Buy selections appropriate (or your climate and garden setting).
FOR PLANTS: First make sure a selection is suitable for your climate
zone. Most catalogs will provide zone ranges for each plant.
Some will provide a map showing the zones so that you can determine
which zone your home is in. If not, check with the company, or
with your local extension service to determine your zone. Next
make sure that a particular plant is suitable for its planned
garden setting. Mainly, does it require sun or shade? This information
is usually provided in the variety descriptions.
FOR SEEDS: Many flower and vegetable varieties perform better in
some areas than in others. Read descriptions carefully For shon-season
areas, select earlier maturing varieties. Your local extension
agent can advise you on the best varieties for your area. Many
seeds can be started indoors to get a jump on the season, such
as squash, cucumbers, or melons.
Be ready when your plants arrive.
This means having the bed tilled and ready for planting. The quicker
you can get your plants into the ground, the better. If you are
unable to plant immediately, care for them properly by following
the instructions that come with the plants. Most mailorder firms
will ship plants and bulbs to arrive at the appropriate planting
time for your region.
If you need help or have questions, call and ask.
Most mailorder companies have customer service people to answer
questions. They can be very helpful and are there to serve you.
Order early to avoid "sold out" notices.
Because seeds and planting stock are produced at least a season
in advance, quantities are often limited. For that reason, it
pays to order early
If you do not want a substitution made when an item you ordered
is sold out, state so clearly on your order form.
It is a common practice of most mailorder companies to substitute
a similar item for one that is sold out. Usually there is a place
on the order form to check if you prefer no substitutions. If there
isn't, write clearly on the order form that you do not want substitutions
made.
Keep a record of your purchases.
Having a record of your purchases (names, item numbers, prices,
dates, etc.) will facilitate any communications between you and
the company regarding an order. The information helps the company
call up your order on their computers so they can answer your
questions faster.
Locate and understand the company's guarantee policy.
Usually there is a cut-off date by which a company must be notified
of problems or plant failures. The date is generally set late
enough to allow you plenty of time to plant your order and observe
growth. Be sure to inform the company of plant failures or problems
before this date.
For complete confidence, order from MGA companies.
MGA members are established, reputable firms that make every effort
to deal fairly and honestly with their customers. If problems
do occur, they will quickly be resolved to your satisfaction.
Order appropriate fertilizers along with your plantorders.
That way you'll have them on hand when planting, and using them
always gives better results.
Fill out the order form to use when you order by phone.
This facilitates the ordering process. You avoid having to leaf
through the catalog to supply names and order numbers of products
you wish to order.
Never send cash through the mail.
It's common sense. Pay for orders by check, money order, or credit
card for complete safety
Read catalogs carefully for helpul information.
They're filled with tips and suggestions to help you make the best
choices, and to have a more beautiful garden.
