The days have grown shorter, the garden has settled into dormancy, and we spend our evenings cozied up next to the wood burning fireplace. I find this time of year perfect for browsing the newest seed catalogs, diving into my seed collection and planning for the upcoming growing season. It’s a quiet and reflective activity that not only prepares me for the year ahead but also brings a sense of excitement for the potential that each little seed holds.
Step 1: Reviewing and Organizing My Seed Collection
I keep all of my seeds in these photo storage boxes. These are hands down the best option for not only organizing but also protecting the seeds. The little seed packets fit perfectly in the individual boxes. I have a confession to make…. I have five of these boxes full of seeds! I have one box with warm season crops, one box for cool weather crops, a third box with herbs, a fourth box for flowers and a fifth for overflow! Within each box I organize the seeds by type; tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers…. you get the point. You can get these boxes at most craft supply stores or even on amazon.
I will begin by getting out all of my boxes of seeds. Then I will pick one category at a time and spread the seeds out on the floor where I can see everything. For example all of my tomato seeds or all of my pepper seeds. From there, I:
- Check expiration dates: Although there is a bit of misconception about seed expiration dates, some seeds do lose viability over time, such as carrots and corn, so I make note of the seeds I need to use up first.
- Re-organize: Sometimes as I am planting seeds, the seeds can get disorganized or put in the wrong photo box. So I will take this time to make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be.
- Assess packaging: Damaged or unsealed packets are inspected to ensure the seeds haven’t been compromised by moisture or pests. I like to use washi tape to reseal packets once they’ve been opened.
Step 2: Taking Inventory
Once I have gone through everything and it is organized, I create an inventory list. This helps me keep track of what I already have and prevents me from buying duplicates. My inventory includes:
- Seed variety name
- Quantity remaining
- Special varieties I need to re-order
I like to keep track of my seeds on a spreadsheet where I can easily go back for reference and adjust whenever or wherever I am.
Step 3: Planning Next Year’s Garden
With my inventory list complete, I start going through all the new seed catalogs. I will write down any new varieties I find that I want to try out. Then I start sketching out what I want to grow next year. This is the fun part! Here’s what I consider:
- Seasonal goals: What do I want to harvest and how much do we need?
- Crop rotation: Even in my raised bed garden, I plan to rotate crops to maintain soil health and prevent pests and diseases. There are some designated areas, like corn and potatoes that cannot be changed so those areas we take special care to add amendments.
- Space availability: I review how much garden space I have and match my plant list accordingly. Here’s the fun part. I plan two gardens every year! My personal raised bed garden here at my house and one I call the “Family Garden”. It is a larger in-ground garden at my in-laws place.
- New varieties: I always reserve a little room to try new seeds and experiment with different crops.
Step 4: Making a Seed Shopping List
After identifying gaps in my collection and deciding what new varieties I want to try out, I create a seed shopping list. This ensures I only purchase what I truly need and can focus on varieties I’m most excited about growing. My list usually includes:
- Must-have staples (e.g., carrots, lettuce, tomatoes)
- Specific varieties I loved from years past
- New seeds I want to try
Step 5: Trusted Seed Companies I Shop From
Over the years, I’ve found a few seed companies that I consistently rely on for quality and variety. Here are my top picks:
- MIGardener: Heirloom varieties that are reliable and fairly priced.
- Botanical Interests: They offer heirloom varieties and beautiful, informative packaging.
- Territorial Seed Company: A great resource for both common and unique seed varieties.
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Perfect for high-quality seeds trusted by gardeners and farmers alike.
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds: Famous for their rare and unusual heirlooms.
Each of these companies offers excellent customer service and reliable germination rates, making them my go-to sources for building a thriving garden.
By taking the time to inventory my seeds, plan my gardens out, and shop intentionally, I set the stage for a successful growing season. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this process can help you feel organized, inspired, and ready to dig into the soil when spring arrives.
