SEED AND CUTTING EXCHANGE

**forestdale** · 01-04-2006, 03:52 PM

Planting season is getting closer for many of us and I know a lot of our gardeners are starting to plan their gardens. I thought it would be helpful and frugal to establish a seed and plant exchange here to help offset some of the cost of growing our food.

Please research your own state's guidelines on what may be legally sent across your borders. For instance, I can send seeds and cuttings to most places in Australia and overseas, but can't accept them from foreign countries. We also have bans on sending bananas to certain areas. It is my responsibility as a gardener to know these regualtions and abide by them.

Here is some info regarding US and Canadian seeds and cuttings, but please research requirements for your own area:
CANADA
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/...d-98-01e.shtml
UNITED STATES
http://www.seedstrust.com/st/share.html

All the exchanges should be fair.
You may be able to get seeds from other members and send them seeds or cuttings in exchange. Don't expect to get all your seeds without offering something back in return. If you have nothing to exchange and the seed giver is still keen to send, maybe you could send a stamped self-addressed envelope so the seed sender isn't out of pocket.

Okay gardeners, if you have seeds or cuttings to swap list them here.

**Valerie in WA** · 01-04-2006, 09:26 PM

I have tried and true pumpkin seeds. They are smaller than a basketball and a have a nice deep orange color. The variety is intended for eating. They puree nicely without stringiness. I saved the seeds from pumpkins grown in 2004 (from commercial seeds). I used some of the seeds to grow pumpkins in 2005, successfully. I can't remember how many seeds I planted. I think it was either 6 or 6 hills of three seeds per hill. Anyway, I got nine pumpkins. Each pumpkin yeilded at least 4 cups of puree.

This should be fun!

**tbs727** · 01-04-2006, 09:51 PM

I have nothing to give, but would be glad to send an SASE to anyone.

**ACEHearts** · 01-04-2006, 10:06 PM

Unfortuantely this year I have nothing to share.. except a few bean seeds from my aunt and uncles garden from 2 yrs ago (I'll do a germination test on those to see if they are still ok).

I can send SASE within Canada... or an envelope with some US cash to the US though.

Cindy

**forestdale** · 01-04-2006, 10:49 PM

Hi Tiffany and Cindy. It's difficult when you're getting started to have much to trade with. This is just a suggestion, but it might get you on the road to your seed swaps.

Why don't you buy 3 - 4 packs of seeds from your local produce store. Try to buy open pollinated ones or heirloom seeds and get popular vegetables but unusual varieties. For instance if I was doing this and I had no seeds to swap, I'd buy a pack of heirloom red pear tomato seeds, some sort of green leaf seeds - like a heirloon lettuce or spinach, sweet corn seeds and maybe some climbing beans.

Heirloom seeds are always popular and they are the seeds that can be saved at the end of each season. They reproduce true to type every year.

There will probably be a few people interested in swapping if you have those seeds. Make sure you buy seeds you want to plant too, becasue you can take what you want to plant, then swap what is remaining. Don't forget to save seeds at the end of the season so you have seeds to swap again next year.

**Kimberlina** · 01-04-2006, 11:31 PM

I may be too late for southern climes, but I will be placing an order later this month with a couple of companies, including Seeds of Change (organic seeds.)

I also have some seeds from my garden this year- mostly peppers and beans. I'm afraid all my flower seeds are too old.

**tbs727** · 01-05-2006, 09:17 AM

Forestdale, How long will seeds in the packages last? I have ordered some heirloom seed cataloges. I will order some Interesting varieties so I am prepared to share next year. I am so looking forward to this!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have several of your posts printed out and placed in my gardening journal. I'm sure I will have many questions along this journey.

**forestdale** · 01-05-2006, 02:53 PM

Tiffany, fresh seeds will usually last for several years, depending on how they are stored. They need to be kept in an airtight container.

If you're ordering from an heirloon place, they usually take care of their seeds so if you store them properly, they should last a few years. BTW, there's a seed germination test in lawn and garden somewhere, you might want to use it in the future.

I'm pleased you've found helpful info here. I think gardening is an important skill for any homemaker, particularly frugal ones. Like a lot of the ladies here, I firmly believe in passing on knowledge and helping where I can, so I look forward to your questions. I'm sure with all the good gardeners here we could answer just about anything. lol

**owiebrain** · 01-05-2006, 02:57 PM

I have plenty to share with anyone that needs them (even if you have nothing to trade). It'll probably be a few days before I get around to sending them, though. I'll copy my GardenWeb list below. (I have about 4 potential trades in limbo right now that could slightly alter the list but I think I have enough spares of everything for those trades.)

Gah, typing one-handed while eating right now so here's the link for now:

http://members.gardenweb.com/members/exch/owiebrain

**forestdale** · 01-05-2006, 03:17 PM

Diane, thank you so much for posting your list. I know it will help some of the ladies get started on their gardening. It's a very generous offer.

Regarding the ginger you want to grow. I've grown ginger here and I bought my ginger tuber from an organic green grocer. I actually looked around for one that was sprouting. Often the vegetables sold in supermarkets are treated with a chemical that prevents them from sprouting, but buying from an organic supplier gets around this. When you get your ginger, just wait till it sprouts and then plant it. Good luck.

**owiebrain** · 01-06-2006, 02:16 AM

Thanks for the ginger info, Rhonda!

We don't have any places that sell organic anything around here. Heck, we don't even have any places that sell fresh ginger in these parts. LOL I always keep my eyes open for ginger, horseradish, etc in the produce department but have seen none yet. I'll find some--or it will find me. That's the way it always happens.

Signed,

Stuck Way Out in the Backwoods Boonies

**tbs727** · 01-06-2006, 09:33 AM

Fantastic site, Diane. I might ask you for a couple of your seeds, and buy the rest so I have some to share next season. I will PM you. Thanks for the offer.

Fortunately, we share a similar climate. I may be asking you all kinds of questions for my garden.

Oh! I have a question already.

This will be the first year I use seeds rather than starter plants. When do you start your seeds indoors?

**owiebrain** · 01-07-2006, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by tbs727
This will be the first year I use seeds rather than starter plants. When do you start your seeds indoors?

I don't have a set date. I play it by ear and how crazy life is at the time. LOL Chiles and eggplant, I'll probably be starting at the end of this month. Tomatoes, some time in February, along with whatever other veggies and flowers are not seeded directly out.

I'll gather up some links with good info for our area and send them to you tonight.

**forestdale** · 01-07-2006, 02:31 PM

diane, send me your address and when I'm next at my organic green grocer, I'll get you some ginder.

**owiebrain** · 01-08-2006, 12:44 AM

Aw, Rhonda, thanks! That's very sweet of you! Really, though, I'd hate to see the postage from Australia to here. I'll find some eventually. Things always have a way of suddenly appearing--usually at just the right time, too.