Comments regarding Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Posted on January 13, 2014, updated February 4, 2022
Posted on February 7, 2011, updated January 13, 2014
Sigh. I think I'm in love! Just discovered this company this year, but will make them my primary vegetable seed source because
1--they grow their stuff and slant their advice to central VA--since I live in WV, this is MUCH more useful than the information--and cultivars--from Oregon or Maine.
2--the catalog (this year's has some really rad frogs on the front) is loaded with useful information--cultivation information for each vegetable, and specific information about cultivars that includes the bad stuff. They don't pretend every variety is perfect in every way.
3--they focus on open-pollinated varieties, in fact only offer four hybrids in the whole catalog.
4--they offer equipment for seed saving--waterproof vials in four sizes, silica gel, corn ear bags, etc.
5--My one order came promptly and without errors
6--I know that this business supports people living in communes, experimenting with solutions, a plus for me.
The only thing that isn't perfect is that they don't sell inocculant. Hint.

Most of the orders that I've done with them have ended up really good. They have many heirloom varieties that do well in my area, and the seeds are usually good quality. However, the few times I've had to contact them for customer service it takes them a long time to get back to you.

I can't even get them to send me a catalog. At this point, I wouldn't be comfortable giving them money for seeds. That's a shame, as I like to order from southern seed companies for best matches for my southern garden.

received their new catalog in the mail. Several varieties looked interesting to me. Unfortunately a lot of these varieties are listed as "not available" on their site. Why are they sending out catalogs containing items they don't have in stock? Inquiries sent via email are ignored. "Should be available by" dates come and go and the site isn't updated.
All this makes me very wary about doing business with them. Especially the failure to communicate. Failure to respond to emails (not even an automated response or a cut and paste job) is not a trait I look for in an online retailer!
It's a shame too because I live in Virginia and wanted to support the local guys but they really don't seem to have it together over there.

Let me start off by saying, I've ordered from these guys quite a few times - ever since I first started gardening. I'd never had a bad experience, in fact, I like that they have many unique offerings that I can't get elsewhere. This year specifically, I was waiting to place my order, as I was waiting for a specific variety of something to become available. I inquired more than once about this item on social media, and did not receive a response either time. Each time the germination test date would pass, and I would comment, the date on the website would change - so I can only assume that someone at least saw the comments? Who knows. Maybe not? It would have just been nice to know whether or not to keep waiting or whether or not the seed would, in fact, be available. I went ahead and placed my order for the other things I wanted and gave up on the specific item I'd been waiting on to become available. My order came in a timely manner and was in good condition, however, I doubt that I'll ever be ordering again.

Just not overly pleased with customer service. I'm sure they're a great company, but it seems my order was put on a back burner and was only shipped after an email inquiry as to it's status. I ordered from SESE because of their location and selection of seeds from my area, unfortunately I don't know if there will be a next time.

I noticed some comments about how "fast" their delivery was. Maybe it's faster in the South? I live in Seattle and learned about the "seed exchange" company from Sunset Magazine. I ordered 6 packets of seeds using my credit card. It's now been eleven days and their catalog arrived today. No seeds, yet...
I would gladly "exchange" the catalog for my seeds. 8>)