I had two flats of peppers this year but only 1 germination mat, so I tried something different for the other tray.

I put a light bulb on a metal cooling rack (any heat-safe oven dish would work) in a 18 Gallon Sterilite Storage tote. The seed tray just fit into the top of the container but was too big to sink down into the bottom.

I put a thermometer in the box to measure the temp. With an incandescent light bulb I put the lid on but left an opening for heat to escape. With the new energy efficient bulbs I needed to keep the lid closed and used a towel to trap more heat.

Once the first seeds germinate I put the tray under under fluorescent shop lights on a heat mat. I sow many different types of peppers in one tray, so the germination times vary greatly. With heat from the shops lights and the heat mat, I keep enough heat for the straglers to germinate.

Before using extra heat, I had very poor germination rates.

When germination failed it made me crazy, thinking about many things, is it the heat, seeds or the time, never got a right answer until to use new seeds from different sources.

Same time I have sawed Scorpion Butch T, Aji Amarillo and Habanero Tree, only the Scorpion Butch T seeds were germinated. Now I cannot complain to the seller, only I have to wait, what a frustration!

By the way it is very unfortunate because we cannot sit together and eat all our hot chili recipes together. It will be very nice to see everyone's reaction when we taste our recipes.

Caelian

This post was edited by chilliwin on Mon, Jan 28, 13 at 13:30

a heat mat for me is a must. without my germination was horrible, with, amazing.

The germ time for me is a maximum 2 weeks. If it doesn't germ within two weeks, i consider it a failure and throw the used jiffy pellet / dirt into the compost pile.

Two weeks is a minimum for some of the super-hots. My first batch of ghosts popped open yesterday, and I started them on the 13th. Germ time shown online I've seen as high as 100 days (though I certainly wouldn't wait that long for any pepper).

OTOH, the Thai's I dried at the same time took only three days The other varieties (mostly super-hots) are taking their time like the BJs. I bail if/when they start to mold, though...

Sorry to hijack your thread Bonnie, but at least we're helping keep it up at the top. ;-)

No worries, DMForcier! I am enjoying the conversation! I'm with you, I usually don't give up until I see mold, LOL!!!

Just a reminder if you haven't already mailed your package out:

Please put your GardenWeb name somewhere either on the envelope, or on your wishlist. There are participants with the same first name in the swap. Please be nice to your host : )

I received a package from a Kevin L. Is that you Kevinitis?

I also received a very nice donation from Habjolokia for the heat lovers in the swap! Thank you, Mark!!!

Here is the updated list:

Lorabell (Received)
Sandysgardens (Received)
Julia42 (Received)
Borge99
Kevinitis - ?
keltickreek (Received))
Shechar
Pinkiris (Received)
Spacetogrow (Received)
Naturegirl2007 (Received)
Maple_grove (Received)
LeafEricson (Received)
Fanatic79
Scorpion_john (Received)
Violetisme
Tinley244 (Received)
Coolbythecoast
Skyblue52 (Received)
Barefootgardner12
Suburbangreen (Received)

List of Newbies:

Socalgardengal (Received)
Rollinrockell
Amiahjordan0 (Received)
Kwolfe0 (Received)
Foodeefish (Received)
Elvimiller
Chefconnie (Received)
Thismembername
Toucan
Illinoisdoglover
Moonfire
MariaTR
Inthe305
Pique
Nak10
Churnoble (Received)
Scotty66
Mswiggi
Seedkeeper
Growsy
Divina3315 (Received)

We are up to 34 participants, not counting newbies!

If there is anyone on the list that hasn't received my mailing address, please let me know!

Thanks,
Bonnie

This post was edited by highalttransplant on Fri, Feb 1, 13 at 17:12

Just a reminder for those of you that haven't mailed your package out yet. The deadline for your seeds to reach me is Friday, February 8th!!!

I'd like to join in too if I can squeeze in!
I'm a newbie, this is my first year of going big with hot peppers.
I'm getting an early start this year and so far I've got new seedlings of:
Rocoto aji largo, Trinidad scorpion, Habanero arbol, Red Thai, Orange Thai, Serrano tampiqueno, Santaka asian, 7 pot, Snow White, orange manzano, red manzano, Trinidad perfume, puya, yellow pointed, large cumari, antillais Caribbean hab, bhut jolokia, paper lantern hab, ahi Brazilian pumpkin and finally Fatali.
Im sprouting indoors using 2 2x4 heat mats. Next year I'm going to have serious seeds for swapping!

I thought I posted a request to join on the WSing thread, but cant find it now.

I would like to participate please, I am a newbie, but have purple beauty to offer. If I mail them out today , you should have them before the deadline.

Good morning!

Trickfox an MissyGA64, I have sent you both an email. Please let me know if you do not receive it.

I received a few envelopes yesterday, and edited Tuesday's post to reflect the new arrivals.

Just one more week before the serious work of swapping all of those seed packets begins!!! I do all of my sorting on a spreadsheet until all the seeds arrive, then it's time for the real deal.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

I received a few more envelopes today.

*** If there is a J.Morris from FL signed up on this forum you need to message me as soon as possible. ***

Updated List:

Lorabell (Received)
Sandysgardens (Received)
Julia42 (Received)
Borge99
Kevinitis - (Received)
keltickreek (Received))
Shechar
Pinkiris (Received)
Spacetogrow (Received)
Naturegirl2007 (Received)
Maple_grove (Received)
LeafEricson (Received)
Fanatic79
Scorpion_john (Received)
Violetisme
Tinley244 (Received)
Coolbythecoast (Received)
Skyblue52 (Received)
Barefootgardner12
Suburbangreen (Received)

List of Newbies:

Socalgardengal (Received)
Rollinrockell
Amiahjordan0 (Received)
Kwolfe0 (Received)
Foodeefish (Received)
Elvimiller
Chefconnie (Received)
Thismembername
Toucan
Illinoisdoglover
Moonfire (Received)
MariaTR
Inthe305
Pique
Nak10
Churnoble (Received)
Scotty66
Mswiggi
Seedkeeper
Growsy
Divina3315 (Received)

If you haven't mailed your envelope yet, you do NOT need to mail a bubble envelope inside another bubble envelope!!! I will reuse the one you send everything in.

Thanks!

I did get to the post office in time yesterday. . . envelope is expected to arrive on Wednesday, fingers crossed it does.

Bonnie, count me in, My seeds are ready to go, just send me the address and you'll have them by friday!
Can't wait!

Hi Peppermeister, and welcome to the swap! I've sent you an email with my mailing information.

This swap is now closed!!!

I received 7 envelopes today!

*** If there is a J.Morris from FL signed up on this forum you need to message me as soon as possible. I have no idea who you are!***

Final List of GW Participants:

Lorabell (Received)
Sandysgardens (Received)
Julia42 (Received)
Borge99
Kevinitis - (Received)
keltickreek (Received))
Shechar
Pinkiris (Received)
Spacetogrow (Received)
Naturegirl2007 (Received)
Maple_grove (Received)
LeafEricson (Received)
Fanatic79 (Received)
Scorpion_john (Received)
Violetisme - Dropped out
Tinley244 (Received)
Coolbythecoast (Received)
Skyblue52 (Received)
Barefootgardner12 (Received)
Suburbangreen (Received)
Peppermeister1

List of Newbies:

Socalgardengal (Received)
Rollinrockell (Received)
Amiahjordan0 (Received)
Kwolfe0 (Received)
Foodeefish (Received)
Elvimiller
Chefconnie (Received)
Thismembername (Received)
Toucan
Illinoisdoglover
Moonfire (Received)
MariaTR
Inthe305
Pique
Nak10 (Received)
Churnoble (Received)
Scotty66
Mswiggi
Seedkeeper (Received)
Growsy
Divina3315 (Received)
Dmkelly
HelenB1949
MissyGA64 (Received)
Lesuko

*** If you haven't mailed your envelope yet, you do NOT need to mail a bubble envelope inside another bubble envelope!!! I will reuse the one you send everything in.

*** Newbies that do NOT send in a bubble envelope, or do NOT send in any return postage will go to the back of the line so to speak. I will fill ALL other envelopes first. It's just not fair to those that actually followed the directions.

Thanks!

This post was edited by highalttransplant on Tue, Feb 5, 13 at 23:20

Only received 1 envelope today. There is just one envelope from this forum and three from the other site that haven't arrived yet. The rest are newbies, and I don't really have to wait on them, since they won't have any seeds in them anyway.

I have a fairly busy schedule this weekend, so I may not make a lot of progress on sorting until Monday, but I will hit it hard then.

Final List of GW Participants:

Lorabell (Received)
Sandysgardens (Received)
Julia42 (Received)
Borge99 - Dropped Out
Kevinitis - (Received)
keltickreek (Received))
Shechar - Dropped Out
Pinkiris (Received)
Spacetogrow (Received)
Naturegirl2007 (Received)
Maple_grove (Received)
LeafEricson (Received)
Fanatic79 (Received)
Scorpion_john (Received)
Violetisme - Dropped out
Tinley244 (Received)
Coolbythecoast (Received)
Skyblue52 (Received)
Barefootgardner12 (Received)
Suburbangreen (Received)
Peppermeister1 (Received)

List of Newbies:

Socalgardengal (Received)
Rollinrockell (Received)
Amiahjordan0 (Received)
Kwolfe0 (Received)
Foodeefish (Received)
Elvimiller
Chefconnie (Received)
Thismembername (Received)
Toucan (Received)
Illinoisdoglover
Moonfire (Received)
MariaTR
Inthe305
Pique
Nak10 (Received)
Churnoble (Received)
Scotty66
Mswiggi
Seedkeeper (Received)
Growsy
Divina3315 (Received)
Dmkelly (Received)
HelenB1949
MissyGA64 (Received)
Lesuko (Received)
Crazymtn (Received)

If you don't see received next to your name, please let me know if your package is on its way.

Thanks,
Bonnie

This post was edited by highalttransplant on Fri, Feb 8, 13 at 18:48

Bonnie:

Is there still time to join? I'm a newbie.

Kevin

Oh Snot!!!!!! Missed it!!!! Grrrrrrrrr!!!!

I'm sorry guys, this swap is closed to new participants. It has been posted for over a month.

Okay, I thought I would give a little update, so everyone would know how things are coming along.

I have received all the seed packages. There are a couple of newbie envelopes still out, but I am busy sorting (on a spreadsheet). Some lists are already complete, and just need to be physically sorted and packaged up. Those participants whose packages had the maximum amount of packets inside, will take a little longer, since it's harder to find things that you don't already have. I had hoped to have everything mailed back out by the end of the week, but I can see now that wasn't realistic. I didn't take into account Valentine's Day, and my two little ones have class parties that I have to prepare for and attend.

What I will probably do is send the envelopes back out in small batches. As I have envelopes ready, I will post a list of whose went out.

Oh, and I did place a couple of small seed orders for some frequently requested items, so there are a few envelopes that I won't be able to complete until the orders get here, which should be by the end of the week.

So just know that I haven't fled the country with your seeds, LOL! And I am chipping away at the sorting every chance I get.

I appreciate everyone's patience, and hope it will be worth the wait!

Your hostess,
Bonnie

This post was edited by highalttransplant on Tue, Feb 12, 13 at 22:15

Bonnie,

That looks like a daunting pile of seeds.

Of course its going to be worth the wait, they are pepper seeds after all.

Thanks again for hosting and for letting so many of us Newbies join in.

Missy

Thanks again. You'll probably see enough different varieties to put most seed catalogs to shame.

Pete

Hello
I am a newbie ,and interested in some pepper seeds what I have to do to join u guys

Mailed out four packages, two to GW participants, and two to folks on the other website.

Now that I've got everything organized, things should move faster. The first couple of envelopes always seem to take the longest. I'll have more ready to go out in the morning, and will post the names once they are on the way.

Please post on the swap thread to let me know that when your package arrives.

Here are the ones that went out today:

Sandysgardens - Mailed
Julia42 - Mailed

hey bonnie,
just wanted to make sure that my return postage included was sufficient or if I needed to wire you some more funds for the return trip.

Hi Nathan, I've sent you an email.

Sent one envelope out today, but it was for the other website. I have one ready to mail in the morning, and hope to get a couple more done tonight. However, my oldest son starts high school next year, and I have to take him to registration tonight, so not sure how long that will take, or how much time I'll have to work on the swap afterwards.

Lorabell/Laura - Ready to mail

UPDATE:

Well, I managed to get one more packaged done this evening, and the lucky person is ...

Naturegirl2007 - Ready to mail

I'll stop by the post office on my way to work and get those in the mail. I am off on Friday, so I should be able to knock quite a few out then.

This post was edited by highalttransplant on Thu, Feb 21, 13 at 1:09

Cool! Presents in the mail soon. It is exciting to see what great varieties others have to share in exchanges.

I'm just getting lights, etc. set up for the season. So far only have onions and leeks started. Peppers will be going soon.

I've gotten three more packages done this afternoon, and am hoping to keep working on the swap this evening. My oldest son had a youth group event to go to tonight, but this time the hubby is taking him instead of me. Anyone else find that their kids schedules are way busier than ours were at their age? Not sure which one is more exhausting, the whole diapers/up-half-the-night stage, or the activities director/taxi driver stage of parenthood!!!

Okay, back to the swap.

Maple_grove - Ready to mail
Peppermeister1 - Ready to mail
Pinkiris - Ready to mail

I'll update this post before going to the post office in the morning.

Have a great evening!

Okay, headed to the post office. In addition to the three listed above, I also have:

Spacetogrow - Ready to mail
Suburbangreen - Ready to mail

Plus, a couple of envelopes for participants from the other website.

I'll work on some more later, but my brain hurts, LOL, and I need a small break.

Have a great day!

Bonnie - You completely out-did yourself with my envy of pepper seeds I received on Thursday. I’m so glad the big bird in the sky got them here ahead of the snow coming in from the west today. Even though I have dozens of varieties already sown, I'm going to start a few of the varieties you sent - I just need to pick the ones - Shoot I might as well face it, I will be sowing more than just a few more!

A BIG thanks to everyone who sent seeds in and a BIG thanks to Bonnie for putting this all together. I definitely had a number of my wants fulfilled!

Sandy

You're very welcome, Sandy! And a big thank you for you're very generous donation!!!

I worked on the swap all afternoon, and only have 5 packages ready to mail. Grrrr!!! The good news is that was the last of the big envelopes, folks that sent in the maximum. The rest of them only have a dozen or less packets to swap, so they shouldn't take as much time. Plus, they are already swapped on the spreadsheet, so I am hoping it will move pretty quickly from here on out.

Missed the post office hours for today, so the following will go out first thing Monday:

Tinley244 - Ready to mail
Coolbythecoast - Ready to mail
Fanatic79 - Ready to mail
Barefootgardner12 - Ready to mail

Plus one for the other site.

Need to make a grocery run tomorrow before I have a mutiny on my hands, LOL, but if I get a chance to do any envelopes I'll update the list..

Bonnie,

Have received my package...and THANK YOU so very much. More than I ever dreamed.... I appreciate all your work, a logistic nightmare in my book! You filled so many in my wish list that I actually squeeled in delight..my husband thought I was crazy.

And thanks to all those who donated..what generosity.

Laura

Bonnie, seeds came today. What a selection! Thanks so much. You're organizational skills are quite impressive. I am so grateful for all of these interesting varieties. Thanks to everyone who sent in seeds and THANKS AGAIN TO BONNIE for all of your hard work and generosity. You are a pepper hero.
-Peppermeister1

Bonnie,

I also received my seeds today. I'm stoked! I look forward to researching the surprise varieties, growing them, and experiencing the heat.

Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Great job on the swap, Bonnie.

Life has been extremely hectic for my family the past couple of weeks, so I really appreciate everyone's patience with me. This is the first year since I started hosting this swap, that I was also working, so I should have allowed more time between when the seeds arrived and when I promised to have them back out. I am doing my very best, and have quite a few ready to go out in the morning. There are a couple more that I'd like to finish tonight, but I still have to finish cooking dinner and get the kids bathed, so not sure if I can get to them or not.

Here is the list of the packages going out in tomorrow's mail:

Keltickreek
Churnoble
Skyblue52
Davina3315
Toucan
Amiahjordan
Chefconnie
Plus a couple from the other forum

I'll update this post later if I get any more done. Please be sure to let me know when your package arrives.

Thanks!
Bonnie

UPDATE:

Got two more ready to go:
Scorpion John
LeafEricson

That is pretty much the last of the participants that sent seeds in. The rest is newbies.

Won't have time to work on those tomorrow, but will try to wrap them up by the end of the week.

This post was edited by highalttransplant on Wed, Feb 27, 13 at 2:19

Bonnie,

Got mine today. Thank you so much for organizing and thanks to everyone else for sharing. This newbie is very grateful and plans to share next year.

Thanks again!

Matt

Hi Matt, thank you for letting me know the package made it there safely!

Worked on the swap all afternoon, and made it to the post office 10 minutes before they closed.

Here's whose packages went out today:

Socalgardengal
Kwolfe0
Dmkelly
Growsy
HelenB1949
Lesuko

Plus 3 from THP

There are a whole lot of envelopes that have been sent out, and I just want to be sure they all arrive safely.

Please post here when you receive your package.

Thanks,
Bonnie

Seeds are in! Thank you Bonnie for all the time and energy you put into this swap. I hope everyone has a great growing season.

Hello Bonnie,
I received the seeds yesturday. Thankyou you so much for hosting the seed swap again. I am always amazed at all the different varieties, and I enjoy researching all the new seeds.
Thank you again
Bill

I received the seeds! Thank you so much for all the work you put into this. I can imagine that this takes a lot of time, and organization. You are wonderful for doing this. I'm so excited by all the great varieties. My garden will be 95% peppers this year.

Hi Bonnie, the seeds arrived safely. Lots and lots of them; more than I was expecting! Your feeding my addiction lol :)
I can't get enough.
I feel like a kid in a candy shop with all these seeds. Like Christmas morning; no Red Rider BB gun in my package but I got a hel of a lot of really cool pepper seeds!
Can't thank you enough for hosting this; I know it must of been a lot of work as you can see we all appreciate your hard work and dedication.
I can't wait to share all the pepper seeds again next year with everyone.

Eric

Hi Bonnie,

I got my seeds on Friday and like everyone else has said, I'm very happy with selection I got. What great variety, and many more than I had expected. You did a really great job, and I wanted to thank you personally.

Alex

EDIT: remove duplicate post.

This post was edited by maple_grove on Mon, Mar 4, 13 at 9:00

Bonnie, mine arrived friday. I want to thank you and everyone that sent in seeds. I just join the swaps to share, not really expecting much. I was very impressed with what i was sent. Thanks again. John

Glad to hear that everyone is happy with what they received back!

Thank you John, for sharing all the extra goodies!

I am down to the LAST THREE ENVELOPES!!! I have 10 ready to mail this morning:

Rollinrockell
Foodeefish
Elvimiller
Thismembername
Moonfire
Nak10
MissyGA64
Trickfox

Plus the last couple packages from THP folks.

It is such a relief to be winding down the swap. I love being able to fulfill wishes! Makes me feel a bit like Santa Claus, LOL, but I am ready to focus on getting the garden ready for planting. Well, as soon as it warms up a bit. Right now, it's 16 degrees outside. It's supposed to reach 50 by the weekend though. Come on spring!!!

Thank you, EVERYONE, for participating in the Pick-A-Peck of Peppers swap!

Your hostess,
Bonnie

In tomorrow's mail:

Kevinitis
Crazymtn
Seedkeeper

... and that is the last of the envelopes!!!

Remember to post when your seeds arrive!

Thanks,
Bonnie

received. amazing variety. great job to everyone who participated.

prepared to give donations for next go round

It's been two weeks since i recieved my seeds and ALL the babies are up and doing great. I planted 4-5 seeds of each variety ( a good 20+ additional varieties from your swap) and my germination rate has been incredible... including all those cool super hot 7 pot varieties. . ( which makes over a 100 additional pepper plants in all) Thank you again. What fun!

Yay!!! Happy to see sprouts up from the swap seeds already!

I did some potting up last night. Here's my grow table right now. You can see it's pretty well maxed out!

There's still quite a few folks that haven't posted that their seeds arrived. Hope that they all safely reach their destination.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU to Bonnie for allowing us newbies to join and to everyone that send these wonderful seeds.

Mine arrived in the mail today and I was over joyed when I opened it. I can hardly wait, tomorrow is planting day and I will have lots of pots with new varieties in them.

Again, Thank you to everyone for being so generous and to Bonnie for hosting. I can hardly wait until next year to share seeds.

Happy Gardening

Missy

I received my package! Thank you Bonnie for hosting this swap and all the generous members on this forum who donated seeds!