GrowinOld
Not Growing Up!
BE WARNED!
I just recently had a few different sources send me some various types of CP seed (ie. VFT, Sarrs & Neps) and in each case lost all the seed (or very nearly all at best) to the Postal Machine's "Crushing Jaws of Death"!
This hasn't happened in quite a while to me, but recently between ordering seed, SASE's and graciously donated/contributed seed, I have had more seed destroyed than ever before!
The packaging done on these varied also, so I cannot blame the methods all that much. From normal paper wrapped (multi sheet and paper packaged) ...to packed and wrapped with a piece of bubble wrap inside, ALL methods succumbed to the Postal Machines of Death!
I thought we had improved our methods and found our way thru this situation already, however it seems it is still a problem that needs addressing.
Again, I do not blame the people who have sent me the seed, but I am saddened by the loss of viable CP plant material that could have led to the next Giant VFT or Flamboyantly colorful Sarr.
So if you are reading this, please use it to your advantage and don't wait until this happens to you or the people you are sending seed to.
Keep in mind that it IS worthwhile to put in some extra padding, use a more expensive padded envelope, some EXTRA bubble-wrap PLUS, Corrugated Cardboard or a bullet proof box! (even if it costs a few cents more...have them weigh it!). It IS worth it and it could be the difference between life and death for the seed you send.
I used to think the methods we use were enough and that for the most part we solved this problem. In view of all the crushed seed I have received this past month or so, I now realize we have not. Indeed it is worth the extra time and expense, for why send it out at all unless you can ensure it arrives at its destination safely.
I myself will try in the future, to not only pack the seed I send out more securely, but will also try to supply people I am sending a SASE to, more supplies in my envelope to protect the seed they send back to me!
Good luck all!
Paul
I just recently had a few different sources send me some various types of CP seed (ie. VFT, Sarrs & Neps) and in each case lost all the seed (or very nearly all at best) to the Postal Machine's "Crushing Jaws of Death"!
This hasn't happened in quite a while to me, but recently between ordering seed, SASE's and graciously donated/contributed seed, I have had more seed destroyed than ever before!
The packaging done on these varied also, so I cannot blame the methods all that much. From normal paper wrapped (multi sheet and paper packaged) ...to packed and wrapped with a piece of bubble wrap inside, ALL methods succumbed to the Postal Machines of Death!
I thought we had improved our methods and found our way thru this situation already, however it seems it is still a problem that needs addressing.
Again, I do not blame the people who have sent me the seed, but I am saddened by the loss of viable CP plant material that could have led to the next Giant VFT or Flamboyantly colorful Sarr.
So if you are reading this, please use it to your advantage and don't wait until this happens to you or the people you are sending seed to.
Keep in mind that it IS worthwhile to put in some extra padding, use a more expensive padded envelope, some EXTRA bubble-wrap PLUS, Corrugated Cardboard or a bullet proof box! (even if it costs a few cents more...have them weigh it!). It IS worth it and it could be the difference between life and death for the seed you send.
I used to think the methods we use were enough and that for the most part we solved this problem. In view of all the crushed seed I have received this past month or so, I now realize we have not. Indeed it is worth the extra time and expense, for why send it out at all unless you can ensure it arrives at its destination safely.
I myself will try in the future, to not only pack the seed I send out more securely, but will also try to supply people I am sending a SASE to, more supplies in my envelope to protect the seed they send back to me!
Good luck all!
Paul