The Seed Catalogues are Here!

Posted by Amy Urquhart Jan 29, 2008

Every year I look forward to the weeks the seed companies begin to send out catalogues, which means it’s officially time to start planning next year’s garden! While surfing the Internet for seeds is fun, it simply doesn’t quite cut it when compared to receiving those hot-off-the-press hard copies, filled with enticing photos and descriptions of brand new varieties of vegetables ready to be grown in my garden.

The Richters Herbs catalogue is usually the first one to arrive. Although I have never ordered from Richters, I have spent a fair share of my gardening budget at their greenhouse shop, which is located about 45 minutes from home. They sell a wide assortment of mint, thyme, basil, rosemary, oregano, and just about every other edible and medicinal herb there is!

I was quite happy to find the catalogue for West Coast Seeds waiting for me yesterday in my mailbox. Although the planting instructions for the plants contained inside are tailored to the west coast climate, they can easily be adapted for other climates by checking local growing guides online, such as the Farmer’s Almanac. When following instructions published in a growing guide suited to a climate other than your own, just remember to find out when your frost-free date is, and work from there.

Yet to arrive, and most anxiously anticipated is the Seed Savers Exchange catalogue. It’s usually the prettiest catalogue, with its glossy colour photos and vivid descriptions of the vegetables and flowers they sell. I’ll have no problem putting together an order!

Of the many annual gardening traditions, I can easily spend many a long and cozy winter’s night sipping a cider, staring at my seed catalogues, the pages of which become dog-eared and worn with use.

This month, I encourage you to participate in the poll, below, "Anxiously Awaiting Vegetables."