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kchd_gw

ATTENTION NEWBIES - Please Read

10 years ago

This thread is solely dedicated to helping all the Gardenweb Newbies on
Houzz learn how to become good seed traders and follow proper etiquette,
which will in turn help you build your seed collection and gardens! In
return, I get to encourage newbies to become assets to this online
gardening community. This Seed Exchange forum is what we make of it, and
I would like to see a growing community of dedicated traders. I
consider you to be a newbie if you joined within the last 6 months (ie.
since March 2015).

Proper Etiquette:

Set
up your profile to allow other members to message you! This is crucial
to a successful trade. You will not see me post my email openly, because
it is an invitation for spam.

Please stop creating
threads asking for free seeds. There are several threads at any given
time offering seeds in exchange for the cost of postage to send them to
you. These threads are often called SASE (self-addressed, stamped
envelope) or SASBE (self-addressed, stamped bubble envelope) offers.

When you reply to an offer, please
check to see when the original poster (the "OP") last commented on the
thread. Asking for seeds on a thread that is a year old is
inappropriate. It is especially inappropriate to ask for free seeds on a
thread that has been CLOSED by the OP.

If you really have no
seeds to get started, go to the Dollar Store and buy some cheap packs of
seeds (for example, 4 / $1). Or, harvest and save seeds from a family
member's or neighbor's garden (with permission!). Put those seeds up on
your trade list, and then offer them up for trade for other things that
you want! This let's other members know that you are serious about
becoming an active participant on this seed exchange.

It is considered proper etiquette to let someone know that you have received seeds and/or postage from them. Please make sure you do that.

Remember,
how you present yourself on the Seed Exchange forum affects how others
view you, and their willingness to trade with you.

Increasing your chances of getting trades:

Set
up your profile page! Tell us about yourself, your gardens, and your
garden dreams. Don't forget to include your state and zone. If we feel
like we "get to know you" thru your profile page, we are more likely to
trade with you!

List seeds that you have to trade on your profile
page! You might just have something that catches my eye, or that I
really want, and it might just make me depart with some seeds I was
considering saving for my own garden.

Good communication is very
important! If I am participating in a good communication exchange with a
newbie, I am likely to send them BONUS packs of seeds that they didn't
even ask for, as a surprise. I do this solely because I enjoyed
communicating with you. You are the type of GardenWeb trader that I
would like to encourage to stick around and contribute to this online
garden community.

In exchange for newbies that read this thread
and follow proper etiquette, I will send 3 packs of free seeds, my
choice. I will send both edible/vegetable and flowers. All you have to
do are these things, in order:

1. Post here, stating that you are interested in this offer.
2. Set up your profile page.
3. Obtain a couple packs of seeds to offer up for trade with others.
4. Ask questions if you need help or if you are confused. We have so many people willing to help!
5. Send me a private message so that we can exchange addresses
privately. You will need to send me 2 stamps to receive 3 packs of seeds
(my choice).
6. Let me know when you receive the seeds!

GardenWeb Veterans, please feel free to add to this thread. The more the merrier!

Cryptid, you have been posting detailed instructions for setting up Profile Pages. Can you post that again, here?

Sue RBB, I love your timeless thread on the Seed Exchange, so I am posting a link to it here:
Special Instructions for the Exchange-
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1419013/special-instructions-for-the-exchange?n=157

Comments (265)

  • 10 years ago

    Daniel Bender and Christina Trouten and anyone else hoping to be adopted needs to go to this Post.... Adopt-A-Newbie ongoing list 7 . Also, Daniel, activate your Message button. See second comment on this thread for technical instructions.

  • 10 years ago

    Bump!

  • 10 years ago
    FYI: This offer is still open. I don't post often because I'm busy but I am still sending seeds to newbies who
    1. post here
    2. set up their profile & seeds to trade
    3. initiate contact via PM (i.e. message me for my address)
    4. send stamps

    Katie
  • 10 years ago

    I am a newbie and think I have properly set up my profile. I will PM kchd as a test.

  • 10 years ago

    I am a newbie. I did what was in the instructions. I can't find the post about the PM. I will try again. :(

  • 9 years ago

    I am new and this is a great thread. Thank you

  • 9 years ago

    Bump

  • 9 years ago

    I am a newbie looking for heirloom vegetable seeds, currently I have nothing to trade, however, when I have the means to I will. Would anyone be willing to help me out?

  • 9 years ago
    I grow tons of heirlooms, so I've got you covered.
  • 9 years ago

    You you are awesome! From one Mississippian to another. Thank You for your hospitality!

  • 9 years ago

    We would like to announce that we currently have the following seeds available for trade:

    1. Purple Basil

    2.Green Milkweed

    Stay tuned for more offers.

  • 9 years ago

    Yipee I just got some seeds from khcd/Katie! Now I gotta figure out winter sowing.

  • 9 years ago

    I am new to this and gardening as well but really hope to get good advice and help here. I am interested in the seeds I plan to buy some soon. We are moving and I want to start a garden for veggies and plant flowers in my front yard. Please help me start with seeds and advice. Thanks a lot. I'm excited.

  • 9 years ago

    I'm not sure how to send message though.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Jessica, Please read the top two posts on this thread to learn how to activate your messaging so we can contact you. If you sign up and follow the directions at Adopt-a-Newbie ongoing list 7 someone might adopt you and send you an assortment of seeds. For the price of a few stamps this is a good way to get started on your future gardening and trading experiences.

    Also, Val is offering Newbie Seeds at THE NEWBIE SEED PROJECT BEGINS -OCTOBER 2016.

    kchd thanked jensyen ( z7 MD )
  • 9 years ago

    Jensyn thanks. I did allow messages

  • 9 years ago

    I am trying to figure out my zone? I live in GA. I want to start a vegetable garden in spring, but start planting flowers in my hanging baskets and around my driveway.

  • 9 years ago

    Annie, you can learn how to Winter Sow in this handy tutorial. WinterSowingGuide.pdf

  • 9 years ago

    Jessica, do a search on the internet for USDA hardiness zone. You'll find a map and you can see what zone you're in. Some sites ask for your zip code. You are between 6 and 9. http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/#

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks zian I found it fixed it and figured out how to change my name. :)

  • 9 years ago

    I got seeds from xiangirl so amazing, question, do I have to germinate all seeds before planting


  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you so much. First package and I'm so excited to explore, research, learn and love and do all that good stuff. I'm just super stoked about this.

  • 9 years ago

    I'm not new to gardenweb, but I rarely visit. Typically if I have a question I can't find searching the internet I jump on over here to ask about it. Mostly I like to read everyone else's threads. I am new to saving seeds though I've been gardening for 16 years. I just started this year. Being military we have jumped around over the years to different living places so I've never been able to have an established flower garden. We are near retirement now and looks like we will be staying here. So I'm attempting to grow my flower gardens and learn more and more about saving seeds. Several of my children are interested in gardening and saving seeds so I'm attempting to teach as I learn. My seven year old son planted zinnias this year and entered them into some local fairs where he won first place. He began collecting his zinnia seeds right along beside mom in the garden. He plans to expand his plantings this next year and also expand how he creates more 4H projects with his zinnias. I'd be very interested in receiving some more seeds to perpetuate this learning experience.

  • 9 years ago

    Hi. Im new to this forum. Still figuring things out but I love it so far. Thanks for the post.

  • 9 years ago

    kchd, thank you for this sweet offer! I will follow your instructions and message you tonight. :)

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    (zone 5) I can't find another info to newbies/adoptee, which I am one of...

    I am excited to find this site. I am new here and a beginner gardener. I would like someone to adopt me or share some seeds with me. I like fruit trees, edible plants, vegetables, fruits as well as flowers. Thanks for reading.

  • 9 years ago

    I have set up my profile, I have been a member for a long time but rarely did any thing but lurk. I am very interested in your seed offer and appreciate your patience and generosity. To trade I have fordhook zucchini, bush heavyweight II beans, a grand bell pepper mix, howden pumpkin and a carrot mix. I am working on updating my trade list. I have to type one handed cause my newborn. Glad to meet you all!

  • 9 years ago

    Kay, please do a couple things. 1. Set up your messaging. *If you click on my username it will take you to my page and in the top right corner there is a square that says 'message'. You click on that and you can send me a private message. That's how we trade addresses and not put our personal information out here for weirdos to see. 2. I can adopt you. I mostly have flower seeds and a few melon seeds. Send me a private message when you get it set up. Welcome to the site! We're so glad to have you. 2. There are 2 Newbie threads. This one is for general questions. The other is to ask someone to adopt you. Heidi

  • 9 years ago

    I am interested in this offer. I set-up my profile, listed some seeds, etc. I will pm soon. I also have 2 questions: 1) How do I view the trade lists of members? and 2) How can I tell if a discussion has been closed?

    Thanks!

    - C

  • 9 years ago

    Answer 1. Click on the person's username. I clicked on you and there's a link to your seed list: GardenWeb Trading List: View My Trade List. You click on that link on your personal page (or anyone's personal page) and it takes you to the list. If you click on me, however, I have an Ideabook called Seed and Plant List. It's the same idea.

    Answer 2. Idk. I'd check the date of the last few entries. Sometimes old subjects/threads get revived. You can always post and see if you get any answers or anyone wants to talk about that subject. When you post it brings that thread to the top of the list so that's good.
    The question and information threads don't officially "close". However, the offer of seeds often closes. Someone offers Hawaiian Pumpkin (I made that up) and 24 people respond. The one offering the seeds will usually come back and post "trade closed". We don't have a lot of hard and fast rules and I hope nobody gives you any attitude. We like to see new people and continue the garden talk!!!! Heidi

  • 9 years ago

    This is the kind of paper seed packets I use for my seeds. They are quite handy, can be made from any scraps of paper. Especially good for small seeds that will "stick" inside plastic baggies.

    Random Stuff · More Info

  • 9 years ago

    This post is very well written and conveys the point in a very straight forward and polite manner. It was written in 2015 and I am reading it in 2017. Wish some one brought up the seed offer again.

    Again , Very well written !!!

  • 9 years ago

    This post is very well written and conveys the point in a very straight forward and polite manner. It was written in 2015 and I am reading it in 2017. Wish some one brought up the seed offer again.

    Again , Very well written !!!

  • 9 years ago

    I am an rookie gardener interested in the beginner pack opportunity to help get me started with a good variety of veggies/flower seeds. Will complete the additional steps to request this offer. Looking for to sharing and engaging with other gardeners. Brian

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Newbie here!

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hello Everybody.Don't have any questions right now. Still finding my way around. I have Yellow Squash seeds:
    Regular Straightneck & Butter Dish var.
    Crookneck Pic-N-Pic Hyb ( organic)
    And a few Vegetable Spaghetti - These are left over from 2015
    but I have had good germination.

  • 9 years ago

    Hi!

    I'm new to seed exchanges and Houzz/gardenweb, an intermediate gardener.

    This thread is so helpful thanks for posting! Replies have been informative too. So glad to be here!

    I've updated my profile with a list of available seeds, some are rare heirlooms :)

    Thanks everyone!

  • 9 years ago

    Hello I am new here and am so happy I stumbled across such a generous community. I would love to partake in trading seeds however I am a bit curious how to go about it. Generally how many seeds is acceptable to send? And what would be the best way to package them? Also when sending a SASE in exchange for some seeds what all should be included? ~as to make it simple as possible for seed sender.

    Sorry for all the questions, I would greatly appreciate any help.


  • 9 years ago

    Hi Olivia, Glad to have you here! Generally when trading, it depends what it is you're trading. 20-25 seeds of a "normal" seed is a good trade, more if you have it (ie self saved from your garden?) If the seeds are large (ie squash, etc), or if it's a rare type of seed, you can send less. Generally it's also fair to discuss with the person you're trading with...what they consider a good trade, or would be happy with, or you can say I'm sending 25 such and such seeds for your such and such...


    When sending an SASE, make sure you have put enough postage (1-2 stamps, unless it's a large trade with a bubble mailer), Your address or return address label and it's always good to include a note as to what you're expecting in your SASE. Some people do alot of trades/sase and instead of them having to look back at posts to figure out what they were going to send you, it's just easier all around.

    NO apologies needed for any questions..we all started out as newbies at one point, and that's why we're here...to help you get going!


  • 9 years ago

    Hi Olivia, welcome! Hi Val, you said it all, great refresher for all of us thanks.

  • 9 years ago

    nice to see this "resurrected". I enjoyed scanning through it.. Great info here but it is quite lengthy. Maybe time for a restart.

    Time, also, to start saving seed for next year and getting started on fall/cool weather veggies for those of us with long falls and moderate winters. Here in Zone 6 I'm still planting beans, cucumbers and summer squash. Still have almost 90 days until frost.

    Hot weather but not a "BAD" time for gardening.


  • 9 years ago

    gvozdika, I like your way of making seed envelop. Mine is the lazy way. I take junk mail envelop, preferably without the see through window, and cut in 1/2 or into 3 pieces and tape the sides up and you have new seed envelops!

  • 9 years ago

    Hello KCHD,

    I believe I have followed your directions and have things posted and open to emails.

    I would love the 3 packs of seeds. Thanks!

    I will text you through the forum for our address exchange. Thanks so much!

  • 8 years ago

    Hello!

    I am int In the seeds! Have followed your requests. Thx

  • 8 years ago

    Bump!

  • 8 years ago

    Hi- I am interested in the newbie seeds. We are relatively new to gardening. Thank you!

  • 8 years ago

    Hi everyone!

    I'm Yssah. Super newbie! I have not grown anything for food yet but
    starting to sprout stuff from the kitchen and a few seeds. Also started
    caring for an organic parsley seedling and spring onion roots. I will
    just be doing indoor and outdoor containers because our front and
    backyard have been sprayed with weedkiller :(

    I am trying to grow organic nongmo, becoming more conscious as my dad
    was diagnosed with cancer some years ago. He has passed away but I am
    trying to work at getting the rest of our family to be healthier.

    We live in 9b and would love to be mentored in growing healthy food.
    So many seeds to study, I have no idea where to start! Im also very
    interested in growing herbs for cooking and for healing and making
    infusions and stuff!

    Newbie-ish in vegetarian cooking too! Trying to shoot for vegan but still eating meat and dairy :)

    I'm so happy to find this seed exchange group and hope to learn lots of new things and make new friends here!

    I am interested in growing organically grown (not necessarily certified), nongmo seeds for vegetables/herbs and bee-friendly flowers/plants and would love to have just a few seeds of different varieties to plant in pots. Thank you!

  • 7 years ago

    I am wondering tf he offer still stands? It's been almost a year since the last post?

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