Yes, Kristopher, technically, we cannot ship out any plant materials without inspection. I was able to bring all my houseplants from Maryland to California with inspection, it was a simple phone call and getting an okay from the USDA based on the information I provided to them. Other folks I know who live in non-citrus producing states can swap budwood, ship citrus trees, share seeds, etc. to non-producing states and at the most, may be told to simply notify the USDA and at the most, get a written okay. However, citrus CANNOT be shipped out of a citrus-producing state and into a non-citrus producing state without proper treatment and quarantines, as well as inspection and certification. And, nothing at all period can be shipped from a citrus-producing state into another citrus-producing state right now, even inspected and treated citrus (not counting processed products like juice). Ii.e., a citrus tree from Florida, even if treated, quarantined and inspected cannot be shipped into California. We cannot even receive clean budwood from University of Florida here in California. Hugely different processes both in monetary terms, and paperwork. And, nothing at all, treated and inspected, can be shipped from one citrus-producing state to another citrus-producing state. Just to clarify that statement. I think you were referring to swapping citrus products between non-citrus states. But, is is a huge deal between citrus-producing states, so I don't want folks to think it is not. Also, just so folks know - our citrus forum as well as other citrus related Internet forums are monitored by those who have responsibility for managing our very important commercial citrus industry, looking for folks who might attempt to swap citrus in a manner that would be illegal - either accidentally or with knowledge. So, it is important that folks know that you WILL get a knock on the door and a rather nasty visit from a USDA ag agent, if they believe it is warranted. Here is an article to read about how HLB (Huonglongbing or Citrus Greening) has devastated the Florida commercial citrus industry, it is truly horrifying. The best policy at this time, is just don't. Just don't swap citrus. HLB can be found in every single part of a citrus plant, including seeds. You are much, much better off purchasing your cultivar from a reputable nursery in your area, or from reputable Internet nurseries. California at this point in time, is still free from HLB, but not the Asian Citrus Psyllid, the vector insect that spreads HLB. We are in a race against time here, to find a cure or control for HLB before it is found here in our state. Much has been learned about the devastation to the Florida commercial citrus industry, and we've been able to make significant strides in controlling the spread of HLB in other states, such as Texas, where it has now been found. But, it can't be stopped, and it is ultimately fatal to any citrus tree. So, please, let's not swap citrus budwood, seeds or plants if you live in the citrus belt. And, consider the possible effects of doing this in non-citrus states. The risks outweigh the benefits. Patty S. Here is a link that might be useful: NY Times: Citrus Disease With No Cure Is Ravaging Florida Groves

Just a reminder to everyone, the seed swap deadline is Friday the 27th. If you haven't mailed out your seeds yet, please do so by Monday so I can have everyone's seeds by the deadline. I will most likely be using the weekend to prepare everyone's packages and will be sending them on their way back hopefully by Monday, if not Tuesday by the latest! I'll post again. I received one more packet of seeds today! If you would like more time to send out your package or cannot mail it out by Tuesday, please LMK or else I will go ahead and fill everyone elses' packages and won't be able to swap!

I personally don't think buying seeds for someone else is necessary. Nor is it expected. If you want to, I guess that is fine. I look through other's lists and some are getting 3 things and others are not getting any (from me). But as I see it, others that have things that I don't have, and will have some for them (the person I din't have any for) and perhaps none for someone else. If someone has a short want list they might not get much of anything since we can't fill their wants if they don't want anything. The host will have to fill in the gaps for them with extras seeds, and hope there is something in there that might please this person. If the person with a short list is not sure what they want, perhaps they can be vague and say I like blue flowers that like the shade. Or any flowers, I am new and I have no clue what will grow here yet. Then maybe someone can toss in something that fits that requirement. Personally, I am tossing my extra veggie seeds in the extras baggie. So, if someone that asks for any veggie or any tomato, Fran can fill in with my extra veggies in a fair way. I have no way of knowing if one person needs more seeds and another has an overflowing amount already. But really, I think this should be fun, and as Fran said it is not a one for one thing, just share what you have, and it will all be ok. (really) For example: I once participated in the give to a newbie thing as a newbie gardener. I really did not receive much of anything I could use (mostly flowers). But is was still fun. I kept what I could use and SASE'ed what I did not need. So the seeds found nice homes, even if not mine. All is good. Surprises are fun. Giving is good for the heart, and sole. I hope my interpretation of this Swap is not not way off. Yes I should try starting seeds inside in early spring. I found out out that natural beginnings seeds starter mix is a very good all natural mix from gardens alive. My rutabagas did very well in this mix. I had always thought of starting seeds inside as a northern thing to do. But I guess it is not. We are trying to beat heat and the northerners are trying to beat the frost. I have some soup peas in damp paper towels now to try to give them a early go for it this spring. Last spring direct sowed peas took 3 weeks to come up. So by the time they matured, it was too hot. I'm learning. My garden is on the side of the house were veggies get shade after 2 pm. First year I made the mistake of thinking full sun, I will plant on west of the house. UG. Learned that, that is too much sun for Texas! So this year all will hopefully be better due to: water ditches starting some things under pop bottle cloches Sprouting peas inside living mulch verses dead mulch cover crops over winter reorienting garden beds so sorghum and sunflowers can help shade off the rest of the garden. avoiding overly thirsty crops smaller tomato varieties trying beany things along ground But anyway, time to go to the dentist. I have to realize I am not the only one having garden woes. It is just that since I am a new gardener, all years have been extreme weather years. I have nothing to compare it to. Hope every has some fun with this SWAP. Mary

Bev asked me: 1. How old was I when I learned to sew? I think I was about 13..ummm..which would have been quite a bit ago..LOL 2. Who taught me to sew? Well, I learned in HOme Ec and then didn't sew for years. I started back up in my 20's and then sewed off and on for years. 3. What do I have on my "bucket list" that I would still like to do? I would love to visit Ireland and that is my ultimate dream!! My great grandmother came from County Cork. Questions from Sharon: !. Why am I in this swap? Is it everything I hoped for? Well, I'm in this swap because Dan threatened me with pins and needles! Actually I really enjoy these swaps and look forward to them each month. I always enjoy seeing what other people send me. 2.Have you ever taught anyone to quilt? Who and why? The only person I have taught to quilt is myself. I wanted to learn because I have a quilt top that is almost completed by my grandmother and great aunt. Both are gone now and I would love to finish and display it. 3. What is the best quilt I ever made? what did you do with it? So far I only finished one quilt. It was a lap quilt that I made for our family reunion this year and my mother won it! From Dan: Is there a block pattern I'd like to try but haven't yet? I would love to try the Dresden pattern but I don't feel confident enough yet. 2. What sewing magazines do you subscribe to? I've just subscribed to two but I can't remember their names.LOL!! 3. What is your favorite quilt block pattern? Well I like this tulip one I just worked on. I think each one I do is my favorite till I try another one.