I have had excellent luck with seeds from Baker Creek, Southern Exposure, and Sandhill Preservation. I have had excellent luck with plants from Jungs.
I have had very good luck with Jungs, Totally Tomato, and Johnny’s.
Probably others I can’t think of right now.
One suggestion I always make to people who’re investing in the OP seeds is to buy the book ‘Seed to Seed’ by Ashcroft. Even if you’re not thinking of saving seed from the challenging stuff (broccoli, onions, etc) right now it’s a good handy reference to have. The info will still be useful 20 years from now as it’s basic biology.
One other thing to invest in is some of the drawstring organza gift bags. I got mine from Wal-Mart. Or, you can make yours. This is how to ensure things that supposedly self pollinate like tomatoes don’t inadvertently cross. It also keeps the more promiscuous stuff from crossing (peppers, eggplants, etc).
This year I’m going to be trying to grow out my own corn (painted mountain, short season and cool weather tolerant) early on. I’ll probably invest in the corn bagging stuff that Southern Exposure sells. We all need challenges :P
J & L gardens http://www.jandlgardens.com/catalog/
has some short season peanuts I’m going to try also.
Thanks so much for all the information and advice. You always have good tips. Appreciate it.
People posting here need to start saving their seeds so you can participate in garden forum seed swaps come October...lots of fun.
...but sometimes you can wind up with some interesting new lines of ‘maters and peppers when they cross-pollinate...my mustard habanero crossed with a trinidad scorpion...now I have mustard habaneros with stingers...very cool.
I just signed up on Southern Exposure’s website and requested a catalog. I think I’ll start with the easy stuff.