Each resilient type of seed becomes a crucial component in a strong seed system that supports agriculture, which is the basis of a resilient food system. The unpredictable seed-catalogue season of 2020 demonstrated the importance of resilience for both seed company employees and customers. Lessons learned from the chaos of last year's record-breaking sales can help prepare for the 2021 gardening season, which is starting this month with the release of new catalogues. The sudden increase in sales, up to 300%, following the national emergency declaration on March 13, caught many by surprise. Joshua D'errico, marketing coordinator for Johnny's Selected Seeds, noted the unprecedented number of orders received when staff returned to the office after the emergency declaration. "We initially believed it was just a temporary issue, but it turned out to be more serious than we anticipated," explained Heron Breen, a research and development manager at Fedco Seeds, a company that has been serving Northeastern gardeners since 1978. Breen mentioned that they received a warning from colleagues at other companies about the increase in demand. The larger companies were the first to be overwhelmed, leading to a ripple effect that affected smaller companies like theirs. As a result, fulfilment operations were strained, and many suppliers had to temporarily suspend sales in order to catch up. The demand for catalogues and online growing advice also saw a significant increase. Despite these challenges, sellers of all sizes want to reassure home gardeners that they are well stocked and there are no major seed shortages beyond what is typical in farming, where crop failures can occur in any given year. It may seem contradictory to those who saw many website product pages with "out of stock" labels last spring. However, this was not typically due to a lack of seed available, but rather a shortage of staff to pack the seeds into packets in time to meet the increased demand, according to Andrea Tursini, the chief marketing officer of High Mowing Organic Seeds. Additionally, this surge in demand occurred towards the end of their usual peak season, when they are not typically packing a high volume of seeds. On top of this, seed companies faced the challenge of hiring and operating safely within pandemic guidelines, as well as dealing with employee burnout. As a result, seed companies have had to work extra hours and forego summer breaks to improve and strengthen their systems. Before diving into their catalogues, home gardeners should take the time to refine their procedures. It is important to shop wisely and carefully study the catalogues rather than just making purchases. Having a variety of seed catalogues, whether in print or online, allows for a wider selection of options as each catalogue has its own unique specialties. They are enjoyable to read and offer valuable information. By carefully reading variety descriptions, one can learn about the different 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. Catalogs not only provide information on when and how to sow seeds, but also offer insights on which varieties are better suited for hot summer weather. This information can help you plan and plant your crops at the right time, resulting in continuous harvests of lettuce for salads. Seed companies now offer educational support through digital resources, such as Johnny's Grower's Library, which has seen a significant increase in visits this year according to D'errico. Do not give in to impulsive purchases when shopping for seeds and planning your garden. It is wise to start the seed-shopping and garden-planning season by checking leftover seeds stored in a cool, dry cupboard. Take inventory to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money. It is beneficial to occasionally try new plants, but make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of succession planting before placing orders. Looking to improve your personal seed security? Consider purchasing open-pollinated varieties instead of hybrids, as hybrids may not produce accurate seeds. Save the seeds for the upcoming year and be prepared to adjust, much like a seed. Despite thorough planning, it is impossible for a company to predict factors such as the return of last year's gardeners or an increase in new customers for the following year. One constant amidst the uncertainty was the stability of at least one element from 2019 to 2020, according to D'errico. Johnny's Selected Seeds found that the top 12 crops sold to home gardeners remained consistent, with only slight changes in order. Among the top four crops - zinnias, bush beans, heirloom tomatoes, and hot peppers - the order did not change at all. However, it is important for sellers and buyers to be adaptable. Tursini from High Mowing Organic Seeds recommended being flexible and trying different varieties if a specific seed is sold out, as you may discover one that you prefer. "Order early, but don't panic," advised one expert, a sentiment also shared by Breen of Fedco Seeds. Breen emphasized the importance of planning your garden rather than focusing on a survivalist mindset. Many of the companies listed in the article are farm-based and grow their own seeds. In addition to well-known companies like Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and High Mowing Organic Seeds, smaller Northeastern companies such as Hudson Valley Seed, Turtle Tree Seed, and Fruition Seeds are also recommended. Prairie Road Organic Seed, based in North Dakota, offers cold-adapted beans and tomatoes. The Pacific Northwest has a great climate for seed farming in the United States, leading to the establishment of several exceptional companies such as Adaptive Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Uprising Seeds, and Wild Garden Seed. For those looking for heat-adapted seeds for Southern gardens or those wanting to try new crops like okra and greasy beans, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Sow True Seed are recommended. Other 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. Seed Savers Exchange, based in Iowa, is a national resource known for its mission of preserving heirloom varieties. Certain items in its inventory were acquired from Glenn Drowns, who is associated with Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. The process of ordering is through traditional mail instead of online shopping, however, the variety of products available is extensive. © 2020 New York Times News Service.