West Coast Seeds

West Coast Seeds started in 1983 in Vancouver, under the stewardship of Mary Ballon. Mary’s love of gardening and fervent belief in “growing food” locally has helped motivate a generation of organic gardeners here on the West Coast and across Canada. The small, Ladner-based company continues to offer untreated seeds, specializing in certified organic and heirloom varieties.  

Jeanette McCall was the daughter of two bakers in Toronto and she began her career there as a pastry chef. She was one of the chefs who made the wedding cake for Prince Charles and Princess Diana. After a second career as rep for a giftware company in China over 10 years, Jeannette moved back to Canada and settled in Vancouver.

 Her next door neighbour was Mary Ballon, and when she retired in 2008, Jeannette bought West Coast Seeds. 

West Coast Seeds tests its seeds regularly for germination. Seeds that do not meet their high standard of germination, as well as all seeds returned from our retail partners, are donated to charitable organizations in developing countries.  

The company offers classes and workshops on the principles of organic gardening and farming in a classroom at its retail store on the corner of River Road & Elliott Street in Ladner. Through the educational program the company has been able to promote local organizations such as O.W.L., the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust, and The Land Conservancy of BC’s Pollinator Enhancement Project.  

West Coast Seeds are proud supporters of any organization that promotes sustainability and environmentally friendly gardening and farming practices.