How to request seeds from the Heritage Seed Library Seed List

Each year we make a selection of heritage seeds available to members of the Heritage Seed Library (If you're not a member you can join at any point.) And this year is super special - because we're celebrating our living library's 50th anniversary.

For the first time our Seed List will also be available for members to request their seeds from 18 November to the 31 March, 2026 - meaning you have longer to browse our paper or online list for wonderful heritage vegetable varieties.

What's in the 2026 Seed List?

This year, the paper Seed List has a new look and we're including 166 heritage seed varieties. More than half of these (91) are certified organic seed (and grown on land certified by the Soil Association), and 14 are new to the list this year. Almost half of the varieties we're offering - 13,500 packets - have been grown by our volunteer Seed Guardians.

Some highlights include:

• A kale mix of three of our favourite varieties: 'Ragged Jack', 'Tall Green Curled' and 'Tall Kale'.
• A new 'Feuille De Chene' lettuce. This productive and easy to grow lettuce, translates as ‘oak leaf’, and produces loose heads of ‘nutty flavoured’ leaves that are great for cut-and-come-again. Reputed to be slow to bolt and unattractive to slugs - a real bonus for the organic grower.
• The smallest tomato you'll ever grow! Tomato 'Currant' is a bush type, which according to William Woys Weaver, author of Heirloom Vegetable Gardening was grown in America as early as 1795. Easy to cultivate as no training is required, it will stand any amount of neglect and is perfect for growing in containers. Produces very small (1cm) fruits in abundance!

How to order from the Seed List

It's always the case that some varieties prove extremely popular with our members and once they are gone, they're gone! Inevitably, online seed requests reach us quicker than by post, so we recommend placing your request online (ordering will be available from midday 18 November at gardenorganic.org.uk/seedlist). 

This allows you to see all the seeds at a glance and select what's still available. If you're completing a paper request form, please remember to put in your second and third choices – these are really important should your first choices be out of stock - and of course your details.

The paper Heritage Seed Library Seed List arrives with members on or around Tuesday, 18 November, 2025 (depending on Royal Mail), and closes on Tuesday, 31 March, 2026.

The online request system opens on 18 November, and you can head to gardenorganic.org.uk/seedlist to place your seed request. All members can choose to place their request online or via paper form regardless of how you receive the seed list. Unfortunately, members outside of the UK or living in Northern Ireland cannot request seeds.

If it’s your first time requesting seeds online

Members who have never placed a seed request before can set up their login and access by following the link in the postal seed list or within the email that will be sent on the 18 November to all HSL members who have requested an electronic version.

Placing your seed request online

Anyone can browse the seed list at gardenorganic.org.uk/seedlist, but you’ll be unable to request your seeds unless you are logged in.

Members who’ve placed a request previously can use the same email and password to log in to their GO members’ area. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to access the seed via the HSL button at the top of the homepage. If its been some time since you last logged into your members area, we suggest logging in to ensure your password works.

Once you’re in the Seed List you can browse the varieties and add your chosen seeds to the basket.

Requesting your seeds using the paper seed list

Simply complete the paper form with your chosen requests and post it to Heritage Seed Library Seed List, Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Wolston Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV8 3LG.

Help is on hand…

If you’re having trouble logging in online or placing your seed request, then please email us at [email protected] in the first instance, and a member of our team will be in touch. Alternatively, we can be contacted on 024 7630 3517, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

How to grow your seeds

Growing instructions are not included in the printed list but can be requested when placing your request.

Don't forget, if you're not a member - simply head to gardenorganic.org.uk/join to support our Heritage Seed Library and gain access to the 2026 List.