Allentown's Growing Passion for Planting
Allentown has a deep gardening culture. From the community gardens scattered across city neighborhoods to the historic Rose Garden in Cedar Beach Park, residents take pride in cultivating beauty and food. Just outside the city, Lehigh County farms grow grain, vegetables, and forage crops in some of the most fertile soils in Pennsylvania. All of this activity begins with one simple ingredient: high-quality seed.
Choosing the right seed company affects germination rates, disease resistance, flavor, yield, and how well plants handle the Lehigh Valley's humid summers and variable springs. This guide ranks the ten seed companies that stand out for local gardeners and commercial growers.
What Makes a Great Seed Company
- Germination testing and transparent quality standards
- Regional adaptability for USDA zone 6 and similar climates
- Variety selection, including heirloom, hybrid, and organic options
- Educational resources to help growers succeed
- Ethical practices, such as seed preservation and sustainable production
The Top 10 Seed Companies for Allentown Growers
1. Burpee
Burpee holds a special place in Pennsylvania history. Founded in Philadelphia in the late nineteenth century and still headquartered in the state, it is one of the most iconic seed brands in America. Burpee offers an enormous range of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, including its famous tomato varieties. Its seed racks appear in garden centers and hardware stores across Allentown, making it the most accessible choice for home gardeners.
2. Hoffman Seeds
Hoffman Seeds, based in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, serves farmers with forage, cover crop, grain, and pasture seed. It is widely respected among Lehigh Valley farmers who need reliable seed for hay fields and soil-building cover crops. Its regional focus means varieties are selected with Mid-Atlantic conditions in mind.
3. Ernst Conservation Seeds
Ernst Conservation Seeds, headquartered in western Pennsylvania, is a national leader in native and conservation seed mixes. Its products support meadow restoration, pollinator habitats, stormwater basins, and erosion control projects. Allentown landscapers, municipalities, and environmental groups often turn to Ernst when restoring native plant communities.
4. Pioneer
Pioneer, a brand of Corteva Agriscience, is a dominant force in corn, soybean, and alfalfa seed. Lehigh County grain farmers value Pioneer's strong genetics, agronomic support, and field-tested hybrids. Local sales representatives provide data-driven recommendations tailored to specific soils and planting dates.
5. DeKalb
DeKalb, part of Bayer Crop Science, is another leading choice for corn and soybean producers. The brand is known for high-yield hybrids and robust trait packages that help manage pests and weeds. Many farmers around Allentown plant a combination of Pioneer and DeKalb to diversify risk across their acres.
6. Johnny's Selected Seeds
Employee-owned Johnny's Selected Seeds is beloved by market gardeners and small farms. Its catalog is packed with detailed growing information, and its varieties are trialed for performance in northern and temperate climates. Allentown growers who sell at farmers markets or run community-supported agriculture programs frequently rely on Johnny's for consistency and professional-grade seed.
7. Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and the stories behind them. Its collection includes thousands of rare varieties that would otherwise be lost. For Allentown gardeners interested in flavor, history, and biodiversity, Seed Savers offers a meaningful way to grow something unique.
8. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Baker Creek is famous for its vibrant catalog of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds from around the world. Gardeners love its colorful tomatoes, unusual squash, and international greens. The company's focus on non-hybrid seed allows gardeners to save seeds year after year, which appeals to Allentown's growing self-sufficiency community.
9. Botanical Interests
Botanical Interests is known for beautifully illustrated seed packets filled with practical growing advice. Its organic and heirloom selections are carried by many independent garden centers. The brand is a favorite among beginners because each packet doubles as a mini growing guide.
10. Ferry-Morse
Ferry-Morse is one of the oldest seed companies in the United States and remains a reliable, affordable option for home gardeners. Its seeds are widely available at big-box and hardware stores in the Allentown area, making it easy to pick up packets on a whim during spring planting season.
Gardening Conditions in the Lehigh Valley
Allentown generally falls within USDA hardiness zone 6b, with a last frost date typically in late April or early May. Summers are warm and humid, which can encourage fungal diseases on tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. Selecting disease-resistant varieties is one of the most effective ways to protect your harvest. Soils across the region vary from rich limestone-derived loams to heavier clay, so soil testing through the local extension service is always a wise first step.
Trends in Seeds and Gardening
Several trends are shaping how Allentown residents choose seeds. Native plant gardening is surging as homeowners create pollinator habitats and reduce lawn areas. Organic seed demand continues to grow alongside interest in chemical-free food. Cover cropping is becoming standard practice among farmers seeking healthier soils. And seed libraries in community spaces are making seeds accessible to residents who want to try gardening without a big investment.
How to Choose the Right Seed Company
Home gardeners should prioritize accessibility and clear instructions, making Burpee, Botanical Interests, and Ferry-Morse excellent starting points. Market growers benefit from the professional trials and bulk options offered by Johnny's Selected Seeds. Heirloom enthusiasts will find treasures at Seed Savers Exchange and Baker Creek. Farmers should work with Pioneer, DeKalb, and Hoffman Seeds for field crops, and with Ernst for conservation plantings.
Final Thoughts
Every great harvest in Allentown begins with a seed. By choosing companies known for quality, regional adaptability, and ethical practices, gardeners and farmers alike can enjoy healthier plants and more abundant yields. These ten seed companies represent the best options for anyone planting in the Lehigh Valley.