In my opinion, if someone sends you a ton of seeds, say fifty or so of one variety , surely they don't anticipate you using that many, so may want you to use those extras towards other trades, but I have also found on other sites this is offensive to certain traders, personally it doesn't offend me, and when others are trading seeds from their trades, the only thing I would expect is they let the other recipient know, they are not your seeds, and came from a trade. Since some traders to keep close records of traded seeds, you also don't want to be blamed for mislabeling, poor germ. Etc., so my advice to you would be when adding traded seeds to your available lists be sure to note that they came from a trade, also most traders will say in a note or private discussion about the trade that here are some for you and some to trade! At least in my experience, now as far as number of seeds, that is usually discussed in detail once trade is established BEFORE sending it, let them know how many you have and they will either accept or deny the trade, but really who needs fifty tomato seeds, or even 20 tree seeds, so be open about the number, general rule of thumb for me, tomatoes and veggie....I usually do 10 unless I have more than enough of them, flowers are approx. 25, most commercial packed seeds are coming with this amount as well ( prices are high seeds are low) if they a itty bitty seeds, then I would measure one 1/2 tsp or something larger seeds like peonies and camelias are a smaller trade around five or six, it really all depends on what you have , rare items will usually be smaller as well as they are harder to come by. Hope this helped....

I'm hosting one in Rutherfordton, NC on August 27th. This is near the Biltmore, Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway . . many lovely sights to see. So far 71 people have responded. I look very forward to meeting many GW people, friends I've come to know 'on here', no Newbie will go home empty handed, working on how to keep confusion to a minimum now (going to send an Update letter so prearranged swaps/rides can be set up now, also want name tags worn -- any suggestions very welcome) especially since August is a common VAC month (gardeners divide perennials, some will wish to totally do away with plants to make space for new cultivars, go through seeds to plan next year's garden and much more), many are taking the week or weekend to come to the swap from afar and then visit friends in the area and/or VAC. All is open to swap -- plants, seeds, tools, birdhouses, gourds, magazines, books . . . if you can fit it in the car and want to trade may be the time. Katie

I have gotten several e-mail for directions and info from a few to bring goodies. Please post anything that you are bringing here on this post so that everyone can see what you are bringing. MAYALENA has offered to bring coffee. Depending on how many actually come, we may need more than 1 of those box coffee from dunkin donuts. lISARD is baking something and bringing plates and plastic utensils. thanks for bringing these things. Fran

Don't turn your back on those of us who have been doing this awhile. We WILL stick plants under your table, in your wagon or in your car if given a chance. Heck, we even pawn, I mean, donate them to people walking through the park. Tally HO!