January - Month of the Armchair Gardener!

One look at the frozen landscape and it is obvious that not much is happening outside this month!

But, at least at our house, the seed catalogs began arriving with the Christmas cards! Now I know that not everyone joins me in reading seed catalogs like a page turning novel – but this is the ideal time to evaluate the past growing season, dream up some new plans, and learn something new!

Right now I have a large stack of library books on the subject of gardening with several specific questions I hope to answer in my reading. (And if the thought of reading about gardening is putting you to sleep or just simply revolting, choose another topic that does interest you! Don't let these long winter evenings past by without learning something about something!)

I've heard that when the economy is down, seed sales rise dramatically! In that case, seeds may be the business to be in this spring! Last year a number of Chambersburg stores sold out of seeds early and it will be interesting to see if it happens again this year. I usually buy most of my seeds at local stores. But the selection is quite small compared to mail order. For me a stack of seed catalogs is like a walk through a candy factory! I only mail order for a few unusual seeds that would be impossible to find locally. This year,I plan to purchase some heirloom seeds (in contrast with hybrids) and try saving my own seeds. Saving seeds is one of those lost skills that our ancestors knew well, that I would like to acquire!

If you don't receive any seed catalogs in the mail, it sure an easy problem to remedy! Lots of companies send a free catalog on request! Here is a few to get you started! I have not personally ordered from all of these companies but have enjoyed flipping through their catalogs! Some specialize in vegetables, while others are mostly ornamentals plants and flowers.

Burpee
Nichols Nursery
Johnny's Garden Seeds
Kitchen garden seeds
Territorial Seed
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – (a printer's wife needs to make a note that this catalog is an example of great printing with gorgeous pictures! Plus they have one of the cheapest shipping!)

If you do any mail order of either plants or seeds, I would highly recommend checking the hundreds of reviews at the Garden Watchdog It could save you from a disappointing experience with an order. My goal is to only order from companies that make it to their “Top Twenty” list.