Grab Bag Seed Swap - The loot is arriving...

I’m obviously in.

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Ohhhh, count me in too. This is going to be FUN!!!!

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Xploreorganics … you will have to give me some guidance as to planting the seeds indoors; soil preparation, containers, type of light for them to germinate. Hate to admit it, but I have never really done this past grade school with the bean pod. Always just bought plants … My house has really good sunlight …

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

maybe when we each get our seeds we can list them and everyone can contribute their knowledge re: each type. .. a little “encyclopedia” of sorts.

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Even better … good idea Deb! I am sure others will have questions too. Okay hope I am not the only do-do with regards to seed :-)

Another aspect to this site is it really “forces’ us (from a desire of want) to stretch our gardening abilities.

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

I’m with you… little embarrassing since I grew up on a farm.. but that was a whole other lifetime, it seems.

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Seeds starting is not hard at all. I will gladly help once we know the varieties. Most anuals will be not much harder than your beanpod experiment. Some seeds may need cold stratification and/or scarification. Some can be sown directly outside, others may need to be started inside, some need light, others don’t.

I have some seeds of “unknown varieties” for these or when in doubt what I do is spread them on the surface of a little “test garden” after the last frost date. If they don’t germinate during summer, I let nature do it’s thing and the next year they usually sprout (natural cold stratification). I probably lose some this way but then again, I’m not a fussy gardener.

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

two terms I am not familiar with … stratification and scarification …

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Stratification is the preparation of seeds to mimic nature…Most common is cold stratification where you place seeds in a little sand and peat (I like to do it in a zip baggie) and refridgerate them for a period of time to promote germination (sprouting of seed).

Scarification is roughing up the outside of the seed coat to better allow for moisture to enter the seed; again to promote germination.

A great way to scarify seed is to make your own little scarifying tool. Get a small jam jar or other little jar and roll a piece of sandpaper so that it fits inside the jar with the rough side facing inward. Simply place seeds in jar, screw lid on and shake shake shake. Seeds should then be nicely scarified :)

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

The wife and I will talk this over. We raise some very old and rare heirloom varieties.
Our forum just completed a multi-country “round Robin” and the box grew to a very large size by the end of the journey.

-- Old Pharmer Phils Country Living Phorum - http://pharmerphil.proboards37.com

oh yikes.. I can imagine this if we had hundreds of members!!!

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Well best thing to do since this is our first swap is we will top off at 12 participants. So we will mail out the first week of February but if we reach 12 before that time we will close the swap….There will alway be future swaps…Don’t want to overwhelm MsD on her first swap…So 12 sound managable?

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

anything is manageable :)
If we have 50 participants… then we have 50… It’s all about getting it organized, right? Whether it is 12 or 112.

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

You go girl :)

Ok whatever you can manage…bring on the swap!

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

Thanks for the clarification of thoses two terms … I understand now. Can’t wait!!! I’ll have to go shopping for some cool seeds to share.

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

I’m in!!

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

lemme go see what I’ve got… I think I”ll play

-- southern NH. - smack dab in the middle of 5a and 5b - with lots of shade and full sun, in all the wrong places.

Being in England is a little awkward, some sort of law about sending seeds over here.
So although I would have been pleased to be in on this.
I will decline for now.

-- Derbyshire------- English Countryside

I’m not sure if there are specific rules about sending seeds back and forth between Canada and the US either. Will this work, or will we need to organize a swap in each country?

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

I’ve swapped many many times with the US. Not to say for sure if it is “allowed” but I never had any problems even with swapping bre-root plants. I think soil is a problem but seeds should be fine.

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

I know there have been issues sending things back and forth to France in the past. Some “laws” might have been real or imagined though.

-- southern NH. - smack dab in the middle of 5a and 5b - with lots of shade and full sun, in all the wrong places.

Not just soil, but certain plants that can be considered invasive in other ecosystems. Reference purple loosestrife for example. Illegal as hell here in MI…

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

I am in. Just tell me when. Thanks for making this site exciting

-- wjl - 5a Indiana

i like the idea of “same country” swapping due to the invasive issues and legalities.

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

I’ll be happy to volunteer as the US Host…

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

Anyone need anymore help, I’m here too.

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Count me in! This will give me the incentive I need to get back out to my garden! Thanks for organizing this.

-- Suzy, Chicagoland

Im in!!!

-- brown thumb slowly turning green!!!! Zone 6b

Unfortunately, I’m going to have to pass. The seeds I’d inherited from my grandparents haven’t survived the years I’ve forgotten about them, and have basically turned to dust. Next time I guess…

But, once the snow melts, if anyone wants to do a bulb swap, I’ve got tiger lillies and lily of the valley growing out of every nook and cranny.

-- southern NH. - smack dab in the middle of 5a and 5b - with lots of shade and full sun, in all the wrong places.

Is this still a go?? Can I get in on it??? Harvey

Leamington Ontario

-- Leamington Ontario Canada Zone 7a

Lets make it a go and do a last call to anyone who wants in…

OK so it looks like we will have two groups.

MsD will Host the Canadian group and Damocles offered to host a US group…Is everyone still ok with that?

If so, here is who we have so far:

Canadian Group
(Send to MsD)
Xploreorganocs
Hsteinhoff

US Group
(Send to Damocles)
Suzy
GrandmaT
Nativeplantsrule
Barbie

Is this correct?
So we will extend it another week to see if anyone else wants in…Come on Canadians I know there are more of you out there, and US too :)

This will be a bit of fun.

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

as far as I know, it is still going to happen.
I think we are going to divide it up by country.

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

I am in….

-- Hooked on Gardening.....Ontario zone 5b

only 3 Canadians? gosh.. that will be easy. ..
There are so many gardeners within driving distance of myself, I could have hand-delivered them!

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

I am going to try to get a few more so give it a day or two.

-- Leamington Ontario Canada Zone 7a

How about we set the deadline for the end of Feb? That way we (possibly) get some more folks involved?

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

Sure…The end of Feb it is!

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

Feb 29 it is and all seed must be shipped to the host in the first week of March so that early starters can get their roots.

-- Leamington Ontario Canada Zone 7a

You can count me in too.Just to understand this better,its a surprise what you get back??

-- Southwestern Ontario Canada Zone5b

Yes a suprise :D

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

Love surprises! For the end of the month, count me in!!

-- Eklectic, Follow my Bliss, South East Ontario 5a

If it is not too late I want in!!

-- Lori, Tilbury,ON

yeah. Our Canadian “in” list is growing!!

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Where is USA??? Any more “ins” ?

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Please include me for Grab Bag Swap.PM

-- PTM- SWOntario

Ok…Just bumping this up on Pulse…

The count so far is:

Canadian Group
(Send to MsD)
Xploreorganocs
Hsteinhoff
Bullseye
Countrygal
Eklectic
Lorit
PTM

US Group
(Send to Damocles)
Suzy
GrandmaT
Nativeplantsrule
Barbie

Come on US…Canada has more…Any more takers?

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

When do we get the address of the host?

-- wjl - 5a Indiana

I’ll send y’all PMs, when we get the final count. Don’t want to short-change any late-comers!

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

Hi Debbie: Am I too late to join the seed exchange?

-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a

Nope not too late…Welcome!

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

Go Canada go!!

-- Leamington Ontario Canada Zone 7a

the list is growing :)

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Jeez, if I knew this was a national competition, I would’ve brought in a few ringers! LOL…

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

Please count me in.Just dusted off my grow lights today (lol)

-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a

I am in. Sounds great!

Thank you Ann…glad we have another US member the Canadians were getting the big head.

-- wjl - 5a Indiana

sorry. I love my country.

-- Leamington Ontario Canada Zone 7a

LOL, I thought in “garden land” there is no “us and “them” but “we” ... :-)

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Try to tell that to customs. That is why we are doing seperate USA and Canada Trades.. To bad because the more the better. Wish we could all trade together but since we can’t, Go Canada go.

-- Leamington Ontario Canada Zone 7a

Wow …

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Still…I have participated in many swaps…Canada/US and Global and have yet to have a customs problem with seeds.

Does someone have the documents that shows you can not trade seeds.

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

I’m in, ah?

-- horsetail, Fergus, Ontario

Thanks everyone! Damocles, I live in between Dayton and Springfield. We are huge OSU fans, too.

Maybe Debbie could take a road trip and meet someone at the border? If I had my wits about me I”d have let you know I’ve been up in Newport, VT (less than 8 mi) from Canada – this week…. not that I was THAT much closer – but could have helped move some seeds.

-- southern NH. - smack dab in the middle of 5a and 5b - with lots of shade and full sun, in all the wrong places.

Sorry but I have to withdraw from this exchange as my seeds (organic from Alberta) have not arrived!
If ever they do, I will put up a list of what I have to exchange or…

Have fun!!

-- Eklectic, Follow my Bliss, South East Ontario 5a

Hey…Don’t withdraw yet, you still have a few days maybe they’ll show up tomorrow :)

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

Sure wish! :-)

-- Eklectic, Follow my Bliss, South East Ontario 5a

Hi : Just wondered if I missed something.I am getting my seeds together to trade but don’t know where to send them.Please help me.Sometimes I’m not the best at finding things on sites.But I do try. (lol)

-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a

details haven’t been shared yet.

I think I’m supposed to message everyone with details. Tomorrow is the last day to sign up. I’ll message all the Canucks tomorrow.
(Saturday I am away at a Wood Show in Toronto)

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

• Myself
• Xploreorganics
• Hsteinhoff
• Bullseye
• Countrygal
• Eklectic
• Lorit
• PTM
• Bon
• Horsetail

Did I miss anyone?

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Thanks Deb

-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a

This is the last day to join the seed swap. Mrs Debbie(Canada) & Damocles(USA) will send you all a personal message in your Garden Tenders “messages”box with thier mailing address.

Here is the final count:

Canadian Participants:
Myself
Xploreorganics
Hsteinhoff
Bullseye
Countrygal
Eklectic (Are you able to participate?)
Lorit
PTM
Bon
Horsetail

US Participants:
Suzy
GrandmaT
Nativeplantsrule
Barbie
Ann

Lets try to get these mailed fist thing on Monday. Use a self addressed stamped (ensure sufficient return postage) bubble mailer to protect the seeds.

-Next fill your envelope with the number of seed packets as there are participants ( 6 packs for US + gift pack for host and 10 for Canada + Host Pack ) – I will let you know how many.

-Also add a “host” surprise seed package. Lable this one HOST. This is a gift to the host for arranging the swap.

-The host will then remove all the seed packets and her gifts and replace each of your envelopes with different packages of seeds and mail them back to you.

Lets trade seeds :)

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

going to be like Christmas!! (or other special gift-sharing day for non-christmas people :) )

private messages have been sent. .. if you didn’t get the message let me know. Thanks

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Still haven’t received anything: so I am out!

-- Eklectic, Follow my Bliss, South East Ontario 5a

Aww too bad :(

So that will be 9 seed packs for Canadians then and 1 gift.

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

what about going to Canadian Tire and grabbing some seeds that you think most people wouldn’t have bought on their own??
I’m not giving up on this yet, Eklectic :)
There are lots of flowers that I’d like to grow but I don’t want to buy a lot of seeds….

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Going shopping today, will see what I can do!
Tell me what you would like, I will try!

-- Eklectic, Follow my Bliss, South East Ontario 5a

anything… even if I have it I will be excited!!
purples and yellows are my favourites :D

YIPPEE you’re back in!!

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Yay.Can hardly wait for them to arrive.So does this mean because there are ten people in the swap that I send 9 bags plus a host bag?You don’t count yourself when your sending them do you?

-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a

good point.. right Canadians: 9 packages of seeds

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Is Damocles still handling the American exchange??

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

I am assuming so ….

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Got mine ready to go…hope you like :)

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

I’ll love some petunia waves, colourful ones :-) So I got Debs pm, I have seeds coming out of my wazoo, and am ready to dump them. LOL

I’ll mail mine out Monday, or hand deliver it to Debs :-)

-- Hooked on Gardening.....Ontario zone 5b

yes, we can arrange hand-deliveries!! Anyone who would be within an hour’s drive of Brantford, Ontario

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Lets not forget that this is a “suprise swap” it would be difficult for the host to pick and choose who gets what seeds…If you want a special seed it is best to arrange a private swap…Plus suprises are always fun :)

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

Anyone heard from damocles?

-- wjl - 5a Indiana

I too will put mine in the mail on Monday.Hope everyone likes them.

-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a

No, which is unusual … I’ll send him a PM and see what’s up.

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Picked out my seeds and am ready to go … I also hope you all like them as well. I am very excited !!!

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Here I am, sorry for the delay… I will be PM’ing my address to each of you this evening. Here is the list from the US I have, if I have left anyone out, please say so!

Suzy
GrandmaT
Nativeplantsrule
Barbie
Ann
(and myself)

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

OK, I’ve sent PMs to the GT’s listed in my previous post…if any of you didn’t receive the message, let me know ASAP!

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

Sheesh, I guess I’m not so good at math. That’s the thing about working in IT: it’s all 1’s and 0’s.

To everyone I’ve sent a PM to: please forward me a total of six (not seven) packs.

Thanks, GrandmaT, for the subtle correction! LOL…

-- Living on the square...Metro Detroit

Hey, “subtle” is my middle name LOL!!!! What are friends for anyways!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Met up with Ms D this afternoon, and hand delivered my loot :-)

-- Hooked on Gardening.....Ontario zone 5b

Yes indeed… the treasures have started to be gathered!!
But I’m not looking at them until I get them all. I want to be “in awe” and surprised.

(Nice seeing you again Bullseye)

-- - Debbie, SW Ontario Canada (USDA Hardiness Zone: 5a)

Shock and awe :-)

-- Hooked on Gardening.....Ontario zone 5b

Mailed mine today to damocles. Snail mail….3 or 4 days. Sorry USA

-- wjl - 5a Indiana

No problem “N” ... we’ll get them in plenty of time. :-)

I’m heading over to his house tomorrow afternoon to delivery mine.

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work