Hi, I'm interested in the roscoea, barbarea, and penstemon venustus seeds. LMK if you are interested in trading. Since you don't have a wish list up, it's hard to know what to offer you, but I have some seeds not on my list including gentiana septemfida lagodechiana (collected from my garden, high germination rate without cold treatment) and several others. Kate

I'd strongly suggest that you leave the top soil out. The greatest top soil on earth turns into something quite different when used in a container. Real soil needs to be insitu for the 'system' in the term 'soil system' to work. I, too, would use a decent peat based potting mix, perhaps adding plenty of extra perlite to it. Bagged potting mixes are (typically) peat-based, so no reason to add extra, imo. You are getting a bit of a late start in your location. Some of the plants on your list are not known for their heat tolerance. But it's always worth experimenting. I always germinate my seeds in rows, in germination flats. The seeds are sown closely and I can get a couple of hundred in each flat. I'll use bottom heat until they germinate, then allow them to develop their second set of leaves 'au natural'. I'll then transplant the babies into their individual containers, usually decent sized plastic cell packs (1204s) or 2 inch square pots. All of the stuff can be sterilized from year to year and stacked for storage. Here is a link that might be useful:

Wow, that's a lot of plants! I don't have a list of what I'm growing in my little gardens -- sometimes it takes me a couple of weeks in the spring to realize that that weird looking weed in the corner is something I've had for years. I just assume that more plants than not will grow in this area! One of the more unusual plants I grow is agapanthus. Not a particularly hardy variety, this was simply a florists' plant my mother gave me four years ago. But it's come up reliably every year for the past three seasons in Central Ohio. It's planted against a south-facing brick wall with excellent drainage, and apparently doesn't realize it's not in zone 8+ anymore! One of my mother's more spectacular plants is a 15 year old calamondin orange that arrived as a little "get-well" houseplant. It spends the winter on the unheated glassed in back porch in Cincinnati, and now stands over 6' tall in the pot, and is nearly 4' around. It always has flowers and fruit on it, and we've picked 200 ripe fruits at one time.

Hi Ya'll, It's here! The swap is tommorrow! Woopee! I'll bet everyone will have more fun than a centipede at a foot tickling party! LLLOL! jclepine: I had asked for some pineapple mint & a poppy.If you can't get the poppy may I have some cherry bells? If you have enough I'll share some with a friend of mine. I'll be happy with any plants I can get. b2alicia: thanks.The more I keep up with these swaps the better I'll learn the "lingo" LOL. I have a small strawberry pot. It only has 2-3 side holes. I'll bring it with me so U can see it. Would anyone like some of those grayish egg cartons(the 18 count type)that come from walmart? I'll bring some with me.("will trade for fresh eggs"? 3-4 empty for 1 w/eggs?? Yeah right! LOL lattefairy:yeah for the mint & tansey! thanks! billie_ladybug: wow! you must have a big truck to be able to bring all of that stuff. I have my bins loaded for the manure & plenty of room for the pots. If you need help unloading your stuff I'll be glad to help. kvenkat:May I put dibs on a yellow eve primrose,persian spining primrose, morning glory/star yelta,& an apricot daisy? I think I left you off of my wish list. If I asked you this before just disreguard this. catnohat:WOW! I can't wait to see all my plants! Thanks! Well I better stop so I can get up early & head for the swap. I will be bringing: juice,pimento cheese,crackers,a cheese dip,chips & plates. I have several boxes I will bring to share if anyone needs one. Thats it(I think) goodnight all. See you in the AM ! %):>