New Thread Topic This Year!

It occurred to me that some of us that have been doing these swaps for years might have some great recommendations on products to use for the swap that would help newbies (or even other seed swap veterans). So, if you have something that just *really* works well for the seed swap, or even an idea that doesn't require purchasing something, please feel free to post it here!

The inspiration for this thread came about as I made an update to the FAQ Tips and Tricks section. Our seedy family is getting bigger and bigger and every year the return packages get BIGGER and BIGGER and sometimes I don't know how to fit everything in a package, so many packages run the risk of having to be delivered via a slower mail method so that the seeds fit in a bigger package but the cost doesn't change too much.

So, I will start this thread off with this recommendation:





Small, Re-sealable Poly Bags 1.5" x 2" - I purchased a box of 1000 and it has been PLENTY of bags for me and works for most seed types. These really help condense the space my seeds take up so that they aren't as bulky in the return bags. I also really like to use...


Small, Re-sealable Poly Bags 2" x 3" - This was what I purchased when I first started doing seed swaps and they work GREAT for larger seeds. It looks like the company changed hands since my purchase because when I clicked on the link from my previous order, it brought these up, which have a brand name on them that I didn't have for my purchase, but that shouldn't matter too much. I often use these for smaller seeds, too, simply because they allow me to fit my paper seed labels in the bag a little easier. They take up a little more space than the 1.5" x 2" poly bags, but not too much, so if you want to purchase poly bags but only want to purchase one size, this is my recommendation!


For both of these recommendations, there are a variety of different sellers. There are also a variety of other sizes and thicknesses of poly bags from both of these sellers as well as other sellers, too. Feel free to shop around! The links may be to particular items, but my recommendation is just a generality: small, re-sealable poly bags work great for the seed swap and are inexpensive.

And, if you're particularly thrifty and clean/dry the bags out well, you can re-use poly bags from other members, too! At some point, in theory, all of our seeds could be sent to other members in re-used bags to cut down on waste.

I have also seen swap members use glassine wax paper bags inside of other bags for seeds that are tiny and might get stuck in other bags. Here is a link to a slightly larger size than what I've seen in our swaps:

Small, Wax Paper Bags (for putting tiny seeds into larger bags)

If anyone finds the smaller size and wants to post a link, please do so!

1- I like paper instead of plastic, and years ago I bought some boxes with a zillion paper "coin envelopes" which were cheap and the right size. I have glassine too for the tiny dust-like seeds. then they go in the paper.
2- I actually type the name and instructions etc in my computer, as a document file, then each year I change the "year collected" and add any new varieties. Then I print out and cut out the paper, tape it on the packet. Unfortunately this year I lost everything in my computer for the last three years so I am screwed...
3- I take paper lunch sacks to the garden to collect seed heads. They are 50 for a dollar at the dollar store, and you can keep them year to year (if did not have dust-like seeds in there). I bring a cardboard Nursery box, to set them in. I use a Sharpie to write the name of the plant on the bag. Then they can go in the house to dry and they are still labeled.

Pistil said:1- I like paper instead of plastic, and years ago I bought some boxes with a zillion paper "coin envelopes" which were cheap and the right size. I have glassine too for the tiny dust-like seeds. then they go in the paper.
2- I actually type the name and instructions etc in my computer, as a document file, then each year I change the "year collected" and add any new varieties. Then I print out and cut out the paper, tape it on the packet. Unfortunately this year I lost everything in my computer for the last three years so I am screwed...
3- I take paper lunch sacks to the garden to collect seed heads. They are 50 for a dollar at the dollar store, and you can keep them year to year (if did not have dust-like seeds in there). I bring a cardboard Nursery box, to set them in. I use a Sharpie to write the name of the plant on the bag. Then they can go in the house to dry and they are still labeled.

I've been using paper sacks to collect seeds because working in a lab with disposable respirators required, I get at least 2 paper lunch sized bags every day.

The smaller ones, I haven't used yet, but I like that idea.

I use the paper coin envelopes they're approx 14 bucks for 500 coin envelopes on amazon

I take old seed catalogs and make my own envelopes. I have 3 different ways to fold them, and the bonus is they self seal. No tape or glue is necessary.



Second tip: Yogurt cups work great for drying seeds. I use the trays they come in to organize, then stack on top of each other. If I need more airflow, I use taller cups to hold the trays up higher. I have over 50 cups stacked here in less than a 1ft x 1ft space.



Third tip: Cut a straw to a point & use it to fill bags. I actually cut both ends; use one end to scoop the seeds up, then stick the other end inside the bag & pour them in.

okieheart said:I take old seed catalogs and make my own envelopes. I have 3 different ways to fold them, and the bonus is they self seal. No tape or glue is necessary.



Second tip: Yogurt cups work great for drying seeds. I use the trays they come in to organize, then stack on top of each other. If I need more airflow, I use taller cups to hold the trays up higher. I have over 50 cups stacked here in less than a 1ft x 1ft space.



Third tip: Cut a straw to a point & use it to fill bags. I actually cut both ends; use one end to scoop the seeds up, then stick the other end inside the bag & pour them in.

I love the straw idea!

How do you fold them?

I use paper towels instead of yogurt cups for things that require a more wet collection (fermentation), but great idea

okieheart said:I take old seed catalogs and make my own envelopes. I have 3 different ways to fold them, and the bonus is they self seal. No tape or glue is necessary.



Second tip: Yogurt cups work great for drying seeds. I use the trays they come in to organize, then stack on top of each other. If I need more airflow, I use taller cups to hold the trays up higher. I have over 50 cups stacked here in less than a 1ft x 1ft space.



Third tip: Cut a straw to a point & use it to fill bags. I actually cut both ends; use one end to scoop the seeds up, then stick the other end inside the bag & pour them in.

Dayum! Nice!

@Pistil - Mary, I do exactly what you do, too, for collecting seeds. Atleast with some of them.

@Okieheart - what a great idea with the straw! I may have to try that. Do the seeds ever stick to the inside of the straw because of static electricity?

@Okieheart - I forgot to also mention that I love your seed 'cabinet' that you created! I'm giving serious consideration to using your idea here in my home, too! I used to just leave daylily seeds (in little, labeled paper cups) laying around on whatever surface I could find in my home. I really need a dedicated drying space for them, though, especially now that I have a lot more daylilies (meaning more seeds when I hybridize them) than I did 5 or 6 years ago!

First one is a druggist fold. Imagine a piece of paper divided into a 3x3 grid. Fold the top and bottom up, making sure they overlap (1). Then fold the sides over, making sure they overlap (2). Then take one of the sides and tuck it inside the opening on the other (3). If it'stoo tight, fold one corner over and then try again. Flatten it down, & this will hold it sealed.




Second one requires a square paper. If you don't already have a square, fold one side down and cut off the excess (1), then turn the paper so the point is at the top (2). Fold the top down (3). Then fold each side, and tuck one side into the opening on the other (4).




Third one also requires a square, so fold one side down & cut off the excess (1). Turn the point to the top and fold one side in so the tip almost touches the opposite side (2). Repeat with the other side (3). Then fold the top over and tuck it in the opening (4).

okieheart said:First one is a druggist fold. Imagine a piece of paper divided into a 3x3 grid. Fold the top and bottom up, making sure they overlap (1). Then fold the sides over, making sure they overlap (2). Then take one of the sides and tuck it inside the opening on the other (3). If it'stoo tight, fold one corner over and then try again. Flatten it down, & this will hold it sealed.




Second one requires a square paper. If you don't already have a square, fold one side down and cut off the excess (1), then turn the paper so the point is at the top (2). Fold the top down (3). Then fold each side, and tuck one side into the opening on the other (4).




Third one also requires a square, so fold one side down & cut off the excess (1). Turn the point to the top and fold one side in so the tip almost touches the opposite side (2). Repeat with the other side (3). Then fold the top over and tuck it in the opening (4).

I think I'd have to see a video

I don't really have a supply recommendation. I mostly use the cheap plastic craft baggies that Walmart carries, 100 for a dollar or two. They do the job.

But I do have a good tip for dealing with static electricity that can be a problem with tiny seeds clinging to the inside of the baggie. Just take a dryer sheet and rub it on the outside of the baggie before you open it to remove the seeds. When you rub the baggie with the dryer sheet, all the seeds will stop clinging and fall to the bottom and you can pour them right out.

The dryer sheet might also work with Okie's straw idea. I don't know if it has that issue but someone asked if it might be a problem with clinging seeds.

I use Cool Whip containers to collect seed heads. Then I place the seeds into a junk mail envelope until I am done collecting that seed type. Final step is the 1 in plastic baggie. I have a seed collecting tip for collecting tiny seeds such as salvia or basil:
1. Place 2 white letter size sheets of paper, overlapping a few inches on a tray or table.
2. Pinch seed heads over the top sheet of paper letting the seeds drop.
3. Lift top sheet of paper carefully letting the seeds roll off onto the bottom sheet.
4. Discard the chaff and repeat if necessary.
This method reduces a lot of the chaff because it doesn't roll off.
I also keep small pieces of paper towel to smash the little bugs!

Wow. Such good ideas. I keep a box of snack zip-locks in my car with a sharpie in the box and have been drying them on paper plates but I like the idea of paper lunch bags much better. I also am thinking I NEED a drying cabinet. I have a tall, columnar box that just came yesterday that would be wonderful for that.

Y'all are GOOD!

Lalambchop1 said:Wow. Such good ideas. ... I also am thinking I NEED a drying cabinet.

Y'all are GOOD!

So, i think this is the correct place to put this. My friend and I were thinking about starting our own seed company. Does anyone know any place where we can get bulk seeds for cheap. Also, does anyone have any other advise. Thanks in advance.

ManateeEssex said:So, i think this is the correct place to put this. My friend and I were thinking about starting our own seed company. Does anyone know any place where we can get bulk seeds for cheap. Also, does anyone have any other advise. Thanks in advance.

Most of the small business seed sellers work directly with farmers and pay them per seed/weight. Baker Creek does that and I believe MI Gardner do that.

Oh, another tip, one I wish I'd known my first swap. Usually when you start typing in your seeds, the database autofills with whatever has already been entered. But sometimes it doesn't have the exact variety you're looking for, or you don't know the variety so you just want to use the generic one. If you're offering two different varieties, put something to identify them in the plant name spot. For example, I have 2 different zinnias, one orange & one pink. If I just label both as "zinnia", then when it's time to pack everything up I have to go look up who bid on what. But if I label one as zinnia orange & the other as zinnia pink, my final send list will show me which is which.

ManateeEssex,
I looked into that. In Georgia, seed selling is regulated by the State Department of Agriculture. After being licensed ($) you have to pay ($) the state to test every species you offer for viability and purity every year. They required a larger amount of seed for testing that I was going to produce. There was no way my garden was going to generate seeds on a commercial scale of several acres per species.

On topic, I use a pharmacist's pill counter to count the medium and large seeds and separate them from the chaff. To overcome the problem of static I put a piece of paper on the plastic tray. Most pharmacists will be happy to give you one, they get them free from drug company reps. Just tell them what you are going to do with it.