I had an idea a while back that needed a little more refining before I posted on it: A Seed Swap! At first I thought I would just offer a couple types of seed to trade among anyone who follows this blog but then I thought a little bigger. I thought “What if a bunch of garden bloggers hosted their own seed swap posts?” This might be a great way for garden bloggers and readers to get to know each other better and save money on seeds at the same time. There are all kinds of seed and plant swap sites out there and this wouldn’t really compete with any of them but it might be fun for us bloggers and our readers.
Here’s how it would work:
- Garden bloggers would post the kinds of seed they have along with any pictures of it that might help everyone gain an appreciation for that plant. The garden blogger would need to mention how much seed they have and how many offers they could make. I would estimate that 15-20 seeds would be sufficient for each offer. More would be fine, it’s ultimately up to you what you offer.
- Then readers and fellow bloggers would mention in the comments of the post which plants they were interested in trading for and offer a link to their Seed Swap Blog Post or if they don’t blog just write in the comments what varieties of seed they have to exchange.
- If both parties are agreeable on seeds to swap then make the trade! If not try to find another participant and make other arrangements. By all means if you want to just give your seeds to seed swappers then go for it! There is a cooperative spirit among gardeners that we should all continue to foster.
- It would be up to you how you communicate with each other to swap addresses for sending the seeds. Email, Twitter Direct Messages, and Blotanical messages are just a few suggestions. Just be careful before posting your email as you may expose yourself to unwanted spam. Please don’t expose yourself online!
Before I start this I would like at least 5 participants who are willing to join in the seed swap. If you would like to participate in my proposal just post here saying you’ll hop in for the Garden Blogger Seed Swap 2009. Also if you have any suggestions or concerns feel free to offer them!
Great idea! I wish I could participate but being in India might be a problem I think 🙁
Hi Dave, I have a few seeds to swap, and will probably have some left over after I am done with Monica’s seed swap. If anyone is interested they can email me at: ramseytina5@gmail.com. I have cosmos, some hollyhocks, love in a mist, flowering tobacco and not sure what else.
Good luck with your seed swap. I’m sure you will get lots of participants from the States. Due to postal regulations sending seeds across the border it is always a bit iffy about joining.
This sounds like fun. Unfortunately I don’t have any seeds to swap. I’m hoping to have some this year from my lime basil, but I’ll have to wait and see. Will check back to see how it’s going.
http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Hi Dave, A great idea and well organized….
Not sure I have enough to swap but I do have a few Salvia azurea I saved for you!
gail
I think it’s a great idea, but the cross-border thing would be a hassle for me. Best of luck with it, tho!
I love seed swaps Dave. Participated in one a few months ago. I will have to check what I have left…rusdar@hotmail.com
This sounds great. I’m not sure I’ll have that manys seeds left, though, after trading with neighbors and such. And that cross-border thing I need to check into …
I’ll leave the option open for a few days just in case anyone would like to try it. I may post something next Sunday on it either way. I have a ton of coreopsis seed looking for a home and a few other varieties of seeds.
I’ll do it. I have a few things that someone might like.
I have some Periwinkle seeds but thats about it…
Sure, sign me up! I don’t have a large selection of seeds but I do have a few that someone may want to trade for.
I think, belay that…I know I need to go through all my seeds and see what’s what before I can participate Dave. But it is something I’d be willing to join in on.
Aha! Wish I could participate, Dave, if weren’t so far away 🙁
Hi Dave,
I have a lot of seeds that I can share. I am just starting to wintersow. I have approx 100 or more different packets that I can divide.
Hello Dave,
Thanks very much for the seeds! They arrived today, what a great Valentine’s gift. To tell you the truth, life has had me busy and I sort of forgot about the exchange, but your seeds went out today. Sorry for the delay, but I hope you enjoy them when they arrive.
Ann Thompson