newbie packaging dillema

I just put a post on the perennial forum re: Lavender cuttings. Now the question is how does one send cuttings by mail in the safest (for the plant) and most economical way? Lavender slips are relatively light, but long. Without roots I assume they only need to stay damp.Boxes seem to be a bit of overkill, and bubble envelopes are so much wider than necessary.Can someone help?????

Balvenie,

I would recommend that you send plants on second day priority. THe minimum postage is $3.85 and this will get you 1 pound of freight including the packaging. Priority boxes are free and you can get a triangular shaped box that's long and would hold a tall type of plant. Wrap your roots in a damp paper towel then wrap in seran wrap. Roll in a newspaper to help keep the plant standing and tuck it down into the box. You could tuck some plastic grocery bags down around the plant to help cushion it.

I would not send a plant in a bubble wrap envelope. I received some plumeria sticks from Hawaii in an envelope, but other than that, I wouldn't recommend it. I hope this helps.

:^)))
Molly

There's actually an official info page somewhere on dave's garden that tells you about how to ship different ways, sending cuttings in bubble mailors was one of them. I have no idea where to find it though, sorry.

I do remember that it said to not let any part of the plant touch the plastic on the inside of the mailer.

It's in the trading primer
http://davesgarden.com/trading_primer/
which is linked from the plant trading forum page.

But ya know, if your going to send it priority, you may as well use a box. It's the same $3.85 either way.

Cheri'

Thanks folks.I think I can figure it out now.I was concerned that shipping might cost more than just getting the plants at a nursery since they aren't rare or exotic.I appreciate the help.

Hey ya'll,

I am getting some of these cuttings- lucky me ; )

I think that what Balvenie is asking that hasn't been addressed is sending cutting that are not rooted yet. This is an interesting question for me too because I have never sent non- rooted cuttings.

And balvenie- anyone can buy a nursery plant but it is an honor to have a trade from a fellow gardener!

If you can send a lot it might be a good idea to try a couple methods to be sure that one way or the other there will be good cutting material to root. One method would be to just wrap the cut stem ends in damp paper towels and then cover the towel with plastic film to keep it moist. Method two... would be to enclose the entire cuttings in a plastic bag with a bit of damp towel inside to keep them moist. I would be worried that the cuttings in the bag might cook if the package gets too hot.... but I also think there would be less chance of them wilting and drying out too.

Whatever you do, don't send in an envelope. I got a trade this week that was packed in a manilla envelope.(not bubble) Needless to say, I doubt the plant inside will survive. I'm surprised it even stayed in the envelope as torn up as it was.

Yes, the priority mail might cost a little bit more, but it's worth it. Save the envelopes for seeds.

MollyMc described how i send mine too. i always insist on priority. i they are getting it for postage then they send me a priority 1lb stamp or cash for it.. i write down how much it was to send and if more i expect to be reimberses/ most of the traders here have no problem with that. i also put a sticker on the box saying LIVE PLANTS!!!!! PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE IN EXTREME HEAT OR COLD!!!!!!!!!! does not always work but sometime is better than none.