Message Board - BigPumpkins.com

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

A near-perfect economic system for all of this might be Ebay. Actually, I've never paid for a seed, and I don't want to start now. But how many of us collect seeds with only the hope of it becoming hot? Then the seed doesn't get planted, not by you, and not by the other guy who is also hoping that someone will grow it. With an Ebay model, and a starting price designed to cover only postage, envelopes, etc., we could get seeds moving for a few dollars here and there. By "few", I mean less than $5.00 and almost always less than $10.

I always have to shoot for seeds that are one generation removed from the hot seeds. If someone crosses or selfs the 998.6, 1068, etc., then those are the seeds I look for. Could I afford a few hundred bucks for a hot seed at auction? Perhaps, but I can't JUSTIFY it. Not when I have five kids who need shoes, piano lessons, cars, etc. I've noticed that a lot of growers of those seeds have become very quiet this year... it's getting hard to find someone willing to respond to an email. They're probably getting bombed with emails, and the seeds are (hopefully) still in the fruit anyway. Are free seeds getting scarce?

Just some miscellaneous ramblings from an aspiring giant pumpkin grower......

One benefit from an Ebay style model is that postage isn't wasted in sending the SASPB... that cost is just incurred by the seller.

10/16/2007 6:23:05 PM

Awesome

Essex England

Having posted twice on here myself, im one of the people your moaning about.
I dont see a problem myself.
im new to growing big pumpkins, but not new to growing large veg!
i see it as important to get the best seed i can when growing something new!
as i have always done, be it onions carrots cabbage and so on.
i dont want to waste years hoping to get good seeds, i want to be able to give it a good shot first time!
if i fail with them i know its my fault, and either try again or try something else, ie exhibition veg.
i was lucky to be offerd good seeds by a couple of growers, and i posted here to just try to get a good cross for them.
being new i dont think i will get the offer of 15s or 16s this year or next.
the elite im sure have there circles, as in most sports hobbies??
and i would never dream of dropping a begging email to the elite, im sure they get bugged all the time'
this is just one way of finding good seed, and im now happy with what i have got coming this winter.

My thanks to all the kind growers here who offer there seeds!
hope you all grow heavy!!!

10/16/2007 6:35:30 PM

Andy H

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I would like to echo Cliff's words. Like you Mark, I am not new to growing giant vegetables, however, I personally wouldn't ask for a 998, 1068, etc on a posting. Being new to this site I am trying to build relationships and so far I have. Like Cliff I am very satisfied with the crosses that I have acquired. In time, I hope to be a proven grower ( 1000+ lbs). Until then, I think we should all be happy with the seeds we are given from reputable growers, regardless of the seed lineage. After all, these growers are giving quality seeds that all have the potential for the " big one." Andy.

10/16/2007 8:20:37 PM

Cornell, Wi

I agree I started last year ans bought every seed That I own, either Dills, p&p, Joell, seedoutlet, Don langevin etc. I have offered seeds of my plants this year and wow lots of emails, I dont mind if I didnt want that I wouldnt offer but you do get some request about how big is the parents? or what crosses do ya have including alot more, like I said I dont mind but there gets to be a time when you just wish people would just send a damn bubble and see what they get, forget all the questions, some are even somewhat rude, when wanting free seeds just remember they are not free for any of us. I spend alot of time on email replying for free seed request, and some I know are from seed collectors, for I seen there other requests on here.
I guess all Im saying here is just be respectfull and polite.

10/16/2007 8:55:04 PM

RayL

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

Cliff...that is why I am continuing the SeedOutlet.com project. I am trying to get as many growers as possible to send me their seeds to inventory on the site. I will package those seeds up in tamper prook packs and let everyone out there chooose what they want for under 2 bucks. Almost like a one stop shop for seeds. Maybe this one day will cut down on the amount of bubble packs sent out. Everyone can just come to seedoutlet.com and take the seed they want from inventory.

10/16/2007 9:03:24 PM

Rob T

Somers, CT

I understand what you are saying regarding asking for an 805, 1068 or anything in the 1600 range. I think the magic of this site, the clubs and the GPC is the relationships built from the seeds. I put in my time with my patch and have not asked anyone (except one person) for seeds becuase up till now I was unsure I could do it justice. This year I plan to beg politely, send the bubbles and will be thankful for the bounty I recieve. I will share what I already have with others and hope I can do for the sport what so others have for me. I still have a great shot of breaking 1000 and plan on it for next year.

10/16/2007 10:11:05 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Where to begin....again, I am not attacking, just typing.

I think it was Voltaire that said though I don't agree with your opinion, I will defend to the death,
your right to say it.

Seriously though, if the posts annoy you so much, just don't read them (especially the seed exchange board).
There are many new growers who are just excited to get some good seeds. It can be overwhelming to decide what
to grow. If you are suggesting that someone should only ask for a seed if they are going to grow it ( at least
90% sure), then my opinion differs.

I am very thankful for the seeds I got last year when I was in a pinch. The help from everyone on this site
is priceless. If I wasnt in a pinch, as I am not now, I prefer to research the seeds I want to grow. If I ask
for one and I am turned down, so be it. As for "like I said I dont mind but there gets to be a time when you
just wish people would just send a damn bubble and see what they get, forget all the questions, some are even
somewhat rude". Ok, rude questions are not acceptable, but who here really wants to send a damn bubble and see
what they get. I put way too much time and effort to throw whatever I can get into the soil and wait. I never
expect free seeds, but when offered I may take some. If the grower says please do not take if you wont grow,
I wont take if I wont grow. I certainly dont expect anyone to pay for bubbles and shipping. Though I am always
amazed at how some guys just dont mind even paying for shipping...way to go guys.

10/16/2007 10:11:52 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

If a grower gets annoyed telling someone what the history of a seed is, it seems to me that the grower may be
in the wrong sport. I enjoy nothing better than talking pumpkins. Any new growers who want some seeds, email
me jordan.rivington@gmail.com. I will send you a lineage tree, give you instructions how to grow, whatever.

If a grower really wants to prove his/her seed, dont just give them to everyone. Better yet, grow them yourself.
You are completely correct about there being literally THOUSANDS of EXCELLENT SEEDS, and given the lineage of them,
most given the proper environment would likely break 1000+.

Chris, I agree. The fact that the 1068 is one of the best seeds ever, might be partly due to the distribution of
it. Can every seeds be a 1068? Who knows, but I can guarantee that if it is only given to top growers, it will
do better that if it was given to rookies.

Finally, I have to think, much of the time, if someone asks for a 998, 1068, and a 1502, maybe they are just joking.

10/16/2007 10:12:00 PM

hoots dirt (Mark)

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

Ok, I have only been growing 3 years so no veteran here but there are a few things I have learned. It doesn't take a world class seed to produce a world class pumpkin. A large percentage of what goes into the "big one" is grower knowledge, ability, and luck. Look back on seeds like the 125 Wolf, 723 and 845 Bobier, 846 Calai, the list goes on. These were not huge pumpkins but look at the big boys they produced. How many growers today even give a second glance at a seed that size? Not many. Everybody has to have seeds from the huge pumpkins and they don't just magically grow big off-spring without knowledge and experience to help them along. in my humble opinion there are countless "no name" seeds out there that have the same potential of the 1370, 1068, 998 etc. but that potential will never be known because they don't get grown. Like Chris said, there are many crosses out there that will grow the "big one".

I don't think new growers coming on here asking for seeds is a problem. It should be welcomed! These growers just need to understand that just because a seed does not have a big name attached to it doesn't mean it won't go big. I dare say that most any seed you are offered here by the guys on this site will have great crosses and great potential. I personally don't have much to offer but anyone who asks can have some.

10/16/2007 10:12:11 PM

---

Hayward, CA

Just you go ahead and keep that seedoutlet.com going Ray, I am a new grower (actually my daughter and I grow together) and if I could find a way to purchase seeds that could create the types of pumpkins that my daughter says are really big and pretty and wants to grow, I will be one of your best customers! Ray, we think what you are doing is an awesome project and we will support it with money now and with seeds when we become the kind of growers that all of the heavy hitters worked so long to become. But your site will help both the new growers that upset others by asking for a particular seed in an unpleasant fashion and the seasoned growers that may only want to release a specific quantity of their seeds to the less experienced growers and keep the rest of their certified seeds for their own choice of release. That way the grower can refer or forward the e-mail for "address requests" to your site and then there will be three happy people instead of one frustrated new grower, one upset seasoned grower, and one seedoutlet.com site administrator with no customers or inventory. I really like your idea Ray!! My email address is brentchester@comcast.net and would love to be your customer!

10/16/2007 10:27:56 PM

Mr.D & Me

ordinary,VA

Mark hold me a couple!! white or tan either or.
one heck of a cross you made, cant wait to see what the 694Fowler (1180x1446)will do in Gloucester soil!

10/16/2007 10:28:42 PM

---

Hayward, CA

Oh yeah, we also bought our first seeds and they came from Lowes with a picture of a child next to a Giant pumpkin. They were from another grower that also had a great idea to promote a fantastic hobby. Right, Mr Dill?!

10/16/2007 10:41:48 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Yes, I should add that I like the seedoutlet idea. That would take the headache out of trying to manage many Ebay auctions, etc. I hope you can get enough donors to make it work!

10/16/2007 10:43:28 PM

SafeHouse Orange

Minnesota

Well then.. I reread this post 5x after I hit the Post Reply button but felt I crossed no lines and I do enjoy the replies. So, In summary:
I was a Rookie once, These seed collectors are not rookies as they have been doing this for several years now. This sport is taking off and they are moving in. Just this time of year kinda magnifies the begging. They are like those folks selling Hanna Montana tickets for $600 a seat (This stat should bring in the parents!!!). They are speculating on the next hot seed and they plan to make money off of it. Or whatever they are gonna do with the $$.
Hmm, Why are those asking so blatantly on this site lacking a diary post? Or even a pumpkin that weighs more than my now empty Budweiser??? I'm obviously not picking on those of you who have invested an enormous amount of time into this hobby to the point of obsession. You know who you are lol
To clear the air with the rookies and all else.. I will give any seed I'm not growing short of 10 or so to anyone who I know is committed. Bill Foss, Doug Wallace, Dean C. Don Y, Mike F, Tom P, VanHook's, Bowles, Even Herbie "The Hailstorm" .. True Lords of the gourds all etc and others have shown a great amount of generousity to people and I'll do the same (No you can't have any of my 1068's, 998.6's etc...) After all that's how i got all of these seeds I'll give away!! (As I don't know who the babydaddy is on most of mine!!)
Ray, Great idea!! I'll collect seeds for you!

Jordan, These people aren't joking, They hear 1600 pound seed "Can I have one..." 1500 "Can I have one..." 14,13,12 11 etc "Can I have one..." And then they grow in a planter pot.
The next year it's I'll trade you these seeds I begged last year (That I haven't sold yet) for the next big seed I'm not going to plant!!
So onto the serious questions I had....
Where is my 1600 lb seed packet?
I'm over my rant.. I'll reread this one and get back to you later..
Grow Big in 2008

10/16/2007 10:56:23 PM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Oh, well, I never said you crossed any lines. I have been told I like to get into discussions when I should let things go (wife). LOL. No harm done, I have respect for everyone here who has not lost it.

If they are collecting to make money or for any other reason you just mentioned, I agree with you 100%. I never really knew who you were talking about, but if they have no diary...that IS very suspicious. They do not have my respect.

As for the 1600# seeds, I guarantee you SafeHouse, you will get no less that 1 dozen seeds, as soon as I grown a pumpkin that size (everyone mark my words).

As for the babbydaddys and such, we should point more new growers to aggc and have them look into some family trees.

In summary....good times, respect to all fellow growers, get your cow shit ready!!!

10/16/2007 11:24:51 PM

raggu

new middletown ohio

god bless you "safe house"

10/16/2007 11:44:21 PM

---

Hayward, CA

Hey SafeHouse,
I dont thik you stepped over any lines and I read did read your diary and was very impressed with all your efforts this year!! I also was amazed at the barn and wanted to email you and ask questions that did not have to do with begging for seeds but begging for pictures instead. I do understand the frustrations and that is why I think Ray's idea is an awesome one. But there will always be the "seed hogs" or "scalpers" so to speak. It is an unfortunate side effect of anything that is successful. Ray's idea could help control part of that. I also wanted to say that I don't know Ray but know a good idea when I hear it and I often act too late.

SafeHouse, I'll be sending you an email on the barn in your diary!!

10/16/2007 11:44:31 PM

Pumpkin Pastor

Pinedale, WY

I know as a new grower, there are plenty of free easy to get seeds that are good enough. Again there are so many great genetics out there. There are people like cotterpins that offered seeds to new growers, which by the way I sent my bubble out today. I guess I haven't found the point to saving seeds yet, I had 10 seeds this year and it was hard enough to decide which 4 to plant. I can't imagine having 100 or more to choose from, headache if you ask me.

10/17/2007 12:50:21 AM

Awesome

Essex England

safehouse, just name and shame the ones who upset you.
you will feel better, lol

10/17/2007 5:36:58 AM

TruckTech1471

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Good post here Safehouse. I see a lot of justified venting here.

I decided after last year's weighoff that our own seeds were going to hit soil and be crossed with the seeds of another grower within the SOGPG. The crosses made within our group are just as good as any others out there and we achieved our personal best this year of 993.5 pounds grown off our 811 of last year. I crossed it with a 559 Liggett and will grow it next year.

To the new growers out there, be patient and loosen up 20 dollars or so and join a grower's group, even if you can't make meetings or contribute time to the cause. Most groups distribute proven seeds to get you started.

Rob Hampp("littlebit") came up with a great idea this year which will be implemented within the SOGPG next season: each grower places into a hat their own seed they would like to see grown. All growers then draw out of the hat and are committed to growing that seed. It is up to each grower to then create what they think would be the best cross. I believe this is the first such idea within the hobby and will ensure that some of those lesser weight crosses will be grown. After all, isn't that what we all do?.....Look for seeds from the heavy hitters or seeds which created them?

Maybe I got a little side-tracked here, but it seemed an appropriate spot to post. IMHO

10/17/2007 7:21:27 AM

Tremor

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

ATTENTION new growers. Veterens ONLY grow seeds that come FROM THE GROWER. So seeds that are traded aren't very marketable. I won't even open a seed envelope unless I intend to grow the seed. If I did then the envelope (with growers hand writing) is worth more than the seed. Think about that.

I think that Safehouse is speaking to the practice of a non-tenured grower trying to collect every hot pumpkins seed even though they'll never be able to plant them all. This becomes a sickness for some people. Seeds aren't trading cards though. Most growers cannot tell the difference between a fake & an original seed. So independent seed trading is risky business. Therefor I believe that seed hording is a dying practice.

If you still want a large collection try joining clubs that offer a seed swap program. This will add depth to a collection real fast & it supports the clubs.

Meeting the grower & NOT asking for seeds is one good way to insure you'll get one if you ever decide you want to actually grow it. But ask for the cross by name rather than asking for "your seeds" just because it's a grower of note.

The BEST way to obtain seeds (once they are desirable) is from the club auctions. Spending money at auctions insures that the clubs will have prize money to go around on weigh-off day. The clubs actually KNOW the growers we solicit for seeds so the authenticity is there.

One really tasteless act is to pester a grower for a seed saying that you WILL grow it & then NOT doing so. Worse still is begging for a hot seed & then trading it away 3 weeks later.

Seed trading might be FUN to some people but it does nothing to further the sport. IMHO

10/17/2007 7:45:57 AM

StL Kenny

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

Interesting reading, I'm a second year grower who's PB is 260 lbs. I can see both side of this, The first year grower who is all excited about growing AG's and visits the site a few times before posting. Figures out what the hot seeds are. Not knowing they don't grow on trees like apples. They dream about growing that seed and they ask for it. we've all been there.

On the other side of the coin, about 50% of the time when I open a posting that somewhere in the title mentions new grower and needing seed. That grower is going to ask for the best seeds known to man. And that does get old.

The really sad thing about this is. I don't think seasoned growers reply to new growers because of this. I can see a difference in 2 years. When I found BP.com in Jan of 06 I posted a message introducing myself and asking for some free seeds. I think I received about 10 replys all warning me to run while I still could, and offering seeds. I sent out 7 bubblelopes. When they all came back I had something like 97 seed packets. Growers like Bruce Hooker, Alex Noel, Roger Reinvold, and Jim Ford sent me every seed they have ever grown. I was in heaven and overload at the same time. And I've build very nice friendship with some growers that I know if I wanted to grow a certain seed and they had it they would send it to me. But I would never ask for a 1068, 1370, or 998. For one thing I don't think I'm ready to grow one of those seeds yet. Ans second I know how hard those seeds are to come by. Sure I might be missing a chance to grow a 1000 lber, but I could just as easy blow it up and waste that seed that Cliff could have grown to 1200 lbs. Most grower in this site would part with every seed they own to have a chance to grow a 1068 or 998. but very few have had that chance, and even fewer will get that chance in the future.

10/17/2007 7:55:04 AM

StL Kenny

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

So I can see both side of this. I think we need to respect the seasoned growers who have all knowledge. And give the rookies all the help they need.

I hope this make sense,I'm not sure my fingers typed what my brain was trying to say.

Kenny

10/17/2007 7:58:07 AM

*Old *Man*

Sheridan . NY

one true word-- there is not a bad see out there--!!

10/17/2007 8:06:13 AM

Cornell, Wi

Jordan I never said Ill just let them guess at what Im gonna give them, what I mean is new growers who want free seeds can send a bubble and just say a few nice words, I give family lineage with all the seeds I give, but when you get a 100 emails in 2 hrs and most people are nice 90% but some just get too excited, Im not breaking any bodys back here I was just agreeing with others. When asking for free seeds say and if you want the seeds send a bubble, if you dont like the seeds dont, and if thats too much to ask go to p&p and pay 20 bucks a seed like I did.

10/17/2007 9:54:31 AM

Boy genius

southwest MO

Grow pumpkins collect stamps...

10/17/2007 10:03:07 AM

Cornell, Wi

I will say if any body wants any seeds thay are welcome to still send a bubble, by all means Im a nice guy,{just ask my wife}, I enjoy very much helping out new growers, or all growers, thats why sites like this are possible and why the weights of giants have increased greatly in the last 5 years. Ive always been one to turn the other cheek, I was just giving a little input on seed request etiquette.

10/17/2007 10:04:40 AM

Cornell, Wi

and besides Jordan {JRO} it is nearly impossible to reply to each and every question you get, and if I dont reply I feel bad so all I was saying was keep the 2 million questions send for the free seeds, thats all. I am not annoyed by the questions its just like I said hard to reply to all of them. And when they start to be rude then I may get a little annoyed. I just think your getting the wrong idea about me.

10/17/2007 10:17:11 AM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

>>> but I could just as easy blow it up and waste that seed that Cliff could have grown to 1200 lbs

You must have me confused with someone else! I'm much closer to a Rookie than a singles hitter. Even though I've been at this for 7 years... lol... Just dreaming of moving up from double-A to triple-A... lifetime in the minors? Hmmm...

10/17/2007 10:19:36 AM

Mr.D & Me

ordinary,VA

Cliff--dont feel bad im still trying to hit the curve ball toooooo.--but ill keep trying.

lifetime in the minors?--dont worry ill be there to keep you company:)

10/17/2007 11:39:59 AM

cojoe

Colorado

one thing thats maybe overlooked on this topic is;theres never been as many growers in the hobby as there is know. Also theres a zillion seeds out there with great potential, most of which never get tried.I'm a seed slut I admit it. I write more than six growers every year(i grow six plants) for crosses that sound great on paper and mathematically cant grow them all. Another point is-if you make a great cross -one has to prove it by growing it themselves,cause nobody else will. The only seeds that get a real try are out of the monsters(years top 5) and seeds that have shown results. These arent bad things-just the way it is. forgive me for rambling and feel free to send me seeds out of the three 1600's. Seed trading is a fun part of the hobby-which is a great and fun hobby and to say its a bad thing-I just disagree.sorry I'm rambling again

10/17/2007 11:44:01 AM

StL Kenny

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

Cliff I'm sorry if you misunderstood my posting. I only meant that you could grow something I would more than likely waste. After all I haven't gotten a pumpkin to a scale in two year. Not the best track record.

Cliff please check your email.

Kenny

10/17/2007 12:16:25 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Ah, no problem. My response was just a bad attempt at self-depricating humor!

10/17/2007 12:29:05 PM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Another 100 pounds every year. That's my motto. Hopefully in the pumpkin and not... in... hmmm....

10/17/2007 12:30:45 PM

JeffL

Dillsburg, PA

It has always bothered me that many of us collect seeds like kids collect baseball cards. I only request seeds that are in my plans. As of now I have only a few seeds that aren't my own. This forces a guy like me to spend $ in seed auctions.

10/17/2007 1:35:28 PM

Pete B

United Kingdom

I have been reading this thread with great interest and wondering whether or not I should reply.
My experience of my first season here on BP has been a good one although results on the patch have not matched up to this. As a rookie,after my initial diary post I had a few emails from people offering me seed. This was superb because I had forked out money already to P&P for some seed and it was nice to have a choice.

Personally, I would not ask, or expect to be given a top class seed from one of the big guys. Other people have said on this thread that there are many really good seeds out there which are crying out to be grown, and guys will readily part with them in order for them to hit the dirt.
My point is that as a novice, it`s much more important to get good (not great) seed and then get out there and actually grow it. That`s why I`m not into seed collecting. The knowledge you will gain from growing will far outweigh (scuse the pun) anything you will get from reading genetics charts.As a novice, You can develop this knowledge over time and in ther meantime,develop your soil prep/ fertilizer strategy etc.

Just my thoughts. Sorry bout the rambling

PJ (Pete)

10/17/2007 2:15:36 PM

Drew Papez apapez@sympatico.ca

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

It appears I have gotten the wrong idea to some degree. I agree with the rest of the comments. Good to ramble about this kind of stuff. Winter is coming up, get used to it LOL.

Maybe we should approach the GPC from a bp point of view (like a vote) on the top 10 ways to acquire seeds and the associated etiquette.

I would definitely try to come up with my top 10.

10/17/2007 5:07:41 PM

TruckTech1471

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Even more respect can be gained if you decide you can't grow someone else's seed and you send it back to them. I will swap evenly with any grower out there even if I never grow that seed. But I will NEVER trade it away without the permission of the one who gave it to me.

10/17/2007 5:09:04 PM

LIpumpkin

Long Island,New York

Wow.

10/17/2007 6:35:28 PM

Ontario

here we go again. I like trading this years seeds with other growers seeds from this year as well. I send out about twenty bubbles to growers I have traded with for years. Joining clubs is good also which I do. Receiving bubbles is a form of flattery and enjoy reading the letters and pictures. Will continue to do so.

drew

10/17/2007 7:18:50 PM

Richard

Minnesota

Was it the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do? someone asked for seeds, I said, I don't have any but on another message someone is giving them away. Somebody replyed with, "your real generous with other peoples seeds, why don't you let the person giving them away offer them" I thought I was doing a good deed!

10/17/2007 7:26:05 PM

Czech

Cottage Grove, MN

I ate the next world record last night darn it, Chris can you please send me one of those 1800lb deals? As far as right now, I'm not growing next year, that will most likely change in Feb when I'm pulling my hair out. I'm a dark horse guy, I'll prove that theory next year at Stillwater. Or the year after. Or the year after that...

10/17/2007 7:29:32 PM

North Shore Boyz

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Earlier in the year, an "eager" new grower was asking just about everyone on-site here for seeds for next year. I sent an email and offered this person seeds to grow as I have been fortunate to have been given seeds from many top growers including proven seeds and alot of others as well.

Long story short, this person wanted only top shelf seeds and was miffed that I was not willing to part with seeds that I plan on growing myself. I offered to send a bubble packed with seeds (at my cost) from other growers and from my own crosses but was told that if I was not including Wallace, Daigle, Pukos, Jutras, Northrup, and others to "not bother sending anything"

Well, I was happy to oblige and not only did I not send any seeds to this person, he kind of spoiled it for other new growers cause I am now less likely to pack up a bubble and pay for postage for someone that is just collecting seeds that will most likely never see soil.

Just my 2 cents.

10/17/2007 7:48:05 PM

Orangeneck (Team HAMMER)

Eastern Pennsylvania

Let me start out by stating that 95% of the proven seeds I have in my posession were obtained thru club membership, club auctions or raffles. Speaking of only requesting seeds that will be planted- the fact is that if you haven't figured out how to grow 1000++ consistantly, you can't just ask a grower to trade a big seed 3 years into its run like a heavy hitter could. You have to stack the arsenal ahead of time. I give alot of very good seeds away for free to growers that request my own as well as a surprise in their bubble packs. Several of them got planted this year including the 1074 calai that JeffL grew his personal best 750+ off of. That makes me happy. Jim

10/17/2007 9:00:15 PM

Czech

Cottage Grove, MN

Common sense 101 is lacking now days, polite 'open' request, not the 'I want this'. There's more than what anyone can grow, for free, just be respectful is my advice. I've rarely outright asked (thanks Shannon for the long gourds, still not sure whats in the Maple 'til the leaves fall), most growers will hand them out me included (not that I have anything). Bottom line is grow them, commit to grow them well as you can, or don't ask.

10/17/2007 9:00:21 PM