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Location

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Date Posted

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Okay, when is this thing getting organized? I would like to have the same guys I had last year on my team. I feel we have a chance to win it this year. Is there any reason why some of the old teams cannot stay together if all members of that team are agreeable? If some of the teams from last year can continue on, it should make it easier to set it all up?

3/21/2019 12:16:52 PM

On a cliff in the desert

What about us newbies that want to join the competition? Will there be a draft or all of us end up on the same team?

3/21/2019 12:59:25 PM

Gone With The Win

Good question. Wile coyote

3/21/2019 1:50:43 PM

central Nc

Teams should be picked based on PBs to be fair.

3/21/2019 1:59:29 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Life is not fair. Why should the tomato contest be? I think my old team came in near the bottom so nobody should fear us. Except maybe we are a little smarter this year.

3/21/2019 3:28:17 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

My team only had 2 people.
Don’t want that again.

3/21/2019 8:32:11 PM

central Nc

Man for someone who tells everyone to be sensitive that was obnoxious.

3/21/2019 8:32:22 PM

central Nc

You do you Marv, we'll just work around it.

3/21/2019 8:34:45 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Me do me? Our team last year had a very low score, so low that we did not even report it. Whatever. There should have been a booby prize last time around. That way we could have won something. In fact, and I am not sure about who is running the thing this year, I will put up something as a booby prize just to make it interesting for the poor souls that end up on the bottom. That way maybe you will win something this year Wolfpack. lol Now I am going to my sensitivity class.

3/21/2019 9:18:04 PM

central Nc

Yeah maybe I'll win something. Last year was my first, what's your excuse?

3/21/2019 9:36:09 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I have no excuses. For some reason my tomatoes just turned red and stopped growing before they reached the ten pounds I had planned on. Actually, it was more than a little disappointing. I am doing everything a little differently this year with the hope that things will turn out a bit better. Also I am for the first time taking a friend into my garden for a morale support, my dog. Companionship in the garden could be helpful. I am even considering playing some music while my plants grow to soothe them. Someone once told me they do better with country music going 24/7. Someone else suggested electrifying my metal tomato supports. I really can't take a shock. Then there was the one about radiating the tomato seeds before planting them. Should I start with that? Wolfpak, do you have any helpful suggestions? Send me your email address and I will send you something that might be useful to you, something worthwhile, at least for starters, about growing tomatoes. For the rest of you, I am hoping the teams get set up sooner than later as I look forward to getting started and want to begin communicating with my team members, whoever they are. I have a few new ideas for this year I want to bounce off of them. It is still cold here but the ground is beginning to thaw out and the sun seems closer to the earth or the rays more direct.

3/22/2019 8:36:05 AM

Ontario, Canada

I don't even know if my team mates even posted a weighed tomato. If there is to be a team challenge, then lets make sure growers register their results & keep in contact with other team members. It's frustrating to not hear anything from them all year. If you want the same teams as last year, then count me out. If someone wants to be on my team, then make sure your going to register your results, even if they are low. At least we'd know you tried & didn't just give up.

3/22/2019 10:56:06 AM

New Berlin,NY

I'm in if this is a go. 80%+ improvement over my old PB has me excited about this year.

3/22/2019 1:34:57 PM

Savage, MN

I want to join a team this year. Me and Wiley have talked about making one. Is this possible or is a draft going to be done?

3/22/2019 2:33:00 PM

Partlow,Va

Marv, thanks for all the help you gave me last year. Even though I didn't grow a huge one I certainly grew my knowledge. Maybe this year will be the year!

I can't believe how ugly this board has gotten...I thought growing should be enjoyable?

3/22/2019 4:09:14 PM

Morgantown, WV

I call dibs on a team with Jane and Phil.

First weigh off ever, got third place out of three tomatoes with 2.5 pounds. Fast forward ten years or so, got first place... with 2.5 pounds....

Call it what you want, but I promise to post pics :)

3/22/2019 8:22:33 PM

Morgantown, WV

PS -> would be my first ever tomato challenge...

3/22/2019 8:23:43 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

I’m with you Hank.

3/22/2019 8:42:43 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Porkchop was running this last year...It appears he is distracted. I would nominate Rick Spaziani to take the reins....are you listening Rick?

3/22/2019 9:35:31 PM

Central NY

I’m not distracted...

3/22/2019 9:55:57 PM

Central NY

Just didn’t see this post....if...ya know what I mean ...

3/22/2019 9:57:19 PM

Gone With The Win

Chops.. I seen you on a milk carton..

3/22/2019 11:54:47 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

Seeing the enthusiasm is great! I have the little Big Marley competition and that's enough organization for me. Life is full for me this summer. Organizing and running a team comp is a monster.

3/23/2019 2:35:03 AM

Norfolk, UK

I didn’t join last year, but would this year. Last year was my first ever season with giant tomatoes and I was unsure on my own ability to commit the time given other commitments. But, certainly giving it a shot this year.

3/23/2019 3:13:44 AM

Ontario, Canada

Would be happy to have you on my team Dustin. Having some other growers to share tips & ideas with is what it should be all about.
No one on my team even bothered to contacted me after the season started last year. It's a shame that these growers either just gave up or just couldn't be bothered to report their results. I would like some growers who aren't afraid to be team players on my team in 2019.

3/23/2019 9:44:22 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Here is where you can go to see most of the teams from last year. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=33&p=627116 It was interesting to see how many growers actually were in the game. Some of the teams formed later are not included.

3/23/2019 10:04:02 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

People signing up for things and then not following through has become a way of life. Phil and Jane unfortunately experienced this last year. Suggestions on how to get around this might be one way to prevent a reoccurrence. One thought might be to put 4 people on a team and take the largest tomato grown by three of them as the entry into the contest. That way if one dropped out in the middle of the contest the remaining three could go forward. If two were no shows well....... Any other ideas?

3/23/2019 10:11:50 AM

central Nc

That's a pretty good idea Marv. I was a late entry and could never get in contact with my team. My theory is the window was so large people just forgot they put their name in. I think just have one official thread with a hard deadline, people say they are in, with their PBs. The head honcho drafts a list based on these numbers and posts the teams on that deadline date.

3/23/2019 10:57:09 AM

central Nc

My reasoning is the multiple threads and wide window just were too much to keep up with.

3/23/2019 10:58:37 AM

Norfolk, UK

Perhaps larger teams would secure a larger chances of having the critical mass to keep conversation ongoing during season. Looking at thread,
22 teams of 3 could instead be 11 teams of six.

3/23/2019 11:20:06 AM

Valencia Spain

Not joining in this year till I manage. To past 4 pounds

3/23/2019 1:49:55 PM

Thomas wv

Is it getting late last year was on the first month

3/23/2019 9:25:24 PM

Gone With The Win

Doesn't look like anybody's going to step up to the plate. At least I got Garden Rebel challenge

3/24/2019 12:09:40 AM

Central NY

Don’t spread fake news tomatotim.....;)

3/24/2019 7:42:20 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Is Porkchop going to organize this again this year or did someone else volunteer to do it? Did I hear Garden Rebel's name mentioned as the new organizer? While we wait for someone to step up to the plate we can at least start with people posting the fact that they are interested and their personal best so far. It could be there is not enough interest to even do it again?

3/24/2019 7:49:04 AM

Team Canuckle Heads

I'm in again

3/24/2019 7:50:47 AM

Lebanon, Oregon

Marv, as mentioned a few threads above I am not organizing a team challenge. I have a 30 grower Big Marley competition I am running, that's it.

3/24/2019 11:27:48 AM

central Nc

Porkchop is sitting back enjoying this. Fashionably late appearance I'll bet.

3/24/2019 12:58:12 PM

Gone With The Win

Haha chops.. Glad to see you have been found:)...My pb is 2.4oz..I didn't get in the annual challenge last year. I'm excited to try this year. I like everyone's input on helping others. Special thanks to Wixom grower chris. He has helped me with my failures on trying to even get plants started..I have learned alot from him..Im just a rookie and my plants look pittyful..

3/24/2019 9:48:24 PM

Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

I´m in.

3/26/2019 3:42:46 AM

Savage, MN

Im in as well

3/26/2019 4:29:59 AM

Germany

I'm in too

3/26/2019 5:35:16 AM

Pittsburgh, PA

Honestly not sure why anyone would volunteer to take this over as Porkchop took so much abuse last year trying to run a fun, free & fair event to everyone.

3/26/2019 10:21:55 AM

Central NY

Thanks jay....2019 team challenge sign-up coming soon

3/26/2019 12:29:37 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Sweet !

3/26/2019 12:30:45 PM

Germany

I´m in.

3/26/2019 1:05:41 PM

Ontario

I'll give it a try

3/26/2019 5:40:35 PM

50 Acres

I' try again.

3/26/2019 6:53:48 PM

Gone With The Win

Who or what team won last year?

3/27/2019 12:55:14 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

Rebel Rousers: Gene LaRiviere, Brandon Clayton, Rick Spaziani
One hell of a team that will never be topped.

3/27/2019 1:52:20 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Hmmmm. Wonder what their personal best were before the contest? Were there some "ringers" in this group?

3/27/2019 2:21:13 PM

Virginia

I'm in too, but as a C grower I need a team that will help me. Not much communication last year.

3/27/2019 7:19:07 PM

Gone With The Win

I'm a F- grower.. yes it would be nice to surround yourself with the team to help

3/27/2019 9:58:19 PM

Tinykinville

I would be willing to join again as well. Would be nice to have a three member team this year lol.

3/27/2019 10:14:36 PM

Thomas wv

I'm in. Also.

3/27/2019 11:37:50 PM

On a cliff in the desert

I'm in.

3/28/2019 1:00:10 AM

Grittyville, WA

Lol rebel... We didnt even hit six pounds. Too many other teams fell apart! We did good but there was still room to beat us. In my opinion.

3/28/2019 1:31:29 AM

Ontario, Canada

Still no idea what my team members did. That was the problem. I know some just gave up & couldn't be bothered. If your not willing to put your best foot forward &/or communicate with your team members throughout the season, then don't bother signing up.

I'm in, but will be very disappointed again if the growers assigned as my team members quit & give up. Maybe we should just pick our own 3 member teams?
I'll take Chris L. & Dustin.

3/28/2019 7:40:10 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I still want my old team if they will have me after my dismal showing last year. And they will have to be very forgiving. What a miserable outcome. Teams need to be started. I have some soil preparation advice for my group that should be started sooner than later. I want them to try growing organically. I need to see their last soil test results etc etc. People need to enter the contest so that teams can be chosen. Come on Porkchop. Let's get the show on the road.

3/28/2019 8:47:23 AM

central Nc

Since people are set on making their own teams, might I suggest 2 prizes? One for total pounds and one for most improved? I'll take any C,D,E,F...Z growers who want to show up the big boys.

3/28/2019 9:34:43 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

My Team members last year were not those with huge weights. And they still aren't. It would not be giving us any advantage if we were on the same team this year. I just feel that we, as a group, could do better than last year. We are familiar with one another. Before last year we were not. We could build on last year. The PB of our old team were not anything to brag about. If Porkchop thinks all teams should be totally new, I have no problem with that either. And, I don't believe wanting to grow with your old team members, those who were assigned to you last year, "is making your own team" as suggested by one grower. Please, no drama. Last season some people dropped out of the contest because of things that were said. Hopefully, that will not happen this year.

3/28/2019 9:57:54 AM

central Nc

Can no one express an opinion here but you Marv? Feel free to email me instead of spreading your passive aggressive comments on here.

3/28/2019 10:32:46 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Anyone can express an opinion anywhere they like but I feel the opinions here should be about how to grow a giant tomato and not about those growing them. For a good while you have been expressing negative opinions about me. You need to stick to expressing your opinions about tomatoes and not making negative comments about other growers. I will not sit idly by and allow you to do so and especially when it is me you are making comments about. I will not comment about this again unless I feel attacked. What you really need to do is stick to tomatoes. I will do the same.

3/28/2019 12:27:42 PM

central Nc

Ok drama queen. Like I said email me if you want to discuss "what I need to do".

3/28/2019 12:34:06 PM

Valencia Spain

Changed my opinion will join in after all its the taking part that counts

3/28/2019 4:25:22 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Porkchop, let me know if I can help you with getting this thing organized. I can put it together with your supervision and you having the final word etc. I have the time since the ground here is still frozen and I cannot do anything outside. If anyone is bothered by my helping to put it together while still competing, I will be glad to drop out of the running. No problem.

3/28/2019 5:23:28 PM

Grittyville, WA

I sent an 8.22 seed to the grower with the smallest entry. So there actually was a token prize last year for just making an effort to get whatever you grew to the scale. If you just want to grow tomatoes without drama then try Roma tomatoes jeez.

3/29/2019 1:50:21 AM

Grittyville, WA

I would kinda like to give it a go again but... I thought drama was part of the game here. It gets awkward when some people can dish it but other people can't. Danged if I can figure out who the alpha dog is and I am always stepping on toes.

3/29/2019 1:57:15 AM

Wisconsin

I'm in if Menting is out

3/29/2019 2:12:20 AM

Grittyville, WA

I like you Marv if that counts for anything.

3/29/2019 2:54:36 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Okay, gloves off. Anyone think Wolfpack should change his name to Dickhead? lol I am thinking maybe we should have a "Name that AHole Contest". As I get older I am beginning to like drama a bit more. Would it help my tomatoes grow bigger? Maybe so. If drama helps, it is probably cheaper than bonemeal, agricultural lime, kelp meal or alfalfa meal. Grow Big! Whatever it takes! Drama may be just another form of cow manure and we all know that helps. lol If Wolfpack wants some drama I will send him some though it may resemble cow manure. Rub some on your head Wolfpack as my stuff will help your hair grow and might even increase your stem size. I have certainly had enough. Wolfpack is now on my ignore list. Thank you Bigpumpkins for having made one a part of this site.

3/29/2019 9:10:38 AM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

LOL Marv :) Gotta find some humor this time of year and the post got a chuckle out of me. Its been a long winter growers and looks like Cabin Fever and Sun Deprivation Disease has set in.. hang in there it will be over sooooooon.

3/29/2019 9:41:14 AM

Bloomington, IN USA

I'm in!!!

Just 1 caveat, we lost the participation of the owner of the current world record tomato from this competition last year due to Internet grousing/jousting/bickering.

I would like everyone in this thread and especially those entering the competition to recognize right now that this is a competition for FUN!!!
And reinvent those sad, angst-filled personas.

Also, make a commitment...if you join a team & you don't die, PARTICIPATE. Communicate with your team members.
Enter your largest fruit, I don't care if it is a cherry tomato...at least have the respect for your team & this community to honor your commitment.

Lol. Climbing down off my soapbox...

3/29/2019 2:12:55 PM

Grittyville, WA

I bring out the best in people lol.

3/29/2019 2:14:32 PM

Grittyville, WA

Its really about taking some clean and remaining standing its not all about throwing punches but... whatever. Put wolfpack back on the 'include' list if you can take what you dish out.

3/29/2019 2:20:36 PM

Grittyville, WA

Yikes. Well I dont have anyone on my ignore list. Try not to be a grouchy old man Marv. Get some sh*t planted and keep asking good questions.

3/29/2019 2:24:25 PM

Grittyville, WA

*its about taking some clean hits and remaining standing

3/29/2019 2:26:15 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Make no mistake. I can take it. But I really don't see the need to tolerate it. I will not undergo any personal attack without comment. Whether I or someone else is on the receiving end. I feel when attacked there are several options. One of them is to simply leave. Too many good growers have already done that. I mourn the loss of Patrick White and Dan Sunderland to name only a few. Wolfpack is off my ignore list but all of us need to follow the "Golden Rule," Wolfpack, as well as myself included. I am sorry, really sorry, if I have in any way offended you Wolfpack. Now, on to growing.

3/29/2019 2:33:17 PM

Putnam Ct.

I'd like to participate again. Knowing that I had 2 team mates pulling for me to do my best gave me the extra drive to work on my Tomatoes even after being tired from work and growing 6 AG's. Have fun with it! Isn't that what its all about?

3/29/2019 2:34:02 PM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Atta Boy Marv!! Makin PA Proud... Grow some monsters.

3/29/2019 3:18:51 PM

Valencia Spain

Thought of a idea do the teams in aldabetico order and whoever u got u got if the. Good growers are together so what its just for fun lot easier too

3/29/2019 4:23:38 PM

Wixom MI.

I like marv's idea about keeping our old teams together. Last year moby mike was my B grower and i was going to ask Ron Wallace if he would like to be our C grower !!! I don't think ron has ever tried gwowing tomatoes before so i thought that maybe we could help this young lad to grow his first gaint tomato. :-)

3/29/2019 5:18:36 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Another idea would be to let people team up themselves provided the total weight of the PB for the three team members did not exceed say 11 pounds. You could pick whoever you wanted for your team this way and for those that did not care who they were with or were never picked, Porkchop could put them together in a team based on weights. Each team member would then at the end of the year submit their heaviest weight for the year, add them up and heaviest group wins. I still have no idea what to do with people who enter but don't grow. Maybe just allow the team where the guy did not grow a 3 pound award to add to the weights of the two remaining growers? Last year the winning team had a total weight somewhere over 15 pounds with each team member growing 5+ pound tomatoes. Where are you Porkchop?

3/29/2019 5:25:49 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

This will be Ron Wallace's first year of tomato growing. I talked with him about it and he seemed excited to give it a whirl. Whoever has him on their team will have a very good C grower. On the other hand they will also have a real rookie tomato grower. Big Pumpkins do not Big Tomatoes make.

3/29/2019 6:56:14 PM

Wixom MI.

Yes i had a chat with Ron already and i already set him up with my best seeds the 5.95 Domingo and 6.23 Megazac. Im sure as my C grower that we might be able to help each other out !!! Lol.... :-)

3/29/2019 7:29:47 PM

Massachusetts

well if rons in , then im in,,,,,,,

3/29/2019 10:54:31 PM

Gone With The Win

Can i pick my team??? Me Ron and Chris.. Just kidding...

3/29/2019 11:07:29 PM

Tinykinville

lol Mike, and chris ron has my seeds too so hes got a killer line up.

3/30/2019 1:28:52 AM

Gone With The Win

Who is mike?

4/10/2019 11:34:28 PM

Zimmerman, Minnesota

I’m in

4/11/2019 3:30:52 PM