Guess no has been checking in here recently, but anyway welcome! I order most of my seeds online, there was just recently a posting about sources somewhere on Garden Web, may have been the MN forum, can't remember. Baker Creek is one source I use, I also order from Jung, Pinetree, Seed Savers, and occasionally Territorial if I absolutely have to have it and can't find it elsewhere. As to soil, not really sure what to tell. Creekside is what I purchase for compost and manure if I run out of my own. They are local here, Know they are available in other places as well. They have a website if you care to see if anyone in your area carries them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Creekside

Hostaholic2 -- you must be very near my area as I recognized Creekside's name immediately (I have brought many loads of leaves and branches there).

HomeMadeMomma -- My first garden was a few years ago and was small with seeds that I had bought from local hardware stores. I didn't really have the experience or funds to invest in "premium" seeds. But the "everyday" seeds grew and produced and I gathered valuable experience and knowledge through trial and errors :) We have since expanded our garden size and now grow a larger variety of plants. We start all of our plants by seeds ourselves and nurture them until they are mature enough to graduate to the garden -- it is very much a labor of love. Up until more recently, I did not have excess seeds but have expanded my stock and extensive variety but trading on the GardenWeb's seed trader exchange and the round robin exchange. It is a great way to discover seed varieties not available or even known locally. I know that I have not answered your questions directly but wanted to share some insight. Happy Gardening!

yes we must be in the same area.

Welcome to the garden world! I am including a link for the Minnesota Extension service. They are an invaluable source for just about any kind of information on gardening in this state. There is a blog called the Renegade Gardener (might want to google it) that is also a great resource and a fun read. On GW if you are interested in perennials/landscaping plants I would head over to the Winter Sowing forum also. Starting plants from seed is a great way to expand your choices and varieties.

Here is a link that might be useful: Extension Service Minnesota