How we pick

Seeds for Gardens is a decision layer, not a warehouse. A ZIP is a better homepage than 600 packets. This page is the whole method — so you can trust a pick, or argue with it.

ZIP → zone

We map the first three digits of a US ZIP to a 2023-style USDA hardiness zone, with city overrides where the state default would lie (Chicago 606 is 6a, not “Illinois”). If we do not have a prefix, we fall back to a state typical. It is approximate. A valley two miles over can be a half-zone off. Use it to choose varieties, then watch your own last frost.

Frost dates, not forecasts

Last and first frost are typical 32°F dates for that zone. They are not NOAA, not a microclimate, and not a warranty. Days-to-maturity on a packet plus two weeks should still sit before first frost. If it does not, the matcher hides the crop.

Three packets, not a wall

Each crop names a beginner pick, a flavor pick, and a short-season pick when the season is the constraint. We skip the 40-SKU tomato aisle on purpose. First gardens fail from ambition.

Affiliate policy

Shop links may earn a commission. Commission is not a ranking factor. Seeds Now pays more than Amazon; we still will not send you Amazon seed packets. Amazon is for commodity lights and mats. Apply buttons on Suppliers go to the merchant’s own program.

What we will not do

We do not dropship mystery packets. We do not pack seed under this name until it is a licensed seed business under the Federal Seed Act. We do not invent a climate so a partner SKU looks good. We do not require an account to use the matcher.

Questions and corrections: contact · hello@seedsforgardens.com