Ok, so you've gotten all your new catalogs and decided what you're going to order. You've pulled out a pen and paper a dozen times to design the spring garden. Before you order those seeds, don't you think you should clean some out of your stash?!

Good! I'm glad you decided to do so! You'll feel better. Those seeds that have just sat there will go to someone that will use them and you may get a few things you want too.

HERE"S HOW IT WORK

*This will be for edibles only. These can be vegetables, fruits, herbs and edible flowers.
* Viable seeds only please!
* It is NOT intended to be a swap to building your stash. It is truly meant to clean out your stash of seeds. Since it is a seed clean out there is a good chance of you getting less seeds back. Unwanted seeds are being donated to Need 4 Seed, an organization that distributes seeds to those in need.
* Please send a list of seeds that you have sent along with a list of seeds you do not wish to receive. Make sure to include both your name & GW name on the list.
* Please send a list of wants. Make sure to include both your name & GW name on the list.
* Please make sure your "want list" is up to date on GW.
* You will need to send me a SASBE to get your package back to you.
* I will look at people's trade lists and wish lists to see what their wants are. If there are seeds to match or come close to your wants you'll get them. If there are seeds that are questionable, I'll post a "Going Once, Going Twice" where someone can speak up if they want them. The "Going Once, Going Twice" only applies to those participating in the swap. To keep the time table moving it'll be posted for 3 days. If no one claims them at the end of 3 days, they'll go to Need 4 Seed. The rest will be donated to Need 4 Seed. For example: I have enough Canary Melon seeds to feed a small army. If someone desires these seeds in our group, there yours! If not, I will gladly donate these to Need 4 Seed. I don't expect anything back in return for them.

Please sign up by January 24. Please have seeds into me by January 31. The first week in February will start the "Going Once, Going Twice" posts. Seeds to go out the third week in February. Make sure to update your trade lists!"

This was a lot of fun last year. We had a few very generous donations. People participating got some great seeds and Need 4 Seed got a great big box full of seeds to distribute to those in need. Let's start the holidays & the New Year right and make it a great swap for everyone!
Happy Gardening!

Thanks, Lynn

Wendy / sassyb...

So far we have:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008

Donna

Becky

Toni

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
dirtdiggin

Signs ups are through January 24! Come on & join the fun and feel good about cleaning out your seed stash!

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
dirtdiggin
bgrow_gardens

Nancy

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs

Nancy

I did receive your email. I hope I answered all your questions. If not, or if you have more questions feel free to ask.

Becky

I'm glad you're back, Nancy. Not having a computer really stinks! I promise to control myself better this year as well. I hope you recovered from me elbowing you last year to jump in on the going, going, gone, thread. LOL

Welcome to all the new and old players as well! I was hoping we'd have a bigger turn-out this year!

Blessings,
Angela

Nancy

Bonnie

I'll be sending out my address to people after the new year (this coming weekend!) Don't worry, you still have until the end of January to get seeds in! Hey all you lurkers, there is plenty of time to sign up!

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs
Angelady
Highalttransplant

Welcome Jessew!

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs
Angelady
Highalttransplan
Jessew

There's still plenty of time to sign up everyone. Any seed donations are greatly welcomed and will go to a good cause.

Ellie

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs
Angelady
Highalttransplan
Jessew
Yotetrapper
Farmergirl2009

There's still plenty of time to sign up everyone. Any seed donations are greatly welcomed and will go to a good cause.

MARY

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85
Carsons Mimi
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs
Angelady
Highalttransplan
Jessew
Yotetrapper
Farmergirl2009
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr

There's still plenty of time to sign up everyone. Any seed donations are greatly welcomed and will go to a good cause.

I noticed a post in regards to how to package seeds, so I took the liberty of snagging the file at Robin's group that has her outline of what they usually like when we send seeds in. It's just an outline, though. Many people send them in all kinds of ways, but this will save Robin time dividing them up and repackaging them.

Here's a copy and paste from Need 4 Seed's website files:

---------------------------------------------------------

Seed Counts for N4S (Need 4 Seed) Packets

You may use your judgment on filling seed packets, this is a guideline. I have found that if N4S is mailing 2 or three types of summer-type squash that 5 seeds of each is plenty because the seeds have a decent germination rate. If seeds are from previous years, please state so, and add 2-3 more seeds for each year of ago in order to get a good germination count. Keep in mind that if N4S has the supply, more than one type of seed will be included for, say, string beans. For example, if we have green, yellow, and purple, all 3 will be included in the care package. If a seed is a difficult germinator such as edible landscaping/fruit plants, please include more in the package.

Please include specific name of plant, year of seed collection, etc. Do not include information on planting/growing because packets are too small for that. N4S will have a file with specific growing instructions for each seed included in the packet. However, if you are sending in any less-than-common seeds, please include a note that gives instructions so that the information can be posted to the group.

Please e-mail with any questions: Robin282mt@verizon.net

Here is a list of vegetable/fruit/edible flower followed by the recommended number of seeds to put in a pack.

Asparagus 20 seeds

Beans
String/Bush 35-50
String/Pole 35
Dry 50

Celery 20

Cole Crops (These have nearly 100% germination)
Broccoli 15
Brussels Sprouts 10
Cabbage 10
Cauliflower 15
Collards 10
Kale 15
Kohlrabi 10-15

Corn 50

Cucumbers
Slicers 7-10
Picklers 7-10

Root Crops
Beets 25
Carrots 25-50
Parsnips 35-50 (Must be fresh, parsnip seed is viable for the following year only)
Radishes 25 (Usually, more than one type of radish is included with care packages)
Rutabaga 25
Turnips 25

Lettuce
Head 15
Leaf 25

Melons
Watermelon 5-7
Muskmelon/cantaloupe 5-7
Honeydew 5-7
Other small 7-10
Other large 5-7

Okra 15

Onion (Must be fresh, onion seed is viable for the following year only)
Onions 35
Leek 25
Shallots 25

Solanum
Tomato 10-15
Pepper 10-15
Eggplant 10-15

Squash
Summer 5-7
Winter 5-7
Pumpkin 5-7
Gourds depends on size/type/# in mix
Small (in a mix) 20
Small singular 10
Large mix 15
Large singular 10

Spinach 15-20

Sunflower 25

Herbs
Very Small Seeds--a pinch
Medium Seeds—a bit
Large Seeds (countable size) base this on germination rate. If rate is high, then 15-20 seeds; if rate is low, then double the number of seeds.

Edibles (such as raspberry seeds, strawberry, grape, blueberry, etc.)
Your discretion based on germination rate, viability, and size of seed.

Edible Flowers
Your discretion based on germination rate, viability, and size of seed.

Note: Non-edibles may be included in care packages for cheer. Mainly, N4S is for getting food seeds to people.
However, anyone who is struggling may find cheer or peace in a pretty flower.
Your discretion based on germination rate, viability, and size of seed.

Large Family packs: Seeds may be doubled for a family of 5-6, or tripled for larger families.

---------------------------------------------------------

I hope it's okay that I posted this. I think I did last year, too. I hope I didn't step on your toes, Becky. I was just trying to help.

Blessings,
Angela

Thank you for posting the info regarding Need 4 Seed, Angelady.

I received seeds today from Sewwht. Thank you for sending them early!
* Denotes received seeds.

There's still plenty of time to sign up everyone. Any seed donations are greatly welcomed and will go to a good cause.

Lisa

Lisa, I did not receive your email. I just emailed you with the details of the swap.

I received seeds yesterday from Aphroditelaughs. Thank You! Slo garden, I'll be looking out for your seeds.

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplan
Jessew
Yotetrapper
Farmergirl2009
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831

There's still plenty of time to sign up & participate!

Bonnie

Blessings,
Angela

Regina

trade lists updated 1/11/10

Welcome Ginabean!

I received seeds today from Slo-garden. Thank You!

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplan
Jessew
Yotetrapper
Farmergirl2009
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831
Ginabean

There's still plenty of time to sign up & participate!

Lisa

My work has been terribly busy and shows no signs of slowing down. So I have not been able to do as much sorting of seeds as I had hoped. However, I'll work on it this weekend. The good news is, I think we're getting a great selection seeds!

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831
Ginabean
and maybe Julianna from Canada!

There's still plenty of time to sign up & participate!

Whew! Glad the work week is over. Next week is going to be another busy one though! I'm glad I don't have too many things to do this weekend (except sorting seeds, of course!)
Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean
Julianna from Canada!

*Received seeds

There's still plenty of time to sign up & participate!

Thanks for doing all of this Becky!!

Donna

There's still some time left to sign up!

Am I supposed to send you an email, or should I wait to hear from you?

Amy

Welcome to the swap! I'll send an email to you shortly.

No packages today.

I am happily sorting seeds today so I am hoping to get my pkg out early next week! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Hugs,
Wendy / sassyb.

Happy seed sorting,
Becky

Please try and get your seeds out this week if you haven't sent them already.

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk*
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper*
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean
Soreellina from Canada!*
Dieg01991

*Received seeds

Toni

I just sent you an email through the garden web. Please let me know if you received it.

fingers crossed,
Tauna

Welcome to the swap. Tauna, I'll email you the details shortly. Spoonietreasure you should have received an email from me regarding the details.

Please try and get your seeds out this week if you haven't sent them already.

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk*
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper*
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean
Sorellina from Canada!*
Dieg01991
Spoonietreasure
Fleethart

*Received seeds

MARY

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk*
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper*
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean
Sorellina from Canada!*
Dieg01991
Spoonietreasure
Fleethart*

*Received seeds

Amy

Amy

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk*
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper*
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy*
Garden Proj Mgr
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean*
Sorellina from Canada!*
Dieg01991
Spoonietreasure
Fleethart*

*Received seeds

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008
Sunnyk*
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens*
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper*
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy*
Garden Proj Mgr - drop
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean*
Sorellina from Canada!*
Dieg01991*
Spoonietreasure
Fleethart*

*Received seeds

I will start the "Going Once, Going twice" as an update for the swap. So it will read:
Update: Seed Clean Out Going Once...

I have a killer project at work that is due on friday (I didn't want to take the project to begin with but I was overruled.) So I will start the update over the weekend (probably Sunday so I can have Saturday to sort seeds some more.) So be on the lookout Sunday! The seeds that are up for grabs on the update will be a first come first serve.

Becky

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008*
Sunnyk*
Dirtdiggin
Bgrow_gardens*
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper*
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy*
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean*
Sorellina from Canada!*
Dieg01991*
Spoonietreasure
Fleethart*

*Received seeds

Sorry I haven't been around.. we've got roof leaking issues and I just found out the whole attic has mold all over the top inside.. ughh! So we're moving and rearranging boxes and 'stuff'... LOTS of stuff..lol But I'll be checking in off and on between box moving :P

Hugs all,
Wendy / sassyb

Donna

One more package today! Here's were we stand. I haven't heard from Angelady. I know she dropped out from another swap I was in recently. Hope you're ok. Luvgardening2 emailed me with her situation about a week ago.I'm also missing seeds from Spoonietreasure.

Here's who's in so far:
Booberry85*
Carsons Mimi*
Slo Garden*
Sassybutterfly 2008*
Sunnyk*
Dirtdiggin*
Bgrow_gardens*
Luvgardening2
Aphroditelaughs*
Angelady
Highalttransplant*
Jessew*
Yotetrapper*
Farmergirl2009*
Shinyalloy*
Sewwht*
Lisa831*
Ginabean*
Sorellina from Canada!*
Dieg01991*
Spoonietreasure
Fleethart*

Blessings,
Angela

Becky

Happy Gardening!
Becky

Thanks for your help!
Becky

I am definitely NOT expecting back as much as I sent in. :)

Donna

I don't mind things that are not on my list. My garden is an acre so I buy seed by the pound unless its expensive then I trade or buy a little and harvest seed each year until I have enough to plant and eat. While I building the seed stock I trial different varieties of vegatables. Its a great way to try new things I have not tried in the past. Last year was the first year I had enough Hutterite beans to eat and have a stable population to plant next year. Unfortunately a bean grown by an old neighbor did not do well and I found out this week that he is dying. This year I will plant some of his beans while reserving some as a back-up in the event of another bad year. In this way I have found my favorite parsley, lettuces, bok choi, corn, kale, collards, cauliflower and carrot. I am still trialing peas, cabbage, soybeans, onions, snap beans, spinach, cucumber, popcorn and parsnip. The art of growing broccoli, orach, potatoes, celery, and more is still eluding me. this year I would like to try celeriac, root parsley, cutting celery, soup peas, lentils, chick peas, mangels, and work more herbs into the field. But its a big field and I like trying new things because it reduces my catalogue wish list. I try not to order from more than 2 catalogues and trading allows me to do that and to share some of my favorites.
Cheers,
Tauna
~FleetHart~

I agree with the majority. We went into this knowing the 'clean-out' swap was primarily for the benefit of Need 4 Seed. I would be thrilled to receive a few things on my wish list yet have the greater portion go to the charity. Just my thoughts~

Thanks for coordinating this effort.

Lynn (aka carsons_mimi)

I have a good stash of doubles, triples, etc of seeds already set aside for Need 4 Seed. Here's how I work it. Say someone sends in 5 sets of Waltham Butternut squashes. Now say only one person wants them. That person gets a pack of seeds. With the other 4 packets, 2 go directly to Need 4 Seed and 2 get listed on the "Update: Seed Clean Out Going Once." That way I'm sure Need 4 Seed gets a good stash of seeds. I had a lot of singles of tomatoes. So I split the stack that were left over. Half are going to Need 4 Seed and half will be on the update tomorrow.

It feels good knowing we are contributing to a worthy cause!

Hugs,
Wendy / sassyb.

I'm new to Round-Robin-ing and I pretty much wiped out my stash on this swap. Having checked other folks' have lists I was hopeful that this swap could fill several of my wants so I didn't even keep much that I don't intend to plant this season. So while I'm not expecting to receive back as much seed as I sent (I sent multiples of most seeds) and only need one packet of each seed I receive, I really hope some of the varieties I'm looking for will be available cuz I have nothing left to trade for it ;)

For the leftovers tomorrow, will we each be notified of the seeds already held for us before the rest are posted? We'll have some way to know so that we don't wind up claiming something up-for-grabs that you've already saved for us, right?

Thanks Becky and all fellow participants for this great opportunity to help others as well as each other!
Regina

I don't send send people lists of seeds that they already have in their stash (No surprises! What fun would that be?) However, if you claim something off of the "Going Once... Going Twice" lists that's already in your stash, I'll let you know and ask you if you still want it.

Have fun Everyone!
Becky

Also Incredible Edibles is about to post its 2nd Annual Spring Fling Swap. It's lots of fun and you'll get to learn about some fun gardening people that share the same interests as you and you'll get to exchange fun seeds to start your vegetable garden with.

Please look for it!