5 Tips for Ordering Garden Seeds

Getting ready to place your garden seed order? These tips will help you get the biggest bang for your buck!

Tips for Ordering Garden Seeds

1. Take inventory of the seeds you have already have. – You can often save money on shipping if you get everything you need at once, instead of having to place multiple orders because you forgot something. I’ve also ordered seeds I already own when I fail to do a good inventory. Make sure you make a good list of what you have and what you need before placing your final order.

2. Reflect on what’s worked well for you in the past. – I always try new seeds, but they don’t all do as well, or taste as good as I think they will. Take notes and keep a gardening journal so you can remember tidbits of information. Then reflect on this information as you plan your next garden

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3. Buy seeds that grow well in your growing area.  –  Make sure to read seed descriptions and avoid buying seeds that won’t work well in your gardening zone.  If you live in a hot climate, get seeds that do well in hot climates. I especially look for seeds that tolerate heat and drought because I never know what our summers will be like. If you don’t already know what your gardening zone is, click the link to find out!

4. Buy seeds that fit your growing style. – I’ll be the first to admit that I am a lazy gardener, if there is such a thing. I want seeds that are marked easy to grow or are supposed to be extra hardy, because if there is an easy way to k ill a plant, I will certainly find it! I also look for seeds that are supposed to be tolerant of pests I know I deal with. I’ll buy spinach that’s marked slow to bolt {because it always seems to get hot in a hurry in Eastern Iowa}, and fast growing cucumbers in an attempt to thwart cucumber beetles and squash bugs.

5. Try a couple new varieties! It’s always fun to try something new. They might not work well or taste as good as you hope, but when that happens, just make notes and don’t buy those varieties again! I like to buy new seeds for veggies that win taste tests, or produce veggies I think are very pretty. I’ll admit that I love all things pretty – including veggies! I’m excited this year to try seveal new carrot and tomato varieties that I think are gorgeous!