[This post is subject to change as I add in more helpful hints and tips below. If you have ideas you would like me to add to this, please Tree-mail me and I will include them below, along with credit to you for the idea!]

How to Use Swap Features

Before swap starts:
How do I add seeds to my list for trade?
Once you register and you're ready to start adding seeds to your list, go to "My Profile" (look for the green bar with links below it) and click on "Manage Your Own Swap List." From there, just fill out the boxes appropriately and click on "Add This Item to Your List" (green) at the bottom. (You can also 'View and Manage Your Primary Swap List' from the seed swap home page.) NOTE: Do not forget to change the "Availability" for each of your seed listings! You may create a seed entry, but if you forget to change the availability to "Show it and make it available for trade", no one can bid on it!
When adding a type of seed, it asks me for quantity-how do I fill this out?
This is sort of open-ended on purpose, because different people measure things differently. Typically, members will state an approximate number of seeds in the package (ex: "about 10 seeds"); but in cases where that is impractical, members may use different measurements (ex: "about 1 TBSP" or "about 1 gram").
I only have one type of seed, can I still join?
Yes. In order to meet the minimum packet requirements, just divide the seed you have into multiple packets so that more members may be able to dib on what you have to offer. (However, please do not join multiple, consecutive swaps with only the same, single seed type time and time again. Diversity of seed types is appreciated and encouraged in this swap and we don't want the options to become stagnant.)
How do I create a wishlist for myself so I remember what I want?
Within the swap, next to the "Your Profile" section, you will see a section labelled "The Swap" with a link that says "Access Your Wishlist for This Swap". Keep in mind that this list changes frequently as members add more and more seeds, so make sure to go back and update your list accordingly. TIP: Once you have gone through the list the first time and marked your favorites, you can keep tabs on new additions to the list by going to the "View Recent Events for This Swap" link.
What is a ticket?
A 'ticket' is a virtual ticket that you receive that allows you to claim dibs on a single packet of seeds. Please note that the system only allows each member a maximum of *ONE* packet of a particular seed. (If you want extra, you can always contact the 'seller' to see if they have more they are willing to add to your packet, though this is rarely necessary.)
How many claims will I be able to make each day?
This depends on the day. The system uses a 'multiplier', meaning that the number of tickets you receive each day goes up from the previous day. As of the time of this post, the host has selected a multiplier of '3', which means that the first day you will be able to bid on 3 seed packets, the second day you will be able to bid on 6, the third day you will be able to bid on 9, and so on... You can also earn extra tickets when people claim your seeds. Each time someone claims one of your seed packets, you receive a fraction of a ticket. The amount varies with each day...you earn larger fractions of a ticket for each item you 'sell' the earlier in the swap it is. (ex: The first day of the swap you may earn 0.5 tickets for each packet you 'sell', but the second day it might only be 0.25 tickets for each packet you 'sell'.) This is added incentive to offer seeds that other people want because the more of your seeds they 'purchase', the more tickets you can get!
Do I lose my tickets if I don't use them?
Tickets are rolled over from day to day. If you're gone a day, or don't bid for some other reason, those tickets will still be there for you later. Tickets, however, do NOT roll over from swap to swap. (Once this swap ends, any remaining tickets you have will be deleted and will NOT roll over to the next All Seeds Swap.)
Can I request seed types to be offered?
Sure! Get a discussion going in the threads about what you'd like. That doesn't guarantee you'll get it, but often if you mention that you want a particular seed, and someone else has it, they'll make sure to add it to their 'available seeds' list.
Why did the swap start early? / What time zone is the swap running in?
The *swap* runs on the website's server time, which runs on GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). If you're like many members and want to be ready the moment the swap begins, you can use this link to find the GMT: http://time.is/GMT (Or use this handy time calculator tool: http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.c... )
How do I know what the plant will look like?
Many seed listings will have a picture right there in the listing; but if one doesn't, NGA has a wealth of information in the database and the forums, so I would recommend opening a new tab or window in your browser, go to the plant database and search for the plant there, or go to the appropriate forum to ask the experts!

After swap starts:
I accidentally claimed a seed pack I didn't want, what do I do?
Once you click on a seed pack, your ticket is non-refundable, so please bid carefully! If, however, you bid on a seed packet that you really don't want, you may return the seed packet to the bidding pool, just look at the item on your list and select the appropriate button.
I thought I had more tickets left, but it says I'm out?
The system doesn't 'reset' your ticket count unless you go to the main page and click the refresh button. My suggestion on this is to keep track of what you claimed as you go, either in your head or on paper. If you claimed a seed pack and click the back button, it may appear as though you did not claim it even though you did.

How did I end up with fractions (decimals) of tickets?
Each time someone claims one of your seed packets, you receive a fraction of a ticket. The amount varies with each day...you earn larger fractions of a ticket the earlier in the swap it is. (ex: The first day of the swap you may earn 0.5 tickets for each packet you 'sell', but the second day it might only be 0.25 tickets for each packet you 'sell'.) This is added incentive to offer seeds that other people want because the more of your seeds they 'purchase', the more tickets you can get!

After the swap:

How do I know where to send my seeds?
Once the swap has ended, you will be sent a Tree-Mail with the host's address (as well as a seed checklist).

What is the best way to keep track of who I owe seeds to?
The system will do this for you! At the end of the swap, you will receive a Tree-Mail with a list of the people who claimed your seed packs and exactly which seeds you owe them. Please check and double-check this list carefully so that you are sending the right seeds to the right members. Please organize these seeds in some way (typically a zip-loc baggy for each member) and send them in, along with your fee/payment by the designated date.


Other Tips and Tricks
• get (reliable) friends to sign up - the more the merrier
• purchase small, re-sealable bags online or at a store prior to the swap (use these to put your seeds into)
• find appropriately-sized labels for those bags prior to the swap
• divide your seeds prior to the swap so you have accurate packet/seed counts
• pictures help 'sell' seeds
• ...so do database links (I don't advise changing/breaking the database link to your item unless necessary)
• don't use permanent market on plastic bags - it rubs off
• know your top 5 favorites before the swap begins
• once you receive tickets, keep track of your remaining tickets in your head or on paper, the system (currently) doesn't update it properly until you have run out
• remember this is for FUN...you might not get everything you want, but you're almost guaranteed to get at least several things you *really* like
• after the swapping is finished, send your seeds in ASAP - the sooner they are all received, the faster everyone gets their seeds back
• use Zip-loc bags to organize the seed packets by swap member when sending seeds in

What is the best method for making seed packets for my self collected seeds? I've used small envelopes before but wanted to know if there is a preferred and/or most economical method.

Thanks

Tina,
Good question. I don't use envelopes, but many people do and someone once posted how they create mini envelopes. I'll see if I can find it and post a link...

Tina -- When I first started out, I made my own envelopes; however, that eventually became a huge time sink. I discovered that you can buy the little resealable ones in the bead department at Walmart. You get 100 for $1. Also, if you shop around online and want to buy in bulk, you can get even better deals than that. I know that doesn't quite answer your question, but I hope it helps.

I found some fun envelope templates on Pinterest. It's therapeutic making them ( for now anyway) Thanks for the suggestions !

This is the simplest little "no muss/no fuss, hardly any tape" origami envelope. YOu can make them small or bigger depending on the square size of paper you cut. You fold as shown, and then open up the top "flap" where you put the seeds into the "envelope" and fold down, and I put my seed label on the back there to use to hold it all closed - NO tape.

I make these when I have time :D

Any of these and a glue stick , When I sit sometimes these will do




The Florals have wax type inserts laying on them , That is what is in the Baggie also .

I am not great at folding ,,

and Above all of yours here ) that all looks good , economical and not to difficult ,

jimard8 said: Any of these and a glue stick , When I sit sometimes these will do




The Florals have wax type inserts laying on them , That is what is in the Baggie also .

I am not great at folding ,,

and Above all of yours here ) that all looks good , economical and not to difficult ,

Those are neat! I still prefer my plastic baggies, but if I ever wanted to create a nice gift basket or something similar with the seeds I harvested, that would be a wonderful way to do it! Where did you get the template, Jim?

Those can be very pretty, but as soon as I take any seeds out or look at them, I transfer them to a re-closeable Zip-Loc that protects them from swings in humidity. And if they don;t fit in my storage area, I re-package them. That's just me.

I did figure out that, if my time is worth $10 per hour to me, 3.6 seconds are worth one cent to me.
A baggie from Wal-Mart costs 1 cent, and it is re-usable.

I am not sure DnD . some came fro DG others several places , I Have maybe a dozen maybe two dozen on a backup Drive
including some old Heritage Types if your interested , next time I am on the backup drive I will see and send them along to you by link or photo , ?



Rick , I agee about the Time and the Baggies , reusable is always Great The wax inserts are better for small seeds like petunia , poppy , as they stick to baggies , wax insert in Baggie if time or place allows is best

Sometimes though , we are talking about using seeds and not storing all that long ,

Dnd try here ?
https://www.google.com/search?...

>> The wax inserts are better for small seeds like petunia , poppy , as they stick to baggies , wax insert in Baggie if time or place allows is best

That's true, dust-like seeds have "static cling". Once I bought some stamp-collector-type glassine envelopes, but I had to cut them down and use Scotch Tape to make them small enough. At that point, they are no more convenient than waxed paper. And those glassine envies are expensive!

Someone told me that she saves used dryer sheets, for reducing static cling while drying clothes. She rubbed anti-static sheets on the OUTSIDE of plastic bags containing dust-like-seeds, before opening them. She said it made the seeds lie down instead of jumping out of the bag. I haven't tried that.

Rick these are my cheapies , like Glassine , If you would like I can run off a dozen or two made like a small envelope for you to try , The material I have (and bunches of it ) is between cellophane and the best Glassine ,,, you don't see the latter all that often ,

These are quick folds .

Thanks, but no thank you. I have all the glassies I bought to use up first!

And I mostly trade veggie seeds, which tend not to be small. Probably Lobellia is the only exception, and up to now I've only bought that, not saved it.

Rick That static on seeds is something once in a while never really figured out for sure how to deal with it

seems we are all well supplied for now That is good though

Guys, I am the queen of static and that's why I use the glassine bags. I always try to take small seeds out of plastic because I lose way too many from static. Or I can't get them out of the bag at all since they stick to them. If the people who use plastic baggies could just add a little folded piece of tissue or paper towel to the baggies with tiny seeds I'd appreciate it greatly!

bxncbx said: ... If the people who use plastic baggies could just add a little folded piece of tissue or paper towel to the baggies with tiny seeds I'd appreciate it greatly!

Does that help? Cool!

Does it kill the static, or do the seeds all cuddle up to the tissue or toweling?

I'm hoping the seeds will cuddle up with the tissue. Push comes to shove I can slightly wet the tissue right before planting so that the seeds stick to that and not the baggie. Poppy seeds are the worst! Thank goodness there are so many of them!

Campanula and poppy seeds are in my glassine packets , (glassine sort of) no stick , better than none ...

poppy and petunia and another like static bouncing besides sticking , That drives me crazy ,

I believe next year I can do better at the moment I am Germination testing a few White Coneflower seeds ,

I still have several plants like the Snapdragons but the grasshoppers liked the seeds pod starts , so no seeds , some years go that way
I will mulch those real well this fall and hope they live another season ,

Jim,

How do you make or where do you buy your "cheapie" glassine like bags?

I have tons of plastic ziploc seed bags, and make some paper ones when I have time.
I would like to put some of these inside my ziplocs for small seeds.

Jim/Rick
If either of you have alot and would like to offer some for trade, I'd love that - just a suggestion :D
Thanks!
Val