The most exciting January event for me is not the most obvious.

The thing that thrills me each and every new year is when my old-school seed catalogues start arriving in the mail. I read them in the car as we travel or by the fire as we visit. I lay them out side by side with friends and compare listings. I highlight, circle and make notes as I go. Seeds bring the promise of flowers and food in the future, and the catalogues are the vehicle that delivers that promise.

Read up on raising plants before the spring showers start to fall

Want to become a better gardener next spring? Start reading about it now.

No, seriously.

The most common winter gardening activity is reading. The cheapest source of information is seed catalogues – they are packed with inspiration.

I learn so many new things from catalogues. According to The Baker Creek Heirloom seed catalogue , 300 independent farmers grow and supply their seed; tulip flowers are edible and delicious when stuffed and baked; there are at least 15 kinds of orange tomatoes, and; Peru is a domesticated crop hot spot.