Seed catalogs

The seed catalogs have been arriving for over a month now.  I like to sit down in January and look through my favorites and maybe check out a new one or two if I have the time.  My two favorites are Jung and Pinetree.  I also like Select Seeds.  For garden chemicals and such, Gardens Alive! is one on my go to sources.  Sometimes ordering can be a little cheaper than shopping at the garden center.  It is definitely more convenient when the temperatures are below zero.

Some of the things I look for in a seed catalog:

• Quantity- buying more than you need for a season or two is just not worth it.  Pinetree is a favorite because things are packaged in smaller quantities (smaller price) so you are not stuck with a lot of leftovers for years to come.  If you like to try new things, this is a plus.
• Price- remember though, you usually get what you pay for.  If you haven't ordered from a company before, try a few things and see how you like their product and how good their customer service is when they are out of stock or back ordered.
• Location- it does matter where seeds are grown even if a plant has a wide zone range.  Buying seed from a source in the deep south is not the best option for a northern gardener.  Seed genetics vary by the climate they are grown in.
• Delivery- nothing is more frustrating than ordering early and getting your long gestation crops too late.  It is also important when you are looking at root crops such as potatoes.  You really don't want these shipped in February if you don't need them until April or May.  Many companies will time the shipments for your region so you do not have to worry about cold storage for months ahead.  Jung is very good about this.
• Quality- low germination will negate anything you saved on the per seed price.  Jung has a very good germination rate and is more locally sourced which gives them two points in my favor.  Many companies will offer a guarantee on their product if you read the fine print.  There are limits as they can not control the growing conditions that their seeds get once they leave their warehouse.

Pull up a chair with that morning cup of coffee (or the glass of wine after work) and enjoy some time dreaming of your perfect summer garden.