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Location

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Date Posted

Grittyville, WA

Did it flop for a lot of teams? I expected to see a few hyper competitive teams battling fiercely at the end.
I dont know if we are awaiting an exciting announcement from Eddy still.

10/24/2018 2:31:21 PM

Grittyville, WA

I would like to hear some discussion of what would make it better next year. I had more fun and success as part of a team so I think it has value. I think the team thing could be an important part of reaching ten pounds, or at least unseating Dan!

10/24/2018 2:39:00 PM

Grittyville, WA

I know the weather was maybe the biggest issue. Maybe if the teams were regional rather than random then there could be a team effort to overcome a shared problem? I like the a, b, c structure but maybe the a growers dont really want to spend the time to share everything they know. Maybe have three competitions and let the a b and c growers compete as teams amongst themselves? I think this would be less fun... its just an idea... Better ideas please.

10/24/2018 2:49:39 PM

Grittyville, WA

The team thing is what actually excites me about growing tomatoes.

10/24/2018 3:18:18 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

There are several layers that need to be met to win the team competition:

1. After requesting to be on a team you have to commit. I am sure that there are individuals who thought it would be fun but never gave an ounce of effort. The two other people grew but basically that team is dead in the water.

2. Communicate. Once you are chosen for a team reach out to the other team members. Put effort into it right away. Teach, learn, and encourage from each other. Send your teammates your best seeds. It worked for me.

3. Learn how to enter the GPC early tomato weigh-off. Ask your teammates if they need help in doing this. Send the link. Follow through. At this point the three of you are growing and there is barely an excuse to produce two tomatoes, unless you were some of the unfortunate ones who were flooded out. But at least you tried!

If you can get through these three things you are in the ball game. If your team can't get past step 1 you are stuck on the bench all summer. Those people were let down and will not want to do this again. For a while, I didnt think Brandon (c grower) would be able to produce a tomato but I was wrong. Him growing a 4 and 5 pounder was the highlight of my season. You have to really want to win and have the competitive spirit to be successful.

10/24/2018 6:22:46 PM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

I think 2 man teams would work better. Have members on the same team. 2 A Growers; 2 B-Growers and 2; C-Growers. Awards etc for the individual classes. Would be easier to share information with one person and keep them involved and committed to participate.

10/25/2018 11:50:27 AM

Lebanon, Oregon

I agree. This year having two committed team members and a third drop out no show didn't work so well. It was a good learning experience for the team comp anyway. Whether it happens again next year is anyone's guess.

10/25/2018 1:17:30 PM

central Nc

I found BP in the midst of all the chaos of last year so didn't really get the whole experience. It was the first year (wasn't it?) so some confusion is to be expected. That said, I would

1) shorten the sign-up period and have a hard cut-off.

2) wait until spring. people will volunteer to do it in December and forget about it come May. If people are willing to enter the contest when it is pumpkin germination time, you know they are serious.

I'm going to break my rules already and say...I'm in!

10/25/2018 2:16:33 PM

Grittyville, WA

Thats true when the pumpkin babies start to cry lol... I dont even want to admit how long my tomatoes were neglected while I was planting pumpkjns. They were shamefully abused they looked like the last stragglers at a big box store any sane person would have given up. . . I missed good first trussers but other than that... using the root bound, malnourished seedlings was not as dire as I feared.

10/25/2018 8:59:19 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Good answers.
I kind of liked the pairing of the veteran grower with the inexperienced grower.
I learned a lot from my teammate and feel if the rains had not been so heavy,would have had better luck.
Also agree about the 2 man teams.
Our 3rd teammate disappeared this season.
Hope all is well with him,but had no contact since the teams were finalized.

10/27/2018 10:51:54 AM

Valencia Spain

im sorry to my team mates i quit cos i couldnt grow more than 2 pounds so thats nothing im james hartley

10/27/2018 2:12:38 PM

Valencia Spain

i tried all summer but couldnt set but now setting i decided its high humidity and ber

10/27/2018 2:34:46 PM

On a cliff in the desert

I'm a free agent for whoever would want me. Next spring I am planning on grow at least 4 megamutt plants. I grew a 4.05 on it. I also am planting some of Larry Hill's (Frost Bite) seeds that grew 3 6+ pound tomatoes at Gale Woods. The tomatoes I have taken to weighoffs are around 2.25 pounds.

10/27/2018 5:04:41 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Free agency.
I like that.
I’m in too Wile.
Think we could get big bucks like the athletes do ?
Lol.

10/27/2018 5:18:43 PM

On a cliff in the desert

Maybe we'll get secret tea recipes and fertilizer tips as compensation and incentive bonuses.

10/27/2018 5:44:55 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

I’m down !

10/27/2018 7:03:03 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

But I want all that up front and guaranteed !

10/27/2018 7:04:29 PM

central Nc

Does this mean the trash talking has started? How about this, let's add a most improved award. I got that wrapped up. Lol

10/27/2018 7:59:53 PM