digitS'
Garden Master
I decided that I wouldn't procrastinate on seed orders this year. That meant that I would have things done "On Time" instead of at a "comfortable time," and then trusting the promptness that the seed companies that I have dealt with have shown in the past.
One reason is because I see the concern some have expressed about seed shortages. Okay. This could be because varieties and sources become popular and waves of customers drift one way or another in any season and for any product. And, there may be shortages. There may also be labor shortages. Gardening has sometimes been noted as the #1 hobby in the US. I've wondered if that was true but suspect it's more likely true these days. I have certainly seen a number of small seed company startups in recent years, with the advent of the internet. Seems like varieties can be searched out, located, and orders should be able to be filled.
Well in 2021 - there's a lot of "sorry for any inconvenience" statements on seed company websites. Also, I'm wondering where catalogs that I usually receive in January have gotten to. Sure, there was the usual flurry of early catalogs, well before Christmas. Some are always kinda late but I'm thinking that some seed outfits are having some problems even getting their offerings out before the public. Also, there may have been some variety availability glitches.
You know, 30 years ago there was an acknowledgement that much of the hybridizing was being done in East Africa. We have watched that labor intensive work being done more and more in China. Lately, there has been some new trade restrictions between the US and China. I wonder if that isn't effecting hybrid availability. Still, an outfit like Southern Exposure doesn't deal in hybrids but when you show up on their website, you see the damnedest thing. They are suggesting other companies for your seed purchases. Wow!
I wanted to keep the 2021 seed sources down to a bare minimum. I've dealt with lots of companies in the past. Also, there have been a few new ones that I have seen really expanding their line-up over recent years. It's exciting and I've been willing to try these new guys. After sorting out a primary source, I've been trying to fill the gaps, sometimes unexpected. It's been tough!
My advice --- Don't procrastinate in 2021. If the catalog is late, search the websites. If there aren't many packages on the garden center racks, haunt 'em! Stop by repeatedly to see what new shipments have come in. Go looking for what you want. Be flexible and do some research. Find what you need and what will be fun for the growing season.
Steve
One reason is because I see the concern some have expressed about seed shortages. Okay. This could be because varieties and sources become popular and waves of customers drift one way or another in any season and for any product. And, there may be shortages. There may also be labor shortages. Gardening has sometimes been noted as the #1 hobby in the US. I've wondered if that was true but suspect it's more likely true these days. I have certainly seen a number of small seed company startups in recent years, with the advent of the internet. Seems like varieties can be searched out, located, and orders should be able to be filled.
Well in 2021 - there's a lot of "sorry for any inconvenience" statements on seed company websites. Also, I'm wondering where catalogs that I usually receive in January have gotten to. Sure, there was the usual flurry of early catalogs, well before Christmas. Some are always kinda late but I'm thinking that some seed outfits are having some problems even getting their offerings out before the public. Also, there may have been some variety availability glitches.
You know, 30 years ago there was an acknowledgement that much of the hybridizing was being done in East Africa. We have watched that labor intensive work being done more and more in China. Lately, there has been some new trade restrictions between the US and China. I wonder if that isn't effecting hybrid availability. Still, an outfit like Southern Exposure doesn't deal in hybrids but when you show up on their website, you see the damnedest thing. They are suggesting other companies for your seed purchases. Wow!
I wanted to keep the 2021 seed sources down to a bare minimum. I've dealt with lots of companies in the past. Also, there have been a few new ones that I have seen really expanding their line-up over recent years. It's exciting and I've been willing to try these new guys. After sorting out a primary source, I've been trying to fill the gaps, sometimes unexpected. It's been tough!
My advice --- Don't procrastinate in 2021. If the catalog is late, search the websites. If there aren't many packages on the garden center racks, haunt 'em! Stop by repeatedly to see what new shipments have come in. Go looking for what you want. Be flexible and do some research. Find what you need and what will be fun for the growing season.
Steve