FAQS

Q: What makes The Seed Shrine different from other seed companies?
A: We are the only company we know of that offers UPSCALE Seed to home gardeners. 
This means all of our seed is hand selected from the best, freshest, highest yielding seed sources all over the globe. We trial the genetics for seed vigor, high germination rates, uniformity of seed, quality and a superior end product. This gives Seed Shrine Members access to the best available seeds in the world for their home gardens. This is the same grade seed that commercial growers around the world use. The Seed Shrine gardeners have exclusive access to unique varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers to share with friends and family.
No other seed packet company is able to offer this level of first rate seed to their customers.
We are constantly on the hunt for exotic and rare varieties, so you're always intrigued. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact us and we’ll find it.
Q: What are UPSCALE seeds?
UPSCALE seeds are varieties we have sourced, trialed and sold to growers throughout the world. As a member of The Seed Shrine community you have access to the same high quality seeds and genetics as commercial farmers! 
Q: Our seeds have a "Use By" date, what does that mean?
A: This is a labeling requirement for packaging, but this isn’t a “plant by” date. You can continually add to your collection and plant at your convenience-just be sure to store your seeds in a dry, cool, dark place.
Q: What are the differences between organic, open pollinated, non-gmo, hybrid, and heirloom seeds?
ORGANIC
Organic is not a "type" of seed, but rather a manner of seed raising - typically a process that involves the use of no chemical adjuncts or synthetic based fertilizers (or organic fertilizer only). In this way, some companies will claim their seeds to be "organic" despite being of GMO origin - which technically is true, since the definition of organic often relies on the process of farming, rather than the heritage of the plant or seed.
All seed sold by The Seed Shrine is bred by traditional breeding methods. At no time are the techniques of GMO breeding used in any of the species. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are followed during the growing, handling and storage of our seed.  All seed varieties are traceable by variety, seed count and lot number.
 OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS
Open pollinated seeds refer to reproduction of plants via natural pollination, achieved either through self pollination or pollination from a plant of the same species, but via wind, bird, insects or bees. Open pollination produces offspring plants which are true representations of the parent plants.
NON-GMO SEEDS
Non GMO seeds are seeds produced by traditional breeding methods, which is plant breeding based on observed variation by selection of plants, based on natural variants appearing in nature or within traditional varieties.
HYBRID SEEDS
Hybrid seeds produce plants with qualities like trueness to type, good vigor, higher yields, more uniformity, earliness and disease tolerance.
HEIRLOOM SEEDS
Heirloom seeds come from open-pollinated plants that pass on similar characteristics and traits from the parent plant to the child plant. These varieties are at least 50 years old, and have not been artificially modified by genetic techniques. They allow you to save seed for further planting - which can be done over and over again. Heirloom tomato seed is coming soon to The Seed Shrine.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your seed. Once seed is shipped, please store in a dry, cool, dark place until you are ready to plant them in your Shrine. Because we are unable to control the conditions that you maintain your seed, we are unable to offer refunds or returns. If you have a seed germination issue, pest questions or fertilizer questions, our in-house Pest Control Advisor and Certified Crop Advisor are happy to answer your questions.
Q: How much seed do I get of each variety?
A: It depends!
We aim to provide enough seeds for you to grow at least 4-5 plants of each variety if desired (and usually many more), accounting for germination rates and seedling loss. Please refer to our "Seeds Per Gram" Table to see about how many seeds you get in each gram of seed. The actual size of the seed determines how many seeds per gram. In general, for smaller-sized seeds (like arugula) you'll receive more seeds per packet than seeds that are larger in size (like chard). 

Membership FAQs
Q: How does the membership work? What are my payment intervals?
A: Whatever day you sign up on will be your recurring charge date for every month. Sign up on or before the 7th of the month to receive that month’s membership seeds. Orders placed on the 8th of the month or later will receive the next month’s membership seeds.
Q: How much does it cost?
We have two Membership options:
  1. SPROUT MEMBERSHIP: ANNUAL -BEST VALUE 
$120 one time payment (= $10/monthly upfront + FREE SHIPPING)
     2.   SEED MEMBERSHIP: MONTHLY
 $12/monthly recurring payment + FREE SHIPPING
Q: When will I receive my seed membership?
A: Our seeds get mailed out the week prior to the new month. However, your initial membership shipment depends on your membership purchase date. Subsequent orders will all be mailed for the beginning of the month arrival date. 
Q: Do you offer a pre-paid membership?
A: Yes!
Our SPROUT MEMBERSHIPS are your one-time-payment annual option at a discounted price. Buy once, and enjoy a years’ worth of seed-that’s 36 packets of different vegetable/herb seeds with free shipping all year long! 
Q: When I purchase a membership for myself, do I qualify for "Membership Pricing" on your other seeds right away?
A: Yes!
You qualify for all "Membership Pricing" options in our seed shop! This is equivalent to one dollar off every individual seed packet purchase. 
Q: Can I choose what seeds I get?
A: For your membership, no, we hand pick seeds for you. However, outside of your membership you can order any amount of of any seeds at any time. You can build your Shrine and add to your seed collection constantly even if you don't use them right away. Just be sure to store your seed in a dry, cool, dark place. 
Q: Can I pause or cancel my membership whenever I like?
A: Yes, of course, you may cancel at any time (but you won't want to!), just send us an email.