Totallytomato.com Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Totallytomato.com appears to be a specialized online retailer focusing exclusively on tomato seeds and plants, as well as related gardening supplies.

The site positions itself as a go-to resource for tomato enthusiasts, offering a wide array of varieties and a commitment to customer satisfaction through its “Totally Tomatoes Guarantee.” This niche focus suggests a dedicated approach to providing high-quality tomato-specific products and expert advice, aiming to serve both novice gardeners and seasoned cultivators looking to grow their own tomatoes.

Totallytomato.com seems to cater to a specific segment of the gardening community—those passionate about tomatoes.

By narrowing its product scope, the website can potentially offer a deeper inventory and more specialized knowledge than generalist gardening stores.

The mention of a “USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map” and a “Zone Lookup” tool indicates an understanding of the practical needs of gardeners, helping them select appropriate varieties for their specific climates.

The emphasis on a satisfaction guarantee further builds trust, suggesting that the company stands behind its products and aims for a positive customer experience, which is crucial in e-commerce for perishable or growing goods like seeds and plants.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Totallytomato.com Review & First Look

Totallytomato.com, at first glance, presents itself as a highly specialized e-commerce platform dedicated solely to the world of tomatoes. This isn’t your general seed catalog. it’s a into everything solanaceous.

The website’s design is straightforward and functional, prioritizing easy navigation to its core offerings: tomato seeds, plants, and related accessories.

For anyone with a green thumb specifically keen on cultivating various tomato species, this singular focus is a significant draw.

Initial Impressions and User Experience

Upon landing on Totallytomato.com, the immediate impression is one of clarity and purpose.

The main navigation is clean, featuring categories like “Popular Categories,” “Zone Lookup,” and “Quick Order,” all designed to streamline the user’s journey.

• Ease of Navigation: The site’s layout is intuitive. Even a first-time visitor can quickly find what they’re looking for, whether it’s a specific tomato variety or information on plant hardiness zones.
• Visual Appeal: While not overly flashy, the site uses clear imagery for its products, giving a good sense of what to expect. The focus is on functionality rather than elaborate design, which is often preferred by gardeners looking for practical information.
• Search Functionality: A prominent search bar allows users to quickly find specific items, which is essential given the potential vastness of tomato varieties available.

Product Range and Specialization

The true strength of Totallytomato.com lies in its unparalleled specialization.

Unlike generalist garden centers that offer a smattering of vegetables, this site is a veritable encyclopedia of tomatoes.

• Seed Varieties: The breadth of tomato seed varieties available is impressive, ranging from popular heirlooms like ‘Brandywine’ and ‘Cherokee Purple’ to F1 hybrids known for disease resistance and high yields. They categorize them by type slicing, cherry, paste, color, maturity date, and even specific traits like disease resistance.
• Live Plants: Beyond seeds, they also offer live tomato plants, which is a huge convenience for gardeners who prefer to skip the germination phase or have limited space for starting seeds indoors. This offering often includes popular and easy-to-grow varieties.
• Gardening Supplies: While tomatoes are the star, the site also provides essential supplementary products like seed starting kits, fertilizers specifically formulated for tomatoes, pest control solutions, and trellising systems. This creates a one-stop shop for tomato cultivation.

Totallytomato.com Features

Totallytomato.com packs several key features that enhance the gardening experience, making it more than just a place to buy seeds.

These features are designed to support gardeners from selection to harvest.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map & Zone Lookup

One of the most valuable features for any gardener is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and Totallytomato.com integrates this seamlessly. Lipault.nl Reviews

• Personalized Recommendations: By allowing users to input their zip code for a “Zone Lookup,” the site helps gardeners identify their specific hardiness zone. This is crucial because different tomato varieties thrive in different climates.
• Informed Decision-Making: Knowing your zone helps you select varieties that are most likely to succeed in your region, minimizing wasted effort and maximizing yield. For instance, if you’re in Zone 5, you’ll want varieties that mature relatively quickly before the first frost, while Zone 9 gardeners might focus on heat-tolerant types.
• Educational Tool: It serves as an educational tool, especially for new gardeners who might not be familiar with the concept of plant hardiness zones.

Totally Tomatoes Guarantee

A strong guarantee is a cornerstone of trust in e-commerce, especially when dealing with living products.

Totallytomato.com’s “Totally Tomatoes Guarantee” is a significant feature.

• 100% Satisfaction: The promise of 100% satisfaction is a bold statement, indicating the company’s confidence in the quality of its seeds and plants.
• Customer Assurance: This guarantee provides peace of mind for customers. If seeds don’t germinate as expected, or plants arrive damaged, there’s a clear pathway for resolution. This reduces the perceived risk of purchasing online.
• Building Trust: In an industry where success can be influenced by many factors weather, soil, gardener skill, offering a robust guarantee shows a commitment to customer success beyond just shipping products.

Quick Order & Newsletter Sign-up

These features streamline the ordering process and keep customers engaged.

• Quick Order: For returning customers or those with a catalog in hand, the “Quick Order” function is a time-saver. You can simply enter product codes directly, bypassing the need to browse categories. This is particularly useful for bulk orders or re-stocking popular items.
• Newsletter Benefits:
  • Exclusive Deals: Signing up for the newsletter offers access to exclusive deals and specials, which can lead to significant savings over time.
  • Gardening Tips: Newsletters often include valuable gardening tips, variety spotlight, and timely advice tailored to the growing season, further enriching the customer’s experience.
  • New Product Announcements: Subscribers are typically the first to know about new varieties or products, allowing them to snap up popular items before they sell out.

Totallytomato.com Pros & Cons

Like any specialized online retailer, Totallytomato.com comes with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks.

Understanding these can help you decide if it’s the right source for your tomato gardening needs.

Pros

Totallytomato.com’s focused approach offers several distinct advantages for the dedicated tomato grower.

• Unrivaled Selection of Tomato Varieties: This is arguably the biggest pro.
  • Diversity: They offer hundreds of varieties, from classic heirlooms like ‘Mortgage Lifter’ and ‘Beefsteak’ to modern hybrids bred for disease resistance, unique colors, or specific growing conditions. You’ll find slicers, paste tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and everything in between.
  • Specialization: This deep specialization means they likely stock obscure or rare varieties that general seed catalogs might overlook, making it a treasure trove for collectors and experimental gardeners.
  • Detailed Descriptions: Each variety typically comes with comprehensive information, including days to maturity, fruit size, plant habit determinate/indeterminate, disease resistance, and flavor profiles.
• Expert Resources and Information: The site isn’t just a storefront. it’s a knowledge hub.
  • Growing Guides: While not explicitly listed as a main navigation item, most specialized seed sites include detailed growing instructions for tomatoes, covering topics like soil preparation, watering, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting.
  • Zone Integration: The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and lookup tool are invaluable for selecting appropriate varieties for your climate, minimizing trial and error.
  • Blog/Articles Likely: Many specialized gardening sites maintain a blog or article section with seasonal tips, troubleshooting advice, and variety spotlights. This adds significant value beyond just product sales.
• Customer-Focused Guarantee: The “Totally Tomatoes Guarantee” is a strong selling point.
  • Risk Mitigation: It reduces the financial risk for the customer. If seeds fail to germinate or plants arrive damaged, the company stands behind its products, offering replacements or refunds.
  • Trust Building: This commitment to satisfaction builds significant trust, especially when dealing with living products that are subject to many variables.
• Streamlined Ordering Process: Features like “Quick Order” and a clear shopping cart system contribute to a smooth transaction.
  • Efficiency: For repeat customers or those who know exactly what they want, the quick order function saves considerable time.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The website is generally easy to navigate, making the shopping experience pleasant and efficient.

Cons

While highly specialized, Totallytomato.com does have some inherent limitations due to its niche focus.

• Limited Product Scope Beyond Tomatoes: This is the obvious flip side of specialization.
  • No Other Vegetables/Fruits: If you’re looking to buy seeds for beans, carrots, peppers, or any other garden staple, you’ll need to go to a different vendor. This means gardeners planning a diverse garden will likely need to make multiple orders from different suppliers.
  • Niche Accessories: While they offer tomato-specific accessories, they won’t have general gardening tools, fertilizers for other plants, or broader landscaping supplies.
• Potentially Higher Shipping Costs for Small Orders: As with any online retailer, shipping costs can add up, especially for small seed packets.
  • Minimum Order Thresholds: Some companies might have minimum order requirements or charge flat-rate shipping that can feel disproportionately high for just one or two seed packets.
  • Multiple Orders: If you need seeds for a variety of plants, you’ll incur separate shipping charges from Totallytomato.com and other specialty vendors, potentially increasing overall cost.
• Website Design Might Be Basic for Some Users: While functional, the aesthetic might not appeal to everyone.
  • Less Modern Interface: Compared to some large e-commerce platforms, the design might feel a bit dated or less visually dynamic.
  • Focus on Utility: The site prioritizes functionality over flashy graphics, which is great for efficiency but might lack the polished feel some users expect from modern websites.

Totallytomato.com Alternatives

While Totallytomato.com offers a highly specialized experience for tomato enthusiasts, many other reputable seed and plant retailers cater to a broader range of gardening needs or offer different specialties.

Exploring alternatives can provide variety, competitive pricing, or a more generalized shopping experience.

General Seed and Plant Retailers

These companies offer a wide array of vegetable, flower, and herb seeds, along with gardening supplies, making them excellent one-stop shops. Carenhancementsuk.co.uk Reviews

• Burpee: A long-standing and highly respected name in the gardening world.
  • Pros: Enormous selection of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and fruits. Known for innovative varieties and detailed growing information. Offers seeds, plants, and gardening supplies.
  • Cons: Can be slightly pricier than some budget options. Their vastness might feel overwhelming for new gardeners.
  • Best for: Gardeners seeking a comprehensive range of products and trusted quality for a diverse garden.
• Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Popular among both home gardeners and market farmers for their focus on quality, performance, and organic options.
  • Pros: Excellent germination rates, strong emphasis on organic and open-pollinated varieties, detailed growing instructions, and a wide selection of tools and supplies. Known for disease-resistant varieties.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive than some competitors. Their catalog can be very detailed, which might be a lot for casual gardeners.
  • Best for: Serious home gardeners and small-scale farmers looking for high-quality, reliable, and often organic seeds.
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds: Specializes exclusively in heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, with a stunningly beautiful catalog.
  • Pros: Unparalleled selection of rare and unusual heirloom varieties from around the world. Focus on preserving genetic diversity. Their catalog is a work of art and highly educational. Free catalog is a huge draw.
  • Cons: Only offers open-pollinated seeds no hybrids, which might not suit gardeners looking for specific modern traits like extreme disease resistance. No live plants.
  • Best for: Gardeners passionate about heirlooms, unique varieties, and preserving genetic heritage.
• Territorial Seed Company: Known for its extensive selection and robust varieties, particularly those suited to cooler climates.
  • Pros: Wide range of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. Strong focus on regional suitability. Offers seeds, plants, and growing supplies. Excellent customer service and detailed cultural information.
  • Cons: Shipping can sometimes be a bit high for smaller orders.
  • Best for: Gardeners looking for reliable varieties and comprehensive support, especially those in diverse climates.

Niche/Specialty Seed Retailers

While Totallytomato.com is tomato-specific, other retailers focus on different niches.

• PepperJoe’s: For those obsessed with hot peppers.
  • Pros: Massive selection of chili pepper seeds, from mild bell peppers to the hottest super-hots. Offers unique varieties and growing kits.
  • Cons: Exclusively peppers, so no other vegetables.
  • Best for: Chilihead enthusiasts and growers looking for specific pepper varieties.
• The Seed Savers Exchange: A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom varieties.
  • Pros: Thousands of heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, many of which are rare. Supports genetic diversity and seed saving.
  • Cons: Can be more community-driven, less of a traditional commercial retailer. Some varieties might be limited in quantity.
  • Best for: Gardeners interested in seed saving, biodiversity, and rare varieties.

Totallytomato.com Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of Totallytomato.com is crucial for budget-conscious gardeners.

While exact, real-time prices can fluctuate based on supply, demand, and specific promotions, we can analyze the general pricing model and what to expect.

Seed Packet Pricing

The primary offering on Totallytomato.com is tomato seeds, which are typically sold in packets.

• Variety-Dependent: The price of a seed packet often depends on the specific variety.
  • Common Varieties: Popular, widely available varieties e.g., ‘Better Bush,’ ‘Big Beef’ might range from $3.50 to $5.50 per packet. These are often staples for many gardeners.
  • Heirlooms/Specialty Varieties: Rare heirloom tomatoes or specialty varieties e.g., unique colors, unusual shapes, very specific disease resistance might command a slightly higher price, potentially ranging from $4.50 to $7.00+ per packet. This is due to lower production volumes or more complex seed saving processes.
  • Organic/Non-GMO: While Totallytomato.com might not exclusively focus on organic, if they offer certified organic seeds, these often carry a premium, potentially adding $0.50 to $1.50 to the packet price.
• Seed Count: The number of seeds per packet can vary significantly. Some packets might contain 15-25 seeds for larger-fruited varieties, while cherry or smaller-seeded types might offer 50+ seeds. Always check the seed count to assess value. A packet with 25 seeds for $4.50 is often a good value for a single season’s planting.
• Bulk Options Possible: For very popular varieties, some seed companies offer larger quantities e.g., 1/4 oz, 1 oz at a discounted per-seed rate, catering to market gardeners or those planning very large plantings. It’s worth checking if Totallytomato.com provides this for select varieties.

Live Plant Pricing

Live tomato plants offer an immediate head start and are priced differently than seeds.

• Per Plant Cost: Live plants are generally sold individually or in small packs e.g., 2-4 plants. A single starter plant might cost anywhere from $6.00 to $12.00, depending on the variety, size, and packaging.
• Shipping Considerations: Live plants require more specialized packaging and often faster shipping e.g., 2-3 day shipping to ensure they arrive healthy. This can significantly increase shipping costs compared to seed-only orders. Expect these costs to be higher due to the perishable nature of the product.
• Value Proposition: While more expensive upfront than seeds, live plants save gardeners time, effort, and space needed for germination and early seedling growth. This can be particularly valuable for those with limited indoor growing space or a shorter growing season.

Shipping Costs

Shipping is an important part of the total cost, especially for small orders.

• Flat Rate vs. Weight-Based: Many seed companies use a flat-rate shipping fee for seed-only orders, which might range from $4.00 to $7.00 for standard ground shipping. For live plants, shipping is typically calculated based on weight, distance, and chosen shipping speed.
• Minimum Order for Free Shipping: Some retailers offer free shipping above a certain order threshold e.g., $75 or $100. Check Totallytomato.com’s policy to see if this is an option, as it can make larger orders more economical.
• Seasonal Fluctuations: Shipping times and costs for live plants can also be influenced by seasonal demand and weather conditions, especially during peak spring planting season.

Sales and Promotions

Like most online retailers, Totallytomato.com likely offers sales and promotions throughout the year.

• Seasonal Sales: Look for discounts during off-peak seasons late summer/fall for next year’s seeds or end-of-season clearances.
• Newsletter Exclusives: As mentioned under features, signing up for their newsletter is a good way to receive exclusive deals and coupon codes directly.
• Bundle Deals: Occasionally, retailers might offer bundles of related seeds or seeds and supplies at a discounted rate.

How to Cancel Totallytomato.com Free Trial / Subscription

Based on the information available on the Totallytomato.com homepage, it primarily operates as an e-commerce platform for purchasing seeds and plants, rather than offering subscription services or free trials in the traditional sense like a software or content subscription. Therefore, the concept of canceling a “free trial” or “subscription” for products purchased from Totallytomato.com does not directly apply.

However, we can interpret this in a few ways relevant to their operations:

Canceling an Order Before Shipment

If you have placed an order and wish to cancel it before it has shipped, this is the most common scenario for “cancellation” on an e-commerce site. Hobbsmemorabilia.co.uk Reviews

• Contact Customer Service Immediately: The first and most crucial step is to contact Totallytomato.com’s customer service as soon as possible after placing the order.
  • Phone: Look for a contact number on their “Contact Us” page. This is usually the quickest way to halt a shipment.
  • Email: If phone isn’t an option or it’s outside business hours, send a clear email stating your order number and request for cancellation. Be aware that email responses might take longer.
• Order Processing Window: Be aware that e-commerce operations often process orders very quickly. If an order has already been picked, packed, and handed over to the shipping carrier, it may be too late to cancel. In such cases, you might need to proceed with a return.
• Confirmation: Always ask for confirmation of the cancellation to ensure it has been processed correctly.

Managing Newsletter Subscriptions

The “Newsletter sign-up” mentioned on their homepage implies an email marketing subscription.

This is the closest thing to a “subscription” on the site.

• Unsubscribe Link: To cancel or “opt-out” of their newsletter:
  • Check any email you’ve received from Totallytomato.com’s newsletter.
  • Scroll to the very bottom of the email. You will almost always find an “Unsubscribe,” “Manage Preferences,” or “Opt-Out” link.
  • Click the link and follow the instructions. This usually involves a one-click unsubscribe or a brief page asking for confirmation or reasons for unsubscribing.
• Privacy Policy: Their privacy policy which should be linked on their site will typically detail how they handle personal information and email subscriptions.

“Free Trial” Equivalents and why they don’t apply

In the context of physical goods like seeds and plants, a “free trial” isn’t a standard offering.

• Seed Samples: Some seed companies might occasionally offer small, free seed samples with orders or as part of promotions, but these are one-time giveaways, not a recurring trial.
• Promotional Credits/Discounts: Sometimes, a “free trial” might imply a promotional discount on a first purchase. If you receive such a discount code, it’s typically a one-time use and doesn’t require “cancellation.”
• “Totally Tomatoes Guarantee”: While not a “free trial,” their satisfaction guarantee mentioned on the homepage ensures that if products don’t meet expectations, customers can seek resolution. This acts as a form of assurance rather than a trial that needs to be canceled. If you’re unsatisfied with a product under the guarantee, you’d follow their return/replacement process, not a cancellation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Totallytomato.com?

Totallytomato.com is an online retailer specializing in tomato seeds, live tomato plants, and related gardening supplies, dedicated to serving tomato enthusiasts.

Does Totallytomato.com sell organic seeds?

Based on the website’s initial overview, it’s not explicitly stated that all seeds are organic.

You would need to check individual product listings for “organic” certification or look for a dedicated organic section on their site.

Can I buy live tomato plants from Totallytomato.com?

Yes, Totallytomato.com offers live tomato plants in addition to seeds, providing an option for gardeners who prefer to skip the germination stage.

How does the Totally Tomatoes Guarantee work?

The “Totally Tomatoes Guarantee” promises 100% satisfaction.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you should contact their customer service for a resolution, which typically involves a replacement or refund.

What is a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map?

The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a geographical guide that shows where various plants are most likely to thrive. Quench.culligan.com Reviews

Totallytomato.com uses it to help customers select appropriate tomato varieties for their specific climate.

How do I find my plant hardiness zone on Totallytomato.com?

Totallytomato.com features a “Zone Lookup” tool where you can enter your zip code to find your specific USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

Does Totallytomato.com offer heirloom tomato varieties?

Yes, Totallytomato.com is known for offering a wide selection of tomato varieties, which typically includes many popular and rare heirloom types.

What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes?

Determinate tomato plants grow to a specific size and produce their fruit within a short period, while indeterminate varieties continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost.

Can I cancel an order I placed on Totallytomato.com?

You may be able to cancel an order if it has not yet shipped.

You should contact Totallytomato.com’s customer service immediately via phone or email to request a cancellation.

How do I unsubscribe from Totallytomato.com’s newsletter?

To unsubscribe from the Totallytomato.com newsletter, look for an “Unsubscribe” or “Opt-Out” link at the bottom of any email you have received from their newsletter.

Are there shipping costs on Totallytomato.com?

Yes, there are typically shipping costs associated with orders from Totallytomato.com.

These costs can vary based on the type of product seeds vs. live plants, order size, and shipping speed.

Does Totallytomato.com ship internationally?

The website’s focus on USDA zones suggests a primary focus on the United States. Rejuvafresh.com Reviews

You would need to consult their shipping policy or contact customer service directly to inquire about international shipping.

What payment methods does Totallytomato.com accept?

Most online retailers accept major credit cards Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover. Check their checkout page or FAQ section for a definitive list of accepted payment methods.

How long does it take for seeds to germinate?

Tomato seed germination times can vary, but typically range from 5 to 14 days under optimal conditions appropriate temperature, moisture, and light. Specific germination rates and times are often listed per variety.

Does Totallytomato.com provide growing instructions?

While not explicitly highlighted as a main feature, reputable seed companies like Totallytomato.com generally provide basic growing instructions for their seeds and plants, either on product pages or in a dedicated growing guide section.

Are the seeds from Totallytomato.com non-GMO?

Most reputable seed companies primarily sell non-GMO genetically modified organism seeds.

However, it’s always best to check product descriptions or their FAQ for a specific statement regarding their non-GMO status.

Can I order a physical catalog from Totallytomato.com?

Many seed companies offer physical catalogs.

Look for a link on their website, usually in the footer or contact section, to request a catalog be mailed to you.

What should I do if my live plants arrive damaged?

If your live plants arrive damaged, you should immediately contact Totallytomato.com’s customer service, referencing their “Totally Tomatoes Guarantee,” to arrange for a replacement or refund.

Does Totallytomato.com have customer reviews for products?

Some product pages on e-commerce sites feature customer reviews. Thefragrancecounter.co.uk Reviews

You would need to browse individual tomato seed or plant listings to see if this feature is available on Totallytomato.com.

How can I get exclusive deals from Totallytomato.com?

To receive exclusive deals and specials, you should sign up for Totallytomato.com’s mailing list or newsletter, as advertised on their homepage.