The 3 inch pots come in a case of 700, for about $40 per hundred (maybe less depending on how tomorrow's negotiations go, LOL)... so I'm more sure about buying the 4 inch pots (about $44 per 100, but a case is only 300 pots). I know Chantell was interested in the 3 inch pots... anybody else liking that size?
Think Spring! Tea Party SWAP Thread, continued
Me, me, me - they would be great for the Basil (and hopefully other herbs I'll be growing) - but either or is fine by me :-)
In between working (a gal HAS to take a break), I have been sitting here looking at plant sites and mentally noting what I want to plant this year :-)
Not playing the Devil's Advocate, BUT......................
If there is cow manure IN these pots (or--are they made of IT?) would it not be too strong for seedlings? Besides, how would that differ from regular peat pots with composted cow manure in them--which you can buy by the bag at HD or Lowes for maybe $5? I am sure it would fill a zillion 4" pots! I would even mix that 1/2 and 1/2 or less with regular potting mix and it still would be too strong--maybe?
Seems someone just had another big idea to make money......
So--I am a born skeptic.....Gita
http://www.growerssolution.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=cow&Category_Code=jiffyretail
Gita, there's a lot of discussion about them on the co-op threads. Sounds like they're similar to peat pots, but better (plant roots actually break through them, and they break down better in the garden, and yes they are made *of* cow doo). I don't like peat pots, but I think I will like these. If not, at these prices I can probably ship them off to somebody who will like them better. Win-win. You don't have to get any. :-)
Becky & Chantell, I'm having 2nd thoughts about the 3 inch pots because of cost considerations... my basil etc. does just fine in those deep cell packs, and a sheet of 36 pots runs me about 50 cents... as opposed to 100 little cow pots for $40. I'm just not sure the cow pots will be that much better for me. Instead of a case, why don't you look at splitting 100 pots? He's willing to send those at the case price (shipped direct with a discount code from the co-op), you'd pay shipping (unlike ordering by the case, where shipping is free, but still a good deal). You and Becky could split 100 between you... ?
I'm still willing to share from a case of the 4 inch pots, though.
Here's a photo that shows the difference in size between the 3" and 4" pots... http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=4522461
I am thinking that if I need little pots, I might make them from paper (anybody check out Dave's great video demo) or use cardboard tubes from TP rolls.
I'll let you know what I hear on prices for the 4 inch pots... tell me how many you'd be interested in. :-)
http://www.cowpots.com/
Above is the cowpots website- Manure is processed, looks like peat pots.
Hey! Jazzzy did manage to get us an additional discount on cases of those cow pots. :-)
3 inch pots: If we split an order of 100, they'll cost $41, plus shipping direct from Grower's Solution, probably $8-10. Figure about 50 cents per pot. I'd take 20 pots but really don't want more than that... This is probably still the way to go compared to separate shipping from the co-op, but check on that.
A case of 3 inch pots (700 of them!) is now $234, with free shipping. That works out to about 34 cents per pot... much nicer price, but 700 pots is a lot of pots. :-)
I'm going to leave the 3 inch pots up to Becky & Chantell to figure out... I'll take 20, or 3, or none, depending on how it works out. :-)
A case of 4 inch pots is now $123 ==> 50 pots for $20.50, or 41 cents per pot. I'm ordering a case. I want to keep 100 pots, for sure, and I don't mind keeping more than that (I'll use them in upcoming seasons or pass them along to somebody another time). LMK if you want some. Check out the co-op threads for more info. :-)
Jill - I'll take some of the 4" off your hand - I won't need that many (maybe 50) - ordering 700 3" pots is just silly LOL
OK, I'll put you down for 50 of the 4 inch pots. I'm glad you see my point about not getting the case of 3 inch pots after all... LOL! You and Chantell can work that one out, right? Or do you want me to add 100 of them to my order just in case I can talk him into a break on the shipping? (He's already given us a lot of breaks, so not holding my breath on that one)
:) I can't even begin to imagine where I would put all them pots - even half the amount :)
If you order some 3" I'll take some - but only about 50 :-)
I think Chantell wanted 25 or 50 of the 3 inch pots, so if she's still in on that, I'll order 100 of them... we'll see what happens with the shipping (no harm in asking), but I'm expecting the total to be about $50 for (100) 3" pots.
Someone mentioned Clematis seed. I would love to try any that anyone has to share. It is one of my favorite plants. Anyone?
Ruby
Ruby, I might... and if not, I can pull some off the plant by the front door! But unless you're trying to cover a big fence or something, you might be ahead with cuttings or plants... Those pretty named varieties aren't going to come true from seed. ?
Ruby, that was me with the clematis seeds. I think that I still have a few different types left. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=4516793
I am waiting to work out scheduling details with my puppy breeder, so it's not yet clear whether or not I'll be in town for this swap. Regardless, I can get some seeds to Happy to take to the party on my behalf. And yes, as I alluded to in my original post, the clematis seeds should really be considered a fun experiment since there's no knowing what might come of them.
I am always up for an experiment. So, if the seeds could make it to the swap, where hopefully Jill will add them to the ones she is holding for me, that would be great.
Jill, maybe at the proper time to take a cutting from yours, you could pack it up and mail it in this direction. Or.....my niece who lives in New Jersey wrote yesterday and asked when we would be heading that direction. There is a possibillity that later on when it is warmer, I will be traveling through your area and can make a stop to "talk garden." Last fall on our trip north we were delighted when we were able to stop by Wind's house and take a stroll through her magnificient gardens. Very, very impressive. Hi there Diana if you are reading.
We will get it worked out. One way or the other. Thanks ladies.
Ruby
Ruby, you are absolutely welcome to stop by any time! We're very close to 70, 270, 15, 340, etc... there's a mess of highways running through Frederick, and a lot of the interchanges are just a couple of miles from the house. So everybody should keep in mind that our place makes a good "pit stop" for a cup of coffee/tea -- with bonus spider plant or clematis cutting, LOL!
Ruby - you truly need to stop at Jill's and see her "tiny" garden (and DECK - it is BIGGER than my yard) - you might get overrun with Banana plants - but, who cares!
Ha-ha......If I had my way, I would take all the plants that anyone wants to give. My husband on the other hand keeps griping about lack of space. He always tells me during warmer months when I go out "don't buy any more plants. He doesn' realize he is talking to the air.
Last week at Lowe's I bought a package with 6 elephant ears in it. I am thinking of potting them up today and getting a good start on them. I did that a couple of years ago and when transplanted outside the plants were huge.
Good to know about your offer of a pit stop Jill.
Thank you.
Ruby
Nice picture Ruby, I'm planing on getting some Black Elephant Ears. Looks like that nice deck is pretty full of plants too.
FYI, Here is a fellow who is in Johnstown, PA who wants to swap tomato seeds (he has over 200 varieties from all over the world) for flower seeds for his wife. He won't be coming to the seed swap but here's his info: Norbert R. Pikovsky, 266 Keafer Hill Road, Johnstown, PA 15905. If you decide to write to him, just mention you got his name & address from Judy Showers (Buttoneer) so he doesn't get confused. Thanks.
Tell him to join DG! If he posts on the seed trading or tomato forums, he'll get loads of swap offers. He can join as a member, too, with fewer posting options -- but for $5 he can get a trial subscription, and I'm guessing he'll love it!
I wanted to show you some seed-growing trays that I got out of the trash can of the "Maryland Flower and Foliage Greenhouses last Summer. OF COURSE! I asked if I may have them!!!!!
I am NOT planning to grow too many seeds this Spring! Yeah, right! So SHE says!!!!
I am kind of concerned about NOT going overboard, as I will not even be home for 3 weeks from end of June to middle of July. Going on a trip to my "Homeland"--Latvia with my sisters. I know my daughter will come over, turn on the hose and water everything, but she knows NOTHING about plants! She will also mow my lawn (a big sacrifice on her part!) once a week while I am gone. SO--I am concerned about starting too many seeds and having vulnerable, new plantings out on the Garden,
Deep inside--I KNOW I will just go on forward and "do my thing"! After all--I AM going to a seed swap and I HAVE harvested all these seeds from every plant last year! And I DO want to see all these new plants growing in my Garden--wherever I can find room for them! Lost cause.....I know.......:o[
Anyway--I am willing to go to M.F.& F. and see if they have any more of these trays available if any of you want o have any. Then, i could bring them to the swap. I am not even sure they are open this time of year, BUT--I have a "hook" that might get me in.
I had NEVER been there until last Summer. It is a very customer friendly place Even though they are Wholesale Growers, anyone can come and wander through their cavernous Greenhouses and just pick whatever they want. When you are done--you just stand there with your cart-full of plants and wonder WHO will be there to take your money?????
Eventually, someone comes around and counts up all your trays and flats and 6" pots, etc and adds up what you owe them. NO cash registers! NO Credit cards! You give them your $$$ and they stuff it inside their jean pockets,
Anyway---last year when i was there, I said to one of the women--------"You need a money apron to collect all this cash! I will make you one! " I am sure SHE will never remember that, but I WILL show up this year wit a beautiful, hand made apron for her to keep all the cash i as people pay her.
I willl!!!! I willll!......Think that might get me some "Brownie Points"??????
****************************************************************
I have yet to find racking that is only 3-4 shelves high and 3'-4' wide. I think I would have a place for that in my bedroom. Have yet to go searching......Time is getting nigh.....I have the time--need the motivation now!.....
Gita
Here is a picture of the trays.....
Those are nice trays, Gita. You did good! :) WTG!
Just a note...
Please, everybody check out the new thread for our "Plan B" http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/814246/
People like Becky and Debbie who wanted cuttings... I'll try to bring a few things along to the restaurant, and/or you're welcome to swing by my place afterwards. :-)
Critter, I really like Plan B. As much as I would have loved to see your home and garden. This way we have no responsibilities other than to visit and trade. We can let someone else do all the work. Holly
I agree. Anything that will make it easier on you. :) It sounds like so much fun, I can hardly wait.
Cathy
Thanks for the support! As folks who have been here before know, I really do love hosting a gathering at our place... but I just have to know when to quit being stubborn about sticking with a plan just because I like it! We'll have other chances to gather here... we'll be able to use the deck and patio areas to good advantage for a spring or fall plant swap, for example. :-)
I will not miss the plant swap, I will not miss the plant swap, I will not miss the plant swap.
Gosh Critter, you made the buffet sound so good that I am tempted to come to the seed swap versus the wedding we are supposed to attend. ha-ha Nah, can't do that. But, the plan to use the Chinese Restaurant is great. You are doing a wonderful job organizing things.
Ruby
:-) I'm glad nobody seems to mind the change in venue too much.
BTW, I did order "cow pots." (like peat pots, but made with cow poo... see the threads in the co-op forum for more info)
Becky and Chantell are splitting 100 of the 3 inch pots (100 for $41, I got free shipping, yay!), and I'm hoping I can bum maybe 10 or 20 from one of them.
I also got a case (300) of the 4 inch cow pots for $123 ==> 41 cents each ==> $21 for 50. I know Becky wanted 50, and I don't think anybody else has told me anything definite.
I'm expecting them to be here by the end of the week, and it would help to know how many to bring along with me... no sense in bringing the whole case if nobody wants some but Becky. :-)
Hey critter can I get some of the following seeds, please?
Any basil
Liatris
Celosia argentea var. spicata ‘Flamingo Flower’
Celosia argentea var. spicata ‘Pink Candles’
Salvia-any kind
Impatiens-any kind
Peppers and tomatoes
I'm still trying to sort out what I have as another DG member send me a big bundle.
I have very few perennials, so I'm looking for those and since I'm working on a butterfly garden, would appreciate those types
Looking forward to Chinese and chat!
I don't think I've got any impatiens seeds, but I'll do what I can on the others... Do you want "ornamental" peppers like the miniature Pretty Purple Pepper, or just edible/tasty ones? (You can technically eat 'PPP', but you probably wouldn't.) Could you use Buddlea davidii (Butterfly bush) seeds?
Also, do you want any $1 sampler packs of hybrid peppers from my TGS order? I've got Gypsy & Bounty (big banana), and I think there's still an extra pack or two of 'Carmen' (bull's horn).
Not a problem on the impatiens......Butterfly bush seeds would be loverly. And I'd be delighted to try any or all of the edible peppers.
I have your strawberries and the others for darius as well. I was making my list, Gawd, I need lists for all my lists...LOL
I really appreciate your offering the seed. ;)
Eventually, I'll be able to offer back, :) How do you feel about magnolia grandifloras? I want to try an propagate some from seed next year. We lost one of ours about 2 weeks ago and it broke my heart. But it had been hit by lightening about 2 years ago and I've been babying it, hoping to save it. I do have another one though, hence the seed. Now I know what I was doing wrong, I think I can get em to grow. Beautiful trees, but big, way big. LOL
Not enough room here for a M. grandiflora! I've got a small-flowered magnolia that I'm hoping makes it through the winter. It got a little shocky last summer after planting, so I'm not sure... but the cultivar is 'Ann', same name as one of my dearest friends, so I'm pretty attached.
I know I owe you for the strawberry seeds... I'll slide you some hybrid pepper seeds, and that should bring us about even?
Phooey, not to worry about the strawberries, silly girl. Give your magnolia some epsom salts water. They like the extra magnesium and that may help make it feel better. I am familiar with that variety. It's a beautiful mag. Well heck, none of them are ugly. LOL They do btw like foliar fertilzer. I use to spray my guys with compost tea, the leaves just suck it up.
I'll throw some epsom salts around it this spring... but if it doesn't break dormancy, I'm not sure what will help.
No, no not straight epsom salts. 1 tablespoon in a quart of warm water and mix, then spray it on the tree. It may have been a bit shocky from being transplanted, but it should be fine. They're pretty tough. And they are much like black walntus, they don't play nicely with their neighbors. LOL My neighbor had pyracanthes that are huge, but there's a big space on both sides of the magnolias. I remember when they were planted and that poor landscaper replace trees twice. I finally took pity on him on the 3 round, since the neighbor who was doing the planting was a jerk and was behaving like a jerk. Hard to miss with the windows open. I embarrassed the devil out of him by pointing out it was not the landscaper's fault, he could plant em there all day long and the mags were going to kill them. That area was where part of their root system lay. We had brought in rabbits and he didn't like the hutches, so that why the hedge. What a lovely person he was, we were certainly glad when he moved!
I toss epsom salts around on some of my perennial beds, when I toss out time-release fertilizer (before mulching)... works fine. :-)
But I'll be gentle with my new little magnolia and give it a nice foliar feed if/when it leafs out. It dropped its leaves after being planted, leafed out again, but was looking pretty sickly by the end of summer and dropped its leaves a little on the early side (I thought) in fall. We'll see.
I didn't realize they were allopathic (is that the word?). I just put in a bunch of daffodil & crocus bulbs around my little tree... we'll have to see if that's a problem.
That shouldn't be for some reason those do fine with the allopathic type plants. Yep that's the word. And do use a foliar when fertilizer, they love it and thrive. They "breathe" thru those huge leaves. It's pretty neat. :)
Jill -- If you have any extra pepper seeds, I'll love a tiny assortment (not separately labeled -- that's too much work!). I loved the hot pepper plants you gave me last year -- they thrived even without any sun, amazingly.