I'll have to apply some of your methods, such as using larger boxes with envelopes as dividers. I've been using 1 gal zip-lock bags inside approx. 20x12 in box, each bag holds seeds to be traded (containing same seeds in smaller bags), seeds for us, empty seed packets and 1 with notes about the trades from this year only- older ones are kept elsewhere. Each bag is marked with permanent marker - 3 diff. colors in my case. Once I prepare seed pkts, they go in another bag and into the fridge, thankfully have a new larger fridge I can use one of the crispers for the seeds! What I've been doing , the old fashioned way, writing down on the piece of paper basic info -seeds to be sent and the seeds I'm most hopeful to be getting, address and I make a square which I mark, often with large point pen/marker , once I send with a check mark, received with an X, often have GREAT across the note -ab 1/4 size of the typing paper page, which I also use for seed envelopes. I make simple seed packets, with plain white or any color typing paper, lately I've been using pink. Fold the page in half (crosswise), cut the folded edge, then cut each crosswise into 3 equal piecesSmaller seeds -salvia and purslane, for instance, are best cleaned up in a plastic bag, give it a few shakes, let the seeds fall into the corner, discard most of the chaff, snip the corner and empty seeds into packets. Night Blooming Jasmine - got a new idea, after gathering white seed pods, again, place in the plastic bag, crush gently with fingers to open the pods, take out into paper bag or large envelope and let dry. Unless you prefer to leave it in the pods to dry, works either way. I keep my freshly gathered seeds under the patio cover away from the kitties, for a couple of days or until I feel like cleaning them out. If there are any bugs -seldom have them, put seeds in the freezer for a few hours-that'll get 'em! Of course, certain seeds shouldn't be refrigerated or frozen, such as palms and other tropicals, need to learn. Again, thank you all and am going to try some of your methods. Lots for me to experiment and learn daily. Happy gardening and best wishes, Bea-GB

For record keeping I have just started using my Excel program. I have just up dated it to the point that I now use separate pages for those I have filled and those that need seeds and those I have requested seeds, etc. I found that for me the best addition I have started adding to the program is the Posted by: Hyperlink. These has allowed me to go directly back to that persons home page for more information, such as what they have to trade or their want list. I found they do not always state what the original request was. For me it is easier to check their site to have a better idea what their wants are and how to contact them later in case I run out of seeds but have fresh seeds later, etc. I post the date, name, hyperlink, email address, physical address, request and my response. Once the order has been filled I cut off that page and paste it onto my finished page. Cuts down on the confusion of having to check if I have filled their order, etc.

Cleared out my Malva "Mystic Merlin" today (a great bloomer for weeks and weeks) and I must have 2 cups of nice ripe seed. And then I had - -CLEAR DIRT!!! Was able to plant out some fresh zinnias and seed dahlias for fall blooms. Very psyched - first time I've ever done this "crop rotation" kind of thing. Because our spring was so cold and wet, my gardens are just starting to look like "July" in August. It will probably delay seed collecting but October should be fine. Count me in! Nancy

stage, i think our house doesn't get warmer for a couple of reasons. #1. We keep all the blinds/windows closed on the south side of the house during the daytime so the hot air can't get in. #2. On the 2nd floor of the house (attic) we have fans set up blowing the hot air OUT the windows. So as heat rises in the house during the day and makes its way up to the 2nd floor (since heat rises), the fans blow that heated air out of the house. #3. We live on a lake. The south side of our house faces the lake and more often than not, the breeze comes straight across the lake hitting the front of the house. The water in the lake cools the air (breeze) so even when its warm, we generally have a comfortable breeze keeping the property cooler. I notice this ALL the time in the summer. There are many days where its substantially warmer at work (15 min away) than it is at home.