Ever since I became interested in organic farming, I’ve been kind of addicted to seed catalogs. I can look at them for hours, especially the ones with exotic or unusual produce varieties.

Whether you’re interested in starting a garden or you just want to try some new varieties of produce next year, seed catalogs are a great way to research what will work for you.

They can help you pick fruits and vegetables that will grow well in your climate and space limitations, and also give you insight into which varieties are best suited for novice vs. experienced gardeners. Plus they’re just so darn fun to look at.

Here are my three favorites (you can check them out on the web or request a free paper catalog):

Most of the seeds that we buy at the farm are from Johnny’s. They have a large selection of heirloom and hybrid seeds, and are one of the most affordable sources of seeds.

A really beautiful catalog with both common and unusual varieties of produce. Also a great source for organic gardening supplies.

Kitazawa specializes in Asian vegetable seeds. Because I adore Asian cuisine, this company is my go-to source for exotic greens, eggplants, and herbs.

The best way to find new and exciting sources of seeds is through recommendations. Do you have a favorite seed catalog? We’d love to hear about it! Share your favorite as a comment.

Image courtesy of 60 in 3 via a Creative Commons license.