Seed Catalogs, My Book Report (2017)

There is nothing better on a cold, dreary winter morning than a cup of hot coffee while reading a seed catalog and dreaming of spring...unless it is a morning cup of coffee in the spring while sitting on the porch watching the planted seeds grow.

Every year when the seed catalogs begin arriving in the mail, my anticipation builds as dreams of summer gardening begin.  Normally, I don't need to buy much, but I still love reading the catalogs and decided to write a book report to help any new gardeners along. Realize, these are all my own biased opinions.  I have received no money for any endorsements.  My two cents worth - is not even worth two cents.

This year's seed buying goals:
1. Replenish used up seeds.  Normally, my needs are few since I save many from the previous season; however, last fall I was forced to replant repeatedly due to the damage by the armadillos.
2.  Purchase seeds that I can't save such as carrots.  Queen Anne's Lace is growing everywhere around my yard and it cross-pollinates with carrots.
3.  Try something new!  Oh, this is my favorite.

The only kind I buy is open-pollinated (OP) because they grow to be identical to their parents and can be saved.  Heirlooms are OP seeds that have been passed down from generation to generation and will eventually improve as they adapt to their local region.

I refuse to buy:
1.  Hybrid (F1) - These are seeds from two different parents from the same species which are crossed to produce certain traits. These are used by large farms as monocrops so they: will be uniform in size (easier to package), have uniform maturity dates (fewer labor costs), and storage hardiness (to withstand shipping).  They are often patented and new seeds must be purchased each year.

2.  Cell Fusion (CMS) Technology - a process where cells of different species are merged to create plants that do not produce pollen, only seeds.  Once I planted a CMS sunflower.  It was advertised as being allergy-free; however, no butterfly, bee, bird, or any other creature would land on it. That was creepy so I pulled it up and burned it.

3.  Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) - TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS!  GMO is a laboratory process where DNA from one species is forced into the genes of another plant.  The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or humans.  Nasty, nasty, nasty stuff.  Our bodies don't always recognize this unnatural DNA and may not know how to digest it causing health problems.  

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek is the absolute best seed catalog.  At present, they offer 1,850 varieties of OP varieties.  

Pinetree Garden Seeds & Accessories

Another good seed company I have used frequently. Their herb selection is good and their flower selection is large.  Their prices are a little less than other companies; but, they also put fewer seeds in each package.    

Sand Hill Preservation Center

This company deserves mention since I consider them to be the best deal for your money.  Their selection is fantastic and changes as they rotate crops. 

  

There are a few restrictions. Sand Hill is a small Mom and Pop Preservation Center and their main objective is saving heirloom seeds, not making a huge profit.  The seed catalog is online; however, they only take orders through the mail with payment by check or money order.  They wait for the check to clear so don't be in a big hurry.  

They have a FANTASTIC sweet potato catalog with an unbelievable choice of varieties.  Years ago I sent them a check and said I would take an assortment of whatever was leftover.  When the box arrived, it looked like they had cleaned out the greenhouse!  We (Bill) had to get the tiller out and plow up a new garden in the backyard.  

Richters Herbs

Richters Herbs is the absolute best herb catalog, ever. They sell every herb you could ever possibly want. The company is located in Canada which is why they always misspell "catalogue." Shipping to the U.S. is pricey and only happens when weather permits up north.  If you want unusual herbs, I highly recommend this company.

Dixondale Farms

All they sell are onions, leeks, and shallots. They use maps so you can choose the best onions for your area.  They are pricey but knowledgeable.

Seeds 'n Such

This would be a good catalog for a new gardener with no seeds at all who wants a large variety at a reasonable price.  

Kitazawa Seed

A disappointment.  In past years I relied heavily on this company for unusual oriental vegetables. They have slowly added more and more hybrids and only ship in overnight boxes. Even if you buy one package of seeds, shipping will be $14.00.

Adaptive Seeds

This is a new catalog I just received, looks great but will not be useful to me.  All of the seeds are adapted to the Pacific Northwest and other short-season northern climates.  I am in southern middle Tennessee.  

Sow True Seed

A new to me catalog that looks good.  

Vermont Bean Seed Company

Great selection of bean seeds; however, almost everything else is hybrid or I can find it cheaper elsewhere.  

High Mowing Seeds

Great pictures and information but is geared toward commercial farmers who buy in bulk and need standardized hybrid production.  

Johnny's Selected Seeds

It is geared toward commercial farmers who buy in bulk and need standardized hybrid production.  Other places have better prices.

Except for my favorites, all will be canceled soon to save printing waste since everything is available online. However, catalog shopping will always be the most fun for me.

Garden Seeds for the 2021 Season