General trading question

Grandpa · #1 01-07-2009, 03:15 PM

What is the reasonable or customary number of seeds or cuttings to include in a trade? I want to get off to a good start. Please share any other common courtesies with me as well.
Thanks
Steve

**gardeningmom** · #2 01-07-2009, 04:09 PM

I would answer the amount should be what you would expect to get in a trade (unless of course a specific number is discuss prior to the trade). Remember not all seeds are viable so I would figure that into your quantity.

I've also made this a sticky thread because I think it is a Great question! Let's see what others say.

SuddenlySpring · #3 01-07-2009, 06:02 PM

Rarity and how many your particular plant produced would probably determine how many you could give away, too. If you only got 4 seed heads, then I would bet that if someone wanted it bad enough, they would settle for 10 or 20 seeds. Maybe even less!
Most people on here are very generous, and if that plant made tons of seeds, and they had that plant still growing in their yard, they'd probably send you a baggy full of seeds.
Plants like Yarrow and things that grow on stalks, it's not uncommon to get 2 or three small stalks in a baggy.
I personally think that a small medicine baggy full of seeds is plenty for something with tiny seeds. If you have plans to plant exactly 40 butterfly weed plants along your walkway, then let the person know that you'd like 50 seeds or so....
Or if it's the middle of winter, like it is now, and you've traded almost everything, then you could say it will be a small trade.
I think the same probably goes for cuttings, too. How rare are they? If it is something really rare it wouldn't be unusual to trade more [and maybe seeds, too] for just one rare thing.
And once you start trading you'll see that everyone gives a different amount, bagging methods vary, and so do the packing material. Anything that prevents crushable seeds from being smashed is fine. Bubble wrap is the usual material.... Then someone told me to write hand cancel on the envelope if you're putting it in your mail box. And if you're going to the P.O. then they stamp it fragile, etc.
If you happen to recieve a lot of something, I think it's all right to share some of it with someone else, too. Just let them know that it was a swap from someone else on here. You can be as discreet as you'd like to be.
All in all, if you don't feel like you have enough just ask. Because maybe the other person can just hold back some of their seeds, and both packages can be small. Also, usually we give a little bit more than what you'd get in a bought seed packet, if we have plenty to spare. That's the fun part; then you have more to "Try."
So many people on here are very generous, so just ask if they have something, even if you don't feel like you have something of equal "Value." Someone might be willing to swap for your 10 packets of seeds or something for one of their special dahlia or peony. You never know!
Lastly, we do this to have fun!

**PlantSwap** · #4 01-07-2009, 07:02 PM

I would think you should include at a bare minimum enough seeds to ensure the recipient will get enough to germinate and sprout to satisfy them that the trade is fair.

If in doubt, you could always ask the trading partner what they want/expect.

bali · #5 01-07-2009, 08:15 PM

I go by about half of a plastic teaspoon.
For bigger seeds its different.

Have fun an welcome to our pod.

angmf2233 · #6 01-07-2009, 09:49 PM

Very nice to meet ya! Whtever you have to trade is up to you. Most all here are very easy to get along with. Like they said some seeds ya may have lots of and others are more rae and ya may just have a few. You decide. What are ya looking for?

Mandy · #7 01-08-2009, 03:50 PM

You'll find that everyone is very generous here, usually sending several different packs of seed. Then whatever you might not be planning on using you can pass along on your next swap. It's a fun way to get an assortment of different stuff.

Pushin-up-Daisies · #8 01-10-2009, 12:37 PM

I always try to give more seeds than are needed so if some don't make it up u will have a few more 2 plant, & seeds are uusually plentiful like marigolds,sunflowers etc.

bali · #9 01-10-2009, 12:54 PM

Good Show , Nice to know.

We will all grow...........

because of you .

angmf2233 · #10 01-11-2009, 01:40 AM

Hello Pushin up, long time know see girl? Glad to see ya here again! How are ya?

Pushin-up-Daisies · #11 01-11-2009, 06:09 AM

Hey Angie thanks for the welcome, I'm doing very well except for getting fatter eatin all the Holiday goodies STILLLLLLL yuk I'm trying to finish em off, Missed ya alot we had some good talkin times. Got me a laptop now so I'm back on to get the latest on Plantswap. Can't wait to get swapin . How have u been?