From

Location

Message

Date Posted

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

Does anyone feel that there is a slow but steady change in the climate of pumpkin growing? Are we moving toward an era of commercialism that did not exist in the past? Is this a good thing? Am I the only one who senses this? Or am I just losing it?

11/2/2005 6:46:13 PM

Puyallup, WA

The winds are a changin'.

11/2/2005 8:08:26 PM

Sequim, WA

I don't think it's that much of a change Marv. There has been an aspect of this around for quite a while. Ray Waterman with his P&P Seed and associated products, Don Langevin with his books, Joel Holland with his videos, all have profited from this hobby for quite a while and have helped bring it to where it is today. The growth in the hobby has provided an avenue for more growers to profit from their involvement in it. I think it is a natural evolution. As long as the market is there and these growers give value in what they provide that market then there is definately a place for it. That said, I don't need to support, supply, or use any of the products I don't want or need. Giant pumpkin growers are definately a niche market and there are few places where as many of them can be reached as this site. I will continue to support my club and friends I have made in the hobby. I have reached the point where I don't feel a need to have the hot seed of the year. I'll swap my seeds with those who want them and continue to enjoy it the way I have in the past. Don't let it bother you too much, just do what you like and have fun.

11/2/2005 10:18:34 PM

Oz

This is AMERICA,,,Everything is for sale.

11/2/2005 10:52:35 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Well said Tiller!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11/2/2005 11:24:05 PM

New Hampshire

I would second that Tiller

11/3/2005 6:53:12 AM

Waquoit Mass

The best of days are in the rear view mirror and they were fun.

11/3/2005 8:34:29 AM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

You are right in what you say Chris. The sport of pumpkin growing is "maturing" and seems to be moving in the direction of everything else in this country. Seeds for sale on EBay, cams in the patch with a product sign next to the pumpkin, probably personal ads painted on pumpkins in the future, who knows? (I never dreamed that boxers would enter the ring with advertisements painted on their backs.) I am sorry to see it happening but life goes on. Change is inevitable and happening at a faster pace each day. I guess it is neither good nor bad. It is simply reality.

11/3/2005 12:01:24 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

The way I see it...Who would have dreamed of receiving $5.00 a pound for the winning 1st place pumpkin. Prize Money, Sponsorship, Internet Sites, and sales of every imaginable product out there available at the tap of a key board. Also consider at some weigh offs this year 5th place was a 1200lb pumpkin.

11/3/2005 12:06:54 PM

Montoursville, PA

Yep.........times are a changing. We had a young lady, second year grower walk away from the weigh-off sight with darn near a thousand bucks, for her summers pumpkin efforts. Only fifty of that was prize money. Every pumpkin that was, for sale, was bought, by the brokers. I even sold a long gourd, for twenty bucks.

11/3/2005 6:45:24 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Rookie grower here who knows this for a FACT!!! This site can remain as the best place for nu-B's to learn and grow as long as we all keep in mind that giving to others is the good way to go. Thanks to all for giving. Happy trails...Peace Wayne

11/3/2005 10:16:07 PM