by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: January 15, 2009   Last Updated: January 26, 2009

The only thing that consistently and successfully takes my mind off of winter, regardless of where I am is the prospect of planting. There are so many catalog resources from which a gardener can order seeds, how does a person know which places are reliable and which have the best seeds?

There are also many really great places that don't have catalogs, so you have to rely on what you see on their websites. Here is some information that may answer some questions and eliminate any confusion.

If you are unfamiliar with seed supply sources, one of the best ways to find recommendations is by using Dave's Garden Watchdog. The Garden Watchdog is a list of the most reputable companies as determined by ratings provided by site members after doing business with these companies.

These people run the gamut from master gardeners to virgin gardeners who are growing things for the first time. The list of their 30 best rated companies is the Watchdog 30.

Another feature of Garden Watchdog service is that they offer a guide geared to gardening by mail, purchasing things from mail order companies and catalogs. When you look at this guide, in addition to seeing the list of the companies receiving the top 30 ratings from their reviewers, you can also read some of the reviews that were provided. Here is the Watchdog Guide to Mail Order Gardening

When considering ordering flower seeds, I always find myself asking who the company's supplier is. There are larger companies that may have sizable farms, and they may grow the flowers from which they get their seeds on the property. Such is the case with Wildseed Farms, Renee's Garden and the Vermont Wildflower Farm.

Wildseed Farms has an enormous selection of the freshest flower seeds that consistently germinate very reliably because they are always very fresh. It is also possible to visit the farm, and if you do so during the height of the blooming season, you will get a first hand view of what they grow and how they grow their flowers.

One of the nicest features of their catalog is that they make detailed notes to let you know what flowers are best suited to specific areas, and what flowers will attract different wildlife. It's very helpful if you are trying to lure hummingbirds and butterflies, or if you are trying to deter deer and rabbits.

Some of the smaller places will include free seeds on a regular basis, hoping to secure you as a return customer. Most small companies are very eager to please their clients and they pride themselves on

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