Winter Seed Catalogues by Lori Shapiro

Linda Relson • January 24, 2026

It may still be cold and dark, but January still brings garden joy. Over the last couple of weeks, seed catalogues have begun arriving in my mailbox. These catalogues are thoughtfully written with gorgeous photography and illustrations, and are a delight to read (and re-read multiple times).

Starting plants from seeds is fun, educational and meditative. There is a seed for everyone. If seeds are new to you then something that can be directly sown in the spring, like lettuce or cilantro, is a good choice. For more experienced gardeners, seeds are a way to access unusual varieties that aren’t available at our local garden centers.

Reveling in my stash of seed catalogues as the snow falls outside

Starting plants from seed is also an inherently political act. Seeds are one of the world’s most consolidated industries, with only four transnational corporations (BASF, Sinochem, Bayer and Corteva) accounting for 50% of global seed sales. This consolidation has led to accelerating loss of plant genetic diversity and agricultural knowledge.

There are still many small, independent seed companies that continue to help steward conservation of our cultural and agricultural biodiversity. Many offer seeds with profound human and biological histories.

Below are the seed companies I’m ordering open pollinated, heirloom seeds from this season. Most companies listed here are local to the Northeast, but some are from the Midwest and Northwest. The Watertown Public Library also has free garden seeds to share with the community. Watching a tiny, dormant speck transform into a graceful plant is a magical experience, and I highly recommend to at least experiment with integrating them into your window or in-ground garden.

This is a non-exhaustive list - if you have other fun seed sources, please share them in the comments below.

Fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers:

Mostly or all flowers:

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this post on

Seeking a Volunteer Social Media Manager

June 3, 2026
Do you enjoy storytelling, community engagement, and helping good work reach more people? WCG is looking for a volunteer Social Media Manager to help share the energy and impact of our community with a wider audience.  This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys creating engaging posts, building community, and supporting local environmental and community initiatives.
People gathered outdoors around a table in a park, chatting near a path and leafless trees.

“Greening the streets” one planting strip at a time, part 1

May 30, 2026
by Marilyn Salvas and Melinda Dennis
Friends of Bees logo

Watertown Community Gardens Welcomes Friends of Bees!

May 19, 2026
by Pam Phillips  As you may know, for the last several years, Friends of Bees, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment (WCPJE) , have been meeting and collaborating with WCG’s Pollinator Pathways Committee. Together we have held the Life-Friendly Garden Tour, maintained public pollinator gardens, led pollinator walks, and more. Together we support Watertown's Mayor's Monarch Pledge . Together, we educate about and advocate for our native bees, Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. This year, Friends of Bees are making that togetherness official by merging with the Pollinator Pathways Committee. Twelve years ago, Watertown Citizens asked “What is happening to the bees?” and formed a new working group, Friends of Bees. Friends of Bees learned about the many challenges bees face, especially pesticides and habitat loss. Today, we welcome Friends of Bees to a new home with Watertown Community Gardens. The Life-Friendly Garden Tour, with its rich history of 28 chemical-free garden tours over nearly twenty years, will also be hosted by WCG. WCPJE has always served as an incubator for community groups. Over the years, many initiatives started and fostered under WCPJE later matured into independent organizations expanding the circle of like minded activists. Watertown Community Gardens was one such group. Friends of Bees thanks WCPJE for an abundance of enthusiasm and support as we branch off, while maintaining our role in the larger Watertown community. To stay in touch with Friends of Bees and the Life-Friendly Garden Tour please visit Watertown Community Gardens at our new website . When you sign up for the WCG newsletter , make sure to indicate your interest in pollinators and eco gardening. Details of the 2026 Life-Friendly Garden Tour will be shared in the WCG newsletter this summer. Keep buzzing!

RECENT Posts