- West Coast Seeds – a wide selection of organically grown, untreated, and non-GMO seeds, with a focus on sustainable practices and high germination rates. They provide heirloom and open-pollinated seeds. The Vancouver-based company seeds are ethically sourced and can be found in retail stores or purchased online. I love their print catalogue, but they also offer a digital one too!
Alberta (AB)
- A’Bunadh Seeds (pronounced A-Boo-Nar) – is a great choice for seed savers and gardeners because they focus on organic practices, heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, and seeds that thrive in short-season areas, promoting resilience and self-sufficiency.
- Circle Farms – a Canadian urban homestead and seed company located in Calgary, Alberta, offers high-quality, non-GMO, heirloom and open-pollinated seeds grown sustainably and organically. You can order online and they offer a loyalty rewards program and free shipping on all seed orders within Canada.
Saskatchewan (SK)
- Blazing Star Wildflower Seed Company – a family owned and operated since 1992. This seed business is dedicated to preserving and promoting wildflowers and is ideal for any gardener looking for specialists in wildflowers native to Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.
Manitoba (MB)
- McKenzie Seeds – has a history dating back to 1896 and offers a wide variety of seeds including organic options, pre-spaced in biodegradable tissue tape for easy planting, and varieties tested for Canadian growing conditions. You can order online or purchase in retail stores across the country.’
- Heritage Harvest Seed – specializing in rare and endangered heirloom vegetable, flower, herb and ancient grain seed.
Ontario (ON)
- Ontario Seed Company – Large, family-owned business with roots dating back to the late 1800’s, they offer a seed catalogue full of certified organic and non-gmo seeds. Operating for over 125 years, there abundant selection can be ordered online or found at local garden centers and retail stores.
- William Dam Seeds – a family-run company situated not too far from me in Dundas, Ontario. They are a reputable source for high-quality, organic seeds, offering a wide variety of food, flower, and soil-building options, with a focus on both traditional and new varieties, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
- Richters Seed Company – I discovered this seed company when I got more interested in herbs not only for their aromatic smells and flavours but for their medicinal benefits. All Richters seeds are untreated and are sourced from plants that have never been exposed to chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Their seeds are free from genetic engineering and their selection is beyond anything I have every found at any other seed company.
Quebec (QC)
- W.H. Perron – founded in 1928, W.H. Perron is a large mail-order seed company, known for its wide selection of vegetable, flower, and herb seeds, as well as accessories for gardening to meet gardener’s needs.
New Brunswick (NB)
- Rainbow Seeds Ltd. – a well-regarded supplier of heirloom and non-GMO seeds, with a focus on Canadian climates. They offer a seed germination guarantees and are committed to preserving seed varieties for future generations.
Nova Scotia (NS)
- Revival Seeds – a family farm with five generations of seed-saving experience, this business offers hardy heirloom, open-pollinated, and diverse seed varieties grown using organic principles.
- The Incredible Seed Company – this small, family-run business on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, offers a hand-picked selection of open-pollinated and heirloom vegetable, herb, flower, and tree seeds.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- Veseys – a large mail-order garden business in operation since 1939. They offer high quality seeds and bulbs that are rigorously tested in trial gardens to ensure suitability for various climates. When their catalogue arrives in my mailbox, my heart races with anticipation!
Newfoundland & Labrador (NL)
- The Seed Company – founded by E.W. Gaze in 1925, a long-standing business with a focus on vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, including locally grown varieties.
Yukon (YT) & Northwest Territories (NWT)
- For seed suppliers consider West Coast Seeds, Veseys and the Incredible Seed Company for seeds suitable for the NWT climate.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to gardening in Canada, buying seeds locally and from Canadian suppliers is a smart and environmentally responsible choice. You’ll be getting seeds that are well-adapted to your area, help support local businesses and sustainable practices, while contributing to a healthier planet. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, local seeds can help set you up for success and ensure that your garden thrives year after year.
So, next time you’re ready to start your garden, consider shopping from Canadian businesses for your seeds – rather than at big-box stores. You’ll be helping yourself, your community, and the environment all at once.
Happy planting! 🌱
