Trading Seeds

[lavandulagirl]

Trading seeds is one of the foundations of the Seed Saving Community, and a big part of Homegrown Goodness. Generally, seed trades go smoothly. Two parties agree to trade Seed X for Seed Z, envelopes are filled, stamps are affixed, and away they go. Easy peasy. HOWEVER, the best laid trades of mice and men do sometimes go awry. An envelope doesn’t make it to its destination, or, rarely, an individual doesn’t hold up their end of the trade.

If this happens to you through a trade on Homegrown Goodness, we ask that you choose one of the following paths:

1. Chalk it up. Seeds that are grown elsewhere are still part of the growing community, and it never hurts to do a good turn.

2. Contact the person you traded with. Perhaps their circumstances have prevented them from trading, and they failed to let you know.

3. Recognize that on occasion, mail goes astray. Ask that the person resend seed, if they have it available.

We ask that you do NOT choose any of the following:

1. Berate the person publicly on the forum.

2. Hold Homegrown Goodness responsible for the trade.

Please understand that we want very much to provide a place to facilitate trades. As I said, seed trading is a cornerstone of our community. As most of us know, there are people who do cruise gardening forums, asking for seeds. Once in awhile, they are not honest individuals. If you enter into an agreement for trade, and feel that you may have gotten played, please refer to #1 in the first list above. If you feel that the person might take advantage of more members, please contact a moderator. Conversely, if you find yourself in a situation where you have, perhaps, promised more than you can deliver, please be honest with the person you have made the arrangement with. Most growers are very generous, and also understanding.

Homegrown Goodness is a terrific community, full of knowledgeable, generous people. Trade is an integral part of our relationship. Keeping an open mind when entering into a trade, and fulfilling your commitment in a timely manner will help us to continue to grow these strengths

[lavandulagirl]

Based on info I am receiving from elsewhere in the growing community, I would like to add the following caveat:

When purchasing seeds or started plants from another individual, we suggest that you get recommendations from fellow growers, or ask the seller for references from satisfied customers. I am hearing more and more stories of scams being pulled; people offering seeds or starts, often for rare or new plants, and then never sending the product once payment is received. Be cautious consumers!!

[lavandulagirl]

Homegrown Folks - it has come to my attention that there is a scam that seems to be tied to Seed Trains... those multi-player seed trades, where a package is sent from person to person, with each one taking out a selection of seeds and adding some as well. On other forums, people have been reporting that there are participants who either disappear once the selection comes to them, or else claim the package never arrived, but have then been observed either selling or trading seeds known to have been included in the seed train.

PLEASE - be aware that trading with people you don't know can be a gamble. Look for information about your fellow traders. If you feel you would not be able to tolerate "losing out" on a trade, I suggest that a Seed Train may not be for you.