Spring Gardening - Get ready for spring.  Garden Planting time is almost here.

It's time to start seeds inside for big healthy plants this summer. If you haven't already started it's not too late. You can of course purchase bulbs, seeds and garden plants from your local nursery, but you'll have much more selection when you order seeds and plants by mail.

Ordering for your garden online or by mail 

Ordering bulbs and plants online can be a bit scary. How are the plants shipped? Will they be good quality? Will they thrive in my garden? Will they arrive at the right time and will I be prepared to plant them then? 

Fear not! I've ordered in fall and spring for years and have had tremendous results! You can too! You'll find the widest variety of bulbs and seeds by mail order.

Plant Quality and Guarantees

 Garden nurseries do differ in what and how they ship so make sure you do some research, but almost all reputable mail order nurseries do guarantee their plants to grow in your garden or your money back. I've never had trouble collecting on that promise and I have used it a time or two for certain plants. I also admit, a bit grudgingly as a then new gardener, that I should never have ordered those specific plants for my climate. Nevertheless the nursery did stand behind it's guarantee. 

How Bulbs and Plants Are Shipped

 Some plants will be shipped bare root, others as potted plants.  This depends on the plant variety and I've actually found preference in bare root plants. They do look dead when they arrive (they are actually dormant), but I assure you that unless they have visible signs of disease like rot they'll thrive come spring. Bulbs come in packages with padding just like the bulbs you can purchase at a local nursery.

 *Note - If you do get any plants that look like the crown has rotted, or bulbs that aren't nice and plump, either ship them back immediately or just phone the nursery and they'll ship out new ones. 

When to Plant 

While you never know exactly when your plants will arrive, they are shipped to you at the proper planting time for your gardening zone. If plants arrive and your garden beds are not ready or it's not convenient to plant immediately just make sure you follow the directions included in your shipment for keeping your plants viable until you can plant them. If you've planned ahead you will know where they go in your garden and it'll take you little time to get them in the ground. A Saturday afternoon will usually give you ample time to get this done. 

Keep in mind these companies have been in the gardening business for years and years and have shipped bare root, potted plants, and bulbs for eons. They do know what they're doing and most of them do it very well. They'd be out of business if they couldn't fulfill your planting requirements. 

Gardening Budgets and Selection 

You can't beat the cost and selection of ordering by mail! Most mail order companies offer bulb and plant varieties you'll never find anywhere else. The selections seem endless and I've been amazed what I can grow in my New Mexico garden. Take advantage of fall specials and free shipping and you get a double bang for you buck. For about half of what I spend on a trip to the garden center on a single spring garden binge, I can have more variety and many more plants shipped to me at home. 

Get on the Mailing Lists 

Make sure you're on the mailing list for the following nurseries at least! You'll get a catalogue several times a year. Take them into the garden with you, look around and plan accordingly. Then hop online and place an order or order by mail, but use the online resources for their help with plant combinations and companion planting. They offer great suggestions you may not have thought of before. Remember - pictures will help any gardener no matter how experienced. 

Online Garden Resources 

Order plants, bulbs and catalogues at the following nurseries. 

Blooming Bulb

For the highest quality flower bulbs, plants and seeds at the lowest prices, visit bloomingbulb.com.
Fall bulb sale 15% off. Overstock sale at up to 45% off! 

Direct Gardening

Place one order online from 9 of the largest producers and distributors of home gardening stock. They've come together in one place to offer you a wide selection and great pricing on plants, seeds, bulbs, trees and shrubs. You can order catalogues right online or place your order with ONE low shipping cost rather than several individual ones. I placed my first order last year and was extremely pleased with everything I purchased.
DirectGardening.com - Offers quality plants at great prices, come see what we mean! Free bulbs with every order.

Springhill

Springhill  has a good selection of bulbs, perennials, trees and shrubs plus whole garden collections with planting design diagrams - They offer exotic varieties when they become available. Some are a bit pricey, but they're usually worth it. I've ordered a few plants for choice specimen spots in my garden and they've been well worth it. Special Offer  - $20 off premium bulbs, plants and trees!

Breck's Bulb

Breck's offers top quality bulbs in more varieties than you can imagine!  Always a great order sure to grow! Special Offer - Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs

Gurney's Seed and Nursery 

Gurney's is the place to go for seeds, fruit and nut trees, vegetable seed, perennials and shrubs. They offer such a huge selection I have a hard time choosing for my garden. Special Offer - Click here to get $20 off any order for $40 or more of perennials at Gurneys.com! Half Price!

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