From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Western Pa.

Something has been very unsettling to me lately. There is a person who uses this site and the mallorn list quite often, whose main purpose is to, at any cost ,obtain top seeds. I, and probably a lot more of us have been e-mailed by this person with seed (and address)requests. Out of respect to the growers, I don't give this private info out.This person, after asking me for an address, obtained it from another source, and then, e-mailed the conversation back to me to "rub it in my face". I have always been willing to help any new grower with seeds or advice. This person is not as interested in growing as they are in obtaining seeds, which makes me wonder about the motive. We also know that some seed has drawn as much as $350 on the intermet, for one seed. This person has also e-mailed me saying he was interested in buying a seed and had $325. I find nothing wrong with obtaining seeds, but it now seems to me as if someone is attempting to "profit" from seeds. These seeds ARE protected by law. I don't grow these things to expect any profit, and I don't think that the purpose of this site is to help to attempt a "seed whore" make a profit. Note that I am not mentioning any names, and I could be totally wrong. It's just that this whole thing has caused me to re-think about how I distribute MY seeds and pumpkin growing information.This is all I'm going to say about this matter, though I'm quite sure I won't have the last word.If this person were more interested in hearing about soil enhancement, or any of the other factors of growing a big pumpkin, I wouldn't be so suspect. I just fear that there may be " a fungus amoungus"!

respectfully submitted,

kilr

9/22/2001 12:40:59 PM

canal winchester ohio

Kilr,
Been smelling one now for awhile you are not alone.....Paul

9/22/2001 2:10:42 PM

Rexburg, Idaho

My nose is pretty bad but now that you mention it- I would have to agree. So what do we do about it?

9/22/2001 2:32:01 PM

Long Island,New York

Ignore him.Maybe he'll go away. Spread the word to the growers he'll contact....kinda like an advance warning system. You know what is going to happen? He'll tick someone off so bad he'll get a bum seed (maybe a squash seed?).Maybe others have already done this to him? For that reason alone I wouldn't trade anything...never know what he's really got.......(or she, cause i don't know who kilr is talkin about)..........G

9/22/2001 4:08:10 PM

ny

I hope only honest people use this site, its great, and I've only been growing for a year. It would be shame-full if someone was up to what your saying.

9/22/2001 5:46:59 PM

Kuna, Id.

Got me looking and it seems your right.I hope this one bad seed do'nt ruin it for us first timers who are looking to you all for help and seeds.Maybe someone should have a talk with this person?I've been offered seeds without asking thats why I like this page.Everyone wants to help.Ken

9/22/2001 5:50:03 PM

Liverpool , England

yo kilr,
Yeah man your right. All the newbies ask for help even though they are usualy growing an inferior seed...shop bought stuff..and they want to learn about soil, feeding etc...so you can pick them out from others who tend to want the best seed straight off and don't have a clue how to grow them. I live in England and I have been given seed by growers from this and other sites...a lot of which I have grown as they know I am a keen grower and the seed they send will not go to waste. I pass some of this seed out to other English growers to help promote AGs over here...hey I helped a couple of growers get to over 500lb this year. And I dare say I will be offered more again this year....I've even sent seed to growers in USA and Canada. So we just have to go with our feelings...you know what I mean.

Alun

9/22/2001 8:47:09 PM

canal winchester ohio

Alun,
I'll give you a good one. I was contacted by some Australia growers so I sent the seeds off , but with a couple of ideas in mind (1) just to give seeds where they were needed but most important it gives me the winter to set back & see how these seeds would do since not many of them were grown this year.
Kind of a win-win situtation..........Paul

9/22/2001 8:55:48 PM

Manchester, N.H.

I love this site. Whenever I have a question, problem or just want to see what's going on...(like now) I click on to "BIG PUMPKINS". Well, Kilr you said that this whole thing has caused you to re-think about pumpkin growing information. Without this site and the different knowledge from all the growers who help us "first time growers" (and others i'm sure) I wouldn't know half as much as I do without the many people who use this site,and helped me along the way.
So whoever this pile of manure is, I hope he or she gets the picture that this site doesn't want their kind here...Flora

9/22/2001 9:19:20 PM

Buffalo, NY

Kilr, is the whiff comin from the "Middle" of the Pond or the "entire America?"

No Decoder Ring Needed.

Mark

9/22/2001 9:25:46 PM

GULFPORT,MISSISSIPPI

Kilr,Alun, and the rest of the helpful board members.... I sure hope one "bad seed" doesn't ruin it for the rest of us first-timers. I know that many of us are very grateful for the advice and growing tips that everyone on this board hands out.Without this help i would be going through the same frustration that i have for the past four years. I know that i'm not growing AG's this year, but i'm just thrilled to have my patch still alive and doing well at this time of the year! I would like to try AG's next year and was going to request a couple of seeds, but now i'm afraid some members might think i'm in the same boat as the mystery grower. Please don't let this "seed hog" ruin it for the honest backyard growers doing it for the fun of it.
thanks, the UPSMAN

9/22/2001 10:21:48 PM

Greencastle, PA

It's me. I'm just beig misunderstood because of the large age gap here. I didn't intend to rub it in your face, I'm sorry if it seemed like that, I've never tried to offend anyone. I'm trying to get top seeds because that's what we all want, right? I don't remember asking you for Fred C.'s address, I sent you the conversation because I thaught you would like to seee what people are saying about you. If you have any ideas on how we can all better understand eachother I would be glad to here them.
Tom

9/22/2001 10:25:42 PM

Greencastle, PA

I am a backyard grower, I ask for so many because you won't believe how many people ask me for seeds. sent some all the way to Aus. and Malasyia. Again I would be glad to hear any helpful suggestions.
Tom

9/22/2001 10:42:28 PM

Herndon, VA

Actually, Tom, what we all want to do is grow big pumpkins; you are the one trying to get all the top seeds. You publicly ask for so many seeds it is obvious to all that you could not possibly grow even a fraction of them.
Apparently you have more fun collecting, trading, and distributing seeds than you do actually growing them. I'm not saying this is wrong, however I don't know any other growers who have created a web page with "free seeds" who then plead with the pumpkin community for the seeds to support it.

Most people ask for seeds because they want to PLANT them, or even to trade someday for the seed they are really looking for. The goal in all this is to grow a prize winning pumpkin. I don't think you are looking to profit, however I can understand why others may be a bit suspicious of your lengthy seed lists. One thing I don't understand is why you don't just tell people where to go for seeds, i.e. BIGPUMPKINS.COM, instead of trying to be a sort of "middle man" for AG seeds. But hey, that's none of my business...I'm just trying to grow big pumpkins.

Bryan

9/22/2001 11:27:21 PM

Greencastle, PA

I do have links to other seed sources, people kept asking me so I made a seed page, I do enjoy distributing though, it just feels good giving other people good seeds. I swear that all of my seeds are to my knowlege real, I don't think that anyone has been sending me fakes either, but, unless they did, what I say I have I have. I also want to grow a big one and have several ideas to help with the heat and bugs and diseases next year.I do want to grow a prize winner, but I'm younger amd therefore less focused and competitive as you. This will change over time, next year I will be more focused than I am now, just let me hang around and you'll see. Thanks,
Tom

9/22/2001 11:41:14 PM

Greencastle, PA

I'm going to spend my savings on soil and fertilizers etc., Kilr. no $300 seeds for me, they're worthless with $1 soil. Thanks, kilr, I almost made a HUGE mistake.
Tom

9/22/2001 11:43:21 PM

Greencastle, PA

I'm serious too. I'm not just trying to make you like me, really, thanks. I owe you.

9/22/2001 11:44:04 PM

western Kentucky

I have to say that I have asked for a few seeds on this site, and i haven't asked for much help soil wise. But I only have i think 18 seeds total so.... I do not always find seeds. I only have one seed from a 600lbs+ pumpkin, and that seed didn't perfom so well this year. I am not askin' for seeds right now and i am not lookin for sympathy. I just want you to know my perspective. The reason i haven't asked for to much help with soil and stuff like that is because I have done and I do a lot of independent research on plant nutrition, photsynthesis, respiration, fertilization, and all that good stuff. Not to mention I live in Kentucky on a farm and have grown-up in the garden and in the feild. I appreciate this site it has came in very handy. I know 2 of the seeds that i plan on planting next year but I plan on having 7-8 so i still need a few seeds. I am not goin to ask for seeds until i do some research on them, but I would care if someone reccomended a few good seeds for me to try. oh and among the seeds that i will be plantin' the 2 i know of are the 275 Desrosiers and the 411 Inzero.

thanks for the help Justin

PS sorry 'bout digressin' off the subject but I have a hard time stayin' on track

9/23/2001 1:02:56 AM

Ga.

no seed here yet either,,though I have asked a few people..Kinda makes me want to go to the corner,,and not ask for anything...I grew from a packet this year,,and I'm tickled pink over my AG...I think it's between 150-200...Going to weigh soon,,it has stopped growing completly.....Happy growing everybody..

9/23/2001 6:19:26 AM

Western Pa.

NEWBIES, (and others)

Don't shy away from trying to obtain seeds from this site, there will be plenty of seeds with excellent genetics available, just for the cost of mailing. You are the reason that those of us that have had some limited success, donate seeds to and support this site. We that have grown big pumpkins enjoy the feeling so much, that we just want to "spread it around". This site is an information forum,where any question about giant pumpkins is readily welcome. And to the creators of this site, we all owe a big Thanks, for all the work the have done, and are continuing to do. All growers are also welcome to use this site,let's just not take "advantage" of the generousity of others. Thanks Ken and John!

in pumpkins,

kilr

9/23/2001 7:57:13 AM

canal winchester ohio

Jeff,
Never fear I still have your address. Although there are few certainties in the world I know for a fact you will be overwhelmed with seeds this fall...........Paul

9/23/2001 9:24:43 AM

Long Island,New York

Lets back up a minute.We wont let one bad apple spoil the hobby.Seeds will be available in quantity and quality, given with a smile and a hearty good luck.That I can guarantee. Advice will be always be available and as helpful as possible. There isn't anything wrong with having or trying to obtain many seed...its actually a good thing,as it increases the diversity and choices you have and we never know whats the next good seed. The problem is when thats the only focus and its done incessantly under the guise that it will be grown.Its a problem when someone lies about intentions...when someone talks about becoming best friends with someone just to get a seed...uses people.Abuses people. Being off topic and giddy is a trait of a twelve year old.We can deal with some of that.Deceit,manipulation, and deliberate antagonization in chat rooms (and here) is a sign of a bigger problem. The problem isn't erased by saying "Im 12...you dont understand".Everyone here was 12 once, and we do understand...its not your age thats the problem........G

9/23/2001 9:46:47 AM

Ga.

Thanks Paul,,kilr,and Lipumpkin...Well said...I'm trying to clone mine from this year even though it was a seed packet,,and is trying to go squmpkin...It was pretty good with the heat,,,remember,,I'm fairly close to the coast,,so lots of humidty....Think I'll try to cross with one of the good seed from you guys/gals and see what we get the following year..I really appericiate all of your help this season,,,my year is done,,nothing growing and lots of leaves dying...Hope my biggest keeps til halloween....Anyone wanting to try a clone heat tolerate,,let me [email protected]
Jeff ^_^

9/23/2001 10:18:01 AM

Pulaski Tn [email protected]

i want to put my 2 cents worht in. it seems to me that good seeds are important but.. its what you do with them that is more important, from what i have read here lately some people have started with a 925 crossed with a 600 and came up with a soccer ball sized pumpkin.. not that i know anything about growing big pumpkins but.. i took some ebay seeds and grew several over a hundred pounds.. mainly because from all the help you guys have given me and didnt plant them until the middle of june, i did do and experiment though i let one plant go at it on its own with no care and it grew a hundred pounder but then i had several others that i watered and fed and all that jazz and they grew hundred pounders also.. go figure, i cant. but.. i would like to have maybe 3 or 4 seeds from a 600 desoris i think thats how you spell it because of their heat tollerance. thanks Keith

9/23/2001 12:46:30 PM

canal winchester ohio

I'm going to put my idea in on this" heat tolerence" stuff.
1st I don't believe in heat tolerence. I lost my mombert 934 this year to EXTREME heat. This does not make this seed a bad heat seed. It just means that conditions were exactly
right to take out that plant . I've checked out what the problem was & how to prevent it next time I've faced with the same problem. I have 1 934 left & I've put it in my must keep list. You could plant a "so-called " heat tolerence seed" & then have a cool wet summer.
My idea on this is the seeds that have not been crossed as many times within themselves (ex. when you check out a family tree the same 1 or 2 names do not appear numerous times in the entire family tree)are more HARDY to any conditions not just heat.
If you go back and check some of these MUST HAVE seeds we all want they fall into this category. That is they are not
" inbred"
This year coming up I am growing squash because of that reason , they are not grown as much therefore are not as "inbred" I have a squash I grew "353" that falls in this category and every time I plant it you can't kill it . You can almost cut the plant all the way back & it pops back.
Now this is not a super seed just a very hardy seed. If we do not pay attention to this when we make our crosses in 5-6 years we could have a bunch of seeds that will not grow execpt in perfect conditions.
That's just my opinion I could be wrong......Paul

9/23/2001 1:11:48 PM

Long Island, NY

And Another 2 cents,

I'm a newbie too. Mostly lurking and learning and a request here and there for help and for some AGs to try. I've read a lot of threads and I have to say that I think Tom's intentions are harmless. He is young and ardently enthusiastic about the hobby. Read his post - He is not just looking for seeds he is trying to help others grow pumpkins amd learning at the same time. While he has asked for more seeds than most he also seems to have more post than most members, adding a comment, not a request to most of his messages. I think his enthusiasm has just extended a little beyond the unwritten protocols for free seeds requests.

As a newbie I also requested seeds from the seed exchange board and also from the seeds page. On top of that I purchased 10 or so different pumpkin seed pakages such as prize winner and big moon. Can I plant all these next year, of course not. I'm sure as I learn more about the genetics the my seed request and preferences will become more focused, as will Tom's.

Sorry to bore you all, and Tom thanks for your help with my most recent stem rot dilema.

Steve

9/23/2001 1:17:28 PM

Greencastle, PA

No problem, Stevo, I want to help people to. It just might not alway seem like it. I'm sorry for offending you all, I didn't intend to, I hope we can still try to get along with each other, I once had a fist fight with my best freind (twice acctually) and I just got back from his house, let's not let one bad expirience ruin the rest of the season, good things happen, bad things happen. I hope we all can put this behind us and try to think about the rest of the season. Can I still give seeds to this site, although Ken did say people might not want seed from a 30 pounder. They are real. I'm aboutt to send out a 968 Stellpflug (a real one) is there anything I should tell the person about it? heat stress, splits, diseases, etc. Good luck,
Tom

9/23/2001 2:26:58 PM