I got a catalog out of the blue from "Willhite Seed Inc." in Poolville Texas. Their prices for bulk seeds were excellent and shipping was reasonable, so I started looking them up;

I saw mixed reviews, with many complaints that they fell way behind during the rush season, and became too busy to answer the phone or answer email. Several people complained about their attitude if you had a problem with an order, like substituting unwanted seeds for something that was "out". And one person complained about low viability.

Has anyone had good or bad experiences with them? Some of the prices for an ounce or quarter pound of seed were really excellent.

I see they've been family owned and specialze in watermelon seeds. What I was interested in was very generic and ordinary (lettuce and snap peas) but I saw huge variety in the "watermelon" pages.

sorry never heard of them

I never heard of them either. But 2 of 7 reviews on Watchdog in the past year are negative, one for slow service, one for poor performance of seeds. I think I'd be reluctant...

Karen

Off topic, but I've been getting a LOT of seed catalogs from companies I've never heard of this year. Anyone else noticed that? Not that I'm complaining.

quite a few have different names.. different catalogs .. always do some research

I don't think I've noticed. Just the usuals.

Karen

I decided for once to skip on the "bargains" offered by Wilhite. I might get lucky and save a few bucks, buit half my reason for buying big pkts is to share the seed. Why risk sharing seed that won't germinate?

Good point.

I always try to get some reviews before buying from online companies. Though I don't belong to Dave's old garden anymore, I do still use the Garden Watchdog. It's my "go to" place for reviews, and I still add an occasional review too. It can be used by non-members. I think it's a good resource.

Karen

I agree that "Garden Watchdog" is valuable.

However, last time I tried, I c ould not add an eBay vendor to it.

Huh, maybe the rules have changed? Maybe you have to be a member to add a review? I haven't tried this year, I don't think.

Karen

No, I was able to add a review for Tainong Seeds. I just couldn't add one for an eBay vendor.

Some field like "postal address" was giving me trouble and I aksed an admin. I was told that they didn't support eBay vendors.

maybe need to get with the times

I didn't know that. But I don't generally buy ebay seeds.

Karen

I bought a ton of them on ebay last year

I know this is late, but I just got here

I have purchased from Wilhite for many years.

I always order my Jffy supplies from them. Each year I compare prices and they always come up as the lowest prices

Then, since I am ordering anyway, I throw in seeds. They have a fantastic selection of watermelons !

The orders always arrive promptly, no errors,

A few years ago I ordered some type of herb seed, mebbe summer savory, and they sent me a refund check before the package even arrived

They are a small Mon-and_Pop business, my favorite kind, so yes sorta obscure and without a big advertising budget. But he look at how big names such as Thompson & Morgan, Burpee, and Park have gone downhill !