[Ivor Backache]

Another point for G.F.A: You may find that your allotment association already use a particular seed catologue. With me it was Kings. (never heard of them) Sent my order (lot cheaper than the shops) and have had good results.

[gillwrig]

I juts like to grow things that are un-usual...... purple carrots, white strawberries etc

I like growing stuff which is the "wrong" colour.

[flowerpower]

Me too!

Shame I'm the only one eating yellow courgettes....

[DD.]

1. Switch off the computer.
 

Amen to that.

Pencil & paper is far easier & less stressful than unnecessary Excel spread sheets & computer aided design programs.

[madcat]

Have a wander down and see what has done well this year - horses for courses and not everything does well everywhere.  If you are lavish with compliments, people love telling what varieties they are.  (Aren't those flowers on the beans a pretty colour?  What sort are they?  etc)  We all love a bit of praise.  Ditto if you have an allotment shop ..

Then grow things that you actually like, aren't too hard and are much better fresh than from the shops. Then when things go wrong in your first year (and believe me, they will) you have something to cheer you up and encourage you to keep going.

Finally go for the tried and true with lots of seeds.  Then if it takes a couple of tries or the germination rate isnt great or the pigeons get at them cos the wind got under the netting, it isnt the end of the world.  If you only have 5 F1 courgette seeds, tears can result.  If you have 20 you can just try again.

But that is just my take on things!  Others will see the world differently.   

[maxie]

Ive tried lots of varieties myself,i just cant help it,but ive calmed down a lot nowadays and gone back to the popular "boring" used to be to me anyways seed varieties.
The ones that are in every catalogue and shop you go in.
Boltardy,Musselburgh,Autumn king,White lisbon,French breakfast,Onward,Greyhound,Little gem etc.

All of these and a few more always perform well and can be bought cheap,i still like to play around with different seeds its part of the enjoyment,but these basics should form the basis of your seeds for the year.

[farmersue]

Can i humbly suggest that whatever varieties you choose to grow, you make a note of the name, how well it grows, and how much you liked it (or not!)
Or is it just me who forgets this stuff from one year to the next?   

[tizzy]

I found a great site and had great results with the seeds i bought
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/why.html

Particularly the greenhouse tomato amish paste!
Enjoy choosing your seeds!