You want to test seeds for free?

sparkles2307

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So did they include instructions about how they will collect our "research data" or anything? I got an email back already saying I cant get the grapes or fruit trees till this fall.
 

vfem

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I got a second one today by mail! It comes with Carrot seeds and Lettuce seeds and Snap peas. I also got the same letter as Rence!

(Do not set up a fed ex account to help 'suppliment' their costs. A fedex account will allow someone else to charge a shipment to you! Just cancel that item!)
 

Catalina

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vfem said:
I got a second one today by mail! It comes with Carrot seeds and Lettuce seeds and Snap peas. I also got the same letter as Rence!

(Do not set up a fed ex account to help 'suppliment' their costs. A fedex account will allow someone else to charge a shipment to you! Just cancel that item!)
How do you cancel an item?
 

Greensage45

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Wow,

I just received my first order.

I got Medicago Sativa (or Alfalfa). Included were "unshipped items" listed as Italian Garlic and French Garlic.

I also received the form letter as well describing the function of this research. I am fully prepared to write a complete essay if needed. I only asked for plants that I truly want to include growing in my attempt at "Sustainability". (can you tell I am acting guilty?) LOL :cool:

I am serious, I can research, and I can record my observations as well. I am so enthusiastic. Currently I have 20 mound patches of Organic Alfalfa, for what-that-means I do not know, it has had a difficult time with our heat. Earlier I was able to get some good cuttings from it for my bunnies, now it is all heat withered. I think this new batch will do wonders. I already see by doing some internet searching that this is the most wide-spread alfalfa used in the industry. Makes you wonder why they test it, I guess it is to test it against strains of stuff.

OK, now I feel entitled and I feel gracious at my new wonderful gift.

Thank you again vfem, this was a gift worth giving. I do now know what to do if I encounter the "reverse UPS charging to offset charges"...uggh. I better go rub the magic lamp for some cash.

Ron
 

vfem

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I am doing this in order to not have to pay for groceries and get my neighbors involved so eventually we have a whole neighborhood who is self sustaining in case the whole community comes to a crashing halt!

I can fish my pond, slatter my chickens, have fresh eggs and fresh fruits and veggies!

How much more important could growing food really be!!!???

:gig
 

vfem

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Catalina said:
vfem said:
I got a second one today by mail! It comes with Carrot seeds and Lettuce seeds and Snap peas. I also got the same letter as Rence!

(Do not set up a fed ex account to help 'suppliment' their costs. A fedex account will allow someone else to charge a shipment to you! Just cancel that item!)
How do you cancel an item?
Just reply to email, and type "This item is not longer needed."

Sign and leave at that... no excuses, no more detail and I highly doubt they will ask any further questions.
 

HiDelight

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I recieved my seeds today :) the garlic is next it looks like the dormant buds I am supposed to plant in the winter will come in January they said

amazing ..I told the truth you guys it does not seem to matter

no strings

and this came much faster than when I order from a seed catalog!
 

davaroo

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At last, a program paid for by our taxes that actually benefits the individual taxpayer!

I ordered six types of beans: some french type pole climbers and some bush types.

I used this as my reason:

"I am testing the soil on my land, to find the best produce for my zone and soil type. I have selected varieties with origins in the southern US and will test some of them as overwinter types in a greenhouse."


My research organization? "TizNotta Farm," of course! Like vfem, I'm another one acre farmer. :)

This truly is an awesome resource.

Thank you vfem - I bow deeply towards Fuquay and your humble abode... wherein resides the heart of unselfish greatness.
 

Greensage45

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How is everyone doing? Has there been any more seed arrivals to report?

I was emailed by Dawn D. with the U.S. Dept of Agriculture, she sent me that message in regards to deadlines.

I wrote her back and asked her about those deadlines. Do I simply reregister in the Fall at or prior to those dates in order to participate? She stated that yes, but to send a note directly to her stating that I ordered in the Summer for these deadlines, this way she will fit me in.

I also went ahead and submitted for a Fed-Ex account so that I will pay for my shipping costs. It is the least I can do and I know in my heart if I do not reimburse them someone else is only going to be stuck with it. So far the cost of shipping one pack of seeds is equal to what I would get at the store, maybe a bit less. The difference, I believe, is the availability of unique crop items and trees.

I will probably stay away from using any facilities outside of the U.S., as the shipping would really get outrageous. I will also try not to submit too many 'cuttings' as I do not have that good of a track record for cuttings. I did try some bud grafts this winter with utter and complete failure. I will try again this winter.

OK, oh yes, I got a pack of "Pink Peanuts"....how fun.

Ron

ps, also, if anyone has received stuff from an overseas or out-of-country facility, can you tell us how much the cost was listed on the package? This might sway me to try the other Countries that are listed.
 

vfem

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I just recieved a small box with 3 potato seeds in it from WI!!! I already planted them I was so excited!!!

Supposably it is a new variety introduction to the US from the UK so it says on the package?! I don't care! They look great and 3 is perfect my my 5 gallon bucket potato growing that I do.

Mmmmmmmmm


As for the out of country package I got it was from Fed Ex and there was no actually $$$ value printed on the address label. Sorry Ron.

Long as it doesn't come to you expeditiated/overnight or anything is shouldn't be too much!
 

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