An expert’s guide to the best places to buy seeds and bulbs

Some people get their kicks from designer labels, others from rummaging through flea shops, or collecting obscure Japanese comics, vintage tractors, handbags, dolls, beer-mats, Star Wars merchandise or whatever else. Me, I get mine from ordering seeds.

Brexit, of course, put a giant spanner in the works in that regard, by abruptly shutting down the opportunity to easily order from the handful of go-to British specialist suppliers I had depended on for decades, for those hard-to-get varieties not readily available in Ireland. Then along came the pandemic, resulting in violent disruption to traditional global supply chains and putting both seed producers and suppliers under huge strain.

As the dust finally begins to settle and a new post-pandemic, post-Brexit world emerges from the ashes, my go-to shortlist of online suppliers has changed accordingly. Along with the many excellent small Irish firms that were always on it, a growing number of exciting European suppliers now make the list, proof that as one door closes, another opens. With this in mind, here is my updated little black book of suppliers, a handy reference for the busy seed-sowing months ahead.

One of Ireland’s longest established and most trusted garden suppliers, this family-run business is known for its top-notch customer service and wide range of high-quality seeds, tubers and bulbs. It sources from only the very best growers and producers both here and in Europe, with a focus on suppliers who have signed up to a range of independent sustainability certification schemes such as On the Way to PlanetProof, Global GAP and NPS. mrmiddleton.com

This small family-run Irish business was established by the organic gardener and author Klaus Laitenberger, best known