Thanks for that Idea, Catherine! I've been browsing scientific supply website trying to find something inexpensive that I don't have to buy 500 of!

I have more than enough empty pill bottles for larger containers, but “1/2 of a cotton ball” sounds just right for sharing samples of super-hot chili pepper powders. I just bought some several-fluid-ounce batches of thermonuclear powder, and I want to send some 1-teaspoon samples to friends.

Oh boy oh boy, they had BETTER heed my warning labels!

I would have sent samples in 2x3” Ziplocs, except they might pop open during mailing, or someone might have a spill while opening one. The “Trinidad Scorpion” powder approaches 2 million Scoville Heat Units, which is also the rating of civilian “Mace” brand pepper spray.

Rick, I think you stay awake nights trying to think about something to worry about next.

Karen

I've been using them for pollen and seeds. They are working out Great!

Karen

I want some!

( No, Rick, not the “Trinidad Scorpion” powder... )

Great tip! Thanks Catherine.

Rick is just be practical, he has a spice that can double as a weapon.

Great tip. Dollar stores are all over the place and they do have some unusual item. I like the pictures showing how you store the pollen. When you want to use the pollen, how do you get it off the cotton to apply it?

@blue23rose Perhaps a Q-tip? I'm really guessing.

Thanks, Jean. I've wondered before how it was done, but just never asked the question. Since I've pollinated the last two years, now I'd like to explore saving pollen from some of the late bloomers to pollinate the early bloomers or vice versa.

Great idea, Cat! And a cheap source for storage! Thank you!

Vickie,

I just used a flat tooth pick. It worked pretty good. I did also dip the stigma into the pollen if needed. I had pods set and produce seed using this method of collecting pollen for daylilies this year.

Okay, I see. You actually take the container to the plant. That's cool. Thanks.

I also found this storage container (at a different store) that has come in real handy. Each section opens. I just keep all my small gardening / pollinating things in it and just carry it with me when I go out. If I was planning on pollinating any daylilies that day, I just put the containers of stored pollen in the bottom section and carried it with me. It cost about $8.00. I just love this thing!

@Cat, I LOVE this container! I'm assuming all of the three parts fit together, so it is one unit. I'm always looking for containers like this, not only for gardening but also to hold my beading supplies.

I am on multiple prescriptions daily. I peel the labels off the containers and use them for seed collection. Free is a very good price.

Jean,

Yes they all snap together.

@kgb yes free is a good price if you have the RX bottles, don't and didn't have any way to get enough of them to use for all the pollin.

@Cat At what store should I start my search for those snap-together storage units? Sometimes different locations have different stock. I can start my search in AR but will be soon going to FL if I can't find them here.

https://www.google.com/search?...

Karen0.9#newwindow=1&q=snap+together+containers&tbm=shop

@rocklady I got it a Dollar General

@Cat I'll be looking for it there!