Each hardy type of plant becomes a small but crucial part of a strong seed system that supports farming, which is the basis of a robust food system. The unpredictable 2020 seed catalogue season highlighted the importance of resilience for both seed company employees and their customers. Lessons learned from the chaotic year of high sales can help prepare for the upcoming 2021 gardening season, which officially begins this month with the arrival of new catalogues. Last year at this time, no one could have anticipated the surge in sales of up to 300% that followed the national emergency declaration on March 13, just two days after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. Joshua D'errico, marketing coordinator for Johnny's Selected Seeds, with nearly five decades of sales data, recalled the surprise of returning to the office to find a large number of orders had come in. "We initially believed it was just a temporary issue, but it turned out to be more serious than we anticipated," said Heron Breen, a research and development manager at Fedco Seeds, a company catering to Northeastern gardeners since 1978. Breen explained that they received advance notice from colleagues at other companies who were also experiencing a surge in demand. As larger companies struggled to keep up with orders, smaller companies like Fedco Seeds were also inundated with requests. Fulfilment operations were overwhelmed, leading many suppliers to temporarily suspend sales in order to catch up. Despite the increase in catalogue requests and online searches for growing advice, sellers want home gardeners to know that they have ample stock available. Overall, there are no significant seed shortages beyond the typical challenges that can arise in any farming season. This may seem surprising to those who saw "out of stock" labels on many product pages last spring. Despite the wording, the lack of availability was often due to a shortage of workers to pack the seeds into packets in time to meet the increased demand. Andrea Tursini, the chief marketing officer of High Mowing Organic Seeds, explained that this happened towards the end of their typical peak season when they are not usually packing a large volume of seeds. In addition, the challenges of hiring and operating safely during the pandemic, as well as employee burnout, added to the difficulties. Seed companies have been working extra hours and skipping summer breaks to improve their systems. Prior to diving into browsing catalogues, it is advisable for home gardeners to refine their methods. It is important to approach shopping smartly and to view catalogues as resources for study rather than just for purchasing. Having a variety of seed catalogues, whether in print or online, can be beneficial as each one has its own unique specialties. Reading variety descriptions can be very informative as they show the range of traits that a single crop can have. For example, some broccoli varieties produce one large head while others, like Piracicaba, have smaller florets that grow over several weeks. Seed catalogs also offer valuable growing information, such as which varieties are more heat-resistant. This knowledge can help you plan when to sow each variety so you can enjoy a continuous harvest. The availability of digital resources, such as Johnny's Grower's Library, has further enhanced the educational support provided by seed companies. This has led to an increase in visits to such online resources. Do not give in to impulse purchases. Prepare for seed-shopping and garden-planning season by checking your leftover seed supplies in a cool, dry cupboard. Take inventory to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money. It's okay to try new things occasionally, but make sure to research succession planting before placing your orders. Looking to improve your personal seed security? Consider purchasing open-pollinated varieties instead of hybrids, which may not produce true from seed, and save their seeds for the following year. Be prepared to be flexible and adapt like a seed. Despite careful planning, companies cannot accurately predict factors such as the number of returning customers or new customers in the upcoming year. One element that was consistent between 2019 and 2020 was noted by D’errico. Johnny's Selected Seeds had the same top 12 crops selling well among home gardeners, although they were in a slightly different order. The top four crops - zinnias, bush beans, heirloom tomatoes, and hot peppers - remained unchanged in their ranking. However, sellers and buyers should be prepared to adjust to changes. Tursini from High Mowing Organic Seeds recommended being flexible and trying out different varieties if a particular one is sold out, as you might discover one that you like even more. "Order early, but remain calm," she advised, a sentiment also expressed by Breen of Fedco Seeds. "Be thoughtful and plan your garden, not your apocalyptic survival strategy." Here are some sources for seeds. Many of the companies listed are farm-based and not just resellers, but also grow and sometimes breed their own stock. Along with Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and High Mowing Organic Seeds, notable Northeastern companies include Hudson Valley Seed, Turtle Tree Seed, and Fruition Seeds. Prairie Road Organic Seed, based in North Dakota, offers beans and tomatoes specially adapted to cold climates. The Pacific Northwest has a favorable climate for seed-farming, leading to the establishment of some exceptional companies like Adaptive Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Uprising Seeds, and Wild Garden Seed. For those looking for heat-adapted seeds for Southeastern gardens or wanting to try okra and greasy beans, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Sow True Seed are recommended. Companies catering to challenging growing conditions include Redwood Seed Co. in Northern California, High Desert Seed and Gardens in high-altitude Colorado, Native Seed/SEARCH in arid Arizona, and Snake River Seed Cooperative in Idaho. Despite being located in Iowa, Seed Savers Exchange is a national resource due to its nonprofit mission of preserving heirloom varieties. Some of the collection was acquired through Glenn Drowns from Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. Orders must be placed through traditional mail as there is no online shopping option, but the variety of seeds available is impressive. © 2020 New York Times News Service.