I've found that the best thing to do is look up the items I want to make, find out all the components and subcombines, and then figure out (from a great list such as the one posted in an earlier thread) where I need to go to get it.
(Example for a low level box: Elm, Roots, Tin Clusters, Lead/Malchite (for the fossil temper))
This saves an enormous amount of inventory and I focus on only making one or two things that TS session. Otherwise I end up with a ton of things I don't need.
The exception is checking out natural gardens. On my server basil sells pretty well and I always see if I can pick some up.
You probably already do that and were just looking for the list, but in case you weren't, hope that helped.