Seed Swap Questions
- How much does it cost to use this site?
- How do I save/store seeds?
- How do I swap seeds?
- What does open-pollinated, heirloom and hybrid mean?
- What if I don't have anything to swap?
- How should I mail seeds?
- How can I tell that seeds are viable?
Garden Forum Questions
- Do I have to register to read posts?
- How can I help support this great site?
- Where can I learn more about BlossomSwap.com?
Still have a question? Email me: boo at blossomswap dot com
How much does it cost to use this site?
This site is free!
For the basics on seed saving and storing go to seed saving 101.
For the basics on seed swapping go to seed swapping 101.
What does open-pollinated, heirloom and hybrid mean?
Open-pollinated - Refers to seeds produced from plants which are allowed to pollinate primarily through insects, wind and water. Open-pollinated varieties of the same species often need to be isolated from each other to prevent cross-pollination if seeds are to be saved. Open-pollinated plants, managed carefully, will produce offspring with reliable characteristics, allowing seeds to be saved and grown out year after year, generation after generation.
Heirloom are open-pollinated plants that must have a history of their own and have been grown for at least 50 years. For many reasons, including flavor, vigor and local hardiness, these have become favorites.
Hybrid are engineered by humans to exhibit special qualities. Hybrid seed will not be true therefore it isn't suitable for seed saving.
See Glossary
What if I don't have anything to swap?
A majority of seed swappers will accept SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) for seeds that they are offering. It doesn't hurt to ask!
How should I mail seeds?
Seeds packets should be protected by soft padding. Padded Envelopes, folded paper towel or bubble wrap will help protect the seeds from postal mail rollers. If you send out multiple packets tape the packets down to avoid shifting before you wrap the seeds with padding. Don't forget to label the seed packets and including growing instructions is always sweet!
How can I tell that seeds are viable?
Take a damp paper towel, place a few seeds on one one half of the towel and fold the other half over the seeds, enclose it in a plastic bag and place it in an appropriate area. (It may need to be in a cool, dark place to germinate or it may need light.) After a week or so, check to see if you see any sprouts.
Do I have to register to read posts?
It is not required that users register to read forum posts or read seed swaps.
How can I help support this great site?
You can support this site by spreading the word! If you think someone might enjoy this site and what it has to offer let people know.
Where can I learn more about BlossomSwap.com?
If you are really bored and have nothing better to do, you can read all about how BlossomSwap.com was started. About BlossomSwap.com