For less than the cost of stamps, you can easily get those seeds. Try the dollar store. My friend got 3pkg. for $1.oo for a project with her class.

For a reference on beans, here are a few things to think about. String Bean - old definition was any bean that had to have the strings removed as part of their preparation. String Bean - new definition is any bean that is consumed in the shuck usually by snapping them into lengths of about an inch. Pole Bean - Any bean that requires a support to grow on. You could grow a pole bean for snapping or a pole bean for green shellies or a pole bean for dried beans. Bush bean - any bean that does not require support to grow on. Bunch Bean - usually refers to a bush bean, but sometimes refers to a named variety such as Striped Bunch which is a pole bean. Runner Bean - sometimes refers to a pole bean meaning it has to have support, but also refers to the species known as runner beans. Generally speaking, true runner beans do not grow well in the deep south. Half Runner - usually refers to a bean that produces short runners up 4 feet long. The most famous of the type is the White Half Runner which has been pretty much ruined genetically by efforts to breed in disease resistance. These beans benefit from a support such as a piece of hog wire that the short runners can climb on. Interestingly, the half runner phenotype can be dated back to the days of the indians when it was one of the primary bean types grown. Cornfield Beans - refers to a bean that can be grown on corn stalks for support. These beans are usually very vigorous and tolerant of shade. There are numerous distinct varieties that are referred to as 'Cornfield Beans' to the extent that people argue over which one is the true Cornfield Bean. Butterbeans - depends on the part of the country you are in to define them, in the southeast, a butterbean is a sieva type lima. In other parts of the world, any lima bean is a butterbean. Some bush lima beans are known as butterbeans and others are called butterpeas. Are you confused yet? I grow some really old varieties of bean for pleasure and to produce seed. One of my greatest pleasures is to find a really old bean that still has ripcord strings. These beans tend to have exceptionally good flavor because they were selected to produce a bean instead of a green shuck. DarJones

Mermaidinthegarden said: "Ooh, I would like to join this one too! I don't have very many varieties yet, but beans are what got me started on heirlooms." and "I was so excited to see the bubble envelope in the mail today, but .... nothing left inside but my list. :-(" Now that there is a damn shame, as they say. I would be more than happy to share some of my bounty from this swap. Mchill320 did an awesome job, and it will be years before I could grow them all. If interested, send me your mailing info (and your wish list, if you want) and I'll see what I can do. Rick This post was edited by rdback on Mon, Jan 13, 14 at 15:57

I'll give you points for growing bitter melon. ;-) Sorry so late, this forum is so inactive now compared to the good ole' days of Gardenweb that I seldom check it. As another long-time member (the year of membership is one of the many things removed) I too miss those golden years when this was a vibrant trading platform. You might not have anything that I want (other than possibly the bitter melon) but take a look at my trade list. It's still here, although I'm not sure its visible... if you can't find it on my member page, it is also copied as one of my Idea Books.