Are cheap seeds any good?

It depends on the source, but for the most part, yes! I've had close to 100 percent germination with cheap seeds from my local dollar store and big box clearance racks.

Are dollar store seeds worth buying?

In my experience, yes. The dollar stores around me can barely keep seeds in stock once they put them out, so the inventory is always fresh. If you aren't confident about your local dollar store's supply, check the "packed for" date on the packet—it should always be the current year.

Can I get free seeds if I'm not with a school or nonprofit?

Seed companies and other organizations typically distribute free seeds to schools and nonprofits only. But you can often get free seeds through your local seed library, Cooperative Extension office, Buy Nothing group, or community garden initiative (like Denver Urban Gardens, which gives free seeds to thousands of families each year).

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Seeds & Seedlings | Garden of Eatin'

Where to Find Free or Cheap Seeds in 2026 (Including Free Seeds by Mail)

Seed costs are up and packet sizes are down—but your wallet (and your garden) doesn’t have to suffer. I’m sharing smart ways to get free seeds locally, plus my favorite sources for buying quality seeds on the cheap.

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