This swap looks like a lot of fun, but I want to check a few things.

People have many ways to define "heirloom". Are you saying that any open pollinated variety can be included, even if it was stabilized/introduced just a few years ago?

Do you have any guidelines on minimum number of seeds per pack, and age of the seeds?

Are people invited to send extras if they have a lot more than 3 packs of some varieties and they just want to do a clean-out?

Thank you.

I want to join. I don't have a lot of edibles, so I'm looking forward to this one.

Sounds fun! Please sign me up! sending you an email.

I would love to participate and since is my first group trade I do have the same questions as SPACETOGROW.Sign me up!

Wow! I guess I should have come into the house during the day to check emails. This is the first day without rain or snow in over a week and starting tomorrow for the next 7 days it will be rain. I just had to get my beds cleaned out before the plants were a foot tall and by then its too hard to clean out the old stems.

To answer some questions: Age of your seeds that you are sending should be no older than 2009. Although parsnips, onions, okra are usually only good for one year. After that they don't germinate as well. If you are not sure if your seeds are viable do a test. If you are not sure if they are heirloons...google to find out. Although there are a lot of sites out there, most say an heirloom is at least 50 years old.

The amount of seed to send I would say for large seeds such as beans, melons, corn etc about 20-25. Smaller seeds such as radishes, carrots about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. Send the amount that you would like to receive back. I did limit the packs to 3 of the same variety. If everyone sent in 3 packs of the same variety you would get 3 back. Hopefully this won't happen.

Welcome to the swap:
booberry85
christine00
apoppyfield
subruralGirl
itzybitzy

If you have any more questions please ask. I will send each of you an email also. Hope everyone's weather was as nice as ours today.

Ellie

Good morning everyone,

I see it's raining out just like the weatherman said...so glad I worked outside all day even though by last night I could hardly walk.

The list is growing:

booberry85
christine00
apoppyseed
subruralgirl
itzybitzy
farmergirl
spacetogrow

Hope everyone has a nice day! Since it's raining I think I shall clean house.

Ellie

Hi! I'd like to play too!

Should packets be labelled with the year and whether they were commercial or hand collected? I personally like to know this info when I get trade seeds, especially with seeds like cucumbers and squash, where cross-pollization may be an issue for hand-collected seeds...

Also my first exchange....please sign me up. Thanks.

Welcome julia42 and lorabell. I am so glad that there are gardeners that do use heirlooms simply because you can save the seed from your gardens and use for next year. It sure cuts down on the money that is spent each year buying seeds.
We have the following that have signed up for this swap and there is still plenty of time to sign up if you are still just thinking about it.

booberry85
christine00
apoppyseed
subruralgirl
itzybitzy
farmergirl
spacetogrow
julia42
lorabell

Have a wonderful evening! Rained all day here.

Ellie

Just checking in to see what everyone is doing. Hope that some of you have nice weather...suppose to rain for the next several days again. One radio station said that this summer is going to be hot and dry so I guess I shouldn't complain about the weather. Would be nice though to be able and roto till the garden and then add more compost before roto tilling before I plant.

I also have been going through my seeds for the exchange. It's amazing just how many are heirlooms. Not even realizing it, but most of the seeds I plant are heirlooms. I usually plant the same types of seeds that my Mom did 60 years ago. Very seldom do I buy anything new.

Any new lookers out there that haven't made up there minds about joing? Still lots of time to decide. I see the fog has lifted finally. And for now its not raining so maybe I can get outside and do something.

Does anyone have a problem with ants this year? These are sugar ants but they are not in the kitchen as a person would expect. I got a feeling between the dogs and me we are bringing them inside. I picked up my jeans this morning to put in the hamper and under it was covered with these ants.

When it stops raining long enough I am going to spray around the house foundation also. Well guess I had better get this day started. Have a good one!

Ellie

Please sign me up.

Don

Good morning everyone! It is raining here...as usual.

This was brought to my attention by another person signing up. Yes herbs are included but no flowers. There are plenty of other swaps for flowers even though some of you may use flowers in your salads etc. And also be sure to put the year and whether commercial or hand collected seeds on your packets. Thanks!

Welcome Dem_pa to the seed swap. Glad to have you join us.

It's getting closer to Friday..yea!

Ellie

So glad its the weekend! How about you? So far it's not raining. It has rained everyday this week and I need to get outside and start something . It's pretty cloudy out though. The weekends have been pretty busy just going to different gardening workshops. Its surprising "when you think you know everything" at what you learn. Every Saturday in April is also another workshop on some aspects of raising vegetables.

I received apopyfield's seeds a couple of days ago. My son put the mail in the garage so I didn't see it.

We have the following who has signed up so far:
booberry85
christine00
apoppyseed / rec'd
subruralgirl
itzybitzy
farmergirl
spacetogrow
julia42
lorabell
dem_pa

There is still plenty of time for other gardeners to sign up. Anyone sitting back and just thinking about it. You have until April 25th to sign up. Come on...you know you want to sign up...just do it.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Ellie

As we start April, I am sure many already have their gardens planted. I for one, still deciding on what to plant. It will probably be another 4-6 weeks before we can plant here...rain and snow today. It has been reported to be the wetest spring on record.

To keep "thinking gardening" I have been attending several seminiars. This saturday is the Spokane Community Garden kick-off. Not only will there be talks on community garden, etc but also a seed exchange. Then in the afternoon I am attending a potato and tomato workshop. I have never grown potatos successfuly. They always are mushy. Yuck! Maybe I can learn what I am doing wrong.

Sign-ups are still 21 days away. You will have time to sign up and send in your seeds. Have a wonderful day wherever you are located.

Ellie

Getting closer to the end of the week and its Easter weekend too! What plans do you have?
My kids and grandaughter are coming over for dinner. Need to figure out what to make to go with the ham.

Rec'd seeds for Julia42 today. Thank you for sending so quickly. Have a great evening everyone!

Ellie

I love heirloom tomatoes. I'd love to join. clay_lady

A beautiful day...we haven't seen sun in a long time. Welcome Clay_lady to the swap. Glad you are joining us.

Saturday I am going to attend the community garden kick-off season. There will be speakers and also a seed exchange. I have had my seeds ready for 2 weeks. Can you tell I am excited? In the afternoon I will then attend another gardening event on planting potatoes & tomatoes. Should be a fun day!

Have a great weekend.

Ellie

My package of seeds is in the mail.

It looks like frost in my area for the next night or two. Hey, that will make for seasonal conditions for just about the first time all winter. What a strange winter.

I mailed my seeds this afternoon.

Don

I think I'd like to try this. haven't done RR before.

Hi everyone,
Welcome Jedonne and I will send you an email.
Did everyone have a nice Easter? Big klutz here, I was getting the ham ready for the oven and I cut 2 of my knuckles pretty deep. Probably should have gone into ER and had stitches. Going to be some scares I am afraid.

We have the following who has signed up so far:
booberry85
christine00
apoppyseed / rec'd
subruralgirl
itzybitzy
farmergirl
spacetogrow
julia42 / rec;d
lorabell
dem_pa
clay_lady
jodonne

There is still a couple of weeks to join if anyone hasn't decided whether or not to sign up.

Today the temperature was 75 and sunny but tomorrow its suppose to rain again for a few days again. Of all the rain we have had, the ground is getting on the dry side. The sprinkler guy is coming tomorrow to turn on the system.

Have a good evening everyone.

Ellie

I received spacetogrow's seeds today. Shall put them with the others. Thank you for sending.

Since it is too cold to plant the vegetable garden I have been working in the flower beds. I dug out all the perennials from one of the beds (over 150) to dig out the grass and amend the soil. Hopefully by this weekend I can get all the plants back into the ground.

Have a good evening.

Ellie

Hi everyone,
The weekend came and went. Funny how that happens. I received Dem-pa's envy on Friday. Thank you for mailing.

I worked outside all weekend replanting those perennials that I dug out last week, but only got about half-way done. Can't believe with all the rain we have had how dry the ground is. I had the sprinkler system turned on last week although I haven't ran it yet except in the orchard.

We have about 10 days before this swap closes so if anyone else would like to join, please let me know. And also the seed packages are due on the 30th for those who haven't sent their's yet.

Have a great week everyone.

Ellie

Bubble mailer is on the way! Here's the DC# 0312 0090 0000 6166 4482.

Ellie,

I should have read further into the posts after I signed up. I didn't realize flowers were NOT included. You'll get a package with a zip baggie full of veggies and a zip baggie full of flowers. Just send the zip baggie of flower seeds back to me and include the zip baggie of veggie seeds for the swap.

Sorry!

Becky

Happy Friday!
If you are still contemplating on signing up for the heirloon seed swap, you have 5 days in which to do so.

Received booberry85 yesterday. Thank you for sending. Seeds are do April 30th.

We have the following who has signed up so far:
booberry85 / rec'd
christine00
apoppyseed / rec'd
subruralgirl
farmergirl
spacetogrow / rec'd
julia42 / rec'd
lorabell
dem_pa / rec'd
clay_lady
jodonne

Another rainy day here. I need at least a week with no rain to get the weeding/dead heading done. I just may have to endure the rain...guess I won't melt.

Ellie

Okay,...I'm in! :)

Welcome to the swap cryptid. Sending you an email.

Ellie

Pleasse drop me from this swap. So sorry

Today is the last day for sign-ups so if you have been contemplating on whether to sign up...do so today. Seeds are due the end of the month.

Getting another rainy spell here. Been thinking about putting black plastic down in order for soil to start to warm up so that I can plant at least spinach, lettuce, onions, etc. Has anyone done that and does it work?

Ellie

Received clay_lady's seeds today.

booberry85 / rec'd
apoppyseed / rec'd
subruralgirl
farmergirl / rec'd
spacetogrow / rec'd
julia42 / rec'd
lorabell
dem_pa / rec'd
clay_lady / rec'd
jodonne
cryptid

Don't forget these are due at the end of the month so that I can get them back to you. Thanks everyone.

Ellie

"Getting another rainy spell here. Been thinking about putting black plastic down in order for soil to start to warm up so that I can plant at least spinach, lettuce, onions, etc. Has anyone done that and does it work?

Ellie"

Y'know, that actually sounds like a pretty good idea! I know it works when you spread it beneath tomato plants, to absorb and reflect heat.

Darrin I think I just may do the plastic thing. It has rained so much last night & today, I think we are going to have to build the ark.Course we need the sun to warm the black plastic too.

Received Jedonne's seeds today. If the rest come by the weekend I can start to sort. Thanks everyone!

Ellie

Receved Loraell's and Cryptid's seeds today. Waiting on one more then I can start to sort.

booberry85 / rec'd
apoppyseed / rec'd
subruralgirl
farmergirl / rec'd
spacetogrow / rec'd
julia42 / rec'd
lorabell / rec'd
dem_pa / rec'd
clay_lady / rec'd
jodonne / rec'd
cryptid / rec'd

Been a little windy and rainy here this week. I hope it starts to clear up so that I can get out in the yard.
Have a great weekend everyone.

Ellie

Hi everyone!

rec'd subruralgirl's seeds yesterday. Since rain has been predicted for all week I am going to start sorting today and try to have all back out in the mail by Friday or before. I opened the packages last night to get ready for today and I am hoping that you are going to like tomatoes. Never saw so many different kinds before. Wow!

Have a wonderful day!

Ellie

The seeds are back in the mail today. Thank you all for participating.

Lynn...sending you an email.

Ellie

Gosh..I almost forgot. The delivery confirmation Receipt #'s.
Booberry85 0311 3260 0002 1776 8964
apoppyfield 0311 3260 0002 1776 4065
Dem_pa 0311 3260 0002 1776 8971

Have a wonderful evening!

Ellie

Hurray! You made fast work of that!

Fast, indeed. Hope you catch a break from the rain so you can get more time in the garden. I appreciate your willingness to take the lead on this!

With almost a week of rain, it helps to keep on track of getting it done. I'm not one for gardening in the rain anymore.

Clay_lady yours went out yesterday - confirmation #
0310 3200 0000 2541 7848

Thanks everyone and have a great weekend!

Ellie

I received my seeds today at noon. Thanks to all who shared their seeds and thanks to a great hostess. I don't mind all the tomato seeds. They are good for at least 5 years.

Don

I got my seeds today too! Thanks! I'm honestly surprised at some of the items on my wish list you were able to fulfil - very cool! Everybody must have sent in a great variety. Plus, there were several tomato seeds that I sort of wanted but didn't include on my list that you happened to send! Thanks for a great swap!

Just picked up my seeds in the mail and am blown away by the selection. Thanks so much for the fun, organized, and productive swap and for everyone who sent in seeds. Great job, Ellie.

Just opened my package and am also blown away by the seeds I recieved back. Just what I asked for! Thanks a bunch and sorry about sending only tomato seeds... Got carried away and ordered about 50 different heirloom varieties this year so had lots of extras. I'll do better next time!ha

Also, I have to mention - I love your labels, Claylady! I think I may have to make up some similar ones for myself. Those are neat!

Thank you so much Ellie! I'm sure my requests must have driven you nuts. Thank you for all the hard work. The seed selection is terrific!

Becky

The package I got is great fun as well. Thanks to Ellie and all who contributed.

I certainly don't mind tomato seeds. On the other hand, I know pea and bean and other large seeds can cost more to mail. I appreciate those who took that on.

Have a great season.

RE: NEW: I.E. Heritage Heirloom Swap

My amazingly overstuffed package of seeds arrived day-before-yesterday! Holy, blessed St. Fiacre (patron saint of growing food and medicinal plants)! I never expected so large a return, even from so many wonderfully sharing individuals! Thank you, Ellie, uber muchly, for this totally kewl, fun RR! I would've posted sooner, but,...well,...we've been rather caught-up with various familial issues lately (albeit nothing particularly major, thankfully, yet demanding never the less). GardenWeb really is an exemplary, outstanding community of incredibly generous, fun loving individuals! - Thanks, everyone, for all the tomatoes, peppers, corn and lettuce, etc.! You all totally rock! :)

Oops! I forgot to mention the really nice "Thank You" card Ellie included with all the seeds she sent! So, Ellie, appreciative thanks for your very thoughtful card, also! :)

WOW!!!! what a great package of seeds. The grandsons were so happy with their package-- they are planting their gardens this week-end. I got mine done yesterday, and I can't wait to find out what everything turns out to be. I love to take heirlom vegetables to work and have them try all the new (old ) stuff. I'm always bringing in the purple,green,white, fuzzy peach, black tomatoes, just for fun. Thanks for feeding my passion. Best Swap in quite a while.