Morning Glories: Becky's garden - Summer 2010, 1 by beckygardener

beckygardener wrote:
I really enjoyed doing the group seed swap last year and got so many wonderful species and cultivars of MG seeds from everyone! I hope the participants enjoyed it as much as I did!

Again, I apologize to anyone who got a “cross” from me that doesn’t look like the photos I posted. I wish I could’ve shared all hybrids, but I’ve yet to attempt to create stable vines/seeds.

Trading vs. buying seeds is a topic that has some interest to me. I would imagine that most of us do both! I truly enjoy trading with folks! I love sharing what I grew in my garden in hopes that others get as much joy from the plants as I did. And I love getting other’s seeds to grow out. When I grow out a vine that I really like and it was shared with me, it becomes that much more special! I think of the kindness and generosity of that person and how grateful I am that they shared something so beautiful with me! Sharing and trading makes communities! And we, here on this forum and other websites, have formed a community because of what we have shared not only in trades, but also in photos, personal correspondence, and posts. It has brought the world closer to home for me. How else could I trade seeds with folks across the USA and in other countries? The internet has opened up possibilities for me that I could never have otherwise. Isn’t the World Wide Web truly wonderful?!!! :-)

For me, gardening is a bit of an expense. Due to the fact that I have gone to container gardening, it requires a bit more work and money initially. Using 5 gallon containers for most of my plants is a lot of potting mix! I have learned to buy in larger quantities at a substantial discount and I have also learned to mix my own potting mix for my zone and climate. And I buy fertilizer as well. In spending money for the basics, that leaves my garden budget about depleted when it comes to purchasing seeds and/or plants. Trading seeds is a way for me to get what I might not otherwise be able to afford. With the current economic recession, things are tight and I know it is for a lot of other folks, too! Last year’s seed swap was great! I got a LOT of seeds for just a little bit of work and money. And for those participants, it was basically for the cost of postage to send and receive their share of seeds! As well as perhaps purchasing seed zipbags and labels. The work involved for most participants was collecting seeds to send. Or in the case of a few folks ... purchasing seeds to trade in the swap. But when I looked at the sheer amount of seeds we each got in that swap ... what a DEAL!!!

I, personally, do mostly seed trading. Very little purchasing. But on occasion I will purchase some unopened original Japanese seed packs. I’ve found them to be a bit expensive but worth the money. When I buy commercial JMGs, I am usually pretty confident that I am getting what is photographed on the seed packet. I haven’t been disappointed with any of the seeds I’ve grown from those Japanese packs. They usually come true to the cultivar. I do know that they are coated to help them germinate, though I know some folks have complained about low germination. I think the trick is to make sure the temps are higher when sowing them to prevent seed rot. I. nils especially do the best in higher temps of high 70’s and up! So when I purchase, it’s for cultivars straight from Japan.

Sometimes there are new Japanese cultivars that are hard to find. I truly appreciate all the folks who have traded/shared these rare ones with me! Most traders are very generous as I found over the years. And any that aren’t good seed traders ... well, I just won’t trade with them again.

I know that there are a lot of sellers on DG’s MarketPlace. Probably some folks from this forum sell there. I have no issue with sellers unless what they are advertising/selling is not what they send or the seeds are old and won’t germinate. I’ve run into both scenarios. I have the utmost respect for honest and reliable sellers. I won’t purchase again from sellers who aren’t.

I’ve had numerous folks ask me why I don’t sell. Many reasons:
1) Selling requires a lot of time and work! It takes many years to build up a business and clientele.
2) Seeds don't always come true especially if the seeds are crosses instead of hybrids. That might bring the wrath of poor ratings on a seed selling business if customers are unhappy and disappointed with the vines/blooms they grow from my seeds. Of course, if most ratings can only be added for the first 30 days after a purchase, then I might be good to go! (Most vines don’t bloom within 30 days, so you won‘t know if what you are growing is what you actually purchased.) Of course, I don't know how many repeat customers I would have if I did that.
3) MOST important reason for me, personally - selling can take the fun out of gardening if the profit becomes the priority.

I garden as a hobby! I love the barter system and meeting folks online from all over the world. I enjoy sharing information, photos, and trading seeds! Many thanks to all who have generously traded with me over the years! :-)



This message was edited Jul 30, 2010 10:05 AM