Update 2/12/21: Get your seed order in soon. I’m finding many seeds on my list out-of-stock. Some seed companies are only taking orders from commercial growers or have a waiting list to order. Check smaller companies and use the Mother Earth New Seed & Plant Finder.

January is the month when most seed catalogs roll in. I received two this week from companies I ordered from last year. Not so many paper catalogs these days but more enticements and links arrive by email. I usually order seeds from online catalogs, but perusing the colorful pages of a paper catalog is a hopeful endeavor, especially, as I recall, if your garden is under snow.

Most gardeners have a way to obtain seeds for the coming season. That, for some of us was upended in 2020 with the surge of interest in gardening. The “out of stock” message appeared for some of our online selections. Check Be Prepared for a Possible Seed Shortage. This piece, written in mid-January, notes that garden seeds are selling fast already.

The New York Times does it again in summarizing where we are this garden season and offering practical advice on procuring garden seeds. The photos are engaging too. Take a look.

It May Feel Like Winter, but It’s Time to Shop for Seeds

Check my favorite seed sources listed with brief descriptions on the Resources page of my blog. Look for seed companies that specialize in seeds for your region. The NY Times article has suggestions. Gardeners in USDA zones 9 and 10 should consider San Diego Seed Company. And think of seed catalogs and websites for seed companies as sources for expert growing information. I use Johnny’s Grower’s Library frequently.

Get your orders for the next growing season in soon. Johnny’s Seeds is only accepting orders from commercial growers now and will open to home garden orders February 10.