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Plenty of options in seed catalogues

Taking time to sit and read a few seed catalogue can be relaxing and it helps to plan next year’s garden.
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Seed catalogues offer a wealth of information

Taking time to sit and read a few seed catalogue can be relaxing and it helps to plan next year’s garden.

Experienced gardeners know that there are differences between all the seed companies. While the seed might all be grown in the same area or even the same field, the amount of seeds in a package, varieties available, the cost of a package as well as shipping and handling vary with each company.

For those that wish to physical touch and compare the seed package before making a purchase, Mackenzie seed, The Seed Center and Bow Seeds are available in most grocery and hardware stores.

Another alternative is to go to Parkland Nurseries in Red Deer. They have a large selection of seed and are offering a 15 per cent discount on all seeds purchased before Jan. 30. To receive this discount you need a coupon which is available through the store’s free newsletter.

For those that like Bow Seed in Bowden, it is also possible to order from their catalogue out of Bowden. Shipping costs starts at $5.95 for an order under $20. Seeds packages are available in a number of different package sizes, making it more economical to plant large gardens.

The Seed Center in Edmonton has an online catalogue of seeds that grow well in Central Alberta. If you are looking for seed for short season crops, look here. They charge $3 shipping on small orders and factor the costs in on large custom orders.

T&T Seeds in Winnipeg will give a 10 per cent discount on all orders received before midnight on Feb. 18. They charge $6.95 for shipping seeds or a Toonie if the order is less than 10 small packages of seed.

Thompson & Morgan Seeds is an old English company that carries select seeds. At present time they are giving a discount of $5 on all orders over $40. Shipping starts at $6.95 for a $15 order.

Dominion Seeds has a huge selection of seeds which include a good description as well as the number of seeds per package. The cost of shipping is confusing as it changes depending on where the product is shipped and the type of seed packages ordered. For some, shipping will be free; for others the shipping fee will start at $7 and go up.

Vesey Seeds ships from Prince Edward Island. They have a large variety of seeds available through their catalogue. Each variety gives a seed count that helps determine how many packages are needed. Shipping starts $5.95 with an order of $20.

Lindenberg Seeds is another long-time Prairie seed house. Their catalogue lacks the luster of many other companies but their claim to low frills and comparable prices is true. The number of seeds per package is mentioned and can be less than other companies. Depending on the consumers needs this can mean less waste and lower prices.

Shipping is $5.50 for orders under $40 and free on larger orders.

William Dam Seeds has a tremendous variety of seeds available which should satisfy the adventuresome gardener. Before making a choice, check the number of days to maturity. Unfortunately, we in Central Alberta have a shorter growing season than those who live in warmer climates.

Stokes Seeds cater to the individual gardener and commercial growers. They sell a large variety of seeds packages which include excellent growing instructions. Seed packages, especially vegetables, come in a variety of sizes making it cost effective for those with a large garden. Shipping is inexpensive; $6.95 for all orders under $200.

Most people have a favourite place to pick up or order seed. Good seed and good service brings people back every year.

Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturist and educator living in Rocky Mountain House. You can contact her at your_garden@hotmail.com