DENVER — It can take weeks to get your seed orders together for the coming spring and summer months, but all that planning can be a good distraction from the bitter cold of winter.
Seed catalogs are an American tradition dating back to the 19th century. It pays to be a savvy seed shopper. I use paper catalogs to narrow down my selections before actually ordering online.
How do you find good seed catalogs? Ironically by searching for them online. A quick search for "seed catalogs" is a good place to start. Then you can tailor your search for what you are after - vegetables, tomatoes, wildflowers, or even cutting gardens.
One thing to consider is how many plants you need. Are you going to sow them outdoors or germinate them inside? The catalogs will tell you how many seeds are in each packet. Some come with a lot of seeds. Coordinate your orders with friends so you can share them!
Fresh seeds germinate best. You can, however, use some for a few years if they were stored properly in a dry, dark, cool place.
If you are after live plants, you can find online nurseries that special in plants like iris, coleus, day lilies, and many other varieties. Your local garden center is also a good resource for live plants.
Keep in mind that seed companies have a finite stock, so order early. A lot of seeds also need to be started months in advance before you can put them outside.
And, as always, check out your local garden centers. They have seeds in stock now. It's a good time to go shopping and grab them early!
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