What is a SASBE? Learn All About Getting Seeds for Postage

By Jill M. Nicolaus (critterologist) February 21, 2008

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Dave’s Garden began as a seed trading site. Sharing and swapping seeds between our gardens is still at the heart of DG. On the seed trading forum and elsewhere, you may see offers of seeds for postage, or seeds for SASBE. What does that mean, exactly? What is expected, and how should you respond?

DGers are often willing to share their extra seeds without a trade in return. Some "seeds for postage" offers are for seeds collected in huge quantities or are made at the end of the season to clear out the seed box. Other people enjoy sharing seeds with new gardeners, often paying forward somebody else's generosity. Maybe you tried to arrange a trade, and the person didn't need anything you had but was still willing to share. Whatever the reason for the offer, a few tips on how to respond will make it easier and more fun for everybody.

Put your best foot forward. Read the Trading Primer for some good tips on trading etiquette. If the "seeds for postage" offer asks for requests to be posted on the thread, don't send Dmail instead. Dmailed responses can be harder to keep up with, and your request might be misplaced. Remember that you're not placing an order with a catalog, you're responding to somebody offering to do you a favor. Use phrases like "if these seeds are still available, I would like..." and words like "please" and "thank you." Send postage promptly.

Ask only for seeds you intend to grow. It's bad form to jump on SASBE offers and then trade the seeds away, and you'll end up with a reputation you don't want. It's easy to get swept up in the moment. Pause to look up plants in Plant Files. If you don't think you'll be able to start the seed, or if you have no place for the plant in your garden, then let somebody else have it.

You'll often see the acronyms SASE and SASBE -- Self Addressed Stamped Envelope and Self Addressed Stamped Bubble Envelope. Mostly, people ask for SASBE, so seeds will be protected in the mail. This doesn't literally mean you need to put your address and stamps on a bubble envelope and then enclose it in another envelope in order to send it. There's an easier way!

I've sent and received many SASBEs since joining DG. Here is what I include or what I ask for when somebody is sending me a SASBE.

1. A bubble envelope, addressed to the person offering the seeds, with sufficient postage to get it there. Bubble envelopes need extra postage to cover the USPS "nonmachinable surcharge." You don't want your SASBE to arrive with postage due! See the USPS Customer's Guide to Mailing for current postage rates. Put your return address on the envelope also, including your Dave's Garden (DG) name.

If you are having trouble coming up with a BE, ask if your trader would be willing to provide one if you send an extra couple of stamps. Bubble envelopes can be re-used.

2. An address label with your address on it. This will be placed on the outside of the bubble envelope when it is returned to you, so please make sure it's large enough to cover the outgoing address. Again, it's helpful to note your DG name on this label.

3. A note with your DG name, listing the seed(s) you are requesting. Including this information is important! Without it, I have no way of knowing that "Sally McPherson from Idaho" is "PinkFrogLady" who desperately wanted ‘Spicy Orange Australian' Basil seeds. [1]

4. Enough loose postage to cover the return of the envelope with the seeds. Do not send a pre-paid metered label, as the postal service won't accept them. Often, traders will tell you how many stamps to send. If not, consider that seeds may be heavy or bulky enough that the envelope may have to be posted as a "small parcel" on its return. The USPS Domestic Mail Manual has complete information on rates, fees, and regulations.

International DGers don't need U.S. postage stamps in order to share seeds with U.S. members (or vice versa). That's what an International Reply Coupon (IRC) is for! [2] Please check with your sender before using IRCs. Since a BE full of seeds is bigger than a standard airmail letter requiring one IRC, you'll need to ask the other country's postal administration how many will be needed. Check the USPS International Mail Manual (372.3b) for current IRC exchange rates. Also, look up the import and export regulations of both countries.

Seed giveaways are one of the special things DGers do for each other. I appreciate the effort that goes into collecting, de-chaffing, and packing seeds. Especially when responding to an offer of seeds for postage, I want to do everything I can to make sending the seed as easy as possible. Reading the offer carefully and being sure to include sufficient postage and all necessary information (including your DG name!) definitely helps.

The next time a phrase like "seeds for postage" or "SASBE offer" catches your eye, check it out!

Photos in this article are of plants often mentioned in "seeds for SASBE" offers. Moving your mouse over the photo will pop up a caption with the name of the plant.

[1] This is a completely fictitious example. I don't have any ‘Spicy Orange Australian' Basil seeds. And "PinkFrogLady" isn't (currently) a DG username.

[2] Thanks to KennedyH for reminding me about IRCs and for explaining them to me so well.

About Jill M. Nicolaus   Better known as "Critter" on DG, Jill gardens in Frederick, MD. This week, I've been cutting lavender, putting up pluots (plum-apricot fruits), and pulling weeds (always, LOL). I love being outside in the cooler morning -- coffee cup in one hand, watering hose in the other -- watching the birds and butterflies among the flowers.(Images in my articles are from my photos, unless otherwise credited.)

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Subject: Italian Basil Offer

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Posted by wee7341 (from Aiken, SC) on February 26, 2008 at 10:56 PM:

Jill,
This is my first post so I hope I'm getting this right. If it isn't too late to respond to your very kind offer, and if you still have seeds left, I would LOVE to have some of the basil and the heliopsis.

I live in Zone 8 in Aiken, SC. We moved here about 8 months ago and are learning our way trying to landscape a new front and back yard. Part of our back yard is very wet as we border on a wetland area but I have a raised bed next to the house for herbs and veggies which I hope to raise.

I did not see your address when I read the article about exchanging seeds. It was the article about the Self Addressed Bubble Envelopes where I read of your wonderful offer.

I hope I'll be able to figure out how to do all of this and where to find your address.

Thank you so much for adding me to your list. I hope I'm not too late.
Ruth Marie
[e-mail:wee7341@yahoo.com]

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 11:19 PM:

You're very close! Please copy the above and paste it as a post on my seed offer thread. I need to keep everything in one place in order to keep track of all the requests. The first post should have all the info you need -- including that I'll Dmail you with my address after you post on the thread. :-)

Thanks!

...

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Posted by margo1961 (from Toledo, OH) on February 26, 2008 at 7:12 PM:

Does anyone have seeds?
Thanks Nancy AKA Margo

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 8:56 PM:

Nancy, sorry but I don't have those. If it's a particular variety of lavender (the herb) that you're after, most named cultivars of lavender seem to be propagated from cuttings rather than from seeds, so you may have to buy a plant to start with.

If you're talking about something else, like a cushion mum, then you might try posting on the "Beginner Flowers" forum. Probably not a lot of people are going to see your request here.

If you're interested in swapping seeds, I'd like to encourage you to consider subscribing. DG has very active trading forums for both seeds and plants, plus discussion forums for more than you can imagine. A trial subscription is just $5 for 2 months.

:-)

...

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Posted by searavyn (from Collinsville, VA) on February 25, 2008 at 9:10 PM:

Hi Critter! I'm a complete newbie to seed trading, but I would love to give it a try. If possible, can I be placed on the list for basil? As far as "extras," I have a shady area next to woods that can always use plants, and I like to plant in containers on my shaded porch and deck. I do have a few areas that are sunny... along the sides of my driveway and in a container or two around the mailbox... they get hot and dry quickly. I'm not too picky, just please don't send marigold, as I'm allergic! :)

Thanks bunches!
Kim

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 9:25 PM:

Kim, I'll be glad to put you on the list... but do me a favor, please, and post over on the other thread (just copy/paste what you posted above). That way, all the information for the folks taking part in this offer will be in one place for me to find easily. Thanks!

I'll have to google "Collinsville"... I'm hoping you're close enough to me that we'll be able to meet at one of the MidAtlantic get-togethers. We've got a pretty active & friendly group of folks over in the MidAtlantic forum -- check it out! :-)

...

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Posted by dahlianut (from Calgary, AB) on February 21, 2008 at 5:50 PM:

Thanks so very much for this article from a crazy Canuck. I'm a DG trade newbie and I am participating in a current trade and would have made quite a few mistakes until I read your article.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 6:17 PM:

:-) Thanks are also due KennedyH, who reminded me about IRC's and did a great job of explaining them to me.

I'm willing to send seeds over the border, too, but I need to get caught up on current trade/SASBE offers first and take time to figure out any changes in custom regulations... If I can send seeds without filing paperwork, that's easy. :-)

...

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Posted by doccat5 (from Fredericksburg, VA) on February 21, 2008 at 4:52 PM:

You certainly covered all the bases. I wish I had put the Seed Etiquette Article on the same day with yours. But hopefully mine will help a lot of the newer folks. Great job, critter!

...

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Posted by Kelli (from Los Angeles (Canoga , CA) on February 21, 2008 at 3:06 PM:

This is a great article and lacking in nothing. I just want to add a few tips that work for me and might work for others.

An envelope padded with recycled paper weighs more than a bubble envelope, so plan accordingly. I usually tell my requesters that if they are going to send a padded envelope, to send a bubble envelope.

A bubble envelope can be cut into sections (roughly 3 1/2 by 5 inches for one or two seed packages), taped or stapled shut as needed, and put in business size envelope. This way you get more milage out of one bubble envelope.

I order a lot of things by mail order so I have a lot of bubble wrap and bubble envelopes on hand. I tell the requester that he/she doesn't need to send a bubble envelope, just a SASE and I'll provide the padding. It costs 41 cents to send a SASE inside of another envelope, but 80 cents to send a SASBE because of the thickness. I realize that not all seed senders will want to or be able to provide the padding, but it can be an option. Note that the SASE needs to have the same amount of postage on it as a SASBE because you essentially will be turning a flat envelope into a SASBE.

(BTW, postage rates go up in May.)

This message was edited Feb 21, 2008 11:07 AM

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 3:19 PM:

Boy, these postage rates are confusing! Actually, I think it currently costs 58 cents to send a BE weighing less than 1 oz, but who knows what will happen in May. With luck, the USPS links I provided will help.

I like sending seeds in BE's rather than using padding inside a business envelope because even if you write "please hand cancel" on the envelope and pay the 17 cent nonmachinable surcharge, a regular envelope tends to get sent through the machines, often with damaging results. (I didn't think about that until I read the trading primer and got a few mangled envelopes of my own.)

BE's can be recycled, and they can also be cut down and taped up to make smaller BE's.

If I have extra BE's on hand, I tell people sending postage in a regular envelope is fine. If I'll have to get new BE's (Walmart has them fairly cheaply if you get small ones in bundles of 10), I ask them to include an extra stamp. It tends to work out... I think the important thing is to read the seed offer carefully so you know what the person you're sending postage to needs you to do.

Thanks for your input!

:-)

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Posted by Kelli (from Los Angeles (Canoga , CA) on February 21, 2008 at 3:36 PM:

If an envelope weighs an ounce or less and is 1/4 inch thick or greater, postage is 80 cents. This is because these can't go through the automatic postmarking machine or it needs some kind of special handling. (If it's a rigid box or an envelope that can't be bent at all, the postage is something else again, like 97 cents, I think.) As I understand it, if the thickness is less than 1/4 inch and you want it hand cancelled, then the postage is 58 cents for 1 ounce or less. That is how I interpret the USPS information. This 1/4 inch stuff went into effect with the latest postage increase (last fall was it?). I sell stuff on E-bay so I've had to keep up on the postage stuff, but I won't claim that my understanding is perfect or that postal workers even understand it correctly. Perhaps some postal workers will let a SASBE go for 58 cents and some will want 80 cents. I don't know. I always mail from home.

Good point about the BE vs business envelope. I hadn't thought of that. I'm always the sender, not the sendee, so I don't know in what condition my envelopes arrive. No one has ever said anything, but maybe they don't think they should.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 3:48 PM:

My local USPS seems to be interpreting BE's to be less than 1/4 inch, or perhaps it's varying by less than 1/4 inch... You're right, the postage rates seem to vary according to how your local post office interprets the rate charts!

For anybody responding on my offer thread, not to worry... I'll cover the difference if the post office charges more postage than I asked you to send. If you send me a large BE or one padded with heavier paper, I may send you a different BE in return rather than paying large envelope or package rates.

...

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Posted by tabasco (from Cincinnati (Anderson, OH) on February 21, 2008 at 7:22 AM:

Critter, Thanks for the most informative info on how to start trading seeds!

And your 'Seed offer from Critter' thread is really fun!

Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

...

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 1:13 AM:

Seeds for SASBE offer

I will share seeds of my favorite culinary basil with the first 25 people to post on this thread. I may re-open the offer later, but to start with I'm limiting it to 25. To keep it simple, I'm also going to limit this offer to US DGers.

This is an Italian basil with large, crinkled leaves (see photo in article above) and an intense flavor. It makes the best pesto and tomato sauces, and I think everybody who grows tomatoes or has an herb garden should grow it!

The seed for this basil was brought back from Italy by a friend of mine several years ago.

To participate in this offer, you must post on this thread. I will Dmail you with my address. Send me a bubble envelope (as outlined above) containing:

A note with your DG name telling me what you're requesting ("Italian Basil")

A label with your return address

58 cents in loose postage (or 2 first class stamps if you don't have smaller stamps)

If you don't have a bubble envelope, you can send me the above plus another first class (41 cent) stamp, and I'll supply the BE.

*****

OK, here's where we add a little extra fun.

I also have 20 packets of the Heliopsis pictured in the above article. It will bloom the first year from winter sown seed and come back even bigger the next year, blooming nonstop all summer long. Mine was 3 feet tall last year, and I loved it!

If you would like a packet of this seed also, please say so when you post on this thread and also mention it in your SASBE note.

If you'll tell me something about your garden -- you like tomatoes or hot peppers, you're planting a butterfly garden, your favorite color is purple, you need plants for a wet or dry spot, your cat would love some catnip -- I will try to find you something extra to include as a bonus. I don't want to promise that I have something in my stash that's perfect for everyone, but I figure that will give me a chance of including a bonus packet that you can really use. If you can't use it, please try to pass it on.

Thank you!

never mind... there are enough Heliopsis packets to go around as originally stated -- I found another big pack of seeds! LOL

This message was edited Feb 25, 2008 10:30 PM

This message was edited Feb 25, 2008 11:34 PM

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 1:14 AM:

We have 25 people, so this offer is now closed.

Get those SASBE's in the mail!

Thanks. :-)

1. carrielamont -- rec'd, mailed 2/29
2. dutchlady1 -- received, mailed 3/4
3. svplantingfool -- received, mailed 2/26
4. debsroots -- received, mailed 2/26
5. CapeCodGardener -- received, mailed 3/5
6. marieortiz -- received, mailed 3/4
7. tucsonjill -- received, mailed 3/5
8. Lindawalkabout -- received, mailed 3/5
9. Pamgarden -- received, mailed 3/4
10. planolinda -- received, mailed 3/6
11. goofybulb -- received, mailed 3/4
12. TamaraFaye -- received, mailed 3/4
13. ottoson -- received, mailed 3/10
14. oneanjl -- received, mailed 3/4
15. LorraineR -- received
16. latebloomin
17. sym44phony -- received, mailed 3/4
18.QueenBee244 -- received, mailed 3/6
19. BackwoodCottage -- received
20. JudieZ -- received, mailed 3/6
21. searavyn -- received, mailed 3/5
22. bookerc1 -- received, mailed 3/10
23. epb -- received, mailed 3/6
24. wee7341 -- received, mailed 3/7
25. Sharkey -- received, mailed 2/29

:-)

Thanks to those who sent their postage so promptly! With SASBE's I've been getting lately, people are being generous with their postage... I'm sure that's partly due to the fact that postage costs seem to vary according to which post office you use and how they interpret the rather confusing rules.

I think I'll be able to send most of these back for the 58 cents I specified... a few with larger seeds might end up costing 80 cents, but that's not a problem. Generally, if you send extra postage I put it into the "kitty" and use it to cover shortfalls or to send "welcome packs" to new people. If you want any extra postage returned to you, please tell me so. Thanks!

(sorry, I forgot to update this on Monday... everybody's seeds have been sent out except latebloomin, who seems to have disappeared)

This message was edited Mar 13, 2008 8:41 PM

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 1:14 AM:

reserved for additional details, if needed

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on February 21, 2008 at 1:46 AM:

I'm first, I'm first! Dear Jill, I would adore some basil seeds. I could also use anything petite or slow growing and perennial. (I just bought some candelabra primrose seeds.)

xxx, Carrie

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Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on February 21, 2008 at 8:01 AM:

I would like to be second. The early bird catches the worms.
I would like the basil seeds and the Heliopsis seeds.
Jill, you are very clever..... ;-)

I love anything with blue blooms.

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Posted by svplantingfool (from South Venice, FL) on February 21, 2008 at 8:19 AM:

Great article!

I'd like to join in too, can I be number 3?
I'd love to try the basil and the heliopsis.
I'm working on a butterfly garden...

Cathy

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Posted by Debsroots (from Northwest, MO) on February 21, 2008 at 8:29 AM:

Good Morning Jill, nice article.

I would like the basil and the heliopsis.
I need short plants for a wet sunny spot.

Also...about three bronze fennel seeds please :)

Deb

This message was edited Feb 23, 2008 8:06 PM

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Posted by catmad (from Pelzer, SC) on February 21, 2008 at 9:13 AM:

This message was edited Feb 21, 2008 8:21 AM

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Posted by CapeCodGardener (from Mid-Cape, MA) on February 21, 2008 at 10:02 AM:

Hi Jill, VERY informative article--you cleared up all sorts of questions I had and made me more enthusiastic about offering some of my own seeds later on. Thank you!

May I be # 5 and request the basil seeds and the Heliopsis seeds? I always need more plants for my shady flower beds--not boggy, but definitely part shade.
--Emily aka CapeCodGardener

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Posted by marieortiz (from Tolleson, AZ) on February 21, 2008 at 10:47 AM:

May I please be #6 and I too request the basil seeds and the heliosis seeds if available. I could use anything that might reseed itself and can take the heat.

Thanks,
Marie

This message was edited Feb 21, 2008 8:29 AM

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 11:17 AM:

Oh, I'm glad people are having fun with this!

I did want to make it clear... both members and subscribers are welcome to ask for seeds on this thread. :-)

Thanks for the hints about what you could use in your garden. That lets me have your seeds ready to go when your SASBE arrives.

At the risk of repeating myself, please be sure to include your DG name with your SASBE... that will let me find your post on this thread if there's any question about what seeds you'd like, etc.

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Posted by tucsonjill (from Tucson, AZ) on February 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM:

What a great idea for a tutorial, Critter! I would love to be #7 on your "Italian basil" list--thanks so much for your offer!

Please save the heliosis seeds for another, but I would appreciate anything that you have that will do well in hot and dry locations.

Thanks again!
Tucsonjill :)

Edited to add, I do have a veggie garden in its first year, and while cool-weather crops are winding down right now, I'll be planting my heat-lovers around mid-March. I'm having a wonderful time trying new things! Thanks, Critter, you're the best!

This message was edited Feb 23, 2008 3:41 PM

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Posted by Lindawalkabout (from Holden, MO) on February 21, 2008 at 12:38 PM:

oh can I join , : ) I love basil, : ) #8 for me : )


Thanks critter, another good information artical , your the best : )



edit, oops forgot to add , my yes i would love Heliopsis seed, very pretty.

I have a all purpose garden , veggie , herbs and now joining DG working on more flowers for BF and hummers and those honey bees.

edit for spelling and still probably missed some
thanks again





This message was edited Feb 21, 2008 10:47 AM

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Posted by Pamgarden (from Central, VA) on February 21, 2008 at 4:41 PM:

Critter, I've just recently subscribed and wondered how you all were trading seeds back and forth in the Mid-Atlantic forum. Your article was very informative, well crafted on the etiquette that makes a good DG seed trading citizen. A lovely subscriber in FL (where I lived until 2005) dmailed me to say she was sending me a BE of seeds after I visited the forum just to chat and get nostalgic. I was delighted and am eagerly anticipating the mail.

If you read my response earlier today to your kitty thread, you will notice that my new adoptee, Meiko, needs some of your calming cat nip, or maybe I do-lol.

I will re-read your article and instructions above so I get it right. This is so exciting.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 4:45 PM:

Pam, I've got lots of catnip... catnip tea may calm you, but I can't promise anything about its effects on Meiko! He really will settle down, and in the meantime just keep being consistent about training him. Don't forget to tell me if you want basil and/or Heliopsis in addition to the catnip. :-)

Somebody just pointed out to me that I need to add names to the second post, so people know I'm paying attention! Will do.

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Posted by Pamgarden (from Central, VA) on February 21, 2008 at 4:55 PM:

Geez, I forgot to mention the BASIL, yes, please. If I'm not mistaken, you mentioned how much you enjoy this "friendship" basil from Italy.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 21, 2008 at 5:08 PM:

You've never tasted a more flavorful basil... honest! :-)

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on February 21, 2008 at 8:20 PM:

i hope i can jump in---i am trying tomatoes for the first time and love tomatoes with basil--i have a big yard that i am trying to tame--it is dry a lot here --i would like to try zuchini because i think it is easy and will grow for me--i think it would be fun to grow coleus from seed too--i like growing plants indoors for my atrium--i like peppers if they are not too hot-- thanks for the nice offer and i hope you have fun with your project! i like the idea of seeds coming from italy! i would love to try some tomatoes too--please just anything that would grow well in my hot texas area

This message was edited Feb 27, 2008 4:27 PM

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on February 22, 2008 at 12:12 AM:

Hello, Critter,
I liked your article very much, it was very instructive. I wondered many times how people trade their seeds and plants on DG, and you provided a great answer. I would really love some of your basil seeds, if possible. I do not need many seeds, just a few, since my "tenant" garden is located mainly in pots, and I'll be moving (plants and all) to El Paso in summer. Apart from bulbs, I work on creating a fragrant surrounding. And I love blue!
Thank you for your lovely offer and for the chance to experience what you've taught us!

Mmmmmm!... Fennel!... fennel cookies! Grandma's fennel cookies! I need to ask my sister for the recipe, I didn't have these for ages! Critter, if you still have some to spare, can you please add a few for me as well? I guess, as Deb (Debsroots) said, three should do for me! Thanks again!
Alexandra

This message was edited Feb 24, 2008 1:27 PM

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Posted by TamaraFaye (from Fritch, TX) on February 22, 2008 at 12:27 AM:

hi Jill, love your article!

would love some basil & heliopsis too. edit4d to add Jaunne Flamme, Bronze Fennel.

Hope you like what i sent!

hug,
tf

thx,
tf

This message was edited Feb 25, 2008 11:09 AM

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 22, 2008 at 12:27 AM:

Goofybulb, I love your username! I'll see what I have for containers... :-)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 22, 2008 at 12:28 AM:

Tamara, you've got it! :-)

editing to remind myself to put in an orange salad tomato for Tamara -- maybe 'Jaune Flamme'?

This message was edited Feb 25, 2008 9:36 AM

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on February 22, 2008 at 12:40 AM:

Thank you so much! I do not have a BE, so I'll go with the second option. Next time I'll be prepared...

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on February 22, 2008 at 9:02 PM:

Goofybulb,
Next time you get anything in the mail other than a regular business envelope, look at it twice before you throw it out! CDs often are shipped in BEs, seeds, of course, stuff from eBay (I'm trying to look through my stack of recycled BEs without actually getting up!) and once you get started you keep recycling over and over, back and forth!
Oh, those coupon thingies? Maybe?

xx, Carrie

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on February 22, 2008 at 10:35 PM:

OK, update: got my bubbly!
Carrie,
you are right! Until reading the article, I never thought they can be reused! And I never sent something in a BE, since my brother-in-law sent me a CD that came broken in the BE...
Yesterday night, I turned all house upside down, looking for a BE! Then, today I searched my whole desk at work (there I receive stuff more often in envelopes) but still didn't find one. So, I bought one.
Thanks,
Alexandra

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 22, 2008 at 10:51 PM:

Alexandra, I really did have one for you... but I admire your determination! BTW, one of the better sources I've found has been WalMart, where you can buy a bundle of 10 small BE's for a little under $4.

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Posted by ottoson (from Riley, KS) on February 23, 2008 at 3:11 AM:

I'm stunned there's still a spot...I'll jump in & be lucky # 13! Your basil sounds yummy...and since we tried your meatball recipe tonight for dinner we're definitely trusting your judgment...they are awesome!

Basil seeds for me please...and Tig would love catnip too if you still have extra!

Thanks bunches Jill!!!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 23, 2008 at 9:21 AM:

Glad you liked the meatballs! Such a strange combination of ingredients, but it works, LOL. Here's a link in case anybody is wondering what we're talking about... [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

I've got loads of catnip seed... I should probably be better about deadheading those plants! If there's any other sort of thing you're looking for, ottoson, please LMK. :-)

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on February 23, 2008 at 10:49 AM:

critter that recipe looks so good! my only question is how do you serve it? not over noodles i wouldn't think--appetizer? what do you like to serve with it?

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on February 23, 2008 at 3:25 PM:

Is there still room for me? I would love to receive the Basil. and the heliopsis! I am just starting out and have discovered I like the seed option better than my previous 'instant gratification' bug infested plant buying :)
I love watching my babies sprout and grow!

I want to add an entire herb garden to my plans, so if you have any other herb seeds you want to throw in, I would be much grateful.

Your article on SASBE's was wonderfully informative. I have only been on this site for a week, and was kinda hesitant on seed trading, I had no idea what a BE was! LOL! but after reading your article ..well I ready to take a leap! :) I was just scared I'd do something wrong and be exiled! Everyone on this site has been absolutely wonderful to me and all your help is very much appreciated!

If you still have room to add me, It would be much appreciated!
Thank you !
Anjl

*Thank you Lindawalksabout for d-mailing me about this thread :~) ! *



This message was edited Feb 23, 2008 11:35 AM

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on February 23, 2008 at 4:02 PM:

oneanji, you might also be interested in this article:
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

x, Carrie

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 23, 2008 at 5:52 PM:

I just got back from a MidAtlantic seed swap party I organized here in Frederick this afternoon... You can imagine how much fun we had! I came away with more "free to good home" seeds, and it looks like there are quite a few veggies in the mix, so be sure to edit your post above and let me know if you have a veggie garden.

Anjl, I'm glad you found my article and decided to jump in! I've got a couple other basils I think you'll have fun with.

Linda, I think your questions about the meatballs were answered in my thread on the recipe forum... :-)

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on February 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM:

Carrie, Thank you! that article DID answer alot if my questions! LOL! And I will now refer to my Hubby as my DDWLLH :) As he certainly always is :)

Critter,
Yes, any herbs will be much appreciated. I have never tried an herb garden before, and I anxious to get one started. Thank you all for being so wonderful. I cant wait until I can start paying it all forward :)
Anjl.

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Posted by Pamgarden (from Central, VA) on February 23, 2008 at 7:00 PM:

Critter, I'm so glad you all were able to have the seed swap, and I hope to hear what everyone got from one another and from Dutch Plant and see the pictures I know somebody took. If you have an fennel seeds in your herb stash, I am going to request them when I send my BE. Last summer we moved in July and I couldn't find a packet of fennel seed anywhere. That was in my Pre-DG days, or I'm sure I could have begged some from you. Oh, it occurred to me that when I first read your offer of seeds, I didn't know what a BE was either. Enjoy your weekend.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 23, 2008 at 7:05 PM:

:-) I've got some extra bronze fennel, and I'll check to see if I've got a packet of Florence fennel that I can share also... Not only is is pretty, fragrant, and tasty, fennel will also bring black swallowtail caterpillars to your garden. :-)

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Posted by Debsroots (from Northwest, MO) on February 23, 2008 at 7:14 PM:

critter...I would love to have a few seeds of the bronze fennel in my packet. Even if I could just have 3 seeds....I probably could get at least one to sprout.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 23, 2008 at 7:38 PM:

Deb, I think I can manage that! :-)

Anybody who is making additional requests, please edit your first post with your addition to make it easier to find (or be sure to include it in your note when you send the SASBE).

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on February 23, 2008 at 8:19 PM:

yes critter --you're right-sorry about that--i see you serve them over rice--i seem to skim or miss things all the time!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 23, 2008 at 8:26 PM:

No problem! :-) I just didn't want to get this thread onto a recipe topic... Noodles would probably work, too!

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on February 23, 2008 at 9:04 PM:

Critter,

I need an address to send my sasbe? is it posted somewhere?
Thanks!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 23, 2008 at 9:18 PM:

Thanks for the nudge! I'll Dmail everybody above tonight with my address. Sorry, got a little distracted with arrangements for the DG swap this afternoon. Wish everybody could've come!

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on February 23, 2008 at 11:37 PM:

I wish I could have come too but - we're snowed in! (Between the wheelchair and my husband's back, it doesn't take a blizzard.)

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on February 24, 2008 at 3:38 PM:

Hey girl, I'm greedy, greedy, greedy. I want seeds!!! I'm not really doing veg. garden this year, but do like basil. If you think you're going to run out , please cut mine.
I absolutely love the heliopsis and don't have any, so if I could have some instead of basil maybe. If you're running low on basil
Also I'm looking for ground cover something with flowers

That you , someday I'll be able to "pay it forward" I promise.
I

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 24, 2008 at 4:28 PM:

I'm not running low on basil... at least, not on the Italian Basil! Since it's my favorite and since I think everybody should try it, I harvested a lot of seeds! I'm putting about 200 seeds per packet, more or less (I'm measuring, not counting, so if your packet has 194 seeds, please don't feel cheated LOL), and I made up 70 packets last month... We're going through them, but there are still plenty left. :-)

Generally speaking, these packets should be big enough to share... but if you're planning to split them with some other folks and you need more seed to go around, let me know.

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on February 24, 2008 at 5:57 PM:

Well, personally I plan to count all those little suckers LOL. I can just see us counting those little things.

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Posted by svplantingfool (from South Venice, FL) on February 24, 2008 at 7:35 PM:

One, two, three, four...
Lorraine, you crack me up!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 24, 2008 at 8:18 PM:

LOL! As I said, I'm going by a scant 1/8 tsp... but I actually did count one of them, and that's how I'm pretty sure there should be 200-some seeds in your packet. I just knew at some point somebody was going to ask! ;-)

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on February 24, 2008 at 8:21 PM:

pretty funny--i would have just said " a bunch" and left it at that! see how precise i am?

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Posted by tucsonjill (from Tucson, AZ) on February 24, 2008 at 8:44 PM:

I know what I'm doing next time I can't sleep...



46... 47... 48... 48.... 48... oh drat...
1... 2... 3... 4....

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 24, 2008 at 8:48 PM:

LOL! If I still had some "Phlox of Sheep" seeds, I know what you'd be getting as a bonus! But, alas.

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Posted by tucsonjill (from Tucson, AZ) on February 24, 2008 at 8:49 PM:

Groan...


I think I may actually have to track some of that down--would definitely appeal to DH's warped sense of humor!

Thanks for the laugh!

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on February 24, 2008 at 8:50 PM:

well i do go to sleep many a night thinking about all the plants in the yard--i go around the yard in my mind and think about how they are doing, what i could put in each place etc till i fall asleep! i know--kinda strange

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 24, 2008 at 8:54 PM:

I took my laptop upstairs last night... in lieu of a bedtime book chapter, I was looking up tomatoes in PF! ;-)

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Posted by tucsonjill (from Tucson, AZ) on February 24, 2008 at 9:06 PM:

I keep organizing my summer garden in my head... it would help if I could remember what it is I plan to plant! :)

See Linda? Even if it's a little strange, at least you're not alone...

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on February 24, 2008 at 9:08 PM:

lol! I lay in bed at night and send 'warm thoughts' to my babies, especially the ones that are stuggling or not doing well. Kind of like a prayer :) LOL, then I fall asleep....

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Posted by marieortiz (from Tolleson, AZ) on February 24, 2008 at 10:26 PM:

Me too I go to sleep thinking about what I have planted and what I want to add or what I want to move etc.... Good thing know one hears my going to sleep thoughts or I might be committed for a plant addiction!!

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on February 24, 2008 at 11:07 PM:

I don't need nearly that many seeds, Jill....

If you have anything extra that grows compact and tidy.

x, Carrie

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 12:45 AM:

Carrie, you've got it! Are you curious? Do you want to know what it will be? Or do you like surprises?

nyah, nyah... I'm not gonna tell you. I'm gonna keep you in suspense.

Can you tell I've been playing with the tomato robin seeds for the past several hours and am just a little punchy?

LOL

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Posted by TamaraFaye (from Fritch, TX) on February 25, 2008 at 12:57 AM:

mmmm. too bad i didn't put tomato on my wish list before i selaed your envie.... seem just the other day i was wishing for one, now don't kno what it was. something sald sized, gold or orange... gold husky?

Critter, hope you like your BE. Found some interesting 2 cent stamps the other day, the kind you have to lick. thought you could use them with the price hike coming soon...

tf

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 3:12 AM:

Tamara, go up and edit your first post to this thread (to be sure I see it), and add 'Jaune Flamme' to your request -- it's not 'Gold Husky', but it's a salad sized orange tomato that I really love!

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Posted by latebloomin (from West Jordan, UT) on February 25, 2008 at 10:08 AM:

I'd love to have some basil and some Heliopsis as well. I'm trying many varieties of basil this year. My friend Heidi and I are helping an elementary school begin a garden and we are looking for flowers that will be easy to grow and maintain. They sound perfect.

Hope to make the list.
Patricia Messer- West Jordan, UT AKA latebloomin

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 10:38 AM:

Patricia, your garden project sounds like such fun! You may need a little extra postage on your BE... I think I have some good things for that garden...

Please let me know, if you would, what varieties of basil you already have plenty of, so I can send something else rather than duplicating what you have.

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Posted by sym44phony (from Fernandina Beach, FL) on February 25, 2008 at 10:52 AM:

I would love some of your basil seeds. I promise to take good care of them!! If you still have some heliopsis, that would be great. This is my first request for seeds. I'll try to do everything right! Linda - aka sym44phony!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 10:57 AM:

Linda, you'll do fine! This is easy... Probably the most important thing to include is your DG name... anything else that you might forget can be worked out from there!

Please do give me some idea about what other things you are growing and what you might be able to use... I've got a tender perennial that I grow as an annual, but you'd be able to keep it year round... Do you have any shady spots? (It's one of my few shade plants.)

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Posted by queenbee244 (from Madison, AL) on February 25, 2008 at 11:13 AM:

I would love some basil seeds if you have any left.

I am a new subscriber and so grateful to find others who think of gardens/plants/seeds all of the time! My DH thinks I am crazy.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 11:17 AM:

I can't swear you aren't crazy, LOL, but if you are you're in good company! I think DG is pretty much a 12 step enabling program for garden addicts... :-)

I've got plenty of basil left, and please let me know what other types of plants you grow so I can find you a fun "extra." :-)

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Posted by BackwoodCottage (from Arnold, CA) on February 25, 2008 at 11:41 AM:

Hi, I would love to have some of your special Italian Basil, so please send me some if you have any left. I am going to try to print your instructions on all this seed sending, I am brand new at this. I have a ton I can give away from my garden this past summer once I can dig my way thru the snow into my greenhouse. It is supposed to warm up again this week and the snow has diminished quite rapidly the past week or so (we had 4 feet). I live in the Sierra Nevada mountains of N. Calfornia. Zone 6-7. I have been posting photos of my flowers a little at a time on my website [HYPERLINK@www.backwoodscottage.com.] Click on the garden page if you wish to see what I have gotten posted so far. My garden is my sanity and passion. I have tons of flower seeds started on shelving under grow lights in my dining room. I now need to start thinking of starting some veggies. Thanks so much for the info, it was very helpful.
Pamela G.

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Posted by queenbee244 (from Madison, AL) on February 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM:

I am working on a herb garden this year and a flower garden that will keep pretty, sweet spelling flowers on my table all year. I have only bought seeds from stores, so this is a wonderful new concept to get some history along with these seeds and plants!

Thanx!

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Posted by JudieZ (from Lakeland, FL) on February 25, 2008 at 11:46 AM:

I would love to receive the Basil. and the heliopsis if they are still available! I'm going to try to establish an herb garden this year. I enjoy having "heritage" type plants in my garden. Dad used to grow a "Polish" tomato. He said the seed came from Poland but I don't know the facts on that. It was the best tomato I have ever eaten. Unfortunately, we no longer have any seeds so I am looking for those, too. As for my flower garden, I love fragrant flowers and would like to try the heliopsis, too.

Thank you in advance for any seeds available.
JudieZ
Lakeland, FL

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Posted by sym44phony (from Fernandina Beach, FL) on February 25, 2008 at 12:33 PM:

I have mostly shade. We are new to this area, so I'm really careful about things I plant, and they have a great extension service from UFL which has all kinds of classes on plantings - some for general overview, then some seminars for very specific plants. We have a high canopy on the acre we have. Most of the canopy is about 120' high and gorgeous. We have some sun, but we are primarily sticking to shade loving plants, or plants that can do with less than 6 hours of sun a day. I tries to d-mail you about your address. How do I get that? Linda aka sym44phony.

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Posted by sym44phony (from Fernandina Beach, FL) on February 25, 2008 at 4:33 PM:

Thank you for your time in responding to me. I would love any herb seeds, but in our family we are only Two - so I do not need large amounts of anything. I will send off your envelope right away - and THANKS!!! Linda sym44phony

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 6:14 PM:

Linda, the basil will want some sun, but I have a feeling that full day sun in MD is probably equal to half day sun or part shade in FL! If you're not sure, try some in a container... you can move it around as needed until you figure out what works.

Judie, do you know if that "Polish" tomato was more of a large paste tomato (elongated, flesh more dry than dripping juice) or more of a beefsteak (rounded shape, the kind of juicy tomato you'd use for a BLT) type? I can see if I have anything that might be similar. There are some real sleuths in the tomato forum, also. If you post a "help me find this great Polish tomato" thread and describe as many things about the tomato as possible, you'll probably get some pretty accurate guesses as to its identity -- or at least, you'll get close.

QueenBee, do you have a spot for climbers (vines) in your garden? Do you happen to know what zone you're in? (I'm guessing 8, but not sure... so things that are not hardy for me might be hardy in your zone.)

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Posted by queenbee244 (from Madison, AL) on February 25, 2008 at 8:13 PM:

I am in Zone 7 (North Alabama). Yes, I have room for climbers. Whatcha got in mind?

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 8:38 PM:

Ah. Zone 7 isn't that much warmer than here, so the tropical climbers I got in the butterfly garden swap wouldn't be hardy for you, either. I do have other climbers, although they're not especially fragrant (morning glory, love in a puff, probably a couple other possibilities once I start looking). I think the sweet pea seeds went home with somebody in Saturday's swap, but that's one you might consider (it may be about time to plant them there, too).

Queenbee, if you want morning glory seeds or maybe something like hyacinth bean (have a few extra seeds, I think), do me a favor and bump your return postage to 80 cents... bigger seeds make the BE thick enough to bump it into the next postage category...

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Posted by searavyn (from Collinsville, VA) on February 25, 2008 at 9:19 PM:

Hi Critter! I'm a complete newbie to seed trading, but I would love to give it a try. If possible, can I be placed on the list for basil? As far as "extras," I have a shady area next to woods that can always use plants, and I like to plant in containers on my shaded porch and deck. I do have a few areas that are sunny... along the sides of my driveway and in a container or two around the mailbox... they get hot and dry quickly. I'm not too picky, just please don't send marigold, as I'm allergic! :)

Thanks bunches!
Kim

This message was edited Feb 26, 2008 5:24 PM

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Posted by queenbee244 (from Madison, AL) on February 25, 2008 at 11:12 PM:

Hey Critter,

I would love to try the hyacinth bean seeds if you have any left! I have a garden trellis just begging for something new....80 cents it is!

Thanks!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 25, 2008 at 11:40 PM:

Whoops! Bad news.

I'm finally getting sorted out again after Saturday's swap event, and it looks like there may have been an unexpected run on the Heliopsis... Either that, or I put 10 packets aside before the swap in "a good place" LOL.

Let me count requests above and see how much seed I have that I can package up. I'll do my best to cover everybody who posted above here.

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Posted by queenbee244 (from Madison, AL) on February 26, 2008 at 12:02 AM:

Hey, quick question....How do you store your seeds? I have started harvesting my seed and putting them in sandwich bags. There has got to be a better way...want to share your storage ideas? Thanx.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 12:05 AM:

LOL... That's about what I do, until it's time to start tagging & bagging them for swaps! Just make sure you've dried them thoroughly first, or they'll get moldy in the baggie. By late summer and into the fall, I have labeled paper plates all over the place with seeds drying on them... Paper packets are good if you have any concern about moisture.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 12:38 AM:

Good news! I found another pack of Heliopsis seed that I'd squirreled away last fall... Made up 10 more packets for a total of 20, as originally stated. Since I think I've only had 12 requests so far, that should work out about right. :-)

This may give you the idea that this flower, like black-eyed susans or like "true" sunflowers, produces a lot of seed! I'm putting 50+ seeds per packet, which should be more than plenty since this is a perennial and not a small plant. It's all good!

By the way, the Heliopsis is an excellent candidate for winter sowing. It's one of the few perennials that may bloom the first year from winter sown seed! For more about winter sowing, visit the Winter Sowing Forum, and take a look at my Groundhog's Day article, [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on February 26, 2008 at 12:41 AM:

I promised my little grandsons we'd plant a garden this year and the basil would be really good for it. So forget what I said above and SEND ME BASIL. Yep, I'm nuts!! I may just have them plant veggies. They'd love that.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 12:55 AM:

Lorraine, I'll send you both basil and Heliopsis... and I'll find something fun for the boys, maybe cherry or grape tomatoes? Or a pinch of Okra seeds... that's good for both flowers and veggies!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 1:03 AM:

Oops, Lorraine, not to worry, you're on my list! Not sure how I missed adding you when I edited that post... I'll add you as soon as the system lets me do more edits (I'm at my 24 hour limit).

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on February 26, 2008 at 1:10 AM:

I didn't realize they had a limit until they cut me off. How many edits can we do?

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 1:15 AM:

I'm not sure, because I think the limit was recently raised... I've been busy tonight, and I wasn't keeping track. :-)

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on February 26, 2008 at 4:21 AM:

I've got my bubble ready to go and want to make sure I did it right. I put stamps and a label with my address on the inside so you can send it back in same one. Is that how you are doing it. Guess I could have been smart enough to look around the thread to find out, but it's 2 in the morning, am I supposed to be able to think

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on February 26, 2008 at 4:34 AM:

Lorraine! go get some sleep girl! you need to get those beds ready for all those seeds! LOL!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM:

Lorraine, that's it... if you have any questions, check the article above this thread. :-)

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on February 26, 2008 at 4:33 PM:

Ocean, just what were YOU doing up at 2:30 in the morning? Pot calling kettle black!!!!! I used to be a real morning person, when I had kids at home and had to go to work. Now, I've changed, night owl

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Posted by Pamgarden (from Central, VA) on February 26, 2008 at 4:37 PM:

Jill, I sent you my BE yesterday. I confused the very patient man at the post office with my mutterings and "oh put that in there" and "oh, I forgot my label", and "oh, can I borrow your tape?" He's leaving for another PO next week, so I'll have to get my act together. The next counter person may not be so nice.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 6:09 PM:

LOL, Pam!

The first two BE's from this swap went out in the mail today. :-)

I'll be editing the list at the top of the thread as SASBEs come in and go back out.

Although I didn't put a set deadline on this, I'm assuming everybody will get their SASBEs in the mail pretty promptly. The sooner it gets here, the better the selection of "extras" is likely to be. :-)

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Posted by TamaraFaye (from Fritch, TX) on February 26, 2008 at 6:18 PM:

well, your BE rode with us to Amarillo and back without getting out of the chicken box and finding itself a Post Office. BAAAAD BE!

today it just sat around. LAZY BE!

No more! Tomorrow i am personally marching that rotten lazy piece of paper and plastic down town and making sure it hitches a ride in a mail truck!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 6:28 PM:

ROFLOL... Tamara, I can just see you grabbing it by one dog-eared corner and giving it a lecture that would make a Marine Sergeant proud as you frog-marched it to the post office!

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Posted by CapeCodGardener (from Mid-Cape, MA) on February 26, 2008 at 7:28 PM:

Quoted:

Although I didn't put a set deadline on this, I'm assuming everybody will get their SASBEs in the mail pretty promptly. The sooner it gets here, the better the selection of "extras" is likely to be. :-)

My own SASBE to you is set up and is going off tomorrow--thanks so much, Jill. How fun this all is ! (AND I got a great recipe out of this thread LOL)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 26, 2008 at 7:45 PM:

I know folks have been busy getting them ready... the only reason for the reminder up there is that I got an email recently asking if there was a deadline... but I didn't think the enthusiastic folks responding here needed a deadline to get their BE's in the mail. :-)

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Posted by Lindawalkabout (from Holden, MO) on February 26, 2008 at 7:51 PM:

I'll be getting my BE with stamps out this week, thanks a whole bunch Critter.

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Posted by Bookerc1 (from Mackinaw, IL) on February 26, 2008 at 9:17 PM:

I'd love some basil seeds! I'm a trading newbie--this is my first time! My aunt told me about Dave's Garden, and now I visit several times a week.

Basil is my favorite herb, but I've never grown from seed--just buy the plants locally. My dream vacation is to travel to Italy, so it would be awesome to have basil from the Boot itself.

I'll try the heliopsis, too. I'm game for anything! What exactly does "winter sown" mean? Started in seed trays during the winter, or do you direct sow during the winter? Sorry if this is a silly question.

I started out doing only vegetables (esp. tomatoes, peppers, onions, beans, peas), then added a small herb garden when we bought our first house 6 years ago, then added a butterfly garden (which is really struggling. . .help!), and last fall planted 15 daylilies and about 250 bulbs, mostly daffodils and some tulips. I also added a lot of flowers in the front yard, mostly trying to get some perennials started, and just learning as I go! Lots of warm colors. . .

I also get my two boys (6 and 9) digging in the yard all summer. They each plant hanging baskets, barrels, or add their own picks to any of the above gardens. Imagine their surprise when the little tomato-haters learned that cherry tomatoes taste like tomatoes, not cherries. LOL Got a good picture of that moment!

This is exciting! Is it fair game to also offer extras of commercial seeds I have? I just received a big order from Park Seeds today, and many of the packets have 50-100 seeds in them. Don't know if this is good form, or if they are supposed to be seeds you've harvested from your own plants. . .

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Posted by CapeCodGardener (from Mid-Cape, MA) on February 26, 2008 at 11:04 PM:

Quoted:

What exactly does "winter sown" mean? Started in seed trays during the winter, or do you direct sow during the winter? Sorry if this is a silly question.

Bookerc1, there are no silly questions--we're all here to learn. Below is a link to the DG winter sowing forum which was established by some wonderfully knowledgeable folks. Don't hesitate to go there and ask any questions you may have.
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

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Posted by Bookerc1 (from Mackinaw, IL) on February 26, 2008 at 11:12 PM:

Thanks, CapeCod. I just discovered that forum a few minutes ago, and have been greedily reading.

Booker

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Posted by Ems_Garden (from Slidell, LA) on February 27, 2008 at 10:59 AM:

Would love some basil seeds if there are any left. Am starting various gardens this spring as I just moved into a new home. misc. flowers, butterfly, veggies, herbs, anything would be greatly appreciated. You seem to have a fun and generous spirit. Thanks! :)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 27, 2008 at 11:35 AM:

CapeCod, thanks for supplying that link! The new resource "sticky" thread at the top of the forum also has a link to the article I wrote on Winter Sowing: [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

Booker and epb, I've got you covered. :-) I'll add your names to the list at the top and Dmail you soon with my address.

If anybody posted on this thread and doesn't see their name on the list at the top, please let me know! I don't want to have missed somebody. Thanks.

Booker, extra seeds from commercial packets are definitely fair game for trades! It'll help if you mention that you're splitting a pack and/or say about how many extra seeds you have. I know I've happily traded for just a few seeds of a variety I really wanted, and with hybrid varieties commercial packs are generally the only way to get the seeds. Head over to the seed trading forum and see if you can swap those extras for something else that you want... :-)

Oh, and your story of your boys and their "cherry" tomatoes made me ROFLOL! Thanks for sharing that moment.

edited to add link

This message was edited Feb 27, 2008 10:39 AM

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 27, 2008 at 11:42 AM:

copying details that were mistakenly posted to another thread, so I have them all in one spot:

From wee7341:

Jill,
This is my first post so I hope I'm getting this right. If it isn't too late to respond to your very kind offer, and if you still have seeds left, I would LOVE to have some of the basil and the heliopsis.

I live in Zone 8 in Aiken, SC. We moved here about 8 months ago and are learning our way trying to landscape a new front and back yard. Part of our back yard is very wet as we border on a wetland area but I have a raised bed next to the house for herbs and veggies which I hope to raise.

I did not see your address when I read the article about exchanging seeds. It was the article about the Self Addressed Bubble Envelopes where I read of your wonderful offer.

I hope I'll be able to figure out how to do all of this and where to find your address.

Thank you so much for adding me to your list. I hope I'm not too late.
Ruth Marie


From searavyn:

Hi Critter! I'm a complete newbie to seed trading, but I would love to give it a try. If possible, can I be placed on the list for basil? As far as "extras," I have a shady area next to woods that can always use plants, and I like to plant in containers on my shaded porch and deck. I do have a few areas that are sunny... along the sides of my driveway and in a container or two around the mailbox... they get hot and dry quickly. I'm not too picky, just please don't send marigold, as I'm allergic! :)

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Posted by JudieZ (from Lakeland, FL) on February 27, 2008 at 1:00 PM:

The "Polish" tomatoes were a very large beefsteak type tomato and the leaves were similar to a potato plant. The fruit was not smooth at the stem end like most tomatoes and it usually had sort of a "naval" on the bottom. Also, thanks for the additonal info on where to look for seeds.
I am mailing my BE today for my seeds..
Thanks again!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 27, 2008 at 1:34 PM:

Judie, I'll see what I have that might be close, at least. Do you know if the tomato was a pink or red variety? "Pink" tomatoes aren't really such a different color (not hot pink), they just have clear skin and "red" tomatoes have a slightly yellow skin. I have one called 'Potato Top' that a friend in FL reported did well for him this winter, so I'll put that in for you (it's a pink beefsteak with "potato leafed" foliage).

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on February 27, 2008 at 6:20 PM:

sorry critter but i don't know how to edit--can i please add to my earlier note that if you have any extra tomato seeds i would love to try them--thanks again

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 27, 2008 at 6:24 PM:

Linda, give me an idea please if you're looking for beefsteak, salad, cherry, paste, etc...

and if you look to the left of your post, under date & time, you'll see a little blue "Edit" link. Click on that, and you'll be able to edit that post. It's easy to miss, but once you know how to do it, it's handy! :-)

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on February 27, 2008 at 6:28 PM:

thanks critter-that was fun! and easy!

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Posted by Sharkey (from Marianna, FL) on February 28, 2008 at 12:51 PM:

I would absolutely LOVE to have some Italian basil seeds. Please include me if it is not too late. I also d-mailed you a few minutes ago about the Gypsy seeds, so I could just take care of both payments in the same envelope if that is convenient for you. I've recently started trying to grow some herbs (in addition to my other projects.) I'm Italian and have always wanted to grow my own herbs to use in my sauces.

As far as your other generous offer, I love growing hot peppers especially. I have tabascos ordered, but would love to try another variety of hot pepper. Thank you so very much. I'm excited about this!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 28, 2008 at 1:17 PM:

Sharkey, that will work just fine. I'll just put a note on your BE from the other offer and add in the other seeds... no need to send additional postage. Good timing!

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Posted by TamaraFaye (from Fritch, TX) on February 28, 2008 at 2:23 PM:

Jill, your BE went out yesterday. had a change of heart, was well behaved, should arrive with ears intact LOL...

hugs,
tf

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Posted by Sharkey (from Marianna, FL) on February 28, 2008 at 2:53 PM:

Jill, I'm SO happy I made the list--even though I was 25th! If you get time, could you summarize what I need to send for the two offers combined? I understand that I need to mail you a self-addressed label, but I'm not sure how much postage since we're combining. I want to be sure to send enough. Thank you very much. This is my first time doing this, so I appreciate your patience.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 28, 2008 at 3:05 PM:

Sharkey, just send what you were going to send for the other offer... that will be enough return postage for all the seeds. I'll get a blast Dmail out later today, but your PayPal amount won't be any higher than for just the pepper seeds alone.

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Posted by Sharkey (from Marianna, FL) on February 28, 2008 at 3:19 PM:

Thank you, Jill. As soon as I receive your information later today, I'll pay with Paypal and mail you the label and BE. I can't wait to receive these seeds!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 28, 2008 at 8:25 PM:

I'm hoping to find a lot more envelopes in the mailbox tomorrow...

Please try to send your SASBE by the end of this week! If you're having trouble finding a BE or stamps, let me know.

I'd like to get these packets all out by/before the end of next week. The sooner you send in your BE, the sooner you can start playing with your seeds! :-)

Oh, and for anybody using a nice, new bubble envelope... Please use tape instead of the peel-and-stick strip if you can, as it makes it easier to open and re-use the envelope. Thanks!

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Posted by CapeCodGardener (from Mid-Cape, MA) on February 28, 2008 at 8:41 PM:

Hi Critter! Thanks for the info about taping a new SASBE--which I did NOT do in the one I sent to you, but I'm glad to have the hint "for the next time."
Mine was mailed two days ago--hope it arrives soon!
Thanks again for all that you do.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 28, 2008 at 8:57 PM:

Not to worry, I'll do my best to get it open without mangling it too much... but wow, they are getting really good at making that adhesive! :-)

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on February 28, 2008 at 10:44 PM:

lol! The adhesive is strong, so that you cant re use them, and have to buy another!
I too didnt know the trick about 'taping' them.... sorry ! Did you receive my BE yet?

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 28, 2008 at 11:07 PM:

Not yet, but there are a few miles between here and CA!

I'll try to keep the list at the top updated as BE's come in and go back out again... but I may be offline over the weekend, so don't worry if I'm not responding. :-)

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on February 29, 2008 at 12:27 AM:

Oh, Oh!
I am too learning as I go... Sorry for sealing it with the sticky thingy! Now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense, I always tear apart the envelopes... I hope that at least the rest I did OK.
Goofy

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 29, 2008 at 12:39 AM:

Goofy, as I said -- truly, not a problem. I'll try to be patient enough to find my scissors... I'm sure I have a pair somewhere on my desk, under all the seeds! LOL

I sure tried to think of everything when I wrote that article... but I knew there'd be some detail I'd neglect to mention! I don't think the super-adhesive on the BE's is a big deal. And it's better to have the envelope sealed too well than to have it come open so that your return address, note, etc. are lost along the way!

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Posted by Ems_Garden (from Slidell, LA) on February 29, 2008 at 11:55 AM:

Critter - I haven't received an email from you yet with your address. Please send I have already started "tasting" the pesto I will make! LOL Thanks. Em.

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Posted by Ems_Garden (from Slidell, LA) on February 29, 2008 at 1:35 PM:

Thanks Critter - SASBE on its way to you.

Em

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 1, 2008 at 12:39 AM:

Thank you for catching that, Em! Not to worry, I've got a couple of fun packets set aside for you... :-)

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Posted by svplantingfool (from South Venice, FL) on March 1, 2008 at 7:41 AM:

Critter, I got my envelope yesterday and I am so thrilled! Thanks for your kindness. I'll be sowing today, can't wait to make pesto with that yummy basil!
Cathy

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Posted by queenbee244 (from Madison, AL) on March 1, 2008 at 1:14 PM:

My SESBE is on its way today.

Thanks so much!

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Posted by Lindawalkabout (from Holden, MO) on March 1, 2008 at 7:38 PM:

Critter sent my out today as well, thanks again : )

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on March 1, 2008 at 7:44 PM:

critter you should have gotten mine too--sent it last sunday--

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 3, 2008 at 1:06 AM:

I was out of town Friday noon through Sunday afternoon, and I had a pile of envelopes waiting for me! :-)

I've updated the list at the top to show what I've received and sent back out so far. It's taking me a few extra days to turn some of these around because I want to go through my stash to find some fun extras for you (not all my extras are ready to go in labeled packets). So if there's any delay between my receiving your BE and mailing it back out, be assured that I'm trying to make the wait worthwhile! I'm having fun thinking that seeds I don't have space/time to plant will be put to good use in other gardens.

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Posted by Lindawalkabout (from Holden, MO) on March 3, 2008 at 1:14 AM:

Thank you Critter, I sent my BE out Sat. and I can wait : ) Thanks again. Get some rest , looks like you had a busy weekend. Have a great week coming up.

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Posted by CapeCodGardener (from Mid-Cape, MA) on March 3, 2008 at 1:16 AM:

Critter, this is so exciting and so generous of you. I'm having fun just imagining what's going to show up.

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on March 3, 2008 at 2:32 AM:

Did you get mine, critter, my girl. I sent it out last week , but can't remember when, mmmm, or did I. Yes I did Ok, time for bed. My hands aren't moving ovr the keys anymore

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 3, 2008 at 4:01 AM:

Lorraine, I'll bet I find yours in tomorrow's mail.

I'll do my best to update the list at the top of this thread... If you don't see "received" next to your name, that means I haven't received your SASBE yet.

:-)

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Posted by EPrince (from Downey, CA) on March 3, 2008 at 3:53 PM:

I would love some basil, if the offer is still available. For extras I would love tomatoes, Grape or something big for slicing.

I also just requested the pepper seeds so these could be combined.

I haven't sent the Dmail yet (I got sidetracked by this thread).

Thanks!

Jan

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Posted by Sharkey (from Marianna, FL) on March 3, 2008 at 4:56 PM:

Critter, I am SO excited because I just received the seeds you so kindly sent. I have the pepper seeds soaking right now and can't wait to plant all the varieties along with the basil. Thank you, again, for all of the trouble you went to in order to accommodate all of us. Have a great week.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 3, 2008 at 6:01 PM:

Jan, I'll respond to your Dmail...

This offer is now closed (see top of thread).

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on March 3, 2008 at 7:06 PM:

critter i hope it didn't seem like i am trying to hurry you! i just wanted to make sure my envelope made it to you--take your time-i am not in a hurry

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 3, 2008 at 7:19 PM:

LOL, not to worry... I'm taking my time so I can make sure everybody gets a nice bonus packet or two! :-)

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on March 3, 2008 at 7:26 PM:

you must be so busy with all of this and then the meatballs too!!!!!!!!!!

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 3, 2008 at 9:14 PM:

Yes, I cant wait to try those meatballs ...on the menu this week :o).
Thank you critter, for all your kindness and hard work. I cant wait til I have things growing and can pay it forward. Your kindness is very appreciated :o)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 3, 2008 at 9:36 PM:

LOL, I'm happy to share either recipes or seeds, any time!

Lorraine! Most of my "low growing flowering ground cover" seeds are outside in winter sowing containers... I'm sorry! I can suggest that you look for any dwarf variety of Dianthus, but that doesn't help me put something fun in your BE... tell me something else about your garden, please. :-)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 4, 2008 at 4:22 PM:

I've updated the list at the top again, and I'll have more BE's going out in the mail tomorrow. I appreciate everybody's patience... you know if it's taking me a couple of extra days to turn yours around, that's just because I still need to get out my tomato seeds or look through my stash of extra flower seeds from trades... :-)

I'm afraid I'm not taking time to enclose notes in the packets... so I wanted to say THANK YOU here to everybody who sent extra postage, or a couple of seed packets to share around. I really appreciate it, and I'll be sure to pass along your generosity! I've enjoyed reading the lovely notes that have been enclosed with some of your SASBE's also, and I hope you won't think it rude of me not to respond personally. I've been having fun putting these packets together!

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on March 4, 2008 at 5:03 PM:

Ok, Critter, get your butt out there and pull those plants and get them to me. !!!
Which of the 6 beds do you want to know about. have one in about any kind of sun shade you want. Only thing I know for sure is I need some evergreen because when ever my flowers die, I have these empty spots

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 4, 2008 at 5:32 PM:

"any kind of sun/shade" does help! I saw that you were looking for verbena, and I'll check my stash... not sure what's in there until I look... darn good thing most of it's back in alpha. order! Oh, I know! I have an "edible ornamental" thing that makes a nice ground cover. A few leaves stay green for me in the winter here, so I'll bet it would be fairly evergreen for you also. I think I'll surprise you...

You do need to find a few packs of dwarf dianthus seeds and winter sow them. I don't have good luck transplanting little clumps of tiny seedlings (the HOS or "Hunk 'o Seedling" method) because I don't watch them closely enough... I like to up-pot little clumps into cell packs (32 or 48 cell flats) and then plant them out in the border when they have nice roots. Dianthus should stay at least somewhat evergreen for you, also. Another evergreen possibility might be sea thrift, Armeria maritima [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] or plantain thrift, Armeria pesudarmeria [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] I'm pretty sure it's evergreen for me (at least, it's green now, LOL). No extra seeds in my stash, but you should be able to find them. :-)

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Posted by TamaraFaye (from Fritch, TX) on March 5, 2008 at 11:45 AM:

Critter, so happy to see by your update that you have rec'd my package. I can only hope that you mailed it on 3/4, as I don't want to wait till 4/3 LOL... just thought i would point that out & rib you a little, have a beautiful rest of the week!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 1:11 PM:

LOL, how silly was that! Not only did I make a typo, I then proceeded to copy and paste that backwards date onto all the others... As Dr. Who would say, "Scratch that. Reverse it."

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Posted by TamaraFaye (from Fritch, TX) on March 5, 2008 at 1:35 PM:

;-)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 2:05 PM:

I put another 8 BE's in the mail this morning, half of which were for this swap... I need to make up some veggie packets, and then I'll get the others out that I've received. :-)

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on March 5, 2008 at 5:21 PM:

Critter, don't worry abouot trying to find something for me. The two originals will be fine.
I planted some dianthus last year and they've never died down. Middle of January and they were putting on blooms. Guess you can't kill the littel devils.

Anyway, you've got enough on your mind, if you have any extra, give it to a newbie. Listen to me, I sound like I'm not one. Yes, old experienced Lorraine. Funny what a few months can do. lol

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 5:36 PM:

LOL! It just doesn't take any time at all to wake up the "gardener within" Lorraine! :-)

I did find you some Verbena bonariensis that I think you'll have fun tucking into a bed (aka "Verbena on a Stick"), and I came across some older Nasturtium seeds -- soak 'em and see if they'll sprout, no guarantees, LOL. Plus I've got the other surprise I mentioned... that should do ya! :-)

Is anybody (who hasn't had seeds sent out yet) wanting to try a different eggplant? I've got a very few leftover seeds of 3 unique varieties from 2005 commercial packs... I know I won't use them... please speak up!

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Posted by searavyn (from Collinsville, VA) on March 5, 2008 at 7:29 PM:

I am so excited to see that my seeds were mailed today! I can't wait to see what's in the package! I've got Spring Fever pretty bad, with all the warm weather we've been having, and I'm trying my best to remember that spring isn't here yet. I've considered buying some pansies just so I can put something in the ground that won't die when the temps go down in the 30s!

A friend has promised me a trip to a great nursery I've never been to, so I'm saving my pennies in anticipation. Critter is right, it doesn't take any time to awaken the gardener within! The hard part is keeping her in check! :) At least with the seeds Critter's sending I can grow something indoors until the time is right outside! Thanks a million!!

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Posted by CapeCodGardener (from Mid-Cape, MA) on March 5, 2008 at 7:53 PM:

Oh Critter, you have been BUSY!! I see that mine are "coming soon to your theater," I mean, my house, and I can't wait!!
Thanks, again.'

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 5, 2008 at 9:01 PM:

ohhh, I see you have sent mine too! I've been pacing and pacing, now I get to stalk that poor mailman again! LOL! He just puts his head down and pretends to not understand english (tho we have had many past conversations!) when he sees me running out the door! LOL! poor old man thinks I'm nuts and is probably trying to figure out what are in all these bubble envies! LOL!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 9:09 PM:

I know it's taken me longer than anticipated to turn some of these around... but think of it this way, for every extra day you had to wait, another seed packet may well have found its way into your BE. Doing this did force me to get my seeds more in order, which is a good thing! I had hundreds of packets labeled and ready to go last month, but it's the "extras" from my stash that take a little longer to dig out and repack.

I'm glad everybody's excited, and I hope the contents of your BE's will live up to your expectations, LOL.

:-)

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 5, 2008 at 9:14 PM:

If I havent said it a dozen times yet..thank you!. thank you! thank you! thank you thank you!! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! thank you! ;oD

Its people like you that really make DG a fun place to 'hang out' :-)

I'm just excited about starting my first ever herb garden! :-)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 9:18 PM:

You're welcome, LOL. Be sure to check out my first three DG articles for some good tips on growing and harvesting herbs -- especially basil! :-)

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 5, 2008 at 9:20 PM:

oh, I definitely will....
BTW, I know I can plant nasturium, and nodding onions, and basid herbs... but can I also put bell peppers and hot peppers in the herb bed? I've never grown any of this stuff before....trying to learn it all overnight! LOL!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 9:30 PM:

Well, the experts tell me that any crossing between peppers will only affect the seeds for the next generation, not the current fruit... but my own experience has been that planting hot and sweet peppers next to each other results in some of the peppers on the "sweet" plant turning up with varying degrees of heat. I don't have a good explanation for this (maybe cross pollination affects the seed coats and membranes, making the pepper hot?), but now I try to get about 50 feet of space between my hot and sweet pepper patches. YMMV, but I'd suggest separating them if you can... and if you can't, just take a little taste from the tip end of a "sweet" pepper to make sure it didn't turn hot on you before you toss it into the salad.

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 5, 2008 at 9:37 PM:

thats what I was afraid of. Maybe I'll just plant the hot peppers on the other side of the yard :)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 9:46 PM:

If you can separate them, that would make the question moot. People have told me it's not possible for hot peppers to have that effect on nearby sweet peppers, but it's happened to me a couple of times... maybe there's another explanation, but I'm happy planting them in different spots. :-)

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 5, 2008 at 10:00 PM:

well, I can do without the hot peppers (DH's request) but HAVE to have the sweet peppers! LOL!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 10:47 PM:

I don't think I put any hot peppers in your envelope... I did toss in a really decorative tomato variety, though. I wasn't sure if you were doing a veggie garden as such, but 'Silvery Fir Tree' fits right into any border. It's definitely "cottage style" to mix in some edible ornamentals. :-)

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 5, 2008 at 10:53 PM:

ooh yeah! Yes we do have a veggie garden too. Thats DH's "designated area"-the only area he's allowed to touch! lol! the rest of the grounds are MINE all MINE! :) although he just bought 4 berry bushes to plant in the veggie garden area, so I think I may need to add some veggies in my herb area. I dont think he realizes how much area those berry bushes are gonna need!
We usually do alot of tomatoes, always love those ;)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 5, 2008 at 11:00 PM:

uh oh... hope I'm not in hot water with DH for leaving him out with the selections I put into your BE! I didn't save any tomato seeds last year (with a couple of exceptions, I ended up growing just 1 plant of everything, not primo for seed saving), so I'll have to be sure to grow out several plants of our favorites this year so I can save seeds... enough to share, for sure!

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on March 6, 2008 at 3:51 AM:

Hey, Critter,
You wrote one of the first articles I read here on DG!!! because it was talking of basil! Pinch, pinch, pinch!!!
Loved it!
I'll be putting it on practice now! starting from seed, thanks to your kindness!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 6, 2008 at 4:24 AM:

:-) That article came up just recently... I mentioned to somebody that it had been a challenge to switch from the dry, academic style of writing research papers (back when) to the chatty, informal style I wanted to use for these articles. They responded to say they thought I'd succeeded, as there was nothing dry or academic about "Pinch, pinch, pinch!"

LOL

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Posted by Ems_Garden (from Slidell, LA) on March 6, 2008 at 4:31 PM:

Critter - just saw that you mailed my seeds today - am so excited! Thank you! I loved your article and am slowly readying through all of them. You are such a blessing to us for writing them. I know I need all the info I can get. You make it so easy. Thanks again.
Em.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 6, 2008 at 4:42 PM:

You're welcome! I know there were a number of folks from southern zones, and I hope I didn't put in too many seeds by mistake that won't tolerate your climate... please double check by looking them up in PF, and try to pass them along if you can't use them. I also tried to avoid sending potential invasives to southern states (morning glory and cypress vine are manageable and desirable around here, but I've heard they can be thugs in Florida gardens), but again it's always a good idea to look things up before planting them. I even look up plants I "think" I know, because I always learn something from the comments in PlantFiles!

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on March 6, 2008 at 4:56 PM:

Loved it, loved the "pinch, pinch, pinch!" unacademic style.
LOL, I am here on DG for peace and relaxation, and I have an ARA to submit by the end of March!!! Please, Jill, you are such a nice lady and such a caring friend! Have mercy, and don't say academic (A), research (R), and article (A) in the same phrase...
I cannot wait to get home and check my mail today! I have a feeling!...
Thanks again, I'll let you know as soon as I find the bubbly in the box!
Alexandra

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 6, 2008 at 8:23 PM:

YEAH! my bubbly arrived today! Thank You so much for all those seeds! I really was only expecting the original 2 and maybe one more.... was pleasantly surprised when I opened the envie!
Thank you again for the starter seeds, I cant wait to get started! LOL! (and I didnt even get a chance to stalk my mailman! LOL)

I also love morning glories, but they tend to become invasive here as well. Funny, I tried to grow them for years and years across town, and at this house, I cant get rid of them! LOL!

Thank you again for all your help and the seeds....off to plant files for resarch now......:-D
Anjl

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 6, 2008 at 8:34 PM:

LOL... I didn't send you MGs, did I? *checks notes* nooo, I don't think so.... Hopefully I guessed right on the Penstemon!

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 6, 2008 at 8:40 PM:

penstemmon is great... (I just checked plant files! lol) and no, you didnt send any morning glories.... and if anyone wants seeds I have millions! lol! I keep digging them up as they sprout, and they are STILL sprouting! LOL!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 6, 2008 at 9:05 PM:

LOL I just cleared some dried morning glory vines off the fence the other day... couldn't resist shoving "just a few" seeds in my pockets as I went along... now I've got a big handful! Maybe I'll toss them along the outer edge of the neighbor's fence on the side by the field... I'm already growing them up his fence on the other side! (He likes them.)

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Posted by ottoson (from Riley, KS) on March 6, 2008 at 11:28 PM:

I FINALLY put an env. in the mail yesterday Jill...sorry for the delay...kept thinking I'd get a chance to get into town to get a bubbly & finally realized it probably will be the weekend before that happens, so sent the extra stamp in a regular...hope that's okay. Stuck a note in about the basil & catnip...didn't think of it at the time, but if you come across any zinnia seed in your travels through your stash and have an abundance think of me wildly waving my hands in the air...pick me, pick me!!! :) Thanks bunches!

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Posted by Ems_Garden (from Slidell, LA) on March 6, 2008 at 11:31 PM:

Ottoson - I am pretty sure I have some left over from planting on Saturday - I'll go check and you can have them if I do.
Em

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Posted by Ems_Garden (from Slidell, LA) on March 6, 2008 at 11:38 PM:

Ok I have ohhh maybe 20 or so commercial Zinnia, Lilliput, mixed colors. I planted some Saturday and they are starting to sprout. Let me know if you are interested and I'll send them to you.
Em.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 7, 2008 at 12:02 AM:

I'm down to recycling BE's and cutting down big ones, but hopefully I'll manage to stop by WalMart tomorrow and pick up another bundle of them. I'm sure I can come up with a few zinnia seeds... I never got around to collecting them last fall, unfortunately, or I'd have scads of them. Come to think of it, there are probably still some seeds hanging around on dried flower heads out there. I'm hoping they self-sowed! LOL, I know the birds got some -- I saw them.

Lilliput is a cute one!

If you need a bunch of zinnia seeds, I got a good deal on them last year from Fedco Seeds. They have some nice bulk packets... I got love-in-a-mist from them also.

From your article on cilantro, Ottoson, I knew you made salsa... need any hot pepper or tomato seeds?

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Posted by ottoson (from Riley, KS) on March 7, 2008 at 3:30 AM:

Em, that would be great...thanks...I'll send you a dmail. :)

Jill, please don't make a trip to WalMart on my account...I'm way thrilled with a recycled one. Yeppers, we're big on salsa around here...and looking soooo forward to summer when tomatoes are real and yummy and not just a slight color difference from being confused with baseballs!!! (Can ya tell I'm not a fan of grocery store 'maters?!) I'd love tomato seeds but please no hot peppers...I think we've got seeds for about every hot pepper under the sun thanks to my awesome aunt and some equally awesome DGers. My dh is a pepper fanatic and just before he got home from Iraq last fall my aunt had several people send her seeds for him for a surprise. 387 days apart gives you a whole new appreciation of your spouse...but with spring approaching he's eyeing some prime spots in the yard for his peppers so my new mantra is "share nicely, share nicely, share nicely!!!"

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 7, 2008 at 11:37 AM:

LOL, I'm glad you posted -- I was about to pop 'Fish Pepper' (my favorite) and a couple of others into your packet! I didn't connect you to your aunt... I think by the time I got my seeds sorted out, she said she already had an overwhelming pile for him, or he'd already have 'Fish Pepper' from me! (It is a very pretty little plant, with cream-splashed variegated leaves and cute striped peppers -- ornamental as well as tasty!) I'll put in a tomato or two -- I think 'Wisconsin 55' would work well for you. :-)

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Posted by Bookerc1 (from Mackinaw, IL) on March 7, 2008 at 12:46 PM:

Hmm, wondering if the BE I sent you last week was a monster compared to the sizes you use--it took $1.39 postage to send to you! And I'd already taped it shut with the requested two first class stamps inside. Feel free to cut it down to size or divide it into two or whatever you need to do! Or let me know if you need a little more postage. . .I can stick some stamps in the mail.

Still anxiously watching the mail! I also got a $25 gift certificate from White Flower Farms yesterday, and ran to hide from my kids long enough to pore over the enclosed catalog. I need to go back and see what all I ordered already from different companies before I commit to anything more! I already know I need to find room for a hydrangea (my first!) and two dictamnus (those are a Valentine's gift for my hubby--his great aunt had one that he just loved, and we've had no luck starting them from seed.)

We rummaged around under all our leaf mulch yesterday and found all sorts of bulbs poking up, including some hyacinths with nice buds already, and a bunch of narcissus. I can't wait, I can't wait!

Booker

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 7, 2008 at 1:06 PM:

Booker, that hasn't reached me. Hmm. No problem... just Dmail me your address, please, and I'll get your seeds out to you. I've got them waiting in a little pile. :-)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 7, 2008 at 11:33 PM:

Ottoson, I've got your BE packed and ready to go. Please Dmail me your address, and I'll send it on its way.

Backwoodcottage, my apologies for taking so long with yours. We were down with "the crud" earlier in the week, and I finally managed to get more tomato seeds packaged tonight (I had you down as wanting veggies). Please let me know if you'd like me to add hot pepper seeds (I can Dmail you a list to pick from or put in a "Devilish Dozen" variety pack) or a little pack of 'Extra Long Black' Asparagus Bean seeds I just got in a swap and can't use. I can also Dmail you a list of tomatoes and let you pick as an apology for "sitting" on your BE all week!

latebloomin, are you still with us? I've got a little pile of seeds for your school garden project... I'll Dmail you.

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on March 8, 2008 at 2:11 AM:

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just got home 2 hours ago and found my bubbly in the mailbox!
Dear Jill, I am so impressed by this gift from you! Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
I have to do some reading about the wishbone flower, as I don't know anything about it, common name or latin name.
Great surprise with the fennels and the other basil as well. Please let me know if I can let them stay together, or If I have to separate them so they do not crosspolinate(?).
And the other flowers sound great! I cannot wait for the daylight!
Thank you again, Critter!
Alexandra (goofybulb)

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Posted by LorraineR (from Gilmer, TX) on March 8, 2008 at 4:58 AM:

critter , do you have a picture of the love in a mist? I know I have some planted just don't know which one it is!!!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 8, 2008 at 11:13 AM:

sorry, did I not put Nigella on the Love-in-a-mist label? It should be mixed white and blue (not a named variety, just a mix from Fedco, not dwarf or anything(, although I seem to remember seeing more blue than white out there... No photo, but check PF... [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

Goofybulb, I separate a couple of my basils to make really sure they stay "pure," but you can also isolate them in time rather than space... keep pinching them back, and let just one variety bloom at a time to set seed.

Start the Torenia inside ASAP, as they'll take 10-12 weeks to start flowering... but worth the wait! They like a warm spot to germinate (I use a heat mat at 78 degrees, but as long as it's not 60 degrees they should come up eventually). I sent out some seeds collected in 2005 that still germinated just fine for a DGer in Jan., so whatever date is on your packet, you should be fine.

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Posted by goofybulb (from El Paso, TX) on March 8, 2008 at 7:26 PM:

Thanks for the advice!
The time-spacing of the basil is so simple, but I would not have thought of it!!!
About the Torenias, I started them today, inside. Tonight they announced a quite cold night (48F) but this is not usual here. So, my question is, can I move them outside once the weather warms up again? Usually, the night temps are in the upper 60's - lower 70's this time of year, and it will get hotter. Or is that another reason to keep them inside?

goofy

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Posted by tucsonjill (from Tucson, AZ) on March 8, 2008 at 8:01 PM:

Just when I thought the suspense was going to kill me, I opened up my mailbox and there was my BE, stuffed with all sorts of exciting things! Critter, you fabulous wonderful gardener person you--thank you so much! I shall have lots of fun learning about, planting and growing all those exciting new botanical companions!

You are, in fact, the greatest! :)

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on March 8, 2008 at 8:06 PM:

its true critter-you are!

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 8, 2008 at 8:27 PM:

Goofy, I've got no clue about FL weather! You might Dmail Flip (Aries44) -- he's a great guy, and he can tell you just what he did to start the Torenia seeds I sent him a couple years ago. I'm pretty sure I'm remembering that he had success with them, LOL, not trying to put him on the spot! I'd say put them wherever you think they'll get temps close to 75-80 degrees and preferably not over 85 (at least not over that until they germinate, then they shouldn't mind it as long as they don't get too dry).

Jill & Linda, I'm glad you like the seeds I found for you! I had fun doing this swap.

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Posted by TamaraFaye (from Fritch, TX) on March 9, 2008 at 10:28 AM:

guess what came in my mail uesterday? thanks you SOOOO much.

keep up the great work with your articles, you are developing quite a following!

tf

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 9, 2008 at 10:46 AM:

You're welcome!

I've got one in the "waiting for approval" queue now... finally got some basil seedlings to cooperate & pose for photos... I'm hoping Dave will get to it soon so I can slip it into the schedule for this week, because it's all about sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings!

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Posted by Pamgarden (from Central, VA) on March 9, 2008 at 3:45 PM:

Goofy, When I lived in Orlando z9, I found torenia quite easy to start from seed in place with good moisture. It often reseeded itself in some funny places, like between the expansion crack of the concrete driveway, between two bricks of the front sidewalk, at the base of a big pot. It was very easy to transplant if I got it while it was still small. It was never invasive, just unexpected. Most of the time I just left it where it had seeded itself. I think I'd wait until the nights are consistently above 50 to put your seedlings out, but if you have any left over seed, try putting it where you want it.

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Posted by tucsonjill (from Tucson, AZ) on March 9, 2008 at 3:52 PM:

I like that--"never invasive, just unexpected." That describes a lot of what goes on in my garden! :)

Critter, I just spent the best time of my weekend planting some of those seeds--I ran out of potting mix! Gotta go get more to finish the job, but I'm loving it. I'm going to punt a little on the peppers and see if I can get them started outside, since it's late for me to start them inside, but if that doesn't work I'll save plenty for next year. Thank you for such a wonderful morning in my garden! :)

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 9, 2008 at 3:55 PM:

I've had peppers self-sow, so I don't see why that wouldn't work, Jill. The main reason I start peppers & tomatoes & basil inside is really just to get a jump on the season for longer harvest... you don't really have an issue with that in your zone!

I did have some Torenia self-sow last year as you described, Pam... they didn't bloom until mid-August, but they were fun!

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Posted by sym44phony (from Fernandina Beach, FL) on March 9, 2008 at 5:39 PM:

I received the seeds you sent to me, and I thank you ever so much!! It will be such fun getting things going. You are so generous - and at least also appear to be very organized.!! This is such a treasure - helpful for the brain and soul. Thanks again - Sym44phony

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 9, 2008 at 6:04 PM:

"appear to be very organized"

LOL at how people can be fooled by a printed label!

Actually, doing this offer did help me sort through my seeds and finish getting them organized so I can do the rest of my sowing this spring... I'm sure you'd be very impressed by my binders with seeds all tucked into the pouches of clear plastic organizer inserts (like the kind used to protect baseball cards or organize scrapbook supplies)... they're even in alphabetical order, more or less! If I didn't do something like that, I'd have no chance of putting my hands on the seeds I wanted without a week long search... and even now, things get misplaced! :-)

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Posted by Bookerc1 (from Mackinaw, IL) on March 9, 2008 at 8:36 PM:

Wow, that binder is a great idea! Ooooh, I can just see the possibilities now! Critter, you are a treasure!

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Posted by oneanjl (from (AnjL) Fremont, CA) on March 9, 2008 at 8:52 PM:

lol Critter, Great minds think alike! I have the same type of binder, but I put the seeds in one pouch, the facts about the seeds in the pouch next to it, and then....because I dont know much about seeds, plants, etc... I put a picture of what each one is :o)
It was the only way I could keep track of all the seeds that everyone at DG gave me :o)
Anjl

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Posted by searavyn (from Collinsville, VA) on March 9, 2008 at 10:28 PM:

Critter, I just wanted to say "thank you" for the wonderful package of seeds. I've spent the weekend looking up info on the different plants and planning where I'll put them when the weather warms up! Everything you sent sounds wonderful! I'll have to make a trip to the store and find something to start the seeds in... for some reason I cannot find my little "seed-starting" pots. I'll be looking for your article this week on sowing seeds and transplanting, also.

I'm sharing my basil seeds with a friend who loves to cook... thanks from her family, too! :) I know that you've worked hard on this seed give-away, and we all appreciate what you've done.

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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on March 10, 2008 at 12:26 AM:

Preview from the article... I use take out containers with clear lids for seed starting! Anything that holds an inch or so of potting mix will work. Poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage & bottom watering, plus a few holes in the top for ventilation.

I'm hoping to get the article on the schedule for this Thursday (most of my articles are on Thursdays, although an occasional extra one will sneak in on another day)... but if