ON THE GARDEN PATH by Carolyn Herriot

Gardeners are always eager to plunge into the world of seed catalogues, but the information can be both tempting and confusing. Knowing how to interpret symbols, abbreviations and classifications will help you get the most from the catalogues.
If you are an organic gardener, you’ll want seeds that have not been treated or genetically modified (GM) and ideally, organically grown. Some catalogues clearly state that a company does not sell treated or GM seeds. Treatment usually consists of coating seeds with a fungicide against soil-borne pathogens to assist with earlier planting. Organic seeds are more readily available today, as seed growers shift their methods of cultivation to meet changing organic standards.
Each year, catalogues are filled with pages of exciting new introductions, the work of plant breeders promoting new hybrid varieties. F1 means first filial generation; F1 hybrids are the first generation produced by crossing unlike parents to create offspring that exhibit hybrid vigour and uniformity. Hybrids are not stable, so seeds saved from F1 plants will not grow true to type and characteristics may revert to the parent strains. The original crossing must therefore be repeated each year.
Hybrids are fine unless you want diversity or plan to save your own seeds. Hybrid varieties have been developed for farmers who seek uniformity for harvesting. Home gardeners don’t want vegetables that all ripen at the same time and they don’t care if they are not all the same size. For greater diversity and for seed saving, select only open-pollinated vegetable seeds and seeds of flower species. The term open-pollinated indicates that agents of nature – the wind and bees – have pollinated the flowers, and that the resulting seeds will come true.
Many plants are designated as heirloom, heritage or traditional, but the distinction is confusing. While there are no universally accepted definitions for these terms, the following works for me: heritage or traditional varieties were developed more than 50 years ago and include many that are commercially developed. Heirloom varieties have been preserved by home gardeners and private individuals and are passed down from generation to generation.
Flower seeds are categorized as HHA, HA, BI, TP and HP. Hardy annuals (HA) can stand some frost and may be sown in early spring. Half-hardy annuals (HHA) are killed by frost and may be sown outdoors in late spring or earlier in a greenhouse or under grow lights. Transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed. Sow biennials (BI) early and plant outdoors to overwinter and flower the following season. Hardy perennials (HP) may flower the first year from seed if started early in a greenhouse or cold frame, and will overwinter if grown in the appropriate climate zone. Tender perennials (TP) need extra protection from winter and may need to be brought into a greenhouse.
Seeds are usually listed alphabetically under their botanical names, followed by their common names. Check the botanical name and don’t rely on the common name only, which may vary among catalogues. By knowing the genus, species and varietal name, you can be sure of what you are ordering.
Quantities of seeds offered vary from sample packets to full ounces; the more you buy, the cheaper the seeds. Flower seeds often have a shelf life of several years, so buying larger quantities can be economical, as you can save some seeds to grow in future years.
The days to maturity stated does not always reflect the difference between plants that are direct seeded and those grown from six-week-old transplants. In the case of transplants, you’ll need to calculate if your growing season is long enough. To the days of maturity given, add approximately seven days for germination, 42 days for the transplant to develop, and possibly another 21 days for ripening in a cool summer season. This could double the days to maturity from 70 to 140.
Browsing seed catalogues is always fun. Many are full of invaluable, cultural information – even recipes – but reading the small print and knowing how to interpret the information will help you get the most from them.

Extracted from A Year on the Garden Path: A 52-Week Organic Gardening Guide by Carolyn Herriot. Second Edition $24.95. Available from your favourite bookstore or order online at (www.earthfuture.com/gardenpath).