Every strong plant variety plays a crucial role in a strong seed system that supports farming, the basis of a strong food system. The unpredictable 2020 seed-catalog season showed the importance of resilience for both seed company employees and their customers. Lessons learned from the chaos of last year's record-breaking sales can help prepare for the upcoming 2021 garden season, which is set to begin this month with the release of new catalogues. The sudden increase in sales, reaching up to 300%, following the national emergency declaration on March 13, caught many by surprise. Johnny's Selected Seeds marketing coordinator, Joshua D'errico, noted the overwhelming number of orders received when staff returned to the office after the emergency declaration. "We initially believed it was a minor issue, but it turned out to be more serious than we expected," said Heron Breen, a research and development manager at Fedco Seeds, which has been serving Northeastern gardeners since 1978. Breen explained that they received a warning from colleagues at other companies about the increase in demand for seeds. Larger companies were overwhelmed first, leading to a surge in orders for smaller companies like Fedco Seeds. This resulted in fulfilment operations exceeding capacity and many suppliers having to temporarily suspend sales to catch up. Requests for catalogues and online searches for growing advice also increased significantly. However, sellers, both big and small, want to assure home gardeners that they are well stocked, with no seed shortages beyond the normal fluctuations that can occur in farming due to crop failures. This may seem contradictory to those who encountered "out of stock" notices on many product pages last spring. Despite the wording, the issue was often not a lack of seed, but rather 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 surge in demand occurred towards the end of their usual peak season when they typically do not pack a high volume of seeds. In addition to the staffing challenges posed by the pandemic, companies also faced employee burnout and the need to operate within safety guidelines. As a result, seed companies have worked tirelessly, even skipping summer breaks, to improve their systems and meet the demand. Before diving into shopping for plants, home gardeners should take the time to refine their shopping habits. It is important to carefully study seed catalogues, as they offer a wide variety of options and each catalogue has its own unique strengths. And they are enjoyable to read. By carefully reading descriptions of different varieties, you can learn about the wide range of traits that a single crop can have. For instance, some broccoli produces a large head while others, like Piracicaba, do not form a head but instead grow smaller florets over several weeks. Seed catalogs also offer valuable growing information, such as which varieties are best suited for hot summer weather. This knowledge can help you plan and sow your crops at the right time, ensuring a continuous harvest of lettuce for salads throughout the months. The educational resources provided by seed companies have expanded with the use of digital tools. One notable example is Johnny's Grower's Library, which has experienced a significant increase in visits this year, according to D'errico. Do not give in to impulse purchases. The season for seed-shopping and garden-planning can begin by checking the seeds stored in a cool, dry cupboard. Take inventory to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money and seeds. It's okay to try new things occasionally, but before ordering, make sure to understand the principles of succession planting. Looking to improve your personal seed security? Consider purchasing open-pollinated varieties instead of hybrids, as hybrids may not produce consistent seeds. Save these seeds for the upcoming year. Be prepared to adjust and be flexible, similar to a seed. Despite careful planning, companies cannot accurately predict factors such as the number of returning customers or potential new customers in 2021. One aspect that remained consistent from 2019 to 2020, according to D’errico, is a small sense of normalcy. Johnny’s Selected Seeds found that the top 12 crops sold to home gardeners were the same, although their ranking may have varied slightly. The top four crops - zinnias, bush beans, heirloom tomatoes, and hot peppers - remained in the same order. However, sellers and buyers should be prepared to be flexible. Tursini from High Mowing Organic Seeds suggests trying different varieties if a specific type is unavailable, as you may discover a new favorite. "Order early, but don't panic," she advised, a sentiment that was also expressed by Breen of Fedco Seeds. Breen emphasized the importance of being mindful and planning your garden, rather than preparing for a dystopian survival scenario. The companies listed in the article are farm-based and not just seed resellers, as they grow and sometimes even breed their own stock. In addition to popular companies like Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and High Mowing Organic Seeds, smaller Northeastern companies like Hudson Valley Seed, Turtle Tree Seed, and Fruition Seeds are worth checking out. Prairie Road Organic Seed, based in North Dakota, offers cold-adapted beans and tomatoes that are hard to beat. The Pacific Northwest has an ideal climate for seed farming and has given rise to several outstanding companies such as Adaptive Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Uprising Seeds, and Wild Garden Seed. For those looking for heat-adapted seeds for Southern gardens or trying new crops like 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. Although Seed Savers Exchange is located in Iowa, its nonprofit mission of preserving heirloom varieties makes it a valuable national resource. Some of the collection was obtained from Glenn Drowns, who is affiliated with Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. Orders must be placed through traditional mail since there is no online shopping cart, but the variety of seeds available is impressive. © 2020 New York Times News Service.