Maybe I am missing the point. I think that seedling exchange groups sound like a great idea. Doing nice things for people is wonderful. I hope we can give more to the people around us. Along with giving seedlings, letting people know that they can use some simple means to improve their own life is important. Maybe fresh tomatoes will not mean much, but they might make all the difference in the world. >>SKIP THIS BORING PARTFirst of all, there are always more tomato seedlings. 1. Tomato seedlings seldom die. 2. Tomoto seeds almost always germinate. Which means that if you save tomato seeds from three cherry tomatoes, you could have three hundred seedlings in three weeks. 3. You can plant tomato suckers with about 80% success. So even after your seedlings get bigger, you can get two or three more half grown plants from those. I do all of the things I mention above. Three weeks ago, I had no tomato plants. I first planted some leftover seeds. I went out the next day and bought four plants for about $2.50. I got leggy ones with lots of stems. I then cut the suckers and turned that into 10 more plants. So in just a few days and really, one hour of work, I set myself up for the season. 40 seedlings all came up from seed, plus 10 growing clone cuttings that are larger than the seedlings, and 4 growing strong. This is not to say HEY I AM GREAT! The obvious point is that anyone with egg trays or milk cartons could do this. >>END BORING PARTA person who is saying that they cannot afford a tomato seedling is saying much more than that. The person needs basic organization and planning skills, and basic knowledge that could be gained by reading and use of a library or, even more conveniently, the internet. Teach that person NOT to be lazy! That is a great public service. There are some people who could feed a family from a backyard garden and there are others who cannot afford a tomato seedling. The difference is not the garden. As gardeners, we know that. Showing compassion is what we can offer as humans free of charge. Showing knowledge and educating people is what we can offer as gardeners, teachers, and leaders. I always tell people how to grow things when I give them some plant or produce, is that just me? Or just the boring part of me?

Neat idea, although I've never tried it. This would be helpful under the propagation forum, too. I'm at the other end of the spectrum in that I start too many tomatoes by seed and end up giving most away. I look at it as community enrichment and good will towards others. Thanks for sharing the tip.

Hey everyone! (I posted this on the other forum by accident) I have - on my porch - extra tomato plants I grew from seed. I live in Downingtown, PA. Here are the varities, and # of plants: Yellow Brandywine - 2 Brandywine - 2 Amish Paste - 3 Green Zebra - 4 Paul Robeson - 5 Aunt Ruby's German Green - 6 Dr Wyche's Yellow - 2 Costoluto Genovese - 4 They are free for the taking - just let me know. If you want to swap a small piece of something that would be cool too! Ginny

I would be interested but wouldnt be able to make up to buffalotill next weekend as i am up there very other weekend.. I live in rochester now Several Roma and Classica T 1 Sun Gold 1 Kelloggs Breakfast I also have a few parsely, purple califlower, and zucchini, in a couple weeks I will have extra peppers.