As temperatures get colder, most gardeners are starting to have dreams of the first juicy-ripe tomato or heavenly fragrance of a garden-fresh rose. While we may not be able to garden, it is not too early to plan what to grow.
Plants and seeds are available from many sources, including local garden centers,
hardware stores, and department stores. But retailers aren’t able to carry every
cultivar, so you may find it necessary to make selections from mail-order gardening
catalogs.
With thousands available, including many on the Internet, how do you decide
which catalog to use? Here are a few tips to guide your search:
• Ask other gardeners. Most will be happy to tell you their favorite
catalogs.
• Check descriptions. Common names of plants are always listed, but
these names vary from region to region. Check the description for the Latin
botanic name and the cultivar name of the plant. Botanic names are international
and usually don’t vary. It is particularly important to know a plant’s botanic
name when ordering perennial flowers, trees and shrubs. For example if a company
lists a plant’s name as “Siberian iris,” you could receive any one of several
different plants with different growing characteristics. But if the common name
Siberian iris is listed as well as the botanic name Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s
Brother,’ the company will send you this specific plant.
• Check quantities. Many companies sell different sizes of seed packets
and plants. Seeds are sold in ounces, pounds or by a specific quantity. Avoid
buying more seed than you need; most seed will last only one or two years. The
size or age of shipped plants should be listed. A two-year-old plant may be
a better investment than a seedling or row run plant, especially for a beginning
gardener.
• Check growing information. Catalog descriptions should include growing
information such as plant hardiness zone ratings (we are in zone 5) and light,
soil, and water requirements. Some catalogs will even list the pros and cons
of a plant. Be cautious of outrageous claims, and plant descriptions like “vigorous”
or “fast-growing.”
• Check the fine print. Before placing an order, review the company’s
shipping charges, return policies and guarantees. Sometimes the shipping charges
are more than the total purchase. You may find it wise to combine orders with
fellow gardeners. Will the company replace an order that you are not satisfied
with? How long after purchase is replacement possible? Many companies will guarantee
hardy plants for up to one year. If you are ordering plants by mail order, when
will items be shipped?
If you are unsure of a company’s reputation, place a trial order before making
large purchase.
Keep notes about the plants and seeds you purchase — germination rates, vigor
of plants, insect and disease resistance, and ability of the plant to survive
growing conditions of your area. This information will help you determine the
dependability of the sources you have chosen.
Catalog Resource
A useful mail order garden resource is Cyndi’s Catalog of Garden Catalogs
located at www.qnet.com/~johnsonj/.
This site references most of the mail order gardening catalogs in the United
States and Canada; listing more than 2,000 mailing and Web addresses, phone
numbers, and specialties.
(University of Illinois Extension does not endorse any company.)
This article appears in Jan 8-14, 2004.
