Comments regarding Pinetree Garden Seeds

Made my seed and tuber order on-line in December, had a little difficulty with the website so had to call but my problem was solved promptly and courteously. Seeds arrived in a week or so, the one pkt that was no longer available credited back to my card. Potatoes and ramps arrived this spring at perfect planting time. No fuss, no muss - just good product and service. Thank you Pinetree!

I've ordered from Pinetree multiple time over the years and the seeds have always performed well, in a variety of different climates.

The orders were always filled and shipped quickly without any problems.

Great prices, especially in an era where seed costs have gone up rapidly. Shipping is inexpensive as well.

An excellent choice for someone who wants small, inexpensive seed packets, like a small home gardener. Pinetree gives you a very good value proposition.

Interesting catalog.

I will buy from Pinetree again.

I've been a Pinetree Gardens customer for many years and referred friends there. The website was always buggy so I just mark up the catalog and order by phone. In the past they had excellent deals on trays, inserts and mulch, in addition to seeds. They became my primary seed source with various additions from Seed Savers, Johnny's, Thompson & Morgan, Irish Eyes, etc.
But, something clearly happened to this company several years ago. Per the other comments, I'm guessing around 2009. For myself, the final straw has been deteriorating germination rates, declining to completely unacceptable last year and even total failure in a couple of cases. (I am an experienced and successful indoor/greenhouse seed starter as our last frost is 5/31.) Is this old seed? Poorly stored seed? No idea. I also got a couple of mislabeled varieties that were very annoying.
One friend I referred to Pinetree last winter was utterly scathing about her experience with their seeds. So, not only did I have several total germination failures but I caused a friend to as well.
My experiences with customer service have generally been good, meaning they will re-send, but I can't take the chance any more with our very short season. I'm sad to say I won't take the chance with them again, when I can find most things on racks at the various stores and order special items from other vendors. Special hat tip to Adams Fairacre Farms stores who stock many seeds from many sources.

Sad to write this, and hope these comments spur a change in attitude at Pinetree.

I have ordered from this company for the past 5 years, and been pleased with what I got. This year, there was a problem with items getting lost in the mail, so I had the opportunity to experience their customer service, which was excellent. They are shipping replacement items, and dealing with the postal service. This is very much better treatment than I have received under similar circumstances from other companies. Thanks, Pinetree!

Great prices decent shipping prices
sent me conformation of seeds being sent
sent my seeds super fast! Cute seeds packets I was very happy with my order and will order from them again
A++

have been a repeat customer for years. germination rate is great. prices are reasonable. happy with their selection of seeds.

I had a very positive first experience with Pinetree. I found their prices & postage very reasonable, and their service level is first rate. Packaging & the necessary Canadian customs declarations were completed perfectly.

I ordered a number of hybrid tomato seed packages after discovering they have Moreton (F1) sourced from Harris at very reasonable prices. Moreton F1 availability is the result of the Rutgers/Harris project to bring back the most flavourful Jersey tomatoes. //njfarmfresh.rutgers.edu/MoretonTomato.htm The seed counts are more than sufficient for a home gardener.

I have bookmarked Pinecraft and will place another order once the winter passes.

Posted on August 31, 2006, updated July 9, 2013
I know it's late in the season, but while browsing through GWD, I decided to add my two-cents in now.
I've been ordering from Pinetree about eight years now and never had any problems. SEeds all germinated on schedule and seeds were delivered promptly.
When it's time to order seeds, Pinetree is the place to order from.

When I was a kid I requested my first catalog from Pinetree after seeing a tiny advertisement they had in one of my grandmother's organic gardening magazines. Reading their catalog was always exciting for me. I remember giving my mom my allowance money to write checks for my orders. One of the first things I grew was "Connecticut Field" pumpkin. That was 20 years ago.

Since then, I have moved to the city and haven't always had the opportunity (land or space) to grow things. But when I do I always remember to check their current offerings. They have a good variety and offer very affordable prices. I appreciate that they are not a pretentious company- their website is simple and so are their packets.

I especially like their flower selection; the "Kong" sunflower being one of my favorites, and different varieties of marigolds, zinnias, calendulas, etc.

It's funny that they are in Maine and I'm in Hawaii, 1/4 of the world away (6 time zones). However, they always process my order quickly and it only takes a few days even with USPS.

I have been ordering seeds and supplies from Pinetree for many years. There have been occasional germination issues, but no more so than from much more expensive vendors. Service, selection and pricing have always brought me back.

I placed my order, which included frost protection on the 10th of March and just now (March 20th) received a notice from UPS, NOT Pinetree that my order will not arrive until the 27th of March AFTER the danger of frost is over. So disappointed, its supposed to snow tonight and I had to go out and buy burlap to protect my strawberry plants. On top of that, I never received a confirmation email from Pinetree that they received and were processing my order. I received a phone call from my bank saying they processed the transaction as a debit card transaction and not as a credit card without my knowledge. This is the very reason I like to pay by Paypal and not by credit card, however Pinetree does not offer this option. We'll see what happens when I receive the order, but so far, I'm not impressed.

I love doing business with Pinetree. The seeds are high quality, very affordable, germinate well and produce the results Pinetree says they will. The service is also the fastest I have ever experienced.

Posted on January 15, 2011, updated January 24, 2013
Posted on February 25, 2010, updated January 15, 2011
Posted on June 8, 2007, updated February 24, 2010
I have been a coutomer for at least 10 years. They have a good selection at a very good price. I have never had any trouble with germination unless I did something wrong. Will continue to be a faithful customer.

Have used Pinetree for a couple years and liked the small packets, their quick shipping, their accuracy, the whole shebang was grand.

Then there was one kind of seed they didn't carry so last year I ordered from another company and had a very bad experience with them (Millington), so now I'm back to Pinetree who have been completely reliable and trustworthy and will keep getting my business til death us do part.

Placed an internet order for a book and several packets of seed on a Sunday afternoon and received the order on Thursday (even though there was a holiday in between). I am looking through the catalog again to see what else I might need for the spring!

I've always been pleased with Pinetree. I've had a germination failure here and there over the many years I've done business with them, but I count a whole lot more successes than failures.

I really like the small seed counts - and the corresponding low prices - this lets me do some experimenting without busting my budget.

Ordered from this company last year. Had a very good transaction and the seeds grew well. The prices were also very good. I would definitely order from them again.

Ordered 30 different types of seeds from Pinetree for my summer 2012 garden, and this garden was my best so far. I LOVE Pinetree seeds. I've ordered from them in the past, and they definately deserve a "Top 5" rating for all-around value, and the germination and performance are both top shelf. I'll be ordering from them again for my 2013 garden.

Posted on January 5, 2011, updated November 26, 2012
Posted on January 1, 2011, updated January 5, 2011
Posted on October 5, 2004, updated January 1, 2011
I ordered pumpkin and gourd seeds for our 4H club. The seeds arrived promptly and I got more per packet than I expected. They sprouted well and the kids got a very good crop. The gourds were especially cute and colorful.

Posted on November 12, 2010, updated October 30, 2012
I've ordered seeds from this company for the past few years. Always a positive experience. Some OP veggies, I've saved seeds & have been re-planting for 3 years or more. Order always received timely & accurately with no back orders.

This was the first year I have ever ordered anything from this company. I was a little leery because their prices were low,
compared to the bigger companies. I was delighted when my order came a couple of weeks after I placed it. I was also happy to find out that there weren't as many seeds in each packet as the big guy usually give you...What a great idea. I don't need 300 tomato plant seeds in each envelope, and I'm sure all other backyard gardeners don't either. I'm grateful for the lower prices.
Yesterday I harvested my first tendersweet carrots and was pleasantly surprised. I have been gardening for over 40 years, and these were the nicest looking, best tasting carrots I have ever grown. Everything else has flourished too. I'm now into my second planting of radishes, spinach and lettuce.
I am planning on planting some more carrots soon and allow them to over winter. From now on, I will be ordering all my seeds from Pinetree Garden Seeds.

no problems with things i have received, good prices on lower quanity of seed

I have been purchasing seeds from Pinetree for over 10 years now...love, love, love them!! I can purchase small amounts of seed which are perfect for my home garden, and the quality has always been superb. A nice variety is available and I have never had any issues. Only beautiful veg and flowers!! I will continue to buy from Pinetree as you can't beat their prices, shipping charges, and specials. I recently ordered 10 varieties of glad bulbs on special, and all the bulbs were fresh and plump, and are growing nicely. Highly recommended to folks in my area of western NY as Pinetree is located in Maine with much the same growing conditions.

Posted on June 15, 2011, updated June 23, 2012
Posted on March 4, 2010, updated June 15, 2011
Posted on December 23, 2004, updated March 4, 2010
Ordered seeds for 2005 and received them today, one week later. Love the colorful catalogue, useful descriptions and commitment to the customer to provide a varied selection. If I want large seed packets I may not use in one season, I know where to go--and now I know where to go to find quality seed in smaller amounts, too. Great job!

Posted on April 21, 2009, updated June 9, 2012
I ordered from Pine Tree around January 1st, because I had read reviews saying they took longer to mail orders out than other companies. It was a couple of weeks before I got my order, while most of my other companies shipped seeds within a week. However, I got their seeds in plenty of time for planting, and their prices are so LOW and the seeds have germinated incredibly well, so it's definitely worth it. Just order your seeds around January 1st!

Posted on March 9, 2012, updated May 31, 2012
Posted on March 27, 2011, updated March 9, 2012
Placed my order on March 13 and my package got here the 26th - the only message I got was an automated e-mail that my order was received. The prices are very good & the amount of seeds are good for the prices. I liked the variety of seeds they have to offer. I just wish there was a little better communication as to when they have shipped, so that I'm not contemplating if I should contact them or not.

Will post more if there's anything special to note about germination rates and what not.

My order arrived very quickly after ordering it and I appreciated the auto-email confirmation, since not all places that I've ordered from do that, even though it's pretty simple.

I only ordered some seeds and a sprouting cover, but I plan to order more in the future!

Posted on February 17, 2012, updated February 27, 2012
I ordered seeds Jan 29th. Pinetree 'said' they shipped my order Jan 31. Today is Feb. 17 and still no seeds. I have to reorder from another company while my greenhouse sits idle.

I ordered seeds this year and as usual they arrived in a very timely manner, I like this company because you can order smaller amounts of seeds. I have ordered from them in the past with no problems and will certainly be ordering again in the future.

Just got my seeds today. Everything was there that I ordered and on time! So far everything is ok, just have to see how they turn out.

I have been ordering from Pinetree Garden Seeds for at least 13 years, 10 of which were as a professional cut flower grower.

I cannot say enough good things about this company; they are one of three seed houses I order from every year. As a professional and as a "home gardener" I have come to rely on them for quality seed, great selection and pricing, and fantastic customer service.

Pinetree offers a huge selection of vegetable, herb and flower seed as well as a variety of bulbs, tubers, and plants. Over the years I have gotten a little of everything from them and have only had germination issues with 2 or 3 items. I contacted the company and the problem was rectified promptly and professionally. By the way, calling the company is a real treat as you are not connected with some "operator" sitting in a cubicle somewhere as with some other larger seed houses, but an actual employee of their farm. I like the personal feel of that.

Another benefit to me is that because they are located in Maine and actually test grow everything in their catalog, I can be assured that their offerings will be well suited to my Vermont growing season.

Pinetree's prices are virtually unbeatable. This, paired with their smaller sized packets, makes it possible to try a lot of different varieties without breaking the bank. I always feel like I can treat myself to something I might not "need" or get a little experimental without the risk of having wasted a lot of money. One year I grew cotton. In Vermont! Visitors to my garden were aghast and I will never forget harvesting my very own little puffs of organically grown fluffy goodness.

Their selection of heirloom and open-pollinated veggies and flowers is fantastic. Additionally, their catalog has separate sections for ethnic varieties organized by geographical region. Also broken out are sections for container gardening, everlasting flowers and dye plants. Very unique!

One caveat I have is with their website. So far I have not been able to save a shopping cart for more than a half an hour or so. The first time I realized this I had entered a huge order only to return later to find it gone. Ugh! I am one who likes to peruse and mull over my order for anywhere from a few days to week or two. With Pinetree I have to do this on paper and then enter my order only when I am ready to make my purchase. My husband is a web programmer and claims that this would be really easy for them to fix. I would be stoked if they did!

In response to the negative comments regarding long shipping times; in my experience it is generally good practice to order seeds early in the year (this means no later than early February for me). This way I avoid ordering during the "busy season" which may delay shipment and lead to timing issues when starting transplants. This is also a good way to avoid back orders or out-of-stock items. In Pinetree's defense, order backlogs are addressed in both their printed catalog and on the Policies page of their website (offering expedited processing is actually a really nice service as I know of other companies which do not):

"Our goal is to ship all orders within a couple of days of receipt. However, from February to May, a backlog of 2-3 weeks can develop. We will try to avoid this, but the more advance planning you can do - the happier you will be. Special Handling is available for an extra $4.50, these order will ship out the next business day."

Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone from novice to professional.

Posted on February 20, 2002, updated February 10, 2012
Their website is a little tricky to use, but my order was processed very promptly, and shipped quickly. Seeds germinated nicely, and as many others have commented, they provide a good-size packet of seeds for the home gardener who wants to experiment with several varieties. Will definitely order from them again.

I ordered 52 packets of seeds on January 12, 2012 and received all of them five days later, no errors. I started some of my cabbage seeds indoors already and am very pleased with the germination rate. If the rest of my seed does this well, I will definately be ordering from Pinetree again next year.

Easy ordering, prompt delivery, no missing inventory + GREAT prices. So far, I am very pleased.

Posted on February 11, 2005, updated January 22, 2012
Placed large order for vegetable and herb seeds, which arrived within a week. Great selection of varieties (did not have to shop in three or four different places to get everything I wanted), clearly described, delivered promptly, terrific pricing. Packets are the right size for a family garden (with many providers, you have left-over seeds which will generally not have as good germination the next year). And, best of all, good basic cultural directions included on each packet. This is my first time dealing with Pinetree but will certainly not be my last. (By the way, it was particularly cheerful getting this lovely selection of seeds as we were in the midst of the Nor'easter!)

About 3 years ago I received Pinetree Garden Seed's Spring Catalog and ordered from the company because of the extremely low prices on a lot of their items. It took me 6 and a half weeks to receive my order and by that time most of the seeds I had ordered was well past time to start. The few seeds that I had bought that could still be started had terrible germination rates. I told myself I would never deal with them again. This year though I stumbled upon some reviews by other members of Dave's Garden and decided I would try again so I went to their site and ordered my seeds on the 28th of December and received my seeds the 6th of January; I was very pleased and decided they just must have had a bad year the first time I ordered from them, but when I opened my pack and looked at all of the seed packets I discovered that 2 seed packets was missing. I immediately called the company and told them the problem. I was told sorry and that the two packets would be mailed the next day. Personally I think I should have received a complementary pack of seeds for my trouble or either credit on my next purchase. I think I might give pinetree another chance next year but I'll need to see how the germination rates are on the seeds that actually come in.

Fabulous service as always. I have ordered from Pinetree (using the internet) off and on for years, for my job. This year I ordered on December 19th and received my seed order on the 22nd via US Priority Mail. I almost always order in December and it always works this way, year after year. Thanks!

Posted on November 14, 2011
I have ordered from Pinetree for about 2 or 3 years now. I have been pleased with their products, and very happy with their prices. Germination rates are good. I ordered over the phone, and am very happy with the representatives I have spoken with--very nice and helpful. So, I would reccomend them, and plan to order from them in the future.

This is the first time I've used this company. I actually found it through this website. I am a novice plant-grower (I hesitate to say 'gardener' as what I have can hardly be called a garden, and I definitely don't put the kind of time into it that most others do! Haha!), and like that I can get smaller quantities here. I don't need 50 tomato seeds, you know? As of yet I can't comment on germination or plant success, but one common thing I saw mentioned was that it took a few weeks to get orders. I ordered on the evening of 7/3 (a Sunday), with Monday being a holiday. I received my order in the mail on Thursday 7/7. Super-fast! I was very surprised, and I'm looking forward to getting something started this weekend! I will definitely use Pinetree again.

Posted on June 15, 2011, updated June 17, 2011
This has been my favorite company for many years - not anymore. The quality is really POOR. Specifically "their" potatoes. Last time the regular potatoes were all mangled when I received them - this year it looks as though there is evidence of late blight. When the sweet potatoes came - they looked positively pathetic! They came from Tennessee, and for the price of $19.99 for 12 ( I know who the fool is :( 10 have survived, but are far from flourishing.
I've decided to take my business elsewhere.