Updated: Pesticide Free Nurseries and Seed Suppliers

Neonicotinoids—commonly called neonics—are the most widely used insecticides in the United States. Introduced in 1994, these systemic pesticides are now found in hundreds of products, including sprays, seed treatments, soil drenches, tree injections, and even veterinary products. Over the past three decades, scientific evidence linking neonic exposure to environmental harm—and potential human health risks—has continued to grow.

“Unlike older contact pesticides, neonicotinoids are absorbed into every part of the plant—flowers, pollen, nectar, fruit, seed, and foliage.”

Because neonics are systemic, they don’t just kill target pests. They move through entire food webs, persisting in soil and water and exposing pollinators, birds, aquatic insects, and humans.

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What Are Neonicotinoids—and Why Are They Different?

Neonicotinoids are neurotoxic insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. They act on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of insects, causing paralysis and death. While initially promoted as “safer” than older pesticides, this claim was based largely on acute toxicity, not long-term ecological or developmental impacts.

Key differences:

• Absorbed through roots and vascular tissue

• Persist in soil for months to years

• Present in pollen and nectar

• Applied preventatively, often without active pest pressure

This systemic nature is what makes neonics uniquely dangerous to pollinators.

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Human Health Concerns: What the Science Actually Says

Research summarized by the National Institutes of Health indicates that neonicotinoids can cross the placenta and blood-brain barrier in animal models. Epidemiological studies suggest associations (not proof of causation) between prenatal or early-life neonic exposure and:

• neurodevelopmental delays

• attention and behavioral changes

• possible links to autism spectrum disorder

The American Bird Conservancy has also raised concerns about indirect human exposure through food and water contamination.

Important clarification (fact-check):
Current human studies show correlations, not definitive causation. However, the growing body of evidence has led many scientists to recommend a precautionary approach, particularly where children and pregnant individuals are concerned.

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Songbirds Are Disappearing—And Pesticides Are a Factor

Research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology found that North America has lost nearly three billion birds since 1970, a decline described as “staggering.”

While habitat loss remains the primary driver, pesticides—especially neonics—play a critical role by:

• reducing insect prey needed to feed nestlings

• contaminating seeds consumed by birds

• weakening immune and reproductive systems

Even small, sublethal doses can impair navigation, feeding, and reproduction.

Pull quote:
“You don’t have to kill a bird outright to cause population collapse—removing its food source is enough.”

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Homeowners: The Hidden Source of Neonic Overuse

Contrary to popular belief, homeowners are among the largest users of neonicotinoids. These chemicals are widely available in garden centers and are frequently applied prophylactically to lawns, shrubs, trees, and houseplants.

Because neonics persist in soil and water:

• runoff enters streams and wetlands

• treated ornamentals poison visiting pollinators

• residues accumulate season after season

Once applied, there is no way to “turn them off.”

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A Beekeeper’s Turning Point

Several years ago, after removing dead honeybees from a hive frame, I made a personal pledge: no neonic-treated plants or seeds would enter my property.

Neonics are now known to:

• impair bees’ learning and memory

• reduce foraging efficiency

• weaken immune systems

• interfere with grooming behavior needed to remove Varroa destructor mites

A study reported in ScienceDaily showed that neonic exposure reduces honeybees’ ability to self-groom, increasing susceptibility to mites and disease.

“It isn’t one stressor killing bees—it’s the pile-on. And pesticide exposure is one we can control.”

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Neonic Policy: Europe vs. the United States

The European Union enacted a near-total ban on outdoor uses of neonicotinoids in 2018 (with very limited emergency exemptions).

In contrast, U.S. regulation has been slow and inconsistent:

• A ban on neonic use in National Wildlife Refuges was enacted under President Barack Obama

• That ban was repealed in 2018

• Federal restrictions remain limited

State-Level Action: Maryland

Maryland banned consumer use of neonicotinoids in 2021, citing risks to pollinators, wildlife, and public health. Licensed applicators may still use them under restricted conditions.

Why Gardeners Are Demanding Neonic-Free Plants

Gardeners increasingly report avoiding big retail nurseries because:

• “pollinator-friendly” labels are unreliable

• neonic treatments are rarely disclosed

• systemic residues cannot be washed off

As a beekeeper, I want my honey—and my ecosystem—as clean as possible.

“If my bees visit your flowers, I don’t want them carrying pesticides back to the hive.”

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Nurseries and Seed Companies That Do Not Use Neonics

“The following nurseries and seed companies publicly state that they do not use neonicotinoids in their production practices.”

Plant Nurseries that Don’t use Neonics

Some are wholesale and some are retail; the wholesale ones sell to your local nurseries

Arrowhead Alpines – WI

Baker Creek– MI

Bluestone Perennials – OH

Burpee

Brushwood Vines – GA

Dancing Oaks – OR

Dawn’s Wild Things – NY

Digging Dog – CA

EcoTulips – VA

Edible Landscaping – VA

Far Reaches Farm – WA

Fernwood Nursery & Gardens, ME

Forest Farm – OR

Greener Earth Nursery – OR

High Country Gardens – NM/CO

Home Depot- has discontinued the use of neonics since 2019

Hostas Direct – MN

Iseli Nursery- OR

Johnnys Selected Seeds– ME

Joy Creek Nursery – OR

Lazy S’s Farm Nursery – VA

Mountain Valley Growers – CA

Niche Gardens – NC

Plant Delights-NC

Prairie Moon Nursery – MN

Prairie Nursery – WI

Rolling River Nursery – CA

Santa Rosa Gardens – FL

Select Seeds – CT ,They also sell plants

Streambank Gardens – DE

The Tasteful Garden – AL

Tripple Brook Farm – MA

Valley View Farms– MD, Read their policy concerning pesticide use at the link provided

Walters Gardens-MI, this is a wholesale nursery that provides a lot of Proven Winners Plants

Watermarks – VA native plants

Xera Plants – OR

Big-Box Stores: Progress With Limitations

• Home Depot discontinued neonic use on plants in 2019

• Lowe’s reports that:

  • live-goods suppliers have discontinued intentional neonic use unless legally required

  • most outdoor pesticides are neonic-free

  • alternatives for tree and shrub care are under review

Because many plants are grown by third-party suppliers, gardeners should still ask questions at the point of sale.

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A Note on Proven Winners

Proven Winners does not apply neonics to finished plants sold to garden centers. However, many of their liner plants are sold to independent growers, who may apply neonics during finishing.

Best practice:

• check the grower listed on the container

• ask the nursery directly about pesticide use

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What Gardeners Can Do—Right Now

• ask nurseries and seed companies about neonic use

• read seed packets carefully

• support transparent, neonic-free growers

• reduce or eliminate prophylactic pesticide use

• contact state legislators to support pollinator-protective laws

Just as DDT was banned in 1972 after decades of damage, neonics deserve the same scrutiny. The difference is that these chemicals are hidden inside the plant, making them easier to overlook—but no less dangerous.

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Learn More

For science-based research, policy updates, and action steps, visit the Xerces Society.