Searching Through Vegetable Seed Catalogs from Seed Companies

Local nurseries and garden centers are great places to buy standard vegetable seeds and bulbs – after all they are local and usually quite inexpensive. Generally, though, you'll find a wider selection in vegetable seed catalogs and seed companies on the web. Seed catalogs from these companies offer an extensive all year round variety at good prices and sometimes with free delivery.

What To Look for When Ordering From Seed Catalogs and Seed and Garden Companies

Examine your garden and determine what you want to grow. Select bulb and seed varieties and types based on color, bloom growth and bloom time, height and size, ability to grow in sun or shade, and climate adaptation – specifically consider all of these factors in relation to your garden. (You can usually find all of this information on the packaging or in catalog descriptions of the garden seed catalog itself.)

Ensure that you are purchasing healthy and firm bulbs, free of blemishes, bruises or soft spots. Usually you will find the bigger the bulb is better.

If grading is offered, always choose the highest grade of seed or bulb – even if it is a little more expensive – as you will always receive a better quality. Sometimes when you buy a larger quantity you will get the high grade seeds and bulbs at a cheaper price.

Make a note of how closely the seeds can be planted together. Measure your garden and check the descriptions, then double check with a seed guide handbook. Spacing helps determine the quantity of seeds needed for each planting area.

If you are still developing your green thumb then select hardy bulbs and seeds such as tomato seeds and sunflower seeds. These will not die on you quite as easily as flowers will if you are a first timer and still finding your way.

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