Think “Spring” with Seeds!

I know, I know… here in Minnesota we still have the remainder of fall and a long winter ahead, but once the outdoor growing season is over for me, I’m already starting to plan for the following year! Part of that planning is thinking about what plants I’m going to start from seed after the new year rolls around.

Right now is the perfect time to start browsing for seeds you may want to purchase in catalogs and online (online is my go-to source). There’s a few reasons why to start looking now, even though it seems early:

1. Many companies will offer free shipping on a lower dollar value or on your order all together once the holiday season gets in gear. I’m always looking for ways to save! Another way to save is to find a friend or two and order seeds together. Some companies give discounts on purchasing more than one of the same seed packet. Also if you don’t have a free shipping code, you’ll reach the minimum for free shipping more easily!
2. Some seeds have long germination times (the time it takes for them to sprout), so it may be recommended to start them up to 12-14 weeks prior to your zone’s final frost date. I personally start some seeds in January. Kind of related to long germination times… once germinated, some plants take quite some time to mature to a specimen you actually feel good about transplanting outside, again requiring an early start.
3. “Winter Sowing” is a method of starting seeds in makeshift mini greenhouses outdoors. You place them out in the winter months, as the name implies. I tried a bit of it last year and am still deciding if I’ll try again – I had mixed results – but I know there’s many people that love it and are very successful!  Click here to learn more.

I have some favorite companies I like to purchase from:

1. Swallowtail Garden Seeds : I purchase the majority of my seeds from Swallowtail. They have a great selection of annuals, perennials, and veggies, and I’ve always been happy with what I’ve received.
2. Park Seed : Park is probably my second-most frequented source. In addition to seeds, they do have actual plants for purchase as well.
3. Burpee :  Very similar to Park Seed in what they have to offer.
4. Johnny’s Selected Seeds :  Johnny’s is another site I like to browse.

I’ll have more info on seed-starting once the time gets closer! For now, have fun browsing all the possibilities!