Seed swap success stories

Partly to cheer myself up after seeing the soggy and slug eaten remains of my allotment, and partly by way of a thank you to Dandelion for organising it, I thought we could start a thread on what people have done with their swapped seeds. Maybe some photos later ... but for now, I have a small row of spinach come through nicely despite the weather, and in the greenhouse I have a very vigorous looking courgette Tuscany to plant out when it is warmer, 4 tomato Garden Pearl destined for pots on the patio, a few Rudbeckia seedlings and some more Calendulas left over from last year's swap.

Thanks to whoever contributed all those

Ooh, what a good idea!

I'm hoping in a week's time I will be picking baby salad leaves from a 'Spicey mix' contributed to the swap. My leeks are coming on nicely (Mussleburgh), though still in the greenhouse. I had tried the Amsterdam Forcing carrots outside, under fleece, but have got fed up looking for them. This isn't unusual as I rarely have success germinating carrots outside - I think the slugs and snails get them before I ever see them. So a few days ago I planted some more in modules in the greenhouse, with the other half of the tray planted with my own seed of a different variety. At least I will know then if the seed was a problem.

I also have Fennel seed, but haven't planted it. With CH starting this thread, it has reminded me that I need to do that.

I have a flourishing pot of tiny Sweet William seedlings which I'm very pleased with - I would never have thought of buying them (although I love them, as a cut flower). I really like the 'serendipity' factor of the seed swap! Oh, and I still have some Golden Detroit beetroot from last year's swap which will be planted soon, and two trays of sunflowers for the special needs dept at school, also from last year's seeds.

Well, despite the "difficult year", my seed swap Rudbeckia are looking rather fine. And I have had a good, steady production from my courgette Tuscany - rather than the usual all or nothing. Sweet pepper California wonder have a good few fruits on them, although they have been slow to ripen.

I also have Calendula from a previous seed swap slowly spreading across the garden ...

Well, my carrots never came to anything (but that was my fault, not a bad batch of seed), but so far my leeks are looking quite good. The spicy salad leaf mix has been tasty and unusual, but seems to run to seed very quickly.