What I’m Getting From Seed Catalogs for 2023
This year I’ll be starting spring and summer seeds for a majority of my plants, meaning that I am scouring all the seed catalogs. Since I started gardening, I’ve slowly been transforming into someone who direct-sows, as opposed to buys starts. This year I have a strong map and all my seed catalogs marked up with what I want to order. Let’s take a look!
How To Read Seed Catalogs
First of all, it’s really important when reading seed catalogs to know how to manage them. Over in The Kitchen Garden Society, we’re digging into this, but I’ll give you a tip: get to know what your zone needs. Seed catalogs will outline great seeds for you according to weather, sun, water, pest prevention, and disease control.
The three catalogs that I always get are Johnny’s Seeds, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and Territorial Seed Co. They each have different offerings, different internal legends, and different prices.
The true starting place for seed catalogs is in mapping out your garden, what you want to grow, and how much. This year Below is my list of what I’m growing (at a minimum). I’ve written out the varieties as well, all of which I am looking at for a specific reason, and most of which are adapted to be resistant to powdery mildew, which is a huge Summer issue for me being so coastal.
Plants and Varieties That I’m Ordering:
- Corn: I want to try the three sisters method and grow mostly corn for saving as popcorn. This is most sustainable for us. Varieties: Glass Gem and Robust 997
- Squash is also a part of the three sisters (and beans below) plus something we eat a ton of and typically have success with. Varieties: Golden Zucchini and Dunja
- Beans have not done well for us, but I have to try again this yera! Varieties: 1500-Year-Old Cave Bean
- Peppers will be big this year – we just need to create some shade for them once deep summer hits. Varieties: Lunchbox, Shishito, and Prospera
- Tomatoes are always a struggle for me, but we keep trying. I’ll be building trellises for them that allow a lot of airflow. I want Romas only and some Sungolds.
- Cucumbers are a staple in my kid’s diets and we love a pickle! I also have a soft spot for lemon cucumbers ever since my godmother made me a dish with them. Varieties: lemon and General
- Edible Flowers are a non-negotiable for me always. I do a mix of nasturtium, bachelor’s buttons, borage, stock, marigold, and more!
- Basil for pesto, always. And then basil ends up on pasta, eggs, and all the things. Varieties: Prospera and Sweet Thai
- Sunflowers are something new to me, but I want to use them as a huge border feature. We’ll see if I can get them to grow in clay soil. I’m getting the Procut DMR Series
- Marigold: I love to grow these for Fall and they’re edible! Variety: Mexican Mint
Ordering from seed catalogs each year is a winter highlight for gardeners and I am no different! It’s like being a kid at Christmas circling all the goodies. I hope this helps you think through your plan too!
If there are any varieties that you love of something, let me know! Maybe I’ll try them too!