Selecting Seeds, 2025
For so many of us, farm and garden folk, the first sign of spring is the seed catalogues arriving in the mail. We surround ourselves with catalogues full of pictures of bright, cheery flowers and large prolific fresh vegetables, full of promise for the upcoming growing season. Additionally, we search for new, hardier varieties, especially if anything in last year’s gardens left us disappointed. It may seem overwhelming, but scanning and comparing offerings from a number of catalogues can not only save you a few dollars, but offer you a wider selection. It can also give you additional information on hardiness and habitat.
After reviewing last season’s notes, map out the garden plot for the upcoming season, remembering rotation, insect and animal control. It is also important to work around perennials, while keeping plant companions in mind. Once you’ve mapped out your garden plots, you’re ready to make a fair estimate of your 2025 seed needs and prepare your seed orders. Be sure to get your orders out early enough to get your seeds and, start your seeds. The seeds you start indoors should be planted in time to meet your transplant schedule. Note the hardiness of seeds you can plant directly outdoors. It’s a good idea to use catalogues that specialize in plants that grow well in your area. Most offer Zoning Maps and coding designations in plant descriptions.
The number of days to maturity listed in catalogues is simply an estimate. It may vary with local temperatures, humidity and altitude. Pay attention to your soil types and composition. Of course, you have your favorites and you may choose to order specifically labeled varieties in small packets. Many seed companies offer ‘mixes’. Mixes may allow you to explore different varieties of your favorite flowers and vegetables. You may find an improved variety and more often lengthen your season of production.
Many of your newer varieties are ‘hybrid’, which means different breeds have been crossed for specific results; higher yield, sweetness, storage, disease and insect resistance and even color. Using the seeds of hybrids will fail to ”breed true” as the next generation will likely ‘uncross’. Hybrid seeds are generally more expensive, and more promising than open-pollinated. Open-pollinated seeds can be more flavorful and tend to produce over a longer period. Their seeds may be saved for next year’s garden. Sometimes you may be surprised. One spring we tried ‘Yuppie Vegetables’ (vegetables of unusual color) just to compare taste and texture. We were surprised to find the cabbage moths did not recognize or lay their eggs on the purple cauliflower; no cabbage worms!
Beware of seeds treated with synthetic chemical fungicides. It is rare that your home garden will be threatened. These seeds are often used by commercial growers using the same fields consecutively, often within the same growing season. Look for the seeds labeled: Natural, Organic or Heirloom.
If you are a first time gardener, or prefer a more conservative approach, look for All-American Selections that tend to be more adaptable to a variety of soils and weather conditions. These also may be found in the seed racks at garden shops, labeled right on the packet!
Be sure to search out seeds that offer qualities that are most important to you. Consider sun exposure, plant size, soil composition , drainage, disease, insect and wildlife threat. Plant vegetables that your family enjoys and flowers your family prizes. Remember seasonal productivity peaks and be prepared to store or share. Quality seed yields good produce and flowers!
