My Favorite Seed Catalogs

Ah, January on the homestead—a time of crisp mornings, steaming mugs of tea, and the delightful crackle of wood stoves. The landscape may be cloaked in frost, but beneath the surface, life stirs. Not in the soil just yet, but in the mind of every gardener. Yes, friends, it’s that magical moment: time to order seeds!

Nothing quite compares to the thrill of flipping through seed catalogs or scrolling through the virtual aisles of your favorite seed companies. Each vibrant photo whispers promises of bountiful harvests and vibrant blooms. This year, as always, my go-to seed sources are MI Gardener, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and True Leaf Market. Each of these purveyors has its own charm and specialties, making the decision-making process both delightful and deliciously difficult.

MI Gardener: Affordable Treasures

If you’ve never explored MI Gardener, let me tell you: this is where affordability meets quality. Their mission to make gardening accessible for all is reflected in their delightfully low prices without skimping on the quality of seeds. Their collection is vast, with heirloom varieties that feel like they come with their own stories. Last year, their Mortgage Lifter tomatoes were the talk of my garden—gigantic, juicy, and perfect for sandwiches. Check them out at www.migardener.com.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company: A Gardener’s Wonderland

Opening a Baker Creek catalog is like stepping into a fairytale. Their focus on rare and exotic heirloom varieties means you’ll find seeds that are as much conversation pieces as they are delicious. Ever heard of the Dragon’s Tongue bean or the Glass Gem corn? These seeds bring a touch of whimsy and wonder to any garden. Plus, their commitment to non-GMO, untreated seeds makes every purchase feel virtuous. Explore their offerings at www.rareseeds.com.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Precision and Professionalism

When it comes to reliability, Johnny’s Selected Seeds is unparalleled. Trusted by professional growers and home gardeners alike, their seeds are all about high performance. I rely on them for staples like carrots and lettuce. Their website is also a treasure trove of resources—seed-starting guides, videos, and planting calculators that make garden planning a breeze. Visit them at www.johnnyseeds.com.

True Leaf Market: Microgreens and More

True Leaf Market has a special place in my heart for their incredible selection of microgreen and sprouting seeds. When the winter months stretch long, growing a tray of spicy radish or sweet pea shoots is like having a little taste of spring right on your windowsill. Their seeds are top-notch and their customer service is stellar. Browse their products at www.trueleafmarket.com.

The Ritual of Seed Planning

There’s a meditative quality to planning your garden while the ground lies dormant. The sketches, the lists, the dreams of what will grow in each row—it’s the gardener’s version of storytelling. What new variety will you try this year? Will you finally grow the butternut squash that’s been on your wishlist? Or maybe it’s time to experiment with edible flowers like nasturtiums and calendula?

Remember, ordering seeds early means you’ll have the best selection before the spring rush. It also gives you time to organize your seed-starting setup, inventory leftover seeds from last year, and dream about the garden that’s just a few short months away.

So, let’s gather our catalogs and make our lists. Let’s imagine the dirt under our fingernails, the sun on our backs, and the first tender sprouts of the season. Seed ordering time is here, and with it, the promise of all the beauty and bounty to come.

What about you? Share your favorite heirloom variety or seed company in the comments below and let’s grow together!