I'm sure there will be some strong opinions on this...as there has been in the past. I myself see no need to have to use bubble envelopes, but use them because so many it seems 'require', and/or expect you to use them, because they do. Send a bubble...receive a bubble. Personally, I have received many seeds in the past that were not in bubbles that arrived alive. Tomatoes (typically send by 'just' tomato sharers), are often not padded at all, and are just fine. I have received Trudi's kind offer b4, and what she uses 'I think' is the foam for padding. I find it here and there...sometimes in things I buy and sometimes from friends or at the recycling place. A little dab will do ya. In order for it to be a regular 41cent letter, it has to be less than 1/4 inch thick...so it has to be wrapped with care to not go over. My PO has a template, and if the envy does not fit through it, it goes as a 'Large Envelope (Flat) at 80 cents for the first ounce. I imagine it could be quite possible that if one sent it as 'regular 41cent postage and it was over 1/4" on thickness , that once it arrived, there would be postage due. In fact, I had that happen last winter b4 the big rate change. Good judgement and packing according to the PO guideline measurements is important that the receiver won't have to end up owing once it is received. Just to make a short story long....I think non bubble trades are fine, but I think it might be wise to post it in a thread offer, and/or on one's page, and/or seed trade list. Sue

Hi, I am a part of my agricultural class at school and we created a fully indoor, self-sustained hydroponics system. However, as we are a public charter school, we have limited resources and are looking for donations. anything you can offer would be amazing. we can offer payment for shipping or SASBE. If you consider making a donation, please email me at makenziejordyn@yahoo.com Thank you so much, Jordyn P.S. We are just now learning how to start from seed, so any kind of donations you make would be appreciated. Plant sales will be used to help fund the school and excess produce will be donated to a local soup kitchen. :D

If the soil pH is really low and there is not enough organic matter in the soil and there is not enough sunlight grass will find it difficult to grow there and any that does will not be sturdy enough to withstand much traffic. Start this whole project by contacting your counties University of Massachusetts USDA Cooperative Extension Service about having a good, reliable soil test done so you know what the pH of that soil is and what to do to correct it to give any plant a better chance of survival there. They can also guide you in selecting something that may grow quite well there. You can also dig in with these simple soil tests, 1) Structure. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. A good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer you soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. to see what more could be done to make that soil into a good, healthy soil that will grow strong and healthy plants.

For seed info, besides the variety name, I would include the original source of the seed, and the year purchased (if new) or grown (if saved). If the plant is an heirloom, include as much info about its origin & history as you know. You should be taking steps during the year to keep your seed pure. Normally, if you are growing only one variety of an "inbreeding" species (self-pollinating, such as bean, pea, tomato) your seed will be pure. If you grow more than one variety, put as much space between them as possible. Do not save seed from diseased plants. "Outbreeding" plants (such as all squashes, corn, onions, carrots, and most flowers) are pollinated by the wind or insects, and require special procedures to ensure seed purity. If you desire more info on this, I heartily recommend the book "Seed To Seed" by Suzanne Ashworth. Be sure that seed is fully clean, dry, and insect-free before mailing. If your home is air conditioned or dehumidified, drying seed in an open container (preferably in a single layer) for several weeks should be adequate. Plants should be shipped bare-root if at all possible, or in clean potting soil. There are many more issues with live plants, which should be addressed in a separate topic. Postal mail machinery will crush even small, hard seeds... so use some type of protection. Bubble mailers are preferred, especially for larger seeds like beans, squash, and corn; but a plain envelope with a layer of bubble wrap or packing material around the seeds will work for smaller seeds. Plants & tubers will need rigid packaging, with plenty of packing to prevent damage. If your seed supply (or root, or plant) is limited, be sure to discuss quantities with the the person you are exchanging with prior to mailing.