Since we growers have to work so far in advance, we have to second guess the economy, gas prices, demand, and what retail outlet is going under and may not place an order. I have to order cuttings on some selections a year in advance, and my seed order is usually figured out and sent by August the year before it hits the end user.

I have noticed dreary selections in seed racks in retail stores. Have not been to any garden centers or box-store plant areas yet this spring. Yes, most growers cut back production in anticipation of a poor selling spring. Then, like dominoes, it rolls downhill.

I am working at a family owned garden center this year (second job) until school lets out and we have it all. I also shop at "big box" stores and the selection is fairly decent too. I was just thinking how far things have come that I can find all the heirloom tomatoes at Meijer of all places!

I had a good line, too, Krista.....because I figured that some things would be in short supply and that would increase my chances to sell it. I just didn't do as large a run of each as I'd normally do. But, that wasn't as economically motivated as the fact that this year, I am in semi-retirement. Ya Hoo!

Growers had anticipated an increase in veggie sales, because when times get a little rough, people have an increased interest in home gardening and canning. I'm basically not a retailer, so what I see going out the door is a reflection more of the 'overall' demand and trends. I do know that there are a few things where I don't even bother ordering seeds from a commercial source, because I don't intend to do a large run of them, and have noticed most of my usual haunts to buy seeds locally have a very limited supply of pretty common stuff.

It's been a good season for me, can't complain.

Ive found just the opposite here. The selections are amazing. Im lucky to have at least 10 large family owned greenhouses within a half hours driving distance from my house. Even the Amish greenhouses have large inventories to choose from.

I've actually found a poor and limited selection in recent past years. This year, yes, even the local bigK had an amazing variety of flowers and vegs, both. Including heirloom tomatoes; called "Heirloom" so goodness only knows what they actually were, but just having something besides one of the B's is a good step in the right direction.

Suzi ~ I've always admired the courage it takes to guess a year in advance what will attract the customers. On the one hand the basic tried-and-trues are needed, especially for newbie gardeners; and on the other hand, special-unique-unusual is needed for oldtimers who are tired of same-old, same-old. And on either hand, I'd never be able to guess what or how much of what would appeal to anyone else.