11 of 14

Write now Article Tools

In the heart of winter, when the skies are dreary garden is sleeping under a blanket of mulch and snow, nothing brightens a gardener's day quite like a fresh new seed catalog. Ah, the possibilities! Oh, the shiny new tomatoes! Gasp! Look at that gorgeous pure white hollyhock and that lime-green Dahlia! I must have one of those, and one of those, oh, and three of those, and a dozen of those, and...

Before you know it, you've marked off so many "to buy" plants and seeds that you'd have to mortgage your spouse and kids just to buy them all, and rent a city park to have space to plant them.

But then, that's the fun of the gardens of our dreams. We can plant them and replant them, they always look wonderful, and there's always room in the garden and the dream budget for one more beautiful plant. Before you get out the credit card, however, it's time to come down to earth and think about some realistic plans. So make up your wish list with all your dream plants, then weed it down to a reasonable size. Here's how:

PLAN YOUR GARDEN
If you don't know your garden's dimensions, get out a tape measure and record them. Use the data to map your garden on paper and start making some planting plans. Sure, there are twenty different tomato varieties that look interesting, but if you only have space for three vines. The giant pumpkins would be fun to grow, but in your tiny back yard it would be the only thing you would grow. Those beets are gorgeous, but you don't even like beets and neither does anyone else in your family. How big is your vegetable patch and what would you like to grow there? What about that shady area? What would you like to put in it to brighten it up? Sketch your ideas on your map and start making a list of what you really need, then choose those plants and seeds from your wish list.

COMPARISON SHOPPING
Okay, so now you have a list. Where are you going to buy your seeds and plants? Where can you get the best prices? Open up a spreadsheet program and type in your list down one column. Be sure to note specific varieties that you want. Across the tops of the columns type in the names of the seed catalogs you're planning on ordering from. Look up your seeds and plants and type in the prices from each catalog that carries them.

Once you've filled in all the different prices, compare the prices for each item. Highlight the best prices for each. You may find a considerable difference from catalog to catalog, but be sure to notice the number or weight of seeds, too. The

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for ordering mail-order seeds?
We want to hear your view. Write now!