From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Northeast

Im getting the sense that seed control and distribution is swinging more toward clubs than the old method of sending youre buddy an envelope. Im not sure how I feel about this. Any opinions? David

1/8/2005 8:24:50 PM

Topsfield,ma.

I think the buddy system is alive and well. I've done about 65 bubble packs so far this year. About half of these growers gave me seeds from thier pumpkins. Clubs give a ways, sales and auctions are just another way of getting seeds.The more the merrier.I still make a personal requests for seed and I think most growers enjoy receiving them. Woody lancaster

1/8/2005 9:35:51 PM

Rhode Island

this is a new england three way conversation by the look of things
i think the way this hobby is going is that

1. you trade with your friends and mail out to people that request but usually only give out seeds from the previous season only ( unless a special request is made )

2. if you have deeper pockets you will spend on a seed that you feel could help you over the top
also some growers also enjoy not only getting the seed but helping clubs prosper

3. if you have a quote " hot seed " thats the time you can help those that helped you in the past,plus donate a couple to clubs that are trying to raise funds for there weighoffs

1/8/2005 11:04:51 PM

Montoursville, PA

I took a differnent look at this. Three years ago I sent out bubbles, went to two seminars and a garden tour. The net result is that I have perhaps a hundred seeds in a box.

It is my net belief that this is wasted time and money. This year I am using one purchased seed and one I received by association.

I have sent out to a few who sent me seed or requested seed.

Until I prove to myself that I can grow equal to the success of the leaders any good looking genetics proven or unproven will satisfy my needs.

My point is that a half hour in the halls of Niagra or around the edge of any association event plus what may be said at the event could be far more important than a seed bank from which a few are grown yearly.

The sport is growing. The work load sending out seeds is beyond my imagination for the leaders if they still send them out.

The sport is changing. Don L's. web site offers great seed with proven genetics for just $10.00 a seed. Associations make proven seed or genetics available at reasonable price.
Allmost anyone can and should join at least one association and attend a representative sampling of the activities. There at the activites you will meet the leaders and you can develop a personal relationship.

A good old fashioned phone call and statement of desire to grow a specific seed will very often get results if you also have proven you can actually grow excellent results.

I personally do not expect to have representatives of the hand full of very excellent perceived scarce seed. When and if I prove to myself and others that I can grow, in the top 25%, of the weight arena I may buy one or have a friend that would give me one. I believe any seed with good genetics will answer my immediate need including the local crosses made, in my home area.

I'm pleased, to try and improve my soil and grow what I can grow untill I prove me. That may be more important! What do you think?

1/9/2005 11:28:27 AM

Deer Park WA

Hang in there Doc, with your own seeds and soil you have built surly you will move way up this season!

1/10/2005 12:05:58 AM

Montoursville, PA

Gad's.........no real problem just rethinking the order of importance. I know that my soil is better today than it was yesterday. That can only deliver better growing when all the things I can not controll come up positive...including the luck sometimes thrown in the mix.

Have you heard about devining the winning seed to find "the seed"? ]:o)

1/10/2005 12:02:30 PM

Atlanta, Georgia

Dean Biss dowses all of his seeds and the one
he plans to grow.

I think that there may be something to it since I've successfully dowsed for water in Canada years ago.

Part of it has to do with belief, part with magnetism and
part with who knows what...magic?

In this hobby I don't think anything can hurt...sing to your plants, sleep with them, play grow-big music to them and put beneficial crystals near them...but the bottom line seems to be hard work, good soil, good seeds, good weather and good luck. If all else fails call in the psychic! LOL!

1/13/2005 5:09:58 AM