The Seed Catalogs are Here!

As I write this article, my home is filled with seed and gardening catalogs. They're every where. There are some in the living room, in the bed room, even in the laundry room.

Now, I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but I'm not. I love the things. To me, there is nothing better than to sit down, with a cup of coffee on a snowy day, and look at every single one of them.

First I make out my dream list. All of the seeds and plants I would love to order. Then I come back to reality. There just isn't enough room, on my shady acre, to put them all. Not to mention the fact that I'm far from rich. My dream list usually comes to $500, at least.

I have been getting these catalogs for as long as I can remember. They have followed me from home to home. Why am I telling you all of this? Because I have vast experience in catalog ordering. I have made most of the mistakes, and have learned a few things. I hope my experiences can give you a hand. Or at least a chuckle or two.

The first thing you want to do is go outside. If you have snow, just throw on those boots. Look at your gardens. What seeds and plants do you know you want to get? Write them down. Leave a blank space, for that one dream seed or plant. Bring that list inside.

Brew a good cup of coffee or tea, and settle back with those catalogs, your lists and a clear mind.

Now open up the first catalog. First look for the zones map. It's rare, but every once in a while a catalog may have different zone lines. Find your zone and write it down. Now look for the symbol map. What does that cute little sun stand for? Or that weird looking thing-a-ma-jigger? They are important to what seeds or plants you will want for your gardens.

Next go through the catalog. Mark the plants you need as you go. Then go back and do a little research. Does your plant choice need full sun? Is their full sun where you wish to put it? How about geographical location? Will it grow in your zone? Keep in mind that in your zone, there could be areas where some things could grow, out of their zone. If not, you should also look for another variety of that plant. There are some variations that will conform to different areas. Now think if you have seen that plant or seed in your area. In a retail situation. If you have, don't waste you money on shipping and handling. If not, go ahead and order it.

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