Backyard Gardener

Story and Photos by Kat Long/Contributing Writer

One of my favorite quotes on time. It is a little out of context, but time itself doesn’t have to be the enemy. As a gardener/grower, time is something you never have enough of; except when growing is hindered by seasons, weather or access. So, let’s just enjoy these seed catalogs and get ready for growing season. The seed catalogs are arriving! So exciting. Every January and February the seed catalogs build the excitement for the coming spring: what will we plant? What will grow? Will there be enough space/time/resources/time to do all the things before next winter? Will the tomatoes sprout? So many questions. Let’s check out some answers. But first, Backyard Gardener’s Seed Catalog Rules. First rule of seed catalogs: don’t make any decisions until you have perused several books/ websites and made a list or marked all the possibilities for the coming growing season. For instance: I do not look at any of the catalogs until I have received 10 of them; either an email link to look at them electronically or in the mail. Well, we achieved the required number this week. (For reference, this week is Christmas week.) I always start with Baker Creek Seeds. They can be found online at Rareseeds. com. The catalog is beautiful and Jere Gettle, the owner, has a wonderful story. Take a few moments to read it. Another point in this catalog’s favor: these are heirloom and open pollinated seeds which have been grown and saved on Missouri farmland. These are Midwestern-grown seeds! Don’t get me wrong: plenty of my seeds are from California or other states which may not have all four seasons. But Missouri seeds, at least, understand seasonal changes. Second rule: get your seed orders in as soon as possible. Caveat: you don’t have to order all your seeds but due to the resurgence in gardening from COVID-19 and supply chain issues, you might want to get your “I always plant these” seeds ordered and on their way. Things like radishes, lettuces, cucumbers, etc. ... I’ll list some alternate ideas as backup later on, just in case you can’t find the seeds you want. Third and final Backyard Gardener rule: if you can’t get the seed/roots you want this year, order them for next year. No dwelling. Back to that time quote. It’s OK if we don’t get everything this time. Plan for next time and hope we make it to that future time.

“But I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment because they’ll never come again.” – Captain Picard, “Star Trek: Generations.” I also order seeds from Johnston Seed company in Enid for grasses and wildflowers but don’t always get a catalog as I order a fourth pound of

Annies Heirloom Seeds anniesheirloomseeds.com Baker Creek Seeds rareseeds.com Gardens Alive! gardensalive.com Gurneys Gurneys.com Johnny’s Selected Seeds johnnyseeds.com Park Seed parkseed.com Renee’s Garden Seeds reneesgarden.com Seed Savers Exchange seedsavers.org Seeds N Such seedsnsuch.com Willhite Seed Inc willhiteseed.com

See WAITING Continued on page 41