How To Exchange Seeds?

How To Exchange Seeds? (post #11857)

coleuslady on Wed, 09/07/2005 - 19:57

Stuff to Trade

I hope to have some seeds to offer this autumn, and in the coming year, but I can't determine the etiquette for giving or trading. How many seeds does one send? Given that the size can vary, is there any certain amount that is considered a polite offering? And what is the best way to wrap or package them? Also, we don't see one another's names and addresses, so how do we give and get that information? Thanks!

Elizabeth

Gardening in Zone 7, Mid-Atlantic

Elizabeth, Gardening in Zone 7, Mid-Atlantic

“Animals are something invented by plants to move seeds around. An extremely yang solution to a peculiar problem which they faced.” -- Terence McKenna

(post #11857, reply #1 of 4)

by kmrsy in reply to coleuslady [original] on Thu, 09/08/2005 - 01:37

Hi Elizabeth, very generous of you. If someone offers seed that you want, click reply, type your message, include your address, and then down at the bottom change the radio dial button from: "Post to the Message Board - all members can read it. to: "Reply via E-Mail - only "To:" person above can read it."

You might offer to pay the postage or exchange something you have. As far as quantity, that often depends on the amount of seed you have available or what you might expect to get in a seed envelope. Last ime I did this, I just took the seeds and divided them evenly among the recipients.

It's a good idea to bubble wrap your seeds so the post office doesn't smash them. You can use bbl wrap envelopes or just wrap the seed packet in bbl wrap and put in regular envelope. As for packaging the seeds, I use small glassine envelopes which I tape closed with a label giving the seed name and sowing instructions. Paper envelopes are fine and you can even make your own.

Kitty

_^..^_

_^..^_ Kitty, neIN, Z5

(post #11857, reply #2 of 4)

by coleuslady in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 09/08/2005 - 12:24

Thank you, Kitty. You sound English or Canadian - "glassine" envelopes! Your suggestions are so helpful; I have seen seed exchanges in many magazines and websites, but no guidelines ever given. It would be useful for newcomers, if there were a short list of tips for exchange permanently written in this area.

This week my neighbor and I planted the seedlings from trycirtis seeds I gathered last autumn. I hope to be able to collect them again this year and offer them in the forum, now that I know they really work.

Elizabeth

Gardening in Zone 7, Mid-Atlantic

Elizabeth, Gardening in Zone 7, Mid-Atlantic

“Animals are something invented by plants to move seeds around. An extremely yang solution to a peculiar problem which they faced.” -- Terence McKenna

(post #11857, reply #3 of 4)

by kmrsy in reply to Anonymous [original] on Thu, 09/08/2005 - 13:05

English? Born in Chicago. ;+) I don't know what else anyone anywhere would call glassine envelopes.

I did my first seed exchange via the American Horticultural Society and then again through the Royal Horticultural Society, both of which gave guidelines in their publications. Since then, I just followed a protocol that seemed appropriate.

One more thing. It is also appropriate to let the person who sent you the seeds know that they arrived and thank them. This sounds like a given, but apparently not to a lot of people. When I did this on OTF before, only about half the people let me know they got them. Hopefully the seeds reached the other half. If not, let me say here that I apologize that the seeds were lost (if indeed they were) because I did send to all that requested them.

Kitty

_^..^_

_^..^_ Kitty, neIN, Z5

(post #11857, reply #4 of 4)

by Celeste in reply to coleuslady [original] on Thu, 09/08/2005 - 17:52

Elizabeth:

May I add to Kitty's excellent suggestions (good idea, bubble wrap!) The first envelope that I sent out contained too many seeds for one first-class stamp. I think that it wouldn't be necessary to send more than one first-class stamp's worth. I try not to get carried away now in sending seeds out! Also, I think it is helpful to include a few simple directions for how to plant the seeds, especially if you have found a method that works well.

When you have your seeds ready to trade, just post a message on the board. If you are looking for any particular seeds, you might mention that you'd be interested in some for a swap. You probably should state if the seeds are only for a swap or "if possible" a swap.

Southeastern West Virginia, Zone 5b/6a

San Francisco, CA, Zone 10

How To Exchange Seeds?