I keep waiting for someone to initiate an edibles only swap. Guess I'm it. I really want to keep things small and controlled, so I'm looking for the first 25 people to sign-up. I'm sure I can be persuaded to add more if there is enough interest.

Here are the guidelines:

The deadline for sign-up is October 16th or when we reach our max of 25 participants.

Please post a message below AND email me with your name, address and top three wants (i.e., brassicas, legumes, carrots, not specific varieties). I will do my best to fulfill your wish list. No promises.

Seeds should be mailed to me by no later than October 23. I recommend some type of delivery confirmation to help you keep track of your package. Don't want anything getting lost in the mail. I will sort and mail them back to you one week later. As your packages come in, I will count the number of seed packs and make sure you get back the same number, plus any bonuses.

Seed Packs

Send in 15 - 20 seed packs. Large seeds (beans) must contain at least 12 seeds. A few more would be nice. Mid-sized seeds (cucumber, beet) about 20. Small seeds (lettuce, carrots, cabbage) must contain be reasonable size, say 50 - 75 seeds. Feel free to send in extra packs, just be sure to mark them as such.

Label each seed pack with as much information as possible, like dtm, color, type, variety (Broccoli: Early Dividend, 49dtm).

Please send your seeds to me in a bubble envelope. Make sure it is large enough to hold whatever you expect to get back. Include a list of the seeds you sent in so I don't send your seeds right back to you.

Can't wait to get started!

April

Ryan, heirlooms and op varieties would be great. In fact, I hope we get a lot of unique and unusuals to try. I'll be sharing some of the more unique things in my seed box as well as a few high demand items. I just received a few new goodies. I won't share what they are just yet.

Let's try to keep this swap near the top. I posted a message on the veggie exchange and the winter sowing exchange as well.

April

**Be sure to sign-up here before emailing me.** Thanks
April

I've looked through your wish list. There may be a few bonus tomatoes coming your way, namely (CPE, 1884, LGS and more):-)

I didn't say so in the original post, but its important that swap participants send in a variety of seeds. We want no more than 4 packs of the same variety, unless its an item in high demand. This excludes bonuses. If you're not sure - no problem. Send me an email and we'll figure it out together. Thanks

April

Hugs,

Jamie (too!)

Don't forget to email me.

April

Thanks!

Diana

Don't forget to check everyone's Exchange List. Here's mine.

Hugs...I'm getting excited!!!! Jamie

To edit your exchange page:
*Make sure that you are logged in
*Click on any forum
*Scroll down to the bottom of the page
*Select "Members Services"
*Select "Edit Exchange List"
*Make changes and hit "submit"

Good luck!

Thanks.

Sorry for all of the questions, but I figure I should probably ask someone as I have no clue to what I am doing.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS EVERYONE. I'M SENDING THE FIRST BROADCAST MESSAGE TONIGHT. WE HAVE 13 SO FAR AND I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING GOING. YIPPEEE.

APRIL

There is a 4 pack limit on the same EXACT variety of vegetable, not the same vegetable. For example, 'Better Boy' is a variety of tomato. I would prefer no more than 4 packets of 'Better Boy' tomato from one source. I for one would rather not include herbs unless they are to specifically address a want on someone's wish list. I love herbs but already have quite a few. Others may chime in on this one?

Postage is not so simple. The best way to go about it is to take your package to the post office and have it weighed. Use that amount as an estimate for return postage and include an additional stamp or two. If you package is lighter than the original (which is unlikely) I will send back your additional stamps or you may donate them to the swap. I usually purchase additional stamps for packages that run a little short. Just a few. Thanks for the great questions.

April

For postage...inside the US I use a flat rate box depending on how much I am sending. For my bean swap I used one because beans are heavy and for swaps that include things other than seeds I do too. For straight seeds to Canada I sent by weight then for return added the equivilant of what would be 3 extra stamps for Canada. (for that I did the ultimate no, no and sent cash but, it was a buck) That was a Pepper and Tomato exchange that had allot of extras sent to it. I'm just telling you this to give you an idea of what was suggested to me in the past. If you have allot of corn, peas, and beans they weight more and you might want to think about a flat rate small box if you are sending 15 to 20. They will be protected and the box comes free. By the time you buy the box and the postage the cost averages out plus the flat rate boxes are priority mail. I know you can get 15 STUFFED bean packets in a small one.

Anyway...like I said...I am NO swap expert! Just my experience and what's been past on to me. I also always include a return address label in my envelope so the swap person can just slap it over their address on my envy or box and use it to return it to me...one more thought...lol...if you use one of the plastic bubble envy's you get at walmart, they are only a few cents more and protect your seeds even more then the paper bubble ones. Then Tape the envelope closed with clear packing tape then the swap person can cut the tape open without ruining the envelope and use the seal to seal it up and send it back!...just a trick I learned in my first swap.

Went on WAY too long...sorry!

Hugs to all,

Jamie

Patti

I really appreciate all the information.

Rebekah

Patti

Welcome Rebekah. Glad you could join us. You have mail.

Patti, my original intent with the 20 packs was to make sure I had enough "good" selections to send back to each person. I am planning to send in at least 35 packs myself, but those over and above 20 will be bonuses. That is, they will be gifts for which I do not expect anything in return. Because of our small size, I really hate to limit folks to just 20 packs. I say, send in as many as you like. Just know that I can only guarantee you will receive 20 packs + bonuses in return. I hope that's clear. If there are lots of extras I think generous traders should receive first consideration. Last year, I participated in a swap where one trader sent 100 bonus packs of seed. I had no problem with someone like that receiving extras.

You have mail.

I was able to be generous with most things except tomato seed. I only sent three packages and one of those is to fill a request. In all cases I sent only 12 seeds since that was about half of a commercial pack. I just bought them and haven't grown any of them yet. Of course, I don't plant 12 of any one kind in the same year anyway, so maybe if it is something you really want to try, 12 will be enough. It would be enough for me to try it and if it was something I really wanted, I would be happy to receive twelve little seeds.

I didn't make a wish list, but I would be happy to receive ANY pepper seed.

I like all tomatoes, especially purple ones. I would like any early tomato and would also like to try Kellogs Breakfast.

I would love to have Broccoli Raab or Green Sprouting broccoli, and any unusual winter squash. I would also like to have Cherokee Trail of Tears beans.

We eat just about all garden vegetables so I will not be unhappy with anything I receive. Thanks. Carol

Looks like Monday will be a big day at the post office. Those of you that need more time, don't worry. You have until Friday, October 30 to mail your seeds to me.

I highly recommend priority mail or delivery confirmations. Not required, but a good idea. I have extra priority mail boxes.

Thanks

April, mine will be coming priority mail but, I won't be getting it to the PO until tomorrow. We have a whopping wall of Thunder storms heading for us out of the West and I need to button things up here but, I still have plenty of time until the Friday deadline. I have 20 swaps and 32 extras coming your way...16 people is a great number to get an interesting swap! What fun!

Hugs,

Jamie

mamagem! Your package was first to arrive.

Jamie, 32 is a lot of extras. Thanks so much

YaY mamagem!!!!!!! Congratulations!!! Wooo Whoo!!! Tee hee sorry just thought it was fun...

Thank You April for organizing all this! You are really special!

Hugs,

Jamie

So far, everyone has done a wonderful job of packaging and labeling. And so many bonus packs. I personally am up to 57 packs. Can't seem to stop myself.

Slo_garden, or should I say "Tomato Queen" and farmergirl, you must have spent hours handwriting notes. Such a thorough job.

Tod65, what a wonderful selection of melons. I can't wait to try a few.

Patti1957 wins the prize for the most unusual variety so far. Some very cool contributions.

This is going to be an amazing swap! I'm actually very glad we kept it small. It's turning out so much better than swaps I've been involved in before because everyone is so generous and there is more than enough to go around. Thank you , thank you, thank you.

April

Scarlett

Rebekah

Vegeplanter, W9yards, Columbine21, your packages arrived today. Lots more goodies to sort through.

Ryansr and Gardengal1 have mailed their packages too.

Thanks everyone

Scarlett

Scarlett

http://dl10.glitter-aphics.net/pub/1648/1648920dfuq08tpyl.gif
I borrowed this gif from another page. Isn't it cute

I borrowed this "gif" from another round robin post. Isn't it cute!

Ryansr and Gardengal1, your envelopes arrived today. Thank you

Hugs,

Jamie

Rebekah (who is not familiar with mailing boxes)

http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-prices.htm

The box is free (ask at your post office) and you can ship as much as you can fit in the box, any weight.

Now my box was not sent on the day I originaly estimated because of a wicked case of the flu and my po being so far away but, it was still sent by the deadline. I got 52 seed packets in a small box with some extra room and that included 6 full Bean packets and 3 or 4 pea so they really do hold allot...Of course I don't use them if I am just sending regular seeds or maybe on pack of beans or peas. It's just a personal preference I guess.

Hugs,

Jamie

Carol, thank you as well.

Rebekah

Rebekah - You are more than welcome honey.

Hugs,

Jamie

I'm waiting for just one more envelope which should arrive in the next few days.

April

I grow pole beans on a cattle panel. One of them is built into an arch, two others (halves) go straight up 8 feet, and the others are just placed horizonally and held in place with t-posts. They are wonderful for the garden for anything that climbs. I have five and will probably be buying more before spring. The problem with a fence is that you need to be able to pick both sides, or let your neighbor pick the other side. LOL

I found a picture that shows the panels before they were covered with vines. You can see one side of the arch with some cukes just starting to climb up high in the center of the picture. Next year I will mount the horizonal panels about a foot off the ground because my pole beans had to "fall over" quite a distance at the top this year.

When It comes to putting them by I like to freeze peas but, I much prefer to can beans but, that's just me. Everyone feels differently about it. It's more work to can but, I think the flavor is better but, it's just a matter of taste and what you plan to use them for I guess. I also, for some reason, NEVER fail to end up with freezer burned beans in just a matter of a couple of months.

Thank you so much for the pic and info!!!!

Hugs to you,

Jamie

You may need two people to get the arch up if you decide to go that way. Some people just make a smooth arch and put four short t-posts at the corners, but we made ours into more of a gothic shape. It was at the entrance to my growing area, but I keep extending my garden so I may have to move it for next year. We put a 2x4 board in the center where we wanted it to bend, then one stood on it while the other tried to bend it up. They are stiff so it is a little hard to bend, but I like the look.

I bought several kinds of long beans to grow next year, in addition to the regular green beans. I think they will look great on the panels.

Patti

My first one scared me off for over a year. A lady posted free seeds to about 20 different flowers. I sent my envelope to her and got back the seeds alright, but they weren't separated and were all in one envelope. Now even with flowers I don't like to plant that way.

Hang in there and wait for your seeds. It will be like Christmas in November. Carol

April

Hugs,

Jamie

Soonergrandmom, I've received all but one swap. Hopefully, it will arrive this afternoon.

I've already begun the tedious process of sorting through the seeds. We have a good selection of heirloom and Op varieties. There aren't many rare and exotic seeds, but plenty of good, garden staples. As far as bonuses go, I'm sure you'll all be pleased. Look for 5 or more extras in your return envelopes. We did have one person send in just 7 packets of seed. That throws the count off just a bit but remember, you only get back as much as you sent in.

Thanks
April

Rebekah

Swaps will go in the mail on Saturday, November 14th. Please post a message here when yours arrives.

Rebekah, I didn't receive a melon by that name, but I have something similar in my seed box. I'll make sure you get a few bonus seeds.

That's all for now folks. Please remember to let me know when your box/envelope arrives.

Hugs!
April

Thank you, April, for hosting!

Rebekah

he he he

Rebekah

Thanks!

Diana

Lisa, I'm glad you like your seeds. Yours was a challenge because you didn't have a wish list. Did you get enough tomatoes and peppers? I have a large selection of heirlooms. If you're looking for something specific, send me an email. I just might have it.

Thanks

Rebekah

Next on my list of things to do is a photo diary of how to grow onions from seed. I purchased the onion variety 'Candy'. My plan is to share the seeds and invite others to join me. Let me know if you're interested. This time of year I just have to think up ways to keep busy. LOL

Thanks again for the seeds, I had fun looking them all up and planting quite a few.

Diana

Thank you,
Patti