Gardening from an easy chair is one of the high points of winter. On one of those particularly cold and blustery wintry days, I like to gather up all the seed catalogs that have arrived in my mailbox and settle down for a good read. 

Most catalogs offer a lot more than just an order list for seeds and plants. Some are packed with useful information on culture and care, planting locations, landscaping with plants, and full descriptions of new
varieties, including the All-America Selections. 

Many give recommendations on plant hardiness, disease and pest resistance, and soil requirements of the plants and seeds they offer. A few even provide recipes. 

If you decide to place an order, exercise a bit of caution and restraint. It's easy to order more than you need.  While you may have visions of a well-stocked vegetable or flower garden, ten packages of seeds to fill a five- by five-foot growing area certainly will be too much! 

That's why a little advance planning is important. Map out your garden, roughly to scale, then "fit in" the varieties you always grow. Leave room to try a few new vegetables and flowers. Then figure out how many
packets of seeds you need to buy. Or order with a friend, dividing up each packet of seed, so you can try a lot of different varieties. 

If you've never ordered from catalogs, preferring to buy locally, you might like to send for a few just for background information and new ideas. You'll find them advertised in the back sections of magazines, in
gardening magazines, and in the Sunday newspaper supplements. 

Many town libraries also have a collection of garden catalogs. Order your own copy of those that appeal to you, reflect the growing requirements of your region, or offer varieties best suited to your garden. Most catalogs are free, but a few charge a nominal fee that can be deducted from your first purchase. 

There are two reasons why I like to order by mail. First, it is convenient. Second, you often can get varieties not available at your local garden center. But if you have never ordered by mail, you may have some concerns, and justifiably so, regarding reliability. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

1) Choose an established firm, preferably one that has its own catalog. 

2) Understand what you are ordering. Do not be persuaded by extravagant claims. Read the descriptions carefully and make sure the plant is suitable for your climate, hardiness zone, and growing conditions. 

3) Before you fill out your order, read the instructions carefully. 

4) Check for a warrantee, a hotline number, or other indicator that the company stands behind its products and cares about customer satisfaction. 

A few catalogs, a cup of hot cocoa, and these tips can make planning next spring's garden a pleasant task this winter. So, sit back, relax, and garden from your easy chair!