Growing from Seed in El Monte
El Monte's warm Mediterranean climate makes it a wonderful place to garden. With long, sunny growing seasons and mild winters, residents can grow vegetables nearly year-round. Many San Gabriel Valley families grow traditional crops such as bok choy, gai lan, bitter melon, Thai basil, cilantro, chiles, and tomatillos, reflecting the region's diverse cultures. Starting from seed gives gardeners access to a much wider range of varieties than nursery transplants, and it is far more economical.
Seeds are available at local nurseries like El Monte Nursery, garden centers, and from national seed companies. Here are the ten best seed companies trusted by gardeners in El Monte.
Seed Industry Trends
Heirloom and open-pollinated varieties continue to grow in popularity as gardeners seek flavor, history, and the ability to save seeds. Organic seeds are in high demand, and drought-tolerant and heat-resistant varieties are increasingly important in Southern California. There is also strong interest in native wildflower seeds that support pollinators and reduce water use.
The Top 10 Seed Companies for El Monte Gardeners
1. Kitazawa Seed Company
Kitazawa Seed Company, based in California, is one of the oldest seed companies in the United States specializing in Asian vegetable seeds. San Gabriel Valley gardeners love it for authentic varieties of Chinese cabbage, mustard greens, daikon, shiso, and many other traditional crops.
2. Burpee
Burpee is one of America's most famous seed brands, offering a huge range of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Its seeds are widely available in local stores, and its reliable germination makes it a great choice for beginners.
3. Ferry-Morse
Ferry-Morse has been supplying seeds for over a century. Its affordable seed packets are found in garden centers and hardware stores throughout El Monte, making it easy to pick up seeds for a quick planting project.
4. Botanical Interests
Botanical Interests is known for beautifully illustrated packets filled with detailed growing information. Its selection of organic and heirloom seeds is popular with gardeners who want both quality and guidance.
5. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds offers one of the largest collections of heirloom varieties in the country, including rare vegetables from around the world. Gardeners who enjoy unusual tomatoes, melons, and Asian vegetables appreciate its diverse catalog.
6. Renee's Garden
Renee's Garden, a California-based company, focuses on gourmet vegetables, culinary herbs, and cottage garden flowers. Its varieties are selected for flavor and garden performance, with many well suited to California conditions.
7. Johnny's Selected Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds is trusted by small farms and serious gardeners for professional-quality seeds and detailed growing data. Urban farmers in the San Gabriel Valley often rely on it for productive, disease-resistant varieties.
8. Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds. Buying from it supports seed diversity and gives gardeners access to varieties with rich histories.
9. Theodore Payne Foundation
The Theodore Payne Foundation in the Los Angeles area specializes in California native plant seeds. El Monte gardeners interested in drought-tolerant landscaping and pollinator gardens use its native wildflower seeds to create beautiful, low-water spaces.
10. Seeds of Change
Seeds of Change offers certified organic seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It is a good choice for gardeners committed to organic growing from the very start.
Heirloom, Hybrid, and Organic Seeds Explained
Heirloom seeds come from open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down for generations, and their seeds can be saved to grow the same plant next year. Hybrid seeds are created by crossing two parent varieties, often to improve disease resistance, uniformity, or yield, but saved hybrid seed may not produce identical plants. Organic seeds are produced under certified organic growing practices and can be either heirloom or hybrid. Many El Monte gardeners use a mix: hybrids for reliable tomatoes and peppers in hot summers, and heirlooms for flavor and cultural varieties they want to preserve.
Planting Calendar Tips for El Monte
In El Monte, cool-season crops such as lettuce, peas, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, and carrots grow best when planted in fall through early spring. Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and bitter melon are planted from spring into early summer. Native wildflower seeds are ideally sown in fall before winter rains. Using shade cloth during heat waves and drip irrigation can help seedlings thrive in the region's hot summers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save seeds from my garden? Yes, especially from open-pollinated and heirloom varieties. Hybrid seeds may not grow true to type.
How should I store seeds? Keep them cool, dry, and dark in sealed containers to maintain germination rates for several years.
Final Thoughts
From Kitazawa's Asian vegetables to Theodore Payne's California natives, El Monte gardeners have access to excellent seed companies. Choose seeds that suit your climate, cooking traditions, and gardening goals, and enjoy a productive garden year-round.