I was part of the swap and I thought it was fantastic. I'd never done a swap before, so I don't have anything for comparison, but I'm thrilled with the number and variety of seeds I got.

I'm about at the same stage as you in my wintersowing progress. I have about 20 milk jugs that I just put holes into last evening. I filled four with potting mix and wetted them. They've been draining all night, because my ADD (attention deficit disorder) got me distracted. I've realized that I actually "need" to do a lot of wintersowing this year to get perennials going in my new woodland yard. I'm going to have to make a real job of it. Hopefully that will benefit Zone 5 in the Zone Wars.

I've always used Miracle Grow potting mix because no one around here carries anything else. It's worked fine for me, though I do find large-ish hunks of wood. Fortunately, I don't know any better, and the seeds don't seem to notice. I just keep a garbage can nearby and pick out any irritating chunks.

I'm newly married, and my husband was a bit fascinated at how involved I got in the jug prep and seed review. He has no idea what's in store. I didn't have time last year to wintersow much. So, he didn't experience the insanity. Fortunately, he's the most fabulous human being on the planet and only wants me happy, so he'll be supportive.

Happy New Year to everyone and happy wintersowing. I'm going to finish my coffee and get my bottom in gear.

Martha

Somewhere last evening while I was browsing, and it might have been on pinterest.com, I saw that there is a product of duct tape that is transparent. Has anybody seen it in the big box stores? It's clear but with same strength as the Battleship gray color we are all familiar with. Now duct tape also comes in beautiful colors too. I love the heating/AC tape but last year couldn't get the same type as I had used my first year and was so disappointed. I love the type that has the white paper backing. I think Karen introduced me to that type.

I use the foil plumbers tape. It has a paper backing. I actually have two rolls now. One has white paper backing and the other has a kind of manilla/brown paper. Otherwise they seem identical. I like that what ever you write on the tape with a ball point pen or pencil, it becomes engraved in the foil. That way it can't fade in the sun.

Martha