How best to use seed catalogs
Seed and nursery catalogs are out and we’re on the road to planning our 2024 gardens.
Catalogs are more than just pictures. They are reference books, telling us what will and won’t grow here or how long it will take for a plant to grow. Catalogs can be a resource to help you save time and money, so you don’t buy plants that aren’t designed for our growing conditions.
Lots of information is available from catalogs. You can determine if a plant is an annual or perennial and understand the mature plant size, shape, and soil requirements. Color options, blooming period and cold tolerance will be listed.
Most catalogs include the USDA Plant Hardiness Map so that you can see our hardiness zone and match it to the plant you are considering. Find planting tips and techniques. For vegetable gardeners, there’s time-to-harvest information as well as insect and disease tolerance.
Use catalogs in your design plans. A great winter project is to use catalogs for your garden layout. By using information such as size and height, you can start plans to fit your space, get ideas on color combinations, or select plants for all season interest. You can also use catalogs to plan your vegetable garden space.
Catalogs are mini-horticultural textbooks. Many catalogs are available free of charge. Visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac website at https://www.almanac.com/content/garden-seed-catalogs-mail to request different catalogs.
Seed catalogs are a must if you want to start your own plants. If you would like to start your own plants from seed, consider joining us for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County’s first Spring Fever event on April 13, 2024, from 9 am to noon. We will feature a class on indoor seed starting.
To learn more about the event please visit our website at cceoneida.com and click on events. Also see the registration link below: https://cceoneida.com/events/2024/04/13/spring-garden-fever. Registration is required. Be sure to like us on Facebook to receive updates on this event.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County answers home and garden questions which can be emailed to[email protected] or call 315-736-3394, press 1 and ext. 333. Leave your question, name and phone number. Questions are answered on weekdays, 8am to 4pm. Also, visit our website athttp://cceoneida.com/ or phone 315-736-3394, press 1 and then ext.100.
