Gurney’s Seed & Nursery was founded in 1866 by Civil War veteran Charles W. Gurney in Monticello, Iowa, but the company has long been associated with Yankton, South Dakota, where it moved in 1897 and remained until 2000. It was family owned until 1942. Ownership passed through several companies, most recently Scarlet Tanager Holdings, LLC, which also owns Breck’s Bulbs, Henry Field’s, Michigan Bulb Company, New Holland Bulbs, Spring Hill Nursery, Stark Brothers, Garden Solutions.

If you get catalogs from any of these companies, you’ll detect a family resemblance in the layout and approach. You’ll also find “offers”. Items are priced by offer, and you check another column for the size/number of things being offered. This setup is a bit odd, but you get used to it.

So what about the Gurney’s catalog? It’s a large publication in a homey format, with big photos that are easy on the eyes. For some reason, it makes me think of a farm garden in the heartland, with big, juicy produce to put on the supper table and plenty to can and freeze. The descriptions are heavy on benefits: flavor, cold hardiness, productivity. Look elsewhere for botanical names, history, and tidbits; the Gurney’s style whets your appetite in a very basic way.

You’ll find a generous selection of beans and peas, corn, and tomatoes, along with seed for other commonly grown vegetables. Gurney’s also sells  flowers, grasses, ground covers, shrubs, roses, flowering trees, fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, shrubs, evergreens.

Unusual items? Check out Gurney’s dwarf fruit trees, including pomegranate, banana, key lime, Meyer lemon, and grapefruit. Or maybe you’d like to consider your very own coffee plant. Or a goji berry bush.

More catalog reviews…

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Spearhead Shade Gardening Shovel with Steel-Reinforced Fiberglass Handle

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Reduce Digging Effort - The Spear Head Spade is the first hybrid shovel/spade, guaranteed to make your toughest digging up to 80% easier than regular shovels and spades, even in the toughest soil conditions. Ideal for landscaping and gardening. Multi-Purpose Shovel - Spear Head Spade is a versatile tool that can be used for digging, planting, weeding, cutting, and edging. It is designed to handle tough soil and clay conditions, and can cut through roots and tough vegetation with ease. Innovative Design - Has a unique blade design that makes it more efficient and easier to use than traditional spades. The blade is shaped like a spearhead, with a pointed tip and a curved edge that allows it to penetrate the soil more easily. Ergonomic D-Handle - The large, cushioned D-grip offers comfort and better leverage for gloved and ungloved hands alike, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. Lightweight & Strong - Durable handle is made of special steel-reinforced, pultruded fiberglass to withstand heavy use. 60% stronger than EN-3388 shovel/spade standards, 33% thicker and 25% harder than normal shovels. Sharpened from tip to tail at a 35 degree angle for an effective and durable edge.

Buy at Amazon

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon