Every resilient variety plays a crucial role in a strong seed system that supports agriculture, the basis of a strong 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 2021 garden season, which kicks off this month with new catalogues being distributed. Last year, no one could have predicted the surge in sales, with some companies experiencing a 300% increase in orders after a national emergency was declared on March 13. Johnny's Selected Seeds, with nearly five decades of sales data, was amazed by the sudden influx of orders when staff returned to the office. "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 catering to Northeastern gardeners since 1978. Breen mentioned that they received a warning from colleagues at other companies about the increasing demand for seeds. As larger companies struggled to keep up with the demand, smaller companies like Fedco Seeds were also overwhelmed. Many suppliers had to temporarily suspend sales to catch up with the orders, while the demand for catalogues and growing advice also increased significantly. Despite the challenges, sellers, both big and small, are assuring home gardeners that they are well stocked and there are no major seed shortages beyond the usual risks associated with farming. It may seem surprising to those who saw many product pages with "out of stock" labels on websites last spring. However, the issue was often not due to a lack of seed availability but rather a shortage of staff to pack the seeds quickly enough to meet the increased demand. Andrea Tursini, the chief marketing officer of High Mowing Organic Seeds, explained that this surge in demand occurred at the end of their usual busy season when they are not typically packing a high volume of seeds. Additionally, the challenges of hiring and operating safely during the pandemic, along with employee burnout, added to the difficulties. Seed companies have been working hard, even skipping summer breaks, to improve and strengthen their systems. Prior to diving into their catalogues, home gardeners should take the time to refine their methods. It is important to shop wisely and carefully consider the options available. It is recommended to study catalogues rather than just using them for purchasing items. Seed catalogues, whether in print or online, offer a wide range of options with each having its own unique specialties. Reading about the different traits and varieties of crops can be informative and interesting. By carefully reading variety descriptions, you can learn about the range of traits within a single crop, such as broccoli that produces one large head or "non-heading" varieties like Piracicaba that form smaller florets over time. Seed catalogs also offer valuable growing information beyond just planting and spacing instructions, including which varieties are best suited for specific conditions like summer heat. This knowledge can help you plan and sow your crops at the right time, resulting in a continuous harvest of lettuce for salads, for example. Seed companies now offer educational resources in digital formats, such as Johnny's Grower's Library, which has seen a significant increase in visits. Do not give in to impulse purchases. The season for seed-shopping and garden-planning can begin by checking what seeds you already have stored away. Take inventory to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money. It's okay to try new things occasionally to gain more experience. Before making any purchases, 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 true from seed. Save the seeds for 2022 and be prepared to adjust, like a seed. Despite thorough preparations, it is impossible for any company to predict factors such as the number of returning gardeners from last season or the influx of new gardeners in 2021. One aspect that remained consistent from 2019 to 2020 was a small sense of normalcy, according to D'errico. Johnny's Selected Seeds reported that the top 12 crops for home gardeners remained consistent, although the order may have varied slightly. The top four crops - zinnias, bush beans, heirloom tomatoes, and hot peppers - maintained the same ranking. Despite this consistency, sellers and buyers should be prepared to make adjustments. Tursini from High Mowing Organic Seeds recommended being flexible and trying different varieties if a specific type is sold out, as there may be another option that is even more appealing. "Order your seeds early, but stay calm," she advised, a sentiment that was also expressed by Breen from Fedco Seeds. He emphasized the importance of planning your garden rather than focusing on a doomsday survival plan. The companies featured in this article, such as Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and High Mowing Organic Seeds, are farm-based and grow their own stock. Other notable companies in the Northeast include Hudson Valley Seed, Turtle Tree Seed, and Fruition Seeds. Prairie Road Organic Seed, based in North Dakota, offers cold-adapted beans and tomatoes. The Pacific Northwest is known for its ideal seed-farming climate, leading to the establishment of several outstanding companies such as Adaptive Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Uprising Seeds, and Wild Garden Seed. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Sow True Seed are recommended for gardeners looking for heat-adapted seeds, while companies like Redwood Seed Co., High Desert Seed and Gardens, Native Seed/SEARCH, and Snake River Seed Cooperative cater to challenging growing conditions in various regions. Seed Savers Exchange, based in Iowa, serves as a national resource due to its nonprofit mission of preserving heirloom varieties. Some of the items in its collection were obtained from Glenn Drowns, who is associated with Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. The ordering process is done through traditional mail instead of online shopping, but the variety of products available is impressive.