Tips for Seed Shopping From Catalogs

Hopefully, you’ve ordered all of your seed catalogs, spread them out, rolled in them with sheer glee and are ready to get busy ordering.  {If not, don’t worry, you’re not to late.  You can check out my list of seed catalogs to get started.}

Ordering from seed catalogs is a great way to get around the fact that most stores only order the most popular selling seeds–which really limits the variety of plants you can grow.  Plus, you have complete control over colors and plants that will grow in the space you have {i.e. container friendly seeds, seeds that thrive in shade or cooler weather, etc.}.  Over the years, I’ve learned a couple of tricks to ordering from the catalogs.  Because I’ve learned most of them through trial and error, I thought I’d pass them on, and save you a little time.

1. Don’t over-order.  Seriously, this is the biggest mistake you can make with catalogs.  Most catalogs are full of enticing pictures that make you think you have 50 acres worth of planting space.  I suggest planning out your garden space first, then ordering the seeds…seeds are cheap, but when you order 25 packets more than you needed, it starts to add up.
2. Sign up for emails from your favorite catalogs.  MOST seed companies will offer free shipping over the course of the year, and since sometimes shipping is more than the actual seeds, it pays to get an email alerting you when shipping will be free.
3. Read the growing conditions carefully before ordering.  Not every plant thrives in every zone, so even the best seeds won’t produce plants/flowers.
4. If possible, stick with organic, untreated, and/or heirloom seeds over hybrid seeds.  Most seed companies let you know if they are Non-GMO, so that’s not as much of a concern, but heirlooms usually produce better tasting crops–and give you a chance to sample something  you will likely never find in the grocery store.  Organic and untreated seeds will at least ensure that your seeds have not been produced using dangerous chemicals.
5. If you have a small garden space, consider ordering with a friend.  A packet of tomato seeds can literally serve a whole neighborhood if you only need a plant or two.  Might as well divide and conquer.
6. KEEP your seed catalogs after you have ordered.  Circle all of the seeds you ordered.  Make a note right in the seed catalog about how you liked the plant, growing tips you picked up over the season, etc.  That way, you will know exactly what you liked and what you don’t want to try again as the years roll on.
7. My favorite seeds are Botanical Interests, but I came to that decision after trying several different seed companies and comparing results.  If you are a newbie, try a couple different companies.  You may find that one company seeds are better suited for your area/liking.
8. Shop early so that you have plenty of time to start your seeds indoors.
9. Tack on extra time to the “days to maturity” estimate on the seed description/packet.  That is just an estimate, and in my experience, it always takes longer.  If you are expecting it, you can plan a little better.

That’s pretty much all I’ve learned {only really knowing 9 things seems kind of pathetic now that I see it in writing}.  What tips do YOU have for gardeners that are new to the seed catalog world?

~Mavis