Seed Catalogs

Category: Choices | Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 11:43 pm

More choices! Today, in the mail, I received the first of many seed catalogs. With this one, I received a gift certificate. So, do I order vegetables, flowers, or herbs. Do I order seeds or plants? Do I order garden supplies?
Well, I won't order garden supplies. I have most of the things I need because I have been gardening a few years, at least. I mean tools, pots, etc. Potting soil and additives, etc are too heavy and best bought locally.
So, will I order vegetables, flowers or herbs? Will I order seeds or plants?
I think, without looking at the catalog that I will order herbs and vegetables. I will order seeds. The local nurseries have plants in abundance and Arizona has plant restrictions. You cannot order just any plant and have it delivered in Arizona. They used to check plants at the borders. I don't think they do that now, but it's been awhile since I tried taking any plants across. I did order some lavender last year and received it but it had been inspected by an agriculture inspector before being shipped. The bulbs that I ordered had all been inspected too. It's partly because of the weather here. Everything grows like weeds. Until a few years ago you could not plant morning glories here. They were classified as noxious weeds. So, I will order seeds. I will start with herbs since I am going to try to make a herb garden. I will have to choose carefully because the space is not too big. But, I have a larger garden area where the overflow can go. After I have ordered herb seeds, then maybe I will find some vegetables that I would like to order. I will see if there are ones that are not available in local markets or nurseries. I expect I will receive more catalogs, without gift certificats of course. The gift certificate was a Christmas gift from my oldest son. He is an avid gardener. He used to have 35 acres of grapes and apple trees in New York. Now, he has an average size lot with house. He gardens in a lot of large tubs, etc. He has a degree in vidiculture and works for a major winery in Napa Valley. He makes his own wine and has won awards. When he first moved back to California he lived in an apartment and his balcony looked like a jungle.
Now that I have a good computer, I can also look at plant nursery catalogs online. Brian says he will pay postage. I guess that means I have to pay for the seeds. Well, I can always use my credit card. Guess who pays that?
I do have things to occupy my time now. No long winter nights for me.
For my birthday next week, I think I will request the parts I need to build a small greenhouse. The heavy vinyl type will do. I think I can do that for a reasonable price. Especially if I can get someone or two people to donate parts.
Best get to looking at that catalog. I don't want grass growing under my feet.

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Gardenstew wrote on Wed Dec 28, 2005 2:48 am:

The gift certificate was a great Christmas present Dooley. I hope you find the herbs you are looking for. Anything particular in mind?

dooley wrote on Wed Dec 28, 2005 3:29 am:

All the usual ones I can get at a local nursery so I will look for ones not so popular that they are sold local. I saw angelica and hyssop and I couldn't find those here last year. I'll look for others.