I'm all caught up with holiday decorating, and catalogs keep coming in the mailbox. Well, hot cocoa and seed catalogs, what could be more fun for an avid gardener on a cold winter's day?
I really hadn't planned on purchasing any new seeds this year, but alas, I did. Bakers Creek has been my number 1 go to for seeds over the years. I love that they carry #heirloom #seeds. That is very important to me, as I save my own seed every year and have been doing so for over 25 years now. They send the seed packets in these cute envelopes that are just so adorable and make the order seem extra special.
After looking through the entire catalog and circling so many items, I finally went through a second time to narrow down my selections.
I was really drawn to the dark leafed Kale and Bok Choy this year. They are so nutritious and easy to grow too.
I already have cauliflower seeds but after reading the description on this variety, decided to give it a try for 2026. They also always send a free packet of seeds, and this time I got Shishito Pepper seeds. I do love growing a lot of different varieties and this will be a new one for me.
Sometimes I like to grow Petunias for my hanging baskets. This one really caught my eye, so I can't wait to see how it will perform for me this summer. It's a pretty one for sure. I normally grow purple or dark pink, so this one will be fun.
Renee's Garden
I was on a quest to find a Sweet Paprika pepper to grow next year. I already have a hot Hungarian Paprika seed but want a milder one for regular recipes. I do dry my peppers to make my own powders. I finally found this one online at Renee's garden. After going through all the categories, I came across the Exotic Love Vine.
When I used to grow and sell plants at the local market I grew this vine. Back then I knew it as Spanish Flag, and it was a customer favorite. So, I decided that I would grow it for the hummingbirds and let it climb up one of the bird nesting poles by the butterfly garden.
I'm pretty sure that I will not be purchasing any more seeds for 2026, but then another catalog shows up, and you know the probability, right? Have you started ordering seeds for your garden yet?
