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I start thinking what I want to plant next next year from seeds..I make a list what I want to grow t... [more]

Be a Smart Catalog Shopper
Get the most from your order
By: NHGC

Online Rating: (10/10)

If you're one of millions of Americans who shops online or in catalogs, be a savvy buyer with these tips from the Mailorder Gardening Association:

Order Early
Because seeds and plants are produced at least a season in advance, quantities are limited.

Don't Allow Subsitutions
If you don't want subsitutions, say so. Most mailorder companies substitute a similar item when something is sold out. Usually there's a place on the order form to check if you prefer no substitutions. If there isn't, write clearly on the order form that you do not want substitutions.

Keep a Record
Keep a detailed list of your purchases (names, item numbers, prices, dates, etc.) so it'll be easier to talk to the company about your order.

Report Problems
Report any problems with your order before it's too late. There's usually a cut-off date by which you must notify a company about problems. The date is generally set late enough to allow you plenty of time to observe your plants.

MEMBER COMMENTS

Juliana

Location: easley, SC
Life Member

Posted:11/8/2009

Member Rating: (10/10)

I start thinking what I want to plant next next year from seeds..I make a list what I want to grow that I can not find here where I live..I order from Seed Companys I ordered over the years.My orders go out in January...when ask if I want to subsitutions I my answer is always no...I do keep a record just in case there be a problem with the order.I have to say I never had a problem over all those years I ordered..but who knows it can happen to this seedpod..Juliana from SC

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Member Tip

The straight and narrow

Straight rows are easy to work with in the garden. If you have trouble making rows straight, space your long-handled garden tools parallel to each other with enough of a space in between for you to work. Press down the handles of the tools to make your straight rows.

Walter Chandoha
Annandale, New Jersey

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