Winter Blues? Create a seed cooperative.

From Grandma's Desk:
Do you have loads of old seeds left over from years of gardening? It seems a shame to throw them out, but what should you do with them. In years past I would gather a group of neighbors and friends to have a seed exchange. Usually I have lots of seeds left over after I plant my squash, tomatoes, peppers, melons, etc. I will keep them in a drawer and reuse them every year until they quit sprouting. Occasionally I plant old seeds and nothing sprouts because they have lost their viability. It is fun to get friends together over a cup of tea or bowl of winter soup and plan your gardens together. Decide what seeds to order and share the expense. Make sure you choose from reliable catalogs or local garden stores. Beware of super deals in your Sunday insert magazine, offering trees, roses, or bushes that are so cheap it makes your head spin. I have never had good luck with this type of nursery. Two years ago my husband got an email for some blueberry bushes, the plants were cheap but they didn't tell you how much the shipping was until you had already put in your credit card. Those cheap plants went from $25 to almost $100. We ended up getting the plants in the dead of winter, we lost about 50% in the shipping, and out of the 100 plants only about 2 survived. We have yet to see any blueberries off these bargain bushes. So beware of to good a deal. My best luck has come from the local garden shop for seeds, fruit trees, and bushes. Another important aspect of gardening in Montana is to pay attention to the zones. If it doesn't list a zone it probably won't make it in Montana. It is a great time to gather with friends and neighbors over a warm cup of tea and share your gardening dreams. It will keep your winter blues to a minimum and make some life long friends.