Often seeds sitting around a hardware store may have been stored at less than optimal temperature and humidity, thus decreasing your germination rate. If they are exposed to the weather they can be overheated by the sun or soaked by rain. Mail order seeds and plants are competitively priced, so you can find some great deals on basics, equipment, and tools. Selecting a Merchant Always try to place orders with reputable and dependable companies. Photo courtesy of Gurney's Seed and Nursery.
Product descriptions are a good way to judge the company's proficiency.
Look for lots of information about the plant and how to grow it. Some catalogs may even give suggestions for cooking vegetables and displaying flowers. Companies should inform consumers of a plant's drawbacks. It should clearly state growing environments in which the plant will not thrive and other specific conditions it cannot endure. All seed companies want customer loyalty, so most will offer money-back guarantees.