Welcome To Sun Seed Company!

Founded in 1935 by John and Myrtle Linder.

Sun Seed Company, originally Sun Coal Company, has been a family business in Greensboro, NC since the 1930's. Sun Seed was started by John Linder, Sr, a Civil Engineer from Ole Miss, to provide heating coal to the area throughout the 30's, 40's, and 50's. In 1950, he was joined by his son, John Linder, Jr., after he graduated from NC State, also as a Civil Engineer. John Jr. helped run the coal store and eventually added home and garden products for the lean summer months. The store was later named 'Sun Coal and Seed', and eventually 'Sun Seed' after the end of the coal era. John Jr., with a strong passion for excellence, a hunger for learning, and with the help of family members and a devoted clientele, he turned Sun Seed into the place for home and garden needs in the central Greensboro area. Over the years, John's knowledge and experience grew, and he went on to become one of the leading horticulturists in the area, always available at the store to help diagnose a mysterious disease or suggest a lawn care regimen.

John's daughter, Jennie and her husband Bruce opened their own floral business, "Jennie's Flowers and Gifts" in Liberty, NC and she continues to exercise her creativity in various mediums and ventures. Jennie, along with other family members, have fond memories of working at Sun Seed in earlier years, and being part of a rich history.

John Linder's son-in-law, Richard Whiteside, also assisted with the store in his younger years, and went on to start his own thriving landscaping business, Whiteside Landscape Services, which continues to serve the greater Greensboro area, using his knowledge and experience to transform homes and businesses into stunning showcases. John and Richard continued to collaborate for many years, sharing knowledge and services, and a common love for horticulture and landscape design.

Eventually John "retired" and closed the physical store, and concentrated fully on enhancing the home farm, and became a favorite produce vendor at the local farmer's market. Years later, at the age of 88, his farm was inspected by the asst. director of the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. At the time, he was growing nearly every item listed on their inspection form, plus several more, and was told that in all the years the current director had been certifying farms, he had never seen a farm like Mr. Linder's run by a single man.

John Linder's grandson, Chris Whiteside, followed in his footsteps, graduating from NC State in 1991 as a third generation Civil Engineer. Chris also developed a love for horticulture and landscaping, both from his grandfather John, and his father Richard, while working as a consultant. He also works with his father on various jobs. Chris and his wife, Lesley carry on the family tradition by gardening, selling produce and plants, and keeping Sun Seed Company alive, with hopes of expanding the business some day when he too "retires" from consulting.

For information about seasonal flowering plants, gardening, or landscaping, contact Chris at chris.whiteside@gmail.com.