catalogs as reference material

Do use your seed catalogs as reference material. A lot of necessary information can be found in a seed/plant catalog. For one thing, they supply color pictures of fruit and vegetables they offer. They provide data on days to maturity, approximate number of seed per packet or plants per offer and some requirements for best yields, such as if some sort of support is required as with some peas, tomatoes and cucumbers. The length of row that can be planted from each packet is also provided. They usually tell which varieties are resistant to certain plant diseases and which do well in cooler weather and which require warm temperatures. They tell if the seeds are treated and for what.
Important information is provided for specific crops. For example there is a code given to indicate the sweetness level of sweet corn. They indicate if tomatoes are determinate (ripening only over a short time, i.e., 3-5 weeks) or indeterminate (ripening all season). Catalogs give the approximate size of each tomato or ear of corn, as well as what to expect from other crops. A lot of them suggest which preserving method is best suited for that particular vegetable.
All this information is meant to sell you the variety that best suits your needs. It is also good for planning. You’ll know which crops mature and complete their growing cycle in time to plant a second crop in time for a harvest. Knowing which crops won’t do well in mid-summer can save time and seeds, not to mention the frustration. It is important to know which are the low growing plants and keep them on the southern side of the higher crops. Once you have made your crop selection, you can record this information on your garden planner while the catalog is still open. With all this information, perhaps they should start charging for seed catalogs!