What region are you in? Many local farms (the one I work for included) sell seedlings in spring for customers to plant. They may be a little more expensive than going to a hardware garden center, but they'll be healthier and more locally adapted, with the money you spend going directly to locals instead of a huge corporation. Check out farmer's markets near you, or search for farms in your area and see if any of them do pre-orders.

Mid Coast - Brunswick to Camden are easy drives. Yes, I'd much rather a local farm where I can go and get stuff. The selection at the local farmer's market is a bit limited. I know Johnny's Selected Seed is north of Augusta but I don't know if they sell plants.

Maine is a big state.

It's not the size that counts, it's how you use it

No, Johnny's doesn't sell plants, but they are a great company and source for locally-adapted seeds.

moose crossing, waldoboro

Brunswick farmers market in the spring is an excellent source for seedlings.

Camden and Rockland Farmer’s markets start in the first week of May and several of farmers/vendors sell a variety of seedlings.

In Brunswick, the farmer's markets often have some good starter plants, and there's usually a plant sale at the lodge at the corner of Baribeau and Botany.

Thanks, everyone. Notes taken and now I have a few good options.

Moose Crossing in Waldoboro

I skip the more expensive starter plants and just start my own using seed kits beginning in mid-Feb.

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Sunset greenhouse in fairfield.

Have you grown from seedlings before?

Yes, I have. I use seeds and seedings. I just don’t like having to wait until the end of May to start with seeds.

Have you experimented with starting your own seeds inside?

I think you missed to beginning of this discussion. I fly to Maine each year for the summer in the third or fourth week of May. I can’t bring seedlings on the plane. Most Maine gardeners have their seeds starting way before that. Then I’m left with the choices of start seeds late indoors, direct sow, or buy plants that were started at the proper time. Just trying to find good sources for the last option.

Whatley Farm has a great selection of seedlings every spring. They have a farmstand in Topsham and are always at both Brunswick farmer's markets.

ODonnels in gorham I think. Portland Farmers Market vendors have seedlings from later April to June

Okay. That makes more sense. Thanks for sharing.

Sound Pine Farm and Milkweed Farm in Brunswick do an annual seedling sale that’s really fantastic - here’s the landing page - preorder options should go live April ish

And here’s an archive of a previous year‘s pre order page photos are gone but the links work to see the varieties they’ve carried previously

Thanks!