Seed catalogs have changed, but there’s still must-see content in online versions

In the early days of this column, I had a list of several “must have” seed catalogs. They were all snail mail catalogs. These were the ones that took care of Alaska gardeners or had fantastic pictures. It has been a while since I have written about most of these, but that doesn’t mean they are no longer favorites.

Let’s start with Territorial Seed Co. They have a nice snail mail catalog, but there is no need to send for it. The web version is simply the print version on the web. Just expand it to your screen size. Very cool and environmental. These folks have great stuff. This is my go-to place for tomato seeds.

Next, Park Seed. Its arrival in the mail was the harbinger of spring back when I was a kid. This was the first catalog from which I ever placed an order. Back then their pictures were not that high quality, so the internet has improved the catalog visually. Today there is no need to send away. It is all on the web. I particularly like the ability to zoom in when looking at a picture to get greater detail.

Burpee was another favorite my father used to get. I loved looking at the new introductions always featured and nothing has changed today. They had a thing about breeding a white marigold and would write about those efforts. Now they have ‘em and I see they have a new kind of potato and several new flower varieties. All tempt me sorely.

The one must-have catalog with the best pictures and most offerings was Thompson and Morgan. Thumbing through it was a great way to learn the names of annuals. This was an England-based company so it had to be good at gardening right? Check out their web version and especially key into the staff pics. Ohhhh, those English gardeners ... almost as good as Alaskans.

My grandfather did business with Nichols Garden Nursery, which is based in Oregon. The third generation of the family is now involved in the business. Since one generation is also a noted cook and container gardener, you know you are going to find some really fun and useful stuff. Here is another I still love!

Renee’s Garden is the morphed version of Renee Shepherd’s nursery catalog. Pictures on Renee’s packages are artfully done drawings, but the weblog has real photos and a great feature where you get to look at several photos, when available, of the same flower so you really, really get an idea what offerings look like. Renee’s is where we get our favorite sweet peas.

Finally, let’s not forget Johnny’s Selected Seeds. It made the list because it was based in cool Maine and specialized in short-season crops. At the time it was the best I could find and it still may be if you are concerned about cold hardiness. Do stay away from their tempting potatoes. Alaskan Gardeners — and farmers — should only buy Alaska-sourced spuds. Everything else in Johnny’s is more than fair game!

OK, we all have our favorite seed catalogs. I list my faves every year. If you have an unusual weblog that you enjoy, let me know. We need to start a “must see” list of weblogs to replace the “must have” catalogs.

Jeff’s Alaska Garden Calendar

Alaska Botanical Garden Annual Spring Conference: March 23-24 at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. Reserve the date and register early. Interested in presenting this year? Contact The Garden.

Pelargoniums: If you keep yours growing indoors, now is when you should trim yours back to properly shape them and kick them into flowering again. Keep the cuttings, let them callous up for a few days and then start in damp sand — not just in water.

Christmas tree recycling: These are the last days — it ends Jan. 15! Thanks to ALPAR, Christmas trees can be dropped off in designated areas at select Carrs/Safeway stores. Please note: Midtown Carrs is no longer a drop off site. Trees must be free of all lights, decorations and not in a bag. Live trees only; no wreaths.