Want a dream garden? How to order seeds the easy way

In 1988 I decided to grow a few vegetables. Problem was, I’d never grown more than a sunflower in a milk carton. So it was no surprise when 50 years later, I was totally overwhelmed the first time I dove into seed catalogs.

So I developed a system. A simple one that took me from overwhelmed to overjoyed. I’ve taught this method in all my gardening workshops.

One student later told me, “No more pulling my hair out. Now I look forward to ordering seeds.”

So let’s give it a go, shall we? And in a bit, I’ll share my favorite seed catalogs.

 

Step 1: Gather your tools

You deserve a pleasant seed-ordering experience!

• Tools you’ll need: Arrange the following tools on a table: Seed catalogs, laptop computer (optional), a pad of paper, a pencil or pen. That’s right. A pad of paper. I’ve learned that it helps to write things out on paper before placing orders online. I call it a pre-order. More on that in a minute.
• Get comfortable: Pour a cup of your favorite beverage.
• Make a list: What do you like to eat? What are our favorite flowers? Do you want fresh herbs to cook with?
• Review last season: What worked? What didn’t? (Later, ask yourself why and fix it)
• Take a seed inventory: Do you have seeds leftover from previous years? How old are they? Remember, seeds have a shelf-life. For example:
  + Onions and voila: 1 year
  + Broccoli and cilantro: 3-5 years
  + Lettuce and nasturtium: 5-6 years

Step 2: Create a pre-order

This pre-order step streamlines the entire seed ordering process. See the photo below? Grab your pad of paper and follow these steps. You’re on the way to blissful seed-ordering!

• On the left side, write main headings, such as broccoli. Then list varieties, such as Arcadia, underneath.
• Across the top, make a column for each catalog.
• Note page numbers: As you flip through catalogs, write the page number for the variety in the catalog column. Several catalogs might offer Arcadia broccoli, but now you know where to find it. Handy when you go back to compare pricing, how many seeds are in a packet, and so on.
• Research. Note the page number. Repeat.

Step 3: Keep these things in mind…

As you let your fingers do the walking through the catalogs, keep the following parameters in mind. It will help you select the right seeds for your growing conditions and climate.

• Which zone are you in? Check climate suitability. Kodiak Island, where I live, is a temperate rainforest climate. Long summer days. But cool. Which about you? If you’re not sure, ask or look up your plant hardiness zone by zip code at the US Department of Agriculture website.
• Watch out for pest and disease resistance: Catalogs list which varieties are prone to certain diseases. For example, potatoes (scab), lettuce (gray mold), summer squash (blossom end-rot, and tomatoes (fusarium wilt). Many catalogs provide glossaries in the back.
• Check for days to maturity: This is the time from sowing seeds to when you can expect to begin harvesting. Important if you have a short growing season.
• Decide on plant parenting: How important is it to you if the seed is open-pollinated (OP), hybrid (F1, etc.), GMO, heirloom, or organic?
• Seed characteristics: Seeds can be annuals, perennials; treated or pelletized. Read the fine print to avoid surprises.
• Order early! The early bird gets the seed, as in your favorite varieties.
• Ask for guidance: Gardening is not an exact science. Get on forums. Ask questions. Talk to local gardeners. Attend seed swaps.

Step 4: Time to place your order

Here’s where the beauty and power of your pre-order come in. Refer to it as you shop online or fill out the paper form. There is such freedom in doing something with a clear mind!

Bonus Step:

As promised, here is a list of my favorite seed catalogs. (Your climate and day length might require other sources):

1. Fedco (my favorite)
2. Johnny’s Selected Seeds
3. Territorial Seeds
4. Baker Creek Heirlooms
5. Stokes
6. Parks
7. Seed Savers Exchange Heirloom Seeds
8. Nichols Garden Nursery

One last thing:

If you’re new to garden catalogs (printed or online), remember that all the lovely pictures are of mature plants at peak perfection. Some of your perennial plants won’t look that way for a year or two so don’t despair and rip them from the ground.

Keep trying. That’s what gardeners do, and gardening catalogs are there to entice us to do just that.

Happy planting!

PS More resources for you:

Compost: The answer to everything!
Hey gardeners, it’s possible to make compost in 6 weeks! Start with my 60-second assessment and get a free report.

My YouTube channel: “It’s Never Too Late”
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