Traditional chocolate Advent calendars have taken on new life with creative spins for different interests and one such popular twist for nature enthusiasts and gardeners is the seed Advent calendar — a perfect blend of festive excitement and a love for growing plants.
In a time when the holidays can sometimes feel too commercial or wasteful, seed Advent calendars stand out as a refreshing, thoughtful, environmentally friendly alternative to regular Advent calendars. They embody the spirit of giving by sharing the joy of planting and nurturing life - an ideal reminder of renewal as we head into the New Year.
The best seed Advent calendars:
A seed Advent calendar follows the same basic format as the version: a countdown from December 1st to the 24th. However, instead of sweets or trinkets, each day’s window or box reveals a new packet of seeds. These can be anything from herbs, fruits (e.g: melon or tomato seeds) and vegetables to flowers (such as sunflower seeds and or rare plants, catering to various gardening preferences and climates. Some versions are themed (e.g., pollinator gardens or indoor plants), while others offer a mix of seeds for year-round growing.
Here are some of the very best seed Advent calendars in the UK that are available to buy now.
How we tested the best seed Advent calendars
We got a qualified horticulturalist to review these seed Advent calendars based on their contents and value for money. As the results aren't instant, they reviewed some calendars last year (that are still available to buy now) and have included the results in their summaries.
The best seed Advent calendars 2024:
TESTED
Best flower seed Advent calendar
OwnGrownCreate your own wildflower meadow with the OwnGrown Flower Seeds Advent Calendar, which contains 24 packets of different wildflower seeds, including poppies, petunias, sunflowers, daisies, black-eyed susans, and more. It also comes with numbered packets, string, and pegs for you to hang the calendar wherever you please, creating a floral display as you count down to Christmas.
Here's what our reviewer, a qualified horticulturist, said about last year's calendar: "Upon opening the calendar, I was delighted to find that the seeds were slotted into paper bags so as not to ruin the surprise. The bags have a gorgeous design, and I love that you can display them however you like (and in whatever order).
"As for the seeds, there's such a variety! Seven months have passed, and the plants are still going strong!"
Pros
- A wide range of wildflower seeds
- Comes with string and pegs to create your own display
Cons
- This year's does not include any fruit or vegetable seeds
| What's inside: | String, wooden pegs and 24 packets of seeds, including Sunflower Lemon Queen, Red Poppy, Sunspot Sunflower, Be Happy Mix Flower, Phacelia, Wild Cornflower, Mallow, Sunflower Evening Sun, Wild Forget Me Not, Cosmos, Dragonhead, Hollyhock, Velvet Queen, Lavender, Black-Eyed Susan, Daisy, Petunia, Signet Marigold, Yellow Disc Sunflower, Zinnia, Colourful Balcony Flower, Aster, Pot Marigold |
TESTED
Best Advent calendar with seeds
Menkindwww.menkind.co.uk
Ideal for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike, this Menkind 12 Months of Seeds Advent Calendar has everything you need to fill your garden with gorgeous flowers. Unlike other Advent calendars, you can open it up each month to reveal plants that can be grown during that season.
Behind each door, you'll find something different, from seed bombs, booklets and sachets, to grow pots, coir and a one-meter flower seed carpet.
Our horticulturist reviewer said: "If you enjoy growing plants from seed like I do, you'll love the Menkind 12 Months of Seeds. Unlike other gardening Advent calendars, it comes with a selection of different products (which aren't simply just packets of seeds), which I think is great for encouraging new and non-gardeners to get excited about gardening.
"I have still got plants that are growing strong over a year since using this calendar."
Pros
- Includes a variety of products (seed carpet
- Categorised into months (that you'll grow the products in)
Cons
- Only 12 windows to open
Best seed Advent calendar from Sainsbury's
Sainsbury'swww.sainsburys.co.uk
Up next is something a bit different to your usual supermarket Advent calendar. There are 24 days waiting to be opened on Sainsbury's Christmas Seed Advent Calendar, which hides packets of fruit, vegetable and flower seeds, which are worth around £50 individually, so at just £18, it's a bargain!
Pros
- Selection of flower, vegetable and fruit seeds
- Affordable price costing much less than the contents
Cons
- Packaging isn't very festive
If you're into growing vegetables, you'll love this She Grows Veg Advent Calendar. Individually wrapped in colourful paper and placed into a reusable, eco-friendly bag are a selection of Heriloom seeds that you won't find in stores.
Pros
- Packaged in an eco-friendly, reusable gift bag
- Option to add a gift message
Cons
- A bit pricy, but you do get 25 packets and a reusable sack
Best seed Advent calendar with soil
ToplineThose who want to grow flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs need this Advent calendar. We think that it's brilliant for chefs and gardeners, as it's got dill, thyme, tarragon, basil, parsley, peppers, spring onions, lettuce strawberries and more. Plus, there are two soil tablets and seed scoop for easy growing!
Reviewers say that the seeds "germinate quickly" and many of them have "used them in the allotment". However, some people have said that "more thought needs to go into the packaging as on many occasions when you open a window, there was nothing behind it because the actual small packet had fallen into a different segment of the advent calendar".
Pros
- Has two soil tablets (for more than 2 litres of cultivation soil)
- Has herbs as well as fruit, veg and flowers
Cons
- Packaging could be better (as seed packets may fall down)
Best mixed seeds Advent calendar
www.notonthehighstreet.com
How cute are these Mixed Seeds Advent Calendar Pouches from This is Nessie? . It certainly sounds luxurious! Each bag is made from 100 per cent cotton and all you need to do is loop them onto the wooden pole, ready to open when December begins.
Cons
- Can only add a gift message of 1 character
Etsy, SomethingPrettyPlantwww.etsy.com
Brighten up your garden with the SomethingPrettyPlant Gardening Advent Calendar which is crammed full of flower, vegetable, herb and chilli seeds. People have bought it as a gift for the gardeners in their life and said that it has "exceeded their expectations". However, one did say that the packaging could be neater.
Pros
- Seeds include chilli, herbs and more
- Thin, so doesn't take up too much room
Cons
- Packaging may be a bit lacklustre
Things to consider when purchasing a seed Advent calendar
When buying a seed Advent calendar, there are a few factors to consider:
Types of seeds
First and foremost, check the types of seeds included - flowers (such as lavender seeds), herbs, vegetables, or a mix. Choose based on your gardening preferences and the space you have (or the recipient's preferences and garden or greenhouse space).
Growing conditions
Ensure the seeds are suitable for your climate and growing conditions (indoor or outdoor). Some may require specific temperatures, light, or soil types.
Planting season
Verify the correct planting season for the seeds so you can use them effectively. Many plant Advent calendars will have notes on the seed packets or the side of the box, such as 'How to grow mint' for example.
Skill level
Some calendars may include easy-to-grow seeds, which are great for beginners, while others may require more advanced gardening skills. Choose one that matches your expertise (or the recipients).
Sustainability
Look for calendars offering organic or non-GMO seeds, if eco-friendliness is important to you.
Packaging and design
Consider the calendar’s aesthetics if you want it as a decorative piece for the holidays. Some might be reusable or come in eco-friendly packaging.
Special additions and features
Some calendars may include gardening tools, plant pots, or detailed planting guides, which could add value if you're a beginner or looking for a more comprehensive guide.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.