Robin Trott

University of Minnesota Extension

It’s that time of year again, snow drifts outside, daylight is short, and gardeners across Minnesota cozy up with seed catalogs. Think of it as holiday shopping for growers: glossy pages filled with promises of juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and flowers that could make your neighbors jealous. But before you circle every pretty picture, it pays to be strategic.

Know Your Zone Minnesota’s climate is no joke. Most of us garden in USDA Zones 3 and 4, which means short growing seasons and the occasional late frost. When evaluating varieties, check the “days to maturity.” A tomato that takes 90 days might be fine in Missouri, but here you’ll want something closer to 65–75 days to ensure harvest before the first September chill.

Resist Exotic Temptations That catalog photo of purple-striped eggplants looks amazing, but will it thrive in our cool nights and unpredictable springs? Stick with varieties bred for northern climates. Many catalogs highlight “cold-hardy” or “short-season” selections—those are your best bets.

Think Diversity, Not Just Quantity Instead of planting six kinds of zucchini (we all know how that ends), mix crops that mature at different times. Early peas, mid-season beans, and late-season squash spread out the harvest and reduce the risk of losing everything to one bad weather swing.

Watch for Disease Resistance Minnesota’s humid summers can be tough on plants. Look for varieties labeled “resistant” to common problems like blight or powdery mildew. Resistance isn’t full immunity, but it gives you a fighting chance when July humidity sets in.

Plan for Pollinators Don’t forget the flowers. Zinnias, sunflowers, and native prairie blooms not only brighten the garden but also support bees and butterflies. A healthy pollinator population means better yields for your veggies.

Too Many Seeds? Share the Wealth Ever notice how a single packet of lettuce seeds could feed half of Douglas County? If you don’t need 500 plants, split packets with a friend or neighbor. It saves money, reduces waste, and lets you both try more varieties without overbuying.

Order Early, But Not Everything Popular varieties sell out fast, so don’t wait until March. At the same time, don’t feel pressured to buy every seed now. Make a list, prioritize essentials, and leave room for a couple of “fun experiments.” Gardening should be practical, but it should also spark joy.

In the end, seed catalog season is about more than planning, it’s about dreaming. Each packet represents possibility: the taste of a sun-warmed tomato, the crunch of fresh cucumbers, the satisfaction of a bouquet cut from your own backyard. Minnesota’s climate may be challenging, but with smart choices, and maybe a little teamwork, your garden can thrive.

So, grab a mug of cocoa, spread those catalogs across the table, and start plotting your summer harvest. Spring will be here before you know it.

Until next time, happy gardening.