Carol, I've been trading and offering BEAP seeds for now 8 years and some where along the line, way back when I first started I seem to recall, numbers of 24-25, 1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, large seeds fewer, small seeds more. But even more important than that is to be sure that your trader or BEAP seed offer indicates the number of seeds in each packet so that another member knows right off the bat what the trade consists of and I post the number of trades that I have of each packet. That's why, when I post my trade list, I always include the number of seeds in each packet with the listing. something like this marigold, disco flame, at least 50 seeds - 10 trades rose campion, about 1/8 tsp - 20 trades. As for the specific numbers, I base that partly on the amount of the seeds that I have of what I am offering. I try to do 25 seeds in each trade when packing up the typical size seeds, things like zinnia, scabiosa, cosmos. On the other hand, if I have a ton of the seeds, I will increase it to 50 or at least 50 and mark the list and the packet. Tiny seeds, rose campion, balloon plant, poppy etc. well I'm not going to even attempt to count them and they get either about 1/8 tsp or 1/4 tsp measure and I wrap them in tissue paper to keep them contained before the go in my packets for trades. Whether it's 1/8 or 1/4 depends on the amount of the seeds that I have. Large seeds, like sunflower, peas, sweet peas, usually get a lower number because they are so large and don't always fit in the packets that I use if I pack in 25, but sometimes they do. And again, it will also depend on the number of seeds that I have. Tomato seeds, usually get between 5-10, sometimes more, depending on how many I saved and can spare for offers. Morning glory seeds, I pack up with no more than 20 seeds. The real key to the numbers though is to make sure that you let your trader know or whomever you are sending the seeds to for postage and bubble envelope is aware of what the numbers are in the packet. One doesn't always need an abundance of seeds of any one kind, but if I have a lot of them, I will package up a lot and the trader can always offer them for extras. Hope this helps. Fran

Hi there- No worries Joan, I have sent it again ;*)- I am sending through your GW page- I do hope that is the right address?!? Have you checked your spam filter? Will it allow you to receive mail through GW? If you do not receive it this time I suggest you send an email to me through my GW page and I will reply back to you. Your email should accept a reply back from itself.... Sorry this info is not getting to you! I have received another envelope from Shadyside today! I have been a bit busy with seeds this morning... Probably will be an all day thing... I guess the chores will have to wait a bit (longer)!! We have a little something for everyone already- you guys are doing a great job with finding treasures for each other! Later- Julie

FAQ-SEED CHANGE Outline 1--Special Instructions for the Seed Exchange --make them a LOT friendlier than the existing ones are, if OK with GW. 2-Getting set up and started A--setting up your GW profile and email settings B--setting up your Trade Page-Post the date it was updated at the TOP of the page --note seed source if other than your garden Commercial (C)-Garden (G) received in Trade (T) --note year harvested, received in trade or purchased, if it is known. C-Member Page Blurb-share a bit about yourself or your gardening style and/or challenges. Even if you are a very private person, possibly you could at least share with us what you enjoy growing. 3--Nothing to trade? Join in the fun by responding to Seeds for Postage ‘offers’ --Everything you ever wanted to know about seeds for postage offers --Members with excess seeds to share 4--Can I trade seeds I have gathered from my garden, ie flowers, vegetables, shrubs, trees, etc? What about saving seeds from Hybrid plants? --and also refer them to the Saving Seed Forum, and/or the FAQ there. 5--How should I label my seed packets? Both common and botanical names if known Year of harvest or purchase or received in trade Your GW Member Name, in case there are any questions Additionally growing instructions are nice but not required. It’s also nice to note if the seeds are annuals or perennials if known. (This is just FYI - My seed packets contain the following information plant name, annual/perennial/biennial, USDA Zone, Number of seeds, Light, Soil, Height, (bloom time and color if there is room), my screen name and the year of harvest. ) 6--How many seeds are considered a fair trade? How many seeds are considered a 'fair' trade? A fair trade is whatever you and the other trader agree to. Generally, two to three dozen seeds should be enough to ensure germination and growth of a satisfying number of plants. However, the most certain way to assure both parties will be satisfied is to discuss quantities when negotiating the trade. -- 7--Can I trade last years seeds or seeds older than that? (Some seeds must be fresh to be viable while some can be decades old and still be viable. If you are trading for seeds that do not remain viable for long discuss their freshness with the other person when you negotiate the trade. ) 8--Posting a trade --checking R and R 9--How do I pack my seeds for trading and then protecting them when mailing them? --What should I include? 10--Where do I buy bubble envelopes, and what size should I buy? Are they then reusable? Do I 'have' to buy and use bubble envelopes? Can I just use bubble wrap in a regular envelope? List numerous places where bubble envelopes envies can be bought and suggest sizes...plus more 11-postage costs...sigh 12-Once your trade is complete-The Rate and Review Forum --Please leave a review 13-- I have questions and don't see the answers anywhere. Who or where can I ask? Suggest using the Conversation side of the Seed Exchange, and maybe doing a search via the search box found just below the list of threads on page one. ***extra things to add How do I learn more about Winter Sowing that I see referred to so much? How can I find out how to save and dry my own seeds? How do I know if my saved seeds are viable? Can I save and trade seeds from hybrid plants? Will they grow true from seed? How should I store my seeds? Seed Exchange acronyms, abbreviations and various terms How to Post Pictures Misc Hints and Tips +++++++++++++...glean more info from the existing FAQ and/or rework maybe

I'm not so much worried about what I get but more worried about being fair, polite and EXPEDIENT. In fact, If I didn't plant another thing in my garden, nobody would notice. Problem is, I get a little impatient when there seems to be a "dance" about who offers what. Usually goes, How many bulbs do you want? answer: I don't know, YOU tell me. It becomes email ping pong. I'm just trying to learn what others do to make it a more efficient process, with "no dancing around issue". @Betsy, I think I still trade b/c I do like the thought of virtual friends living in my garden. If not, I would've stopped long ago. And you are also right about most people being generous. I'm just trying to get past the "dance".