It’s Seed Catalog Season!
It’s almost that time of year: Soon seed catalogs will be coming to a mailbox near you! I’ve compiled a list of reputable catalogs that can provide you with a wealth of information and introduce you to new varieties of crops that you may come to love.
Before You Buy
Before you start purchasing seeds, here are five important things to consider:
Know what grows well in your zone. Here in Cincinnati, we’re in hardiness zone 6. Don’t waste your money trying to grow something that does not grow well in this area! Read the plant description carefully so you don’t waste your valuable time, space, and money.
Get to know the relevant terms before you make your seed selection. For instance, what’s the difference between an F1, Hybrid, Genetically Modified, Organic, or an Open-Pollinated seed?
Make sure you’re buying seeds that are fresh and packed for that year. Keep in mind that discounted seeds might be out of date and have a lower germination rate.
Plan for succession planting. Don’t just think of what you’re going to plant in May, but also think about starting a fall garden at the latter end of the summer. Remember, the number of days to maturity is just an estimate and may not be specific to your area.
Determine whether the seeds have been treated with a fungicide. There are bad bacteria in soil, but there are also good ones, and fungicides really don’t care which one is present. Good bacteria are essential for great plant growth, so choose your seeds wisely!
Top Seed Catalog Picks
I’m a fan of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They specialize in heirloom seeds, and their Whole Seed Catalog comes with gorgeous photos, recipes, seed histories, and stories from behind-the-scenes people who make the company so special. They ship in December, so get ready!
A favorite of many is the beloved Johnny’s Selected Seeds. They have a 208-page digital catalog, so have a plan before you start scrolling. You also can request a paper copy of their catalog on their website.
Burpee is a good source for seeds that you can depend on for germination. They’re a reputable company that was founded in 1876, and they have an impressive selection of seeds that can be grown in all zones for all seasons. Download a copy here.
High Mowing Organic Seed Company has 100% organic, non-GMO seed varieties. They started business in 1996 with just 28 varieties and now have over 700 varieties of open-pollinated and hybrid varieties that include vegetable, fruit, herb and flower seeds. They offer their catalog in both digital and paper form.
Whichever source(s) you choose, seed catalogs are a fun way to think about gardening even during the cold winter months!