Parks screwed me also, blahhhh.

Summerhill I have gotten horrible germination rates so far. Still open minded though and crossing my fingers. I paid more at summer hill and got the least, ughhh.

I can't believe I am saying this but actually I have gotten pretty good germination rates from cherrygal, though her customer service stinks and her shipping stinks worse. Her seeds though are plenty viable at least what I ordered.

Tradewinds, has a good germination rate also awesome shipping and a great price on shipping.

T's has a good price if your looking for smaller amounts of seed so far I have had decent germination, some are a little more difficult so I can not fairly say either way.

Great germination rates from seeds from walmart, ferry morse and american seed company.

I am like you some I have traded with I get great germination, some ewww they burn a memory in my head and I will not trade with them again. Overall I get really good germination from users of gardenweb.

I operate a small greenhouse on a college campus. I grow all of our annuals and a few perennials from seed. I have never been disappointed with the seeds I get from Harris. www.harrisseeds.com
You can buy packets or larger quantities.

Fedco is another you can trust but their ornamental selection not always as wide. If you were looking for variety and had 2 or so weeks to receive an order, Chilterns (UK) listed 41 dianthus this year, I have very good results with their seed and service.

guess what I found it. Under Garden notes! Gee I am more organized that I thot. Just I had forgotten I even had a folder garden notes. lol

so here is the list I compiled last year of recommended by WS'ers:
Bakers - Crossmans - Everwilde-
Praire Moon - JL Hudson, Summer Hill, Fragrant Path, and Diane's - Heirloom Acres Seeds
Cheapseeds
Cooks
SSE
Johnny's in Maine
Nichols
Sample Seeds
Stokes Seeds
T & M

The only one of these I have direct knowledge of is Crossman's -
their seeds and shipping is very inexpensive, and I had good germination.
Their seed count was very good. [Unlike Parks which said 100 and gave 25. When they sent a replacement that was short too!]

My only caution w/Crossman is that the Zinnias which I got from them - a couple of different ones - did not do well once in the garden. Now that could be a lot of things- could be the weather, could be where I planted them..

I recall that many people liked this company so I'm not saying my experience is typical, but I do want to try another company.

ellen

Since this is my first time winter sowing, I made it a point to buy seeds from different places.

I bought Alyssum Carpet of snow and Cottage Garden Mix from WALGREENS (yes the pharmacy/store). They sell the American Seed brand for 3 packets for $1. Surprisingly, I see very good germination rate. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucylulu07/5489880111

I also bought a couple of packets from Lowe's - Burpee brand for $1.79 each pack. Not so great germination.

From The Sample Seed Shop - www.sampleseeds.com for $1/ea + bonus packet. Great customer service. Decent germination so far.

The most expensive ones I got from from Renee's Garden - www.reneesgarden.com - $2.79/ea. But you get what you pay for. You can clearly see that the seeds are bigger and more viable- the result: huge sprouts! :)

And last but certainly not least, the free SASE seeds - not as good as I expected but it could just be the ones I received (not generalizing). http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucylulu07/5490484614

Hope this helps!

I got good germination from HD's Burpee line. Esp. Foxglove and Campunla's (96% germ). The only issue was, I left them out, on what turned out to be a very HOT day. Got Fried.

I ordered, heavily, from Swallowtail Seeds, but, won't be able to give you recommendation until June. Newbie WS. Good Customer Service and packaging.

I just ordered from Swallowtail for the first time-how quick is their shipping? I'm not desperate for the seed, but it's things I'd like to start.

Still dodging snow piles, but one crocus so far!

I get consistent good results from Burpee. They have a great catalog selection and I've bought plants also. One time I had a problem and they quickly sent me a refund.

Their customer service is outstanding.

I've bought seeds from Thompson & Morgan, Gardens Alive! and American Seed (Walgreens). I've also gotten a lot of SASE seeds from these forums. Now, I know Gardens Alive! get horrible reviews all over the place, but I got 5 packs of seeds for free, so figured I might as well try them out.

T&M seems to get mixed reviews, whilst American Seed get very good reviews overall. I've used T&M seeds in the past and not had any complaints, but we'll see how they fare this year. :o) Also, I've never used the American T&M, but the British one, as I used to live in Europe.

I think Botanical Interest is wonderful; I have very good germination, but they are a little pricey (and they have gorgeous seed packets).

I have also had good luck with Olds, Page Seeds, Burpee's, and Lake Valley.

I used to be a big T&M fan. After 2009 and 2010, I am so done with that company. My 2010 germination rates w/ T&M was HORRENDOUS. Last year they were purchased by another company, and the nosedive in quality and customer service shows.

cheers,
Norabelle

baker's creek is awesome: http://shop.ebay.com/bobtodd1/m.html

this ebay site is excellent for weird and cool stuff:
http://shop.ebay.com/bobtodd1/m.html

i have heard good things about remy's seed store but have not tried it yet. she has a very good rep on here : http://sampleseeds.com/

I ordered from Johnny's and Totally Tomato last year and was very happy with the seeds.

Marigolds I'd just pick up at a local place, maybe even the dollar store. I've still got dozens of marigold seeds from a few of my own plants from a couple of years ago. Last year they germinated like crazy.

Caryl