Surf before you sow

Browse stores and greenhouses on the web for hard-to-find flora

By Cheryl Embrett

Shopping for seeds, plants, bulbs and herbs has never been easier with so many greenhouses and seed suppliers online. And, with just a click of the mouse, you can also access a wealth of gardening information before you start planting this spring.

Master Gardener Donna Dawson, owner and publisher of Canada’s largest Internet gardening resource site, ICanGarden, says she has seen the number of online gardening and supplier sites grow from a handful in 1995 when her site first launched to “hundreds and hundreds today.” Online sales are also going strong, says Joan Adam, marketing coordinator for Stokes Seeds, which has seen a 20 per cent increase in its online sales each year for the past three years.

Browse online stores

Many greenhouses and seed suppliers have their entire catalogue online, with colourful pictures of each offering, detailed growing instructions, price and even, in the case of seeds, the number per package. Some good online sites to buy from include Dominion Seed House, Stokes Seeds, McFayden Seeds and Veseys Seeds.

“The nice thing about ordering seeds and plants online from a reputable company is that you know they will be good quality and for a little extra money, you get them sent to you rather than having to pick them up yourself,” says Dawson.

Standard delivery time is two weeks, but next-day delivery is usually available at an additional cost. Some companies have no-risk guarantees, so if your purchase fails to perform, they’ll issue a credit, replacement or refund, sight unseen.

Track down hard-to-find flora

One of the main reasons you should order seeds and plants online is that you have access to varieties you’ll never find in nurseries or garden centres. “Something that’s going to make your neighbour freeze in front of your house and say, ‘What is that?’” says Anne Garber, an avid gardener from Vancouver.

Seeds of Distinction is one of the best sites for unusual and hard-to-find seeds, while Gardens North carries more than 1,000 species of extraordinary plants. For unusual or hard-to-find herbs, try Richters Herb Specialists.

The Canadian government really restricts foreign seeds and plants that are brought into Canada, says Garber. She recommends sticking with Canadian-grown products, which are more likely to thrive in our climate.

Consider climate and zones

Canada has more than 10 different climate (or hardiness) zones, so the best time to start planting depends on where you live and whether you’re sowing right into the ground or into pots in the house.

“The most important thing is to pay strict attention to planting times,” says Dawson. “Check seed packages or catalogues for specific planting information, and follow it.”

To find the plant hardiness zone in your area, click on the Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones link on the Canadian Gardening home page or on the Zone Map at McFayden Seeds.

Happy planting!

Want to organize all of your gardening information in one place? Find out how to cultivate your garden with your computer.