Can You Survive a Gardening Winter Without Buying Seeds?

[TEG Project Manager]

Winter gardening is quiet. Too quiet. And that’s when it happens. You’re minding your own business when a seed catalog appears in the mailbox. Or an email pops up with the words “new varieties.” Suddenly, you’re imagining tomatoes while it’s snowing outside.

So let’s be honest with ourselves. Can you actually make it through winter without buying seeds?

Grab a warm drink and answer these questions truthfully.

1. A seed catalog arrives in the mail. What do you do first?​

A. Recycle it immediately
B. Flip through quickly, just to look
C. Circle a few favorites
D. Grab a pen and start planning

2. How many seed catalogs do you currently have?​

A. None
B. One or two
C. A small stack
D. Enough to qualify as reading material

3. When you see “limited quantity,” how do you react?​

A. Ignore it
B. Feel mildly curious
C. Feel slightly panicked
D. Buy immediately

4. Your seed stash from last year is…​

A. Empty
B. Organized and reasonable
C. Large but manageable
D. A surprise waiting to happen

5. How often do you browse seed websites in winter?​

A. Never
B. Occasionally
C. Weekly
D. Daily, sometimes accidentally

6. Someone mentions a rare tomato variety. You…​

A. Nod politely
B. Ask a question
C. Write it down
D. Open a new browser tab

7. Do you tell yourself, “I’m just looking”?​

A. No
B. Sometimes
C. Often
D. Every single time

8. How strong is your willpower in winter?​

A. Very strong
B. Pretty good
C. Questionable
D. Nonexistent

9. Do you already have seeds you’ve never planted?​

A. No
B. Maybe one packet
C. Several packets
D. Let’s not talk about it

10. Be honest. Will you buy seeds before spring?​

A. Definitely not
B. Probably not
C. Maybe
D. Absolutely yes

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Results Time​

Mostly A’s
You might actually survive winter seed-free. You are calm, disciplined, and slightly mysterious.

Mostly B’s
You’re holding strong, but temptation is nearby. One good catalog could change everything.

Mostly C’s
You’re already negotiating with yourself. Seeds are likely in your future.

Mostly D’s
Let’s be real. You’ve probably already bought seeds. And that’s okay. Welcome to the club.

---

​

Final Thought​

Winter is long. Seeds are hopeful. And gardeners are only human.

So tell us. Did you survive the quiz without adding seeds to your cart? Or are you proudly guilty? Share your result below and let’s laugh about it together.

 

[digitS']

Mostly C's with D's a strong second. Yes, I have already ordered seed .

Re scoring, #1 was unanswered because the first thing I do with a catalog from the mailbox is to look for "what is new!" That is entertaining .

Seed catalogs can be educational with general growing tips and providing information on improving your variety line-up. Garden space is limited and just randomly making choices isn't a good idea. Also, sticking with a variety only because the name is familiar might mean being stuck with subpar quality and performance.

Steve

 

[flowerbug]

almost all A's and one B... (the first question didn't have an answer that fit so A was the closest - i don't get seed catalogues in the mail)

i have to translate a lot of the questions into what fits close to what i do here.

also the talk of seed packets. i don't buy those at the stores any more and haven't for years.

seeds i've not planted? gallons... but i know what you meant so A was the right answer, etc.