Seed exchange

[pepper2.0]

Over a few decades now I've been a member on many, many forums. Something I really miss is exchange, it seems to be more on Facebook and Reddit, large social media platforms and less on forums like this. I think it would be a lot of fun to have a seed exchange on this forum. It would need to be at each members discretion and members who have been on here for a while who have proven they are legitimate gardeners and not of ill intent would be best to interact with but really up to each member who they decide to trust giving out their snail mail info. I used to do seed exchange a lot and it was awesome.

Anyway, just a thought. @Meadowlark & @Chuck I leave this idea in your hands and if you feel it is worth thinking about you can pass it on to the powers that be.

 

[Meadowlark]

I think that is a great idea! Powers that be? Not sure about that but we can certainly try to set something up.

Can you elaborate on some details...the Devil is always in the details...

How do others set up such an exchange?
What "rules" do they find they need?

A relevant story...

Back a couple of years ago I asked @Chuck for some of his okra seeds...they go back to the original Texans who discovered them. Now this year he needed some okra seeds...presto I sent him the same identical seed linage, nothing lost. Continuity preserved.

 

[pepper2.0]

I think that is a great idea! Powers that be? Not sure about that but we can certainly try to set something up.

Can you elaborate on some details...the Devil is always in the details...

How do others set up such an exchange?
What "rules" do they find they need?

A relevant story...

Back a couple of years ago I asked @Chuck for some of his okra seeds...they go back to the original Texans who discovered them. Now this year he needed some okra seeds...presto I sent him the same identical seed linage, nothing lost. Continuity preserved.

by powers that be, I mean whoever owns this forum now. But for the seed exchange it would just be creating a sub-forum like flowers, herbs, general chat, photos etc. Members can post what they are looking for, what they have, what they want to trade. There can be discussion on the thread trades, for example if someone is wanting to trade melon seeds that is a hybrid, they would probably not be what is expected when planted and grown. But basically it would be like me exchanging some extra seeds I have left over with you for some you have left over sort of thing. Mailing addresses would be done in PM so not seen on the forum if decided to exchange.

 

[Meadowlark]

Looking at AI for some ideas:

• Create a Seed Exchange Thread or Subforum:
• We could just make a seed exchange thread

• Set Clear Guidelines: Outline the rules and guidelines for participating in the seed exchange. Include details like:
  • Types of seeds eligible for exchange (e.g., heirloom, non-GMO)
  • Packaging and labeling instructions
  • Maximum number of seed packets one can request
  • Etiquette for giving and receiving seeds
• Organize the Exchange: Plan how the seed exchange will be conducted. There are several methods:
  • Direct Swaps: Participants connect directly and exchange seeds through mail.
  • Centralized Exchange: Seeds are sent to a central coordinator who redistributes them.
  • Seed Libraries: Participants donate seeds to a shared library where others can take as needed.
• Labeling and Packaging: Make sure seeds are properly packaged and labeled to ensure they remain viable and to help recipients know how to plant them. Encourage participants to include information like plant name, variety, planting instructions, and any special care tips1.
• Monitor and Moderate: Keep an eye on the forum to ensure exchanges are going smoothly and to resolve any issues that arise. Encourage feedback to improve future exchanges.
• Host Events (Optional): Organize online events,
• 
  
  
  

 

[pepper2.0]

Can't go wrong with AI! Although I suggest OpenAI4.0 for the most up to date info that is available online. AI like Copilot isn't up to date, has no access to online and its last update was Aug 2023. But aside from that it is simply exchanging seeds via snail mail.

 

[Meadowlark]

We could do this without creating a new sub-forum...that action requires privileges I don't have.

The "News and Announcements" subforum would work very well for this.

A Moderator could start a thread announcing "Seed Exchange" and invite participation...as you said "Members can post what they are looking for, what they have, what they want to trade"

The starting thread should include any special "rules".

If you or anyone has special rules they would like to see, post'em up.

Let's get this ball rolling for spring planting!!

 

[pepper2.0]

Sounds awesome to me! I knew it would be up your alley @Meadowlark

 

[pepper2.0]

I've got a lot of seeds left over that I would love to trade.. I am seriously pumped!

 

[Meadowlark]

"Age" of seed would be something of interest among other things....

p.s. I've requested a new sub-forum "Seed Exchange"...would make it easier...but we can do this without it if necessary.

 

[pepper2.0]

Only rule I have is best to make sure its a trusted member if using an actual address and not a P.O box. i also suggest showing the seed pack for date, although if someone is posting seeds they collected from the fruit etc it is trust.. hence why a well known member is better trading with than a new member but again its up to the person who takes that chance if trading with a new member. Usually it works out good, if not it can be posted why not to exchange with the member for others to see.

 

[pepper2.0]

Although personally I wouldn't exclude new members but that is me personally. If I lost $5 for postal shipping because someone screwed me its not the end of the world. But I would see there posts to get a general idea how legit they are about the forum and gardening. If they only have a few posts or threads I would wait for them to build up some status.

 

[Shaggy]

I like the idea, but would you rather it be for members that at least have a few posts and have been on the site for a x number of time, to just make sure they are a legit member, and not a scammer/spammer?

 

[Meadowlark]

Yes. Is there a way to rule base entrance to a sub-forum like that?

 

[Shaggy]

Yes. Is there a way to rule base entrance to a sub-forum like that?

Yes, I can make it to where only members with X posts and X number of days registered can post new threads or even reply to any threads.

 

[Meadowlark]

Excellent. How about 50 posts and/or three months?
If too much lower.