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This was written to help clarify and help some of the newer members on what you need to do make your seed trading experience a positive one. And hopefully to take some of the mystery out of the process.
Picture used with permission from Woofens (thanks :)
Some of the suggested info to include on your labels are: Your DG name Flower type (annual, biennial, perennial, bulb) Latin Name (if possible) Common Name Color, if applicable Zone grown in Height Germination instructions Light (full/partial sun, full/partial shade, etc.) How to start: i.e. scarification, stratifcation, after frost transplant, no transplant, direct seed Year harvested (important for those growing veggie seed, especially heirloom types.) Some folks also ask for an e-mail address as well.
Some may not need all the information, but it makes it easier for many. It makes it a lot easier to use the Plant files, if you have at least part of this information. ALWAYS either print this out or write legibly large enough to read easily. I would suggest making a template using this list or omething similar , some of the items are standard, thus you don't have to write as much. For those that trade a lot seed, it should help cut down on the time you're having to spend on your labels and info.
Do not make labels so small a magnifying glass needs to be used to read it. Try to put as much info on the label as you can. It will help identify your seeds.
Small seed bags can be purchased at most craft stores, or there are ziploc sandwich bags and "snack" bags that are perfect for larger seed. Or you can make your own seedpackets from these templates, compliments of many of the DGs on here.
Do make sure your seed is completely dry; getting a envelope full of moldy seed is no fun! There are multiple sites which you can google, including lots of "experts" here on DG on the best ways on saving your seed.
Most experienced seed trades will let you know if they have specific requirements they need to do a trade. For example, some ask for a SASE or a SABSE, that means they want you to send them a self addressed stamp envelope or a one with bubble wrap inside and a large size. Some will ask for postage in addition and will tell you how much they need. Some don't ask for anything except that you "pay if forward" to someone else. It's a good idea to establish how many seeds you are trading for. You can find good information in this trading primer. Do use the trades wanted/have and trading lists available at DG.
If the person you are trading with has a limited number, you can adjust your trade accordingly. It is not in good taste to ask to trade "common" seed for some of the rarer, exotic varieties.
If you explain your circumstance, most of those that have that type of seed are more than willing to "work" a deal with you, if not, ah well, it doesn't hurt to ask. They may be able to help you find a place you can purchase the seed or offer alternative ideas. DGers are for the most part a very friendly, helpful group of gardening addicts.
About Catherine Smith
Hubby and I have been doing Organic Gardening off and on for over 25 years. Just finishing the Virginia Master Gardening classes at the end of Nov 07. I love talking and teaching gardening to anybody that will listen.
Posted by Melissande (from Chillicothe, OH) on June 22, 2008 at 1:34 AM:
Are the trade lists only for *seed* trades? Or do people also do root, bulb, rooted cuttings, bare root thingies etc.?
Melis--obviously new to this.
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Posted by doccat5 (from Fredericksburg, VA) on June 22, 2008 at 3:25 AM:
They also do those type of trades as well, just depends on what plp have to trade. :)
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Subject: laughing at myself!
Posted by gessiegail (from Taft, TX) on February 19, 2008 at 8:54 PM:
There are all kinds of gardeners I guess. I just sent off seeds today ( 3 full packets)without one word on them. She had said what she wanted so .....other than the name.........off they went. If I had to put all that I wouldn't have time to grow my seeds . We do appreciate all the hints you gave (LOL)
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Subject: Very helpful article!
Posted by ottoson (from Riley, KS) on February 19, 2008 at 4:57 PM:
Thanks for a great & informative article cat!!! This is great for some of us newer DGers and I'm sure it will also serve as a gentle reminder & refresher for some of those who've been around awhile.
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Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on February 19, 2008 at 5:40 PM:
Very useful.
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Posted by roybird (from Santa Fe, NM) on February 19, 2008 at 6:17 PM:
Good article. Explained some things I had wondered about.
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Posted by karri_sue (from Jacumba, CA) on February 19, 2008 at 11:22 PM:
Thanks, I think some of us newbie seed traders don't know what to include. Now that I am winter sowing some of the seeds I received from trades, I realize the need for the info!
Karen
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Subject: Thank Cathy.
Posted by Lily_love (from Central, AL) on February 19, 2008 at 9:15 AM:
Thanks Cathy, a little etiquette goes a long way. Thanks for sharing. Also here at DG we've access to seed labels print out, which can be found at Saving Seeds forum. This feature was generously added by Paul (PFord1856). One can just simply select the type of seeds with picture, or some generic ones to be filled in...
Kim
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Posted by dryad57 (from Indianapolis, IN) on February 19, 2008 at 9:42 AM:
Wonderful article Cathy - great tips and points for everyone. Thanks for putting this all together in one place!
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Posted by rednyr (from Newberry, SC) on February 19, 2008 at 10:42 AM:
Loved the article - I have received several trades thus far this year and have to giggle when I open an envy and all it says is the common name and nothing else so then off to plant files I go or to one of my reference books to double check germination requirements, soil and sun requirements etc....I mean I'm glad people think I'm that smart LOL this may be an overly optimistic opinion on my part :)~
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Posted by mistygardener (from Saint James, MO) on February 19, 2008 at 10:45 AM:
GOOD JOB! :o)
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Posted by tcs1366 (from Itasca, IL) on February 19, 2008 at 12:06 PM:
Nice article Catherine. I think I may have been guilty of using too small of a font -- hope you weren't one of the recipients - but when i noticed that I had trouble reading the label... i knew i had to make it larger.
Terese
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Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on February 19, 2008 at 6:55 PM:
Very nice article! Good info for newbies and reminders for regular traders :0)
thanks, Cathy
~ jan
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Posted by Robynznest (from Stoutland, MO) on February 19, 2008 at 9:56 PM:
Great job! You rock!
I wish I had this info when I started, because I had a few traders that read me the riot act when I didn't have anything but the common name on it. I felt about 1 inch high. Not good.
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Posted by dryad57 (from Indianapolis, IN) on February 19, 2008 at 10:22 PM:
That's a pity Robynznest - people like that can sure take the fun out of trading. They miss an opportunity to reach out and help people...
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Posted by tcs1366 (from Itasca, IL) on February 19, 2008 at 11:10 PM:
Robyn -- yes, that is a real bummer.. probably make me gun-shy for trading. hopefully that is just a select few.
I got a bunch of seeds once, and one packet said something to the effect of .... "Well, it may be ***** "
so, basically mystery seed. I still have them somewhere.... should plant them just to see what comes up... the FUN of trading.
