Can't Find The Varieties You Want to Grow?
 

Gardeners don’t have to settle for growing the same few varieties each year that are available at their local garden center or farm coop. Thousands of seed companies are now as close as the click of a mouse. Still, it can be frustrating to learn about new plants and be unable to find them when you're ready to plant. What should you do?

• Plan or design your garden or landscape several months in advance, to allow time to find the exact varieties you want to plant. If you have the time and right conditions, plan to grow your own transplants.
• Search the Internet for sources of plants or seeds you're interested in growing. Chances are you'll find many links to other Web sites that have the plants you're looking for. Check all-americaselections.org for the latest vegetable and flower seed award winners.
• Be sure to ask whether plants or seeds are available immediately and the cost of shipping and handling.
• If you don't have access to the Internet or can’t find a particular business on the web, check gardening books such as "Gardening by Mail." When you get on the mailing list of one gardening supplier, you’ll receive catalogs from many companies. Some companies require that you purchase their catalog in exchange for a rebate toward the purchase of their products.
• Most importantly, educate local retailers to new varieties and the plants you want to grow. It may take a season or two and enough gardeners asking for these varieties before they will stock them.

SOURCE: Mary Beth Musgrove, Extension Associate-Horticulture, Alabama Cooperative Extension, (334) 844-5481