The Plot Newsletter

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Hello Reader,

The secret to having a vibrant vegetable garden, unfortunately, is a bit of planning. I know, it sounds boring, but so is winter. I don’t trust myself to barrel down the side of a mountain at 30 miles an hour, so instead I pause Heated Rivalry (It’s okay it’s not my first watch through), and pour over seed catalogs. Seeds are the first step to planting your own garden, and the best way to save money doing so. For this article, I am recommending four seed catalogs. Request these soon, because they take a while to ship. If you want to follow along with The Plot this year in your garden, then consider purchasing some of the following 10 seeds, which are good for beginners. 

• Radishes
  

• Leaf lettuce
  

• Bush beans
  

• Cherry Tomatoes
  

• Basil
  

• Cucumbers
  

• Zucchini
  

• Carrots
  

• Beets
  

• Swiss chard

Pick One of These Catalogs to Order

Seed Savers Exchange (Decorah, IA)

Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit devoted to preserving heirloom seeds and biodiversity. Their 2026 catalog features hundreds of open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The catalog is packed with garden planning tips and stories behind rare heritage varieties, reflecting SSE’s mission of sharing heirloom seeds from its 20,000+ variety seed bank with gardeners nationwide. (Ships from Iowa, U.S.)

Catalog: Seed Savers Exchange – Free 2026 Seed Catalog

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (Mansfield, MO)

Baker Creek specializes in rare heirloom seeds from around the world and is renowned for its beautiful, photo-rich catalog. The free 2026 catalog is filled with colorful photos and descriptions of heirloom vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. All seeds are non-GMO, open-pollinated varieties, many with unique flavors and histories. Baker Creek’s commitment to preserving seed heritage and diversity shines through in this catalog, which is often considered a must-have for heirloom gardeners. (Nationwide shipping; international options available)

Catalog: Baker Creek – Request 2026 Catalog

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (Mineral, VA)

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (SESE) is a worker-owned cooperative known for heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, particularly those adapted to Mid-Atlantic and Southeast climates. Their 2026 print catalog is a full-color, 91-page guide filled with vibrant photos and illustrations of vegetables, herbs, flowers, cover crops, and more. The selection highlights traditional Southern heirlooms (many introduced before 1940) as well as disease-resistant varieties for humid climates. All seeds are non-GMO, and most are organically grown or untreated, aligning with SESE’s eco-friendly values. (Free catalog ships nationwide; seeds available to all regions, not just the South.)

Catalog: Southern Exposure – Free 2026 Catalog

Prairie Moon Nursery (Winona, MN – Native Plant Seeds)

Prairie Moon Nursery offers one of the largest selections of native plant seeds in the U.S., with 700+ North American species of wildflowers, prairie grasses, sedges, and native shrubs/trees. This catalog is a go-to source for organic gardeners and conservationists looking to grow native plants for pollinator habitat, edible natives, or ecological restoration. The 2026 catalog can be ordered now and provides detailed germination codes and growing instructions for each species. Prairie Moon has been renowned since 1982 for its exceptionally clean, high-quality seed and its commitment to true native (wild-type) species. (Ships seeds nationwide within the U.S.; focuses on native ecotypes.)

Catalog: Prairie Moon Nursery – 2026 Native Seeds Catalog

These catalogs are free and seeds are the most cost effective way to garden. They are nature’s way of keeping food free and plentiful. Learning to grow from seed and later how to save the seed is a vital step to being able to grow your own food!

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Written for 496 beautiful readers. 💌

Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch

About the Author

Ken Welch is a garden writer with a very serious degree in Horticulture. When his city lacked a community garden, he helped build one. He teaches new gardeners how to grow their own food.

Cibus Est Imperium | Food is Power