Personally for seeds as common as 4 o'clocks and marigolds there are a lot of reputable dealers that aren't as pricey as baker creek. I have a hard time paying 3 bucks for a pack of annuals.

I have ordered from Baker Creek as well as my parents and I think they are a wonderful company to order from. I do agree though, because I'm a stay at home Momma on a budget, I would save those pricey orders for seeds a little harder to come by. To be honest I buy the majority of my seeds at Dollar General and Family Dollar 3 for a buck or 5 for a buck! Most common veggies and flowers can be found there and I have never really noticed any radical difference in germination rates. :)

Ellen,

Why don't you post a request on the Seed Exchange ? Seems to me most gardeners will have a surplus of marigold and 4 o'clock seeds they would be happy to send to you for an SASBE if you don't have any seeds to trade ...

Iris

I don't mind paying the bucks for the seeds, as long as I get what they advertise.
They are somewhat unusual variety of marigold and 4 0'clock, and I don't mind paying a little more.
Baker has a reputation of being good seeds people, and their catalogue is wonderful!

thanks,
ellen

i have ordered from them for several years and am always happy with what i get

I've ordered from them several times and I just love them. They always send nice size packets too.
Joann

I order from them good and fast service. They have the most unusual looking tomatoes.

ok - that settles it! Thanks.

I have gotten some unusual marigold off the seed exchange I would post there for sure.

I love Baker Creek. They carry unusual varieties, like the 'Japanese White Egg' eggplant I had been searching for, provide a generous amount of seed, ship quickly and everthing I've tried has germinated well. I have ordered from them several times and have also visited their store, The Seed Bank, in Petaluma, CA. -That is a real treat for a seed lover.

I'm a lurker, but had to chime in and say I love Baker Creek. Their catalog is beautiful...I'm not beyond cutting out a few pictures from it to decorate my kitchen, and it's my kids' favorite "bedtime story!" (Granted, we're a little gardening-obsessed!)

Besides that, I mainly like them because they have a lot of less-common items...like the vining zucchini that "I've just gotta try" this year.

I ordered from them the last two years. They have a great selection and ship out quick. I think my wife and I ordered seeds on Monday evening and they arrived before the weekend.

I've started most of the seeds indoors and have had great germination rates so far.

Garrett.