Published February 26, 2025
Be aware of red flags when sourcing seeds this spring
MetroParks’ gardening pros are raising a red flag when it comes to AI-generated and retouched photos of plants that online stores and marketplaces may be promoting – such as purple watermelon and tie-dyed sunflowers. While many plants are catchy and colorful, shoppers can be easily tricked into buying seeds that don’t yield promised results.
For example, this AI-generated image was created using prompts for “realistic photo of rainbow tomatoes.” While there many varieties of tomatoes boasting many different shades of red, green, orange and purple, you won’t see shades of blue and teal.
Here are some things to watch for when seed shopping online, according to MetroParks’ gardening staff:
- Some online stores and marketplaces may host vendors that have little-to-no oversight or regulation. Meaning, unverified seed sellers can try to sell counterfeit seeds or the seeds are mislabeled/falsely advertised.
- Be on the lookout for poor color retouching and research specific plant species before making a purchase.
- If you are opting to purchase plants online, research the seller/vendor and look at its reviews to determine if they are reputable.
Check out this article to learn more before purchasing seeds this season. You can also read this story on how to avoid fake seed scams online.
Curious about where the experts shop for reputable seed sources online? Check out the list below, but remember to shop local whenever possible:
- Adaptive Seeds
- BBB Seed
- Botanical Interests
- Burgess Seed & Plant
- Burpee
- Landreth Seed Co.
- Farmer Seed & Nursery
- Fedco
- Harris Seeds
- High Mowing Organic Seeds
- Irish Eyes Garden Seeds
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds
- Kitchen Garden Seeds
- Native Seeds Search
- Park Seed
- Peaceful Heritage Nursery
- Peaceful Valley
- Prairie Nursery & Seeds
- Renee’s Garden
- SandHill Preservation Center
- Seeds of Change
- Seed Savers Exchange
- Strictly Medicinal Seeds
- Southern Exp. Seed Exchange
- Territorial Seed Company
- Totally Tomatoes
- True Leaf Market
- Vermont Bean Seed Company
- Wildseed Farms
- Willis Orchards
- Miller Nurseries
- Stark Bro’s
Want to learn more about gardening this season? Sign up MetroParks Monthly emails to catch all the gardening programs offered each month and follow MetroParks Earth to Table on Facebook.
