I've noticed that most seed traders list only one or two packets of each type of seed. This is my first seed swap with this group, I listed many more of some seeds, as many as 10. So my question is, does that mean that all 10 packets will be distributed before trading ends? Honestly, it is a native plant only one person is interested in so far and I have a native plant group that would love to have them rather than folks that would feel "stuck" with them. Should I reduce the number offered?

Just because you offer it doesn't necessarily mean someone will take it. I think you can only claim one offer per person, so if I'm the only one who wants it I only get one packet (which is usually more than enough to get a start). You may get rid of all 10, just a few, or none. It's kind of like a swap meet/flea market/tag sale/whatever you call it. You never know what people will want, and you never know what treasures you might find.

Moggs,
When others dib on your seeds, you get partial tickets that add up to allow you to get more seeds from others. If you have highly sought after seeds that get snapped up the first day, you'll get 1/2 (0.5) ticket each. On the last couple of days it's only 1/10 (0.1) ticket. Seeds that are scarce (and sought after) get dibbed earlier than seeds with lots of offers. So, there's a balance one learns with experience.

Some like to split their listings, so someone who really wants more seed can dib on two packets of the same seed. You can leave your 10 packets listed, and maybe later in the week as things start to run out, someone will add it to their list and dib on it. The worst that will happen is that no one takes them, but since you have a native plant group to provide homes for them - you really can't lose.

I was just going to suggest was DraDiana suggested... Splitting up the listing. Say 10 seeds in a couple packs, 50 in another, 5 in another, etc. There might be some I'm offering 3 packs and have 10 wishlist it and I can scrounge around to see if I can find a 4th or 5th or if I only had 2, I can make it 2 and change the size of one to hopefully give out more seed

Moggs, first let me say I love that you're offering natives. I might be your one wish-listed. I just wish more people wanted them. Sometimes if I'm collecting seeds myself, I can get plenty to offer but sometimes I'll only collect a small amount of seeds. (My husband will only wait so long before he's out there with his machine cutting away!) And if it's something I bought for myself and I'm sharing, there's probably a small number of seeds I can spare.

But, there are no guarantees that any or all of your seed offerings will be taken by the end of the swap. What Diana said is true for me. If it's something I really want and I see that there's only one packet being offered, I'll definitely try to grab it up the first day, especially if I see that 12 other people want it too! But with 10 packs being offered, I'll probably feel confident that I can wait to pick one up before the swap ends.

Let us know if you have more questions.

Moggs,
I always tell folks not to post more than they will be happy to part with. After the first 3-4 days most people have attempted to snag their top wishes. There are still great seeds available then, but as the swap nears the end people (also guilty here) sometimes add seeds they would not ordinarily use, just because they are available and no one else seems interested.

If you want to reduce the number of packs to reserve some for your group, I would.

But, that's just me.

I would too! Leave more for the native plant lovers.

I am not like most traders. I have plenty of veggie seeds and even if I show ten seed to a pack I think most here will tell you I send a lot more when I have them. Most of my flower seeds have been from other traders, so I list those that have different dates or different information on them by their self. I try and put as many details in the notes as I can so no one will be upset with what they get. I am on the fence about this swap for a couple of reasons. I did not do the first swap because I am looking at four surgeries in the very near future. Lot of Dr. appointments mri's ct scans etc. I really have not gotten into the swing of things yet so I may have to pass on this one too. But if it is your first I promise you that you will love it. There are really wonderful people here and this is my one of my favorite swaps.

Tom. I'm so sorry you're going through all this right now. Just know that we are all pulling for you! I hope the surgeries go well and you make a quick recovery!

Tom,
For purely selfish reasons, I hope you stay in the swap (46 of the 138 packs I have wishlisted are your offerings, including 5 on my first page ). However, more than that, I want you to take good care of yourself. Most of those seeds will still be viable next year.
I'm praying that this next round of surgeries has the desired outcome. If you have to drop out of the swap, at least check in once in a while and let us know how you are doing.

Tom,

Take care of yourself first and foremost, but I too have most of my wish list items as your offerings as I'm more into edibles than flowers. If you can't do it, I totally get it though. Take care of yourself first.

Mmolyson,

I'd be interested in natives, but most of my planting space that isn't a perennial is reserved for edibles. If what I saw was correct, the plant that you had 10 offerings of and 1 wish list was something that I'm at the VERY northern edge of for growing zones and wouldn't feel comfortable trying to grow something in case we had a colder winter.
But I know I'm probably not in the majority with my primary focus being on edibles.

Steve (Hammer)

bxncbx said: Tom. I'm so sorry you're going through all this right now. Just know that we are all pulling for you! I hope the surgeries go well and you make a quick recovery!

Ditto, Tom! Wishing you good health and healing. Also agree your offerings are wonderful.

So your post got me curious, so I checked your listings. A lot of them sound interesting and I'd like to try my hand at them. But I'm in the same position that hammerojustice is in. I have limited space and have to reserve some for my tomatoes and peppers. We're also looking at moving in the next year or so, so my biggest focus is making sure the yard looks nice when we get ready to sell. I'd love to have a yard full of natives, but unfortunately natives don't always equate to curb appeal. I may grab some though, on the offhand chance we do move next fall then I'll be ready to plant as soon as we unpack.

I am where I am slow at doing things the way I like, basic keeping up is or has gotten away from me some , Lots to sow this winter and seeing next years possibles that got planted this fall ,
My eyes outrun my time ability ,,

Oh Tom,
Four surgeries is crazy! That is tough to face, so you need to follow doctor's orders and otherwise find your "happy place". Even if you can't get into your garden physically, that's OK, you will eventually, but you can plan for it meanwhile. At the very least take a walk (or roll, if you are in a chair) through your garden and inhale deeply. This is going to make me sound like a nut if you haven't heard of it, but there is a bacterium in the soil, Mycobacterium vaccae, that gives gardeners their "high." It gets into the blood stream and promotes the production of serotonin which is a mood elevating hormone. Many gardeners become depressed when they are bedridden because of withdrawal from the garden and this bacteria. Google it, I may be crazy, but not about this! In your convalescence sit outside when you can, even wiggle your toes in the dirt, it's fun! And plan!

Moggs, thank you, I love knowing that!

At first I thought you were going to mention "elevated biotics" that can be found on the leaves and the skin of fruit. It's also very good for you. Sprouts have elevated biotics and you can grow them on your counter. A great thing for this time of year.

BRB buying probiotics and starting some sprouts.

I always wondered why worm composted grown vegetables made me feel better ,
Might be the dissolved proteins that make up biotics , ? Or ; Particle slime that matches the intestines ,,

Wildflowers,
Now "elevated biotics" is something I don't know anything about. Sounds like it's worth looking into.

you folks are so wonderful. I love it here. I am going to stay in. love all of you.