BLOGS

As Winter begins to come to a close and Spring inches ever nearer, seasoned gardeners and beginners looking to start a garden begin to plan out what they want to grow this year. You can always get juvenile starter plants but many people choose to begin their gardens using seeds instead. And if you are starting out with seeds, now is the time to go shopping for a selection. Just make sure to keep these few things in mind when you head out to the garden center.

Know What You Already Have

Before you start hauling in a bunch of new seeds, it would be wise to take stock of the ones you already have in your stash. You may think you have some tomato seeds left over but in reality you used them all last year. Or you could just as easily overstock on a seed that you already have many of. So it definitely does not hurt to take a few moments to sort through what you have and jot down what you need/want. For future reference, it is also smart to save the packages of specific varieties of seeds that you enjoyed growing. That way you can reference them later and repurchase the specific ones you like the best.

Don’t Procrastinate

The first few months of the year are generally blustery and cold. Most of us are not really thinking about gardening. But you should be! It's always a good idea to get a head start on making your seed selections, but this is all the more true since the pandemic has affected so many supply chains. Seed suppliers experienced shortages last year and they are likely to experience them this year too. So, in order to snag the seeds you really want, get started looking through those catalogs or visiting your local garden center now.

Don’t Be Too Adventurous

Especially when browsing through a seed catalog, the choices can be so exciting! It is easy to get swept up in all of the interesting varieties and fun seeds you can try. And while there is nothing wrong with trying something new, maybe allot just a small portion of your garden to new ventures. This way, you can still reap a rewarding harvest of tried-and-true crops and still get to try your hand at something new. And if the new crop is a success, great! But if not, the gardening season is not a total loss. You can always try again next year.

All in all, now is the perfect time to get started on planning your garden for the year. Keep these tips in mind to optimize your seed shopping experience!

And if you are looking for the ideal place to start your garden, start with Green Haven Homes. We build homes with touches that reflect your personality and on lots that allow you to create whatever your heart desires, including gardens.