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Netherlands

I hope to get seeds from four different growers this year. I will plant at least one from each grower.

I'm wondering how growers feel that send out seeds and find out they never get planted.

I have sent my seeds out to about 10 or 12 growers of which I know a number will plant them and a number probably won't. That's no problem to me as the seeds aren't that hot.

Any reactions?

10/28/2005 4:36:05 AM

Vancouver, Canada

Why would anyone order seeds while they are not going to plant them? I think it is not cool for the one that has sent the seeds that the receiver is not planting them.

When someone receive some seeds it is much more fun to let the sender know how the plants are growing. That is my opinion.

10/28/2005 5:05:11 AM

Itzetown City

If you receive annual seeds, even they have a good sounding cross, they are _unproven_. Most growers only have space for 2 or 3 plants and it's a risk to plant an unproven seed. But finally if a seed get proven, it will be planting or it is a good one to exchange. Most experienced Growers know that, its a part of the game.

10/28/2005 6:28:18 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

let me start by saying I plan to plant most of the seeds I'm getting, space permitting. This is my first season trying to get seeds. Obviously I have none to trade. If I don't get a few extra, how would I ever be able to make my way up the ladder of good seeds? If one gets hot in 2006 then I'll be in business to make trades. Even if I grow a 1,000 pounds next year and have hundreds of those seeds, then there would be another year before we find out if the seed is any good. The days are gone when a new grower could take a heavy hitter's address from the back of a Don Langevin book and mail the guy and get seeds. In the electronic age, these people have become like celebreties in our world and I won't bother them. Frantz is the biggest guy I would approach and I feel a little weird even doing that except he is a great guy. I'm just trying to point out how hard it is for beginners to get into a serious stock, and that the nicer growers seem to acknowledge this. When I have my own I look forward to giving them out and I won't ask questions when I do. Thanks everyone! -Jim

10/28/2005 9:31:24 AM

Dillsburg, PA

I try to plant everything I collect. I have a whopping 2 seeds left from other growers. I don't collect seeds like many on here. If I see a pumpkin I like on the site I will request seeds. Collecting is fine because you have more to trade I guess but I have never done it.

10/28/2005 10:09:37 AM

Cornelius, Oregon

For the new people, do not be scared to write a letter to anyone and ask for seeds. Even some of the guys that have been doing this hobby forever remember when they were new and begging for seeds. Personally, I made a list of everyone who grew a 700 plus pound pumpkin and wrote all of them letters asking for seeds when I first started. Remember, even the best grower is just another gardener, not some Rock Star. If they blow you off, remember them when they come begging for seeds after you grow a 1400 pounder.
One thing to keep in mind however is this fact...A "Heavy Hitter" may get between 200 and 400 or more seed requests each year. (Personally I received 323 last year). This means you may not get a seed from each of their fruit, or even from their latest year, but will do their best to get you something to put in the ground. Some of the most generous growers totally run out of seeds to give. When this happens to me I at least make a note of it and send the bubble pack back, that way the new guy knows that at least the pack made it and the address is correct. One more thing is to be patient as well, it may take weeks for someone inundated with bubble packs to get to yours.

10/28/2005 10:34:42 AM

Sioux Falls, SD [email protected]

I'll probably ask for more seeds than I plant. I like to have extras for backup, I supply my dad, and a couple neighbors. If you want very much to only give your seeds to someone that will plant it this year, and not pass it on to someone else, please tell me. You might be helping me by alerting me to a great cross I wasn't savvy enough to notice. I don't want to waste a great seed as a backup.

So my suggestion, if you feel that way, say it up front....FOR ACTUAL PLANTING ONLY (FAPO)

10/28/2005 11:33:38 AM

addison Il

Me and sis got lots of seeds from the great peaple here and every seed we get will be grown mabye not this season but the next one till we run out then its asking time again as for anyone worried about there seeds being grown by us keep watch for my diary and sis decided to do her own diary next season so when we grow your seeds and pumpkins the produce will be showed as for known seeds vs unproven seeds it matter not to us as long as we grow bigger next season all will be well have a great safe halloween all and enjoy your big pumpkins,

10/28/2005 7:17:11 PM

Mocksville, NC

So Brett can I send you a b-pack for the 2nd time?
even if I cant get the 1124 from ya! yes I am begging.
I don't know what you do, but every seed I planted of yours
took right off. not 1 failed to germinate, i'll beg for that anytime I have no pride had to do away with it. So what do you say?

10/28/2005 7:24:25 PM