OUR STORY

Seeds since 1998

Renee Shepherd is widely regarded as a pioneering innovator in introducing international vegetable, culinary herb and flower varieties to home gardeners and gourmet restaurants. After receiving her PhD from UC Santa Cruz and teaching there, she established Renee's Garden in 1998 to do what she likes best – searching out the very best seeds from around the world, thoroughly testing them in the company’s trial gardens to choose top varieties for our seed packets, and developing recipes based on homegrown produce to happily share with others in her cookbooks.

In addition to founding and developing the seed company business, Renee is a long time garden to table advocate, lectures widely, and has written three popular Kitchen Garden cookbooks.

Our Trial Gardens

The heart of everything we do

It all starts in Renee's backyard in Felton, California. Every year we test ~300 new varieties in our trial gardens on both the West and East coasts to find the highest quality seeds guaranteed to be successful in all climate zones. Seeds are chosen for excellence in flavor, color, and ease of growing for home gardeners. We don't sell anything that we haven't trialed ourselves.

Left to right: Elayne Takemoto, Product & Marketing Manager, Lindsay Del Carlo, Trial Garden Manger, and Renee Shepherd, Founder

Spreading Seeds in the Community

Helping grow a better tomorrow

Every year, Renee's Garden donates seeds to a wide variety or organizations and educational programs that work to improve social, economic and health conditions and promote sustainable organic gardening practices. Groups include community, school, and prison gardens and more.

Here's what gardeners are saying:
“My lettuce seeds germinated faster than any I’ve tried before! Your YouTube tutorial saved me from overwatering, and now my salad garden is thriving.”
- Sarah B., Denver, CO
Here's what gardeners are saying:
“I was nervous about starting rare pepper seeds, but your detailed instructions made it easy. Every seed sprouted, and now I have the healthiest plants ever!”
- David T., Seattle, WA
Here's what gardeners are saying:
“These sunflower seeds sprouted perfectly, even in my small balcony pots! The tips on your blog made all the difference — my garden is thriving!”
- Lisa M., Austin, TX
Here's what gardeners are saying:
“I planted my heirloom tomato seeds and every single one germinated! The growing guide was so clear and easy to follow — couldn’t be happier!”
-Maria L., Portland, OR
Here's what gardeners are saying:
“My first time starting herbs from seed, and your seeds had a 100% success rate. The planting video walked me through every step, even as a beginner.”
-James K., Chicago, IL