Spring Gardening Swap?

[dharma_rebel]

I've had a gathering apron on my wists for god knows how long! A cookbook would also be a great idea. How about a salad bowl or serving utensils (here's hoping pinokeeo gardens, sees this, and wants to be part of the swap)

The two seed catalogs I'll be ordering from this year are www.rareseeds.com - This is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. The catalog is a work of art, and it makes for fantastic reading! and it's a tiny, family run seed company. Oh, and it's free.

The other one is Johnny's www.johnnyseeds.com I'll probably order my onion sets, potatoes, and asparagus (this will be a new one for me) through them. Baker Creek doesn't appear to sell anything but seeds, and some things I prefer to grow from plants. I'm wishing I could find heirloom tomato plants - I haven't had much luck starting tomatoes from seed...

[lydiaharper]

Thanks, Dharma_Rebel!  I've requested both.  I am hoping to start some seeds inside this year.  We did seeds directly in the garden last year, but had to replant alot because of the sneaky birds looking for a snack! 

Side note, Does anyone else plant a square foot garden? 

[dharma_rebel]

Here's my tip for keeping those naughty birds out of your garden:

take 4 or 5 scratched up CDs or DVDs (or all the AOL CDs you get in the mail) and tie them in a line. Hang them up in your garden, until you have sprouts. The birds don't like all the shiny for some reason, and they stay out of my garden!

I have 2 8x10 raised beds, I'm going to build 2 more, plus 3 or 4 4x4 bean teepees. Plus I have my "pumpkin patch" on the sunniest side of my house where I do pumpkins and sunflowers. I plan to add some gourds this year.

[pinokeeo]

Yes, pinokeeo has seen this swap idea, and yes, pinokeeo is a crazy gardener.  I only have a couple of acres, and I grow everything in raised beds that I built myself.  They are all nine feet by three feet, and are set in rows, just like a regular garden.

Right now my winter garden is in full swing.  Actually, the only thing in my garden is my winter onions and my elephant garlic.

I already have a gathering apron, made by the talented SevsOnlyGirl. 

And I get heirloom seeds from SeedSavers.  I also grow a lot of native seeds, and process and replant my own seeds.  I will be planting green beans again this year from fourth generation seeds from my own garden.  I also grow cayenne peppers, heirloom and native tomatoes, cherokee beans, lima beans, lettuce, spinach, carrots, red bell peppers, and winter squash.

And yes, I would be interested in a swap like this.  I also make wooden garden markers and bee houses for mason bees. 

[Aikibookworm]

One of the sad things about moving back into town *sigh* is that putting up a bat box isn't really realistic anymore. 

[CreativeGenes]

I would love to be a part of this swap.

Side note, Does anyone else plant a square foot garden? 

When I first started gardening I planted a square foot garden. For me, it was a great way to start. I still use a modified version of square foot gardening. It just makes sense in my small backyard "city" garden. I love Mel!
This year I want to try a "craft garden". I want to plant some loofah gourds for soap making, some large gourds for making bowls and containers, maybe some lavender for drying....you get the idea.
Hope this one happens! I have never organized a swap before but if some one wants help I would be glad to pitch in!

[EOcrafter]

I have a square foot garden and i loved it.  i can't wait to get it started next year.  SO, i would really love to join this swap.  i'm also thinking about getting into canning and preserving this spring and summer..would anyone be interested in swapping supplies for that?

[kaz814]

I have a square foot garden and i loved it.  i can't wait to get it started next year.  SO, i would really love to join this swap.  i'm also thinking about getting into canning and preserving this spring and summer..would anyone be interested in swapping supplies for that?

I haven't ever canned or preserved before, but I'd be all about swapping supplies for it!  I plan on planting peas and green beans and tomatoes, so I'll hopefully have enough to can!

[Aikibookworm]

Free online article from one of my favorite magazines:

http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/94/94-1/gardening_on_a_dime.html

[pinokeeo]

Here's another one that folks might be interested in.

http://www.wintersown.org/wseo1/Free_Seeds.html

And this is my favorite magazine.  It's all about women farmers.

http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/