Ordering New Seeds and Plants in December: Essential Winter Planning for a Thriving Garden

Introduction

December may be the off-season for many gardeners, but it’s the perfect time to start planning for the upcoming growing season by ordering new seeds and plants. With winter keeping us indoors, there’s no better opportunity to reflect on last year’s garden, browse seed catalogs, and prepare for a fresh start. Ordering seeds and plants in December ensures you have a wide selection to choose from, plenty of time to plan your garden layout, and a head start on your gardening goals for the new year. This guide will explain why December is ideal for ordering new seeds and plants, how to make the best choices, and answer common questions to help you get your garden ready for a productive season.

Why Ordering Seeds and Plants in December Is Beneficial

Wider selection of seeds and plants: Ordering early gives you access to a broader range of seeds and plants. Many popular varieties sell out quickly, so ordering in December ensures you get what you want.
Better planning: Getting your seeds and plants early allows you to plan your garden layout and planting schedule without the rush. This means you can make thoughtful decisions about what to grow and where to plant it.
Access to special offers: Many seed companies and nurseries offer early-bird discounts, promotions, and special seed collections in December. This can save you money and help you discover new varieties.
Avoid last-minute stress: By ordering in advance, you avoid the stress of last-minute shopping when spring arrives. You’ll have everything you need ready to go, allowing you to focus on planting and enjoying your garden.

Types of Seeds and Plants to Consider Ordering in December

Whether you’re planning a vegetable garden, a flower bed, or a mix of both, December is a great time to stock up on a variety of seeds and plants:

Vegetable Seeds

Description: Ordering vegetable seeds early lets you plan for a diverse and productive vegetable garden. Consider heirloom varieties for unique flavors and appearances.
Popular choices: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, and beans.

Herb Seeds

Description: Herbs are versatile and easy to grow, making them perfect for containers, garden beds, and even windowsills. Early ordering lets you experiment with new culinary herbs.
Popular choices: Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, chives, and cilantro.

Flower Seeds

Description: Flowers add beauty and color to any garden. Ordering seeds in December allows you to choose a range of annuals and perennials that bloom throughout the growing season.
Popular choices: Sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, and sweet peas.

Bare-Root Plants

Description: Bare-root plants, such as roses, shrubs, and fruit trees, are often available for pre-order in winter. Planting them early helps them establish strong roots before the growing season.
Popular choices: Roses, raspberry canes, fruit trees, asparagus crowns, and strawberries.

Specialty Seeds

Description: Specialty seeds include heirloom, organic, or rare varieties that you might not find in local garden centers. December is the best time to secure these unique seeds before they sell out.
Popular choices: Heirloom tomatoes, rare peppers, unusual flowering plants, and gourmet vegetable varieties.

How to Effectively Order Seeds and Plants in December

With so many options, it’s important to approach ordering with a plan. Here’s how to make the best choices and ensure a successful gardening season:

1. Review Last Year’s Garden

Why it’s important: Reflecting on what worked well (and what didn’t) in your garden last year can guide your choices. Consider which plants thrived, which varieties you enjoyed most, and what you’d like to improve or try this year.
How to review: Make a list of successes and challenges. Think about which plants produced the most, which were the easiest to grow, and any new varieties you want to experiment with.

2. Plan Your Garden Layout and Planting Schedule

Why planning ahead helps: Deciding where and when to plant each crop ensures that you make the most of your garden space and growing season. It also allows you to plan for crop rotation, companion planting, and successive planting.
How to plan: Sketch a layout of your garden beds, noting where each type of plant will go. Consider the amount of sun, shade, and soil conditions in each area to make sure you’re placing plants in the right spots.

3. Browse Seed Catalogs and Online Stores

Why catalogs are useful: Seed catalogs are full of information about different varieties, growing tips, and new plant introductions. Browsing catalogs can help you discover new plants and get inspired for your garden.
How to choose: Look for varieties that are suited to your growing zone and garden conditions. Read descriptions carefully, paying attention to plant size, growing requirements, and days to maturity.

4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Why quality matters: High-quality seeds have better germination rates, leading to healthier, more vigorous plants. Investing in quality seeds saves time and effort in the long run.
How to ensure quality: Purchase seeds from reputable seed companies known for their commitment to quality. Check for reviews, seed certification, and information on where the seeds are sourced.

5. Take Advantage of Early-Bird Discounts and Specials

Why order early: Many seed companies offer discounts and special deals for early orders placed in December. This can help you save money and secure rare or limited varieties before they sell out.
How to find deals: Sign up for newsletters from your favorite seed companies to stay informed about discounts. Compare prices across different retailers and take advantage of bundle offers or free shipping deals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Seeds and Plants in December

Ordering seeds and plants in winter can be exciting, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Buying more than you can grow: It’s easy to get carried away with all the options. Over-ordering can lead to wasted seeds and crowded garden beds. Stick to a plan and buy only what you can realistically grow.
Ignoring your climate zone: Make sure the seeds and plants you order are suitable for your climate. Even the best seeds won’t thrive if they’re not suited to your growing conditions.
Not reading seed packet information: Seed packets contain valuable information about germination, planting depth, and spacing. Ignoring these details can lead to planting mistakes.

Benefits of Ordering New Seeds and Plants in December

Ensures a wide selection: Early ordering gives you access to the full range of seeds and plants before popular varieties sell out. This is especially important for unique or rare plants.
Promotes better garden planning: Ordering seeds early allows you to take your time planning your garden layout, considering crop rotation, companion planting, and succession planting.
Saves money: Early-bird discounts and special deals can make ordering in December more cost-effective, allowing you to stretch your budget and try new varieties.

Best Practices for Ordering New Seeds and Plants in December

Label seeds clearly: When your seeds arrive, label them with the variety, planting date, and any special notes. This makes it easier to organize your planting schedule in spring.
Store seeds properly: Store seeds in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh until planting. A sealed container in a dark cabinet is ideal for maintaining seed viability.
Create a seed inventory: Keep track of what you’ve ordered and what you already have. This prevents duplicate purchases and helps you plan for successive planting.

Common Questions and Answers About Ordering New Seeds and Plants in December

Why should I order seeds and plants in December?

Ordering in December gives you access to a wider range of seeds and plants, ensures you get what you want before popular varieties sell out, and allows for better garden planning.

How do I choose which seeds to order?

Consider your gardening goals, review what worked well in your garden last year, and look for varieties that are suited to your climate and growing conditions. Use seed catalogs for inspiration.

Can I save money by ordering seeds early?

Yes, many seed companies offer discounts, promotions, and bundle deals for early orders. Ordering in December can help you save money and get more value for your budget.

What should I do if my seeds arrive early?

Store seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant. Make sure they are labeled and organized, so you can easily access them when it’s time to sow.

Should I buy organic seeds?

Organic seeds are grown without synthetic chemicals and are a good choice if you prefer organic gardening practices. Look for certified organic labels to ensure quality.

How can I tell if seeds are high-quality?

Purchase from reputable seed companies known for quality. Check for germination rates, read reviews, and ensure the seeds are packaged and labeled with information about their origin.

Can I order seeds for plants that are difficult to grow?

Yes, but be prepared to provide the special care these plants might need. Make sure you understand the growing requirements and are willing to invest the time and effort.

What is the best way to plan my garden layout for new seeds?
- Sketch a plan of your garden beds, considering factors like sun exposure, soil type, and spacing requirements. Plan for crop rotation and companion planting to optimize plant health.
How do I know if I’ve ordered too many seeds?
- Consider the size of your garden and how much time you can dedicate to planting and maintenance. Over-ordering can lead to wasted seeds and overcrowded garden beds.
Are there benefits to ordering bare-root plants in December?
- Yes, bare-root plants are often cheaper and can establish stronger root systems when planted early. Ordering in December ensures you receive them in time for planting at the right moment.