How do I choose the right seeds for my garden?

1. Look for plants that will grow well in your region.
   How do you know? Look for the word “Zone,” and then a number.The zones are geographic areas and their average temperatures. If your zone is included, that plant is likely to grow well in your region. It’s no good trying to grow a palm tree here in Zone 6—it would die, and you’d get frustrated. But in Zone 10? Go right ahead. (What zone am I in?)
   

2. Look for plants that will grow well in your yard.
   This means having at least a rough idea of what areas are sunny, shady, wet, dry, etc. Because of the position of the sun in the winter, there may be a difference between winter and summer—what’s sunny in January might not be sunny in July. In my area, the sun rises further south in the winter. Use your powers of observation, and then, if needed, use your imagination to predict which areas will have sun.
   
   Most seed manufacturers will say if a plant prefers sun/shade/wet/dry, etc. Choose and place plants accordingly.
   

3. Think big picture.
   Permaculture gardening is all about mimicking nature to create systems that take care of themselves—like the natural world does. This means less maintenance from the humans (yay!), and also, usually, better output from the plants.
   
   This is easier AND more eco-friendly, but it requires us to think big-picture.
   
   Like nature, think about your garden in layers. Your garden has underground space (root vegetables), surface space (low-growing plants like strawberries), a mid-space (bush beans, cabbages, squashes, for example), and vertical space, like a trellis to grow climbing cucumbers, or trees (even higher) to grow apples or cherries. Just a few square feet of garden can provide food all season, from below the ground to high above it.
   
   Like nature, think too about the longer term. Consider planting perennials—plants that you plant once, and maintain year after year. (asparagus, strawberries, blackberries, mint, peaches, for a few) Not only is this less planting effort, but it is far better for the health of your soil and watershed. After a while, the plants feel a bit like friends too.
   

4. Have fun.
   Go ahead—try the exotic variety. Break all the rules! Give it a shot! Gardening should bring you joy, and experimentation is part of that. If you see a variety that tickles your fancy, what the heck! Give it a try. If it grows, great! If it struggles, you’ll learn something, and have more information and experience for next time.
   
   p.s. Here are my favorite seed catalogs to shop from!