Steve, for each new round robin, next to the name of the swap it will usually either say NEW. If it says UPDATE beside it, then sign ups are usually over for that swap, and that thread is a follow up, where people can post when they have shipped or received their part of the swap. If you click on one that says NEW, the thread will usually have sign up dates, and if the deadline hasn't passed, you just post on that thread that you would like to join. For most of them, you don't have to be a permanent member of the group. Some swaps, like the Birthday Swap, go throughout the year, so sign ups are usually in December or January, and require your participation for that calendar year. There are other groups, such as Incredible Edibles/Incredible Heirlooms, MNF (Make New Friends), Color of the Month Swaps, where you can join as many, or as few swaps as you would like.

Does this make any sense? Let me know if this answers your question or not.

Bonnie

Hey Steve, I was confused for awhile, too. There aren't Round Robin swaps starting all the time...maybe only a handful each month from what I see. (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of this, folks. I've only done a few round robins myself.) I look for the "New" part in the listing or at least one without UPDATE in the subject line. Also look for an original posting date within the last week or two.

Some swaps have lots of people send seeds to one person (host/hostess) who sorts them and sends return packages to everyone with the swapped seeds. Some of these allow you to trade LOTS of packs of seeds. Other swaps have many people sign up and then you are assigned a partner to trade with. Some involve trades of things in addition to seeds...garden related usually.

Right now, there a couple you can look at. You have until March 19 (tomorrow!) to post for the "Second Annual April Showers Bring May Flowers" swap and email the host. That swap is one where everyone sends seeds to one person and then you get seeds returned to you. I think it may include veggie and herb seeds, also. Details are given in the thread.

"New, Incredible Edibles-April Big and Small Swap" is also open now. Post on the thread and you are assigned a partner there after sign ups close.

There will probably be a Color of the Month-April swap showing up in the next few weeks, also. I think the Color of the Month for March is closed.

we're finishing up the MNF swap and the new one should be starting shortly..come check us out!

Thanks for the help, y'all! Not so confused now. =)

Hey Steve...there are new Incredible Edible swaps happening every month :)
Right now is the Big/Small(Thanks Naturegirl2007 for mentioning it :)!)you are welcome to join in on this swap.Stop in and sign up if you are interested.
Somewhere down the list of posts is a quarterly look at the different I.E. swaps and a little info on each, it will give you an idea of what is coming up in the future so you can decide in advance which months you want to participate.

But aside from the Incredible Edibles there are a bunch of great swap groups here, and there are always a handful of swaps either in progress, or just starting. I am sure there will be many to suit you once you get the hang of it :)

Good Luck with your swapping and your garden too!!

SunnyK
Donna

Hi Steve!
There are still sign-ups for the May Plant Swap. You don't have to be a member of any swap group for that one.

And if your looking to join a group the OBF (Our Bloomin' Friends) is a great group too.

You meet so many really nice people!
Happy Gardening!
vina

Vina: Thanks, I'm signed up for the MNF swap right now. =)