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

Building Community, One Seed at a Time

April 22, 2026
By Naomi Shea The season has officially kicked off at Watertown Community Gardens, bringing excitement and potential for new growth—both in the garden and within our community. This season, we're thrilled to have partnered with Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF), which graciously opened its greenhouse to support our efforts in planting our donation plots. Arsenal Park Community Gardens (APCG) captains, Marilyn and Susan, carefully prepared trays of seedlings at home before transporting them to the greenhouse. These trays included a variety of crops such as lettuces, mixed greens, leeks, onions, tomatoes, kale, chives, parsley, and more!
Family gardening in a backyard, planting soil in a raised bed with a seed packet visible.

Risks of Buying Seeds from Unreliable Sources

April 21, 2026
By Lori Shapiro  Spring has, finally and gloriously, burst. The warmer, longer days are driving the emergence of stunning spring flowers. The delightful weather and colorful blooms may motivate you to finally buy those seeds you have been thinking about. But summer is fast approaching, and you have so many demands on your time, and the easiest and fastest way to buy some seeds is with a couple quick clicks on Amazon. What could possibly go wrong? These very relatable sentiments were expressed by a colleague as she excitedly showed me a package of sweet pea seeds she had recently ordered on Amazon , as visions of delicious homegrown spring peas delighted her imagination.

Introducing Our New Food Committee

March 3, 2026
Fostering Community Through Sustainable Food Practices

RECENT Posts