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Saegertown Pa.

Some of this years fruit had low seed counts, I'm up 30% on the bubbles that I have received at this same time last year. Last year I sent out seeds from my top three fruit, I'm not going to be able to do that this year, my 1521.5 and especially my 1483.5 had very low seed counts. I have posted pictures of all my pumpkins that I grew this year, and I have donated some of all my seeds from this year's fruit to the OVGPG seed sale, there posted on are web sight. I can't guaranty that if you send me a bubble you will receive the seeds you request. But they will be fore sale on the OVGPG web sight while they last. I will still be sending out seeds this year but with the amount of new growers in the USA and other countries I can see this becoming a proublem in the future.

12/9/2008 3:13:38 PM

Team Munson

Quinn brings up an interesting dilemma that happens every off season. I know I have had in excess of 400 bubbles in a given year, this does not include the donations I do for any club that asks. You want to be good to all clubs and growers but that can not physically happen especially with low seed counts.

What is the solution?

A) Do you only send seeds to clubs so they can acquire funds to sustain their grower education and prize structures?

B) Do you fill all seed requests till your seeds are gone or you very few left?

C) Do you only mail specific seed(s) to growers who are going to plant that seed(s) in the coming year?

D) Do you only mail seeds to clubs and to growers who have a history of growing world class fruit?

I am interested to hear what your opinion is on this taboo subject and thank Quinn for bringing up this yearly dilemma. I know I have struggled with this yearly but want to help as many growers as possible and I know what my priorities are but am curious to see how others feel.

12/9/2008 3:52:33 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I think it was a classy gesture and Quinn summed it up very well. Due to circumstances beyond his control he may not be able to honor all seed requests. Personally I'm grateful to people like you who generously share your seeds although I would hate to see a HH leave him/her self short because they felt obligated to honor every request. Most of major league growers are more than generous with their seeds you shouldn't struggle with the dlemma of not being able to satisfy everyone, you can't.

12/9/2008 5:10:18 PM

Minnesota

I would say (hopefully next year I will be able to send seeds to clubs worthy of growing them) whatever the grower wants to do with them, they're his or her seeds to distribute or grow in anyway they see fit. There should be no obligation to nor should the grower be expected to send back seeds to other growers. Thou it would be nice when the grower does.

12/9/2008 5:19:09 PM

huntsburg,ohio

I'm in the same boat as Quinn.More bubbles than ever and some poor seed counts.I can remember 10,12 years ago maybe doing 30 trades and alot of those guys i still trade with.But like Quinn I've donated many to our club and a few to other clubs(Also had more clubs hit me up than ever before)my 1446 had about 60 good seeds in it and i donated half to our club so unless somebody gonna plant it for sure there proably not gonna get one.Also had low count on 1108 and 1244.5.So like Quinn said if theres something you want for sure might have to get through club other than that i'll send what I can.Jerry

12/9/2008 6:34:18 PM

Linden,PA

Quinn, I would love to have a chance to grow one of your seeds. But, I will only be growing for the second year and I have quite a bit to learn, only reaching 715lbs. last season. I feel it will take a couple more years to get my patch in shape to grow that 1500 pounder. I would rather get a chance to tour your patch in the beginning of August and pick your brain!! Mark

12/9/2008 6:47:14 PM

nOVA sCOTIA

Give a specific seed to growers who gaurante they will grow it. They also must have a history of growing good size fruit. I hate to see a good seed wasted.

12/9/2008 6:57:10 PM

Going Green

Clubs like the GVGO and RMGPG send out great seed packets with membership. It is only an opinion but I believe that those of you growing anything larger than 500 pounds should contribute to clubs and they can get your seed by joining the club! As for sending a bubble to DAVE STELTS I feel that it is difficult to get Daves email, ask Dave for a seed or two, send a self addressed stamped envelope by buying bubble and envelopes putting sufficent postage on each sendinmg it to Dave and then after some delay Dave mails it back! I spent 62 to 83 cents to mail the envelope and $1.30 t0 $1.60 for postage on the bubble. Then because some postal guy did not like the size of the envelope there is another 20 cent charge. As for auctions....I am retired and on a limited income. It costs me $3.00 avgerage to send you a bubble and I am at your mercy as you might send one seed or eight! After having sent out some envelopes last year and this year trying to collect the right seeds, my advice is join a club which sends out seed to its membership! Support our clubs and not just your local one both in donation of seeds and by buying a membership!

As for the GVGO they are great and if you let them know about your intrest in growing Long Gourds or some other giant, they will do their best to help you out! As for the RMGPG, I know it is difficult putting up with the Wiz (just kidding, Gary) but they also do an excellent job accomadating members as much as possible!

All and all Giant Pumpkin Growers are great people and the clubs are fabulous, (just fabulous)! Whats more the newsletters are worth there weight in gold and the knowledge of the members without price and priceless!

So to condense my answer donate to the clubs and those of you who want seeds and need seeds join clubs.

12/9/2008 7:08:30 PM

Ohio

m3f2, not being smart here, well maybe a little but, just because you send Dave a bubble it doesnt make him obligated to send anything.
Hes not your vender, and he doesnt have to accomadate you, like you thought by saying in a post about a month ago.

12/9/2008 8:14:40 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Quinn, Jerry, and Dave are ALL class acts. I've met them all and their dilemma is well understood.

12/9/2008 8:20:00 PM

Clayton, Ohio, USA

Hey folks. You could grow Quinn and Jerry's seeds and those two could grow your seeds. I guarantee they would still kick most of your arses by 500 pounds/pumpkin.

12/9/2008 8:20:01 PM

Columbus Ohio

Not to take anything away from anyone on this list, but I believe that my genetic are just as good as quinn's, daves and everyone else that made a cross last year. I Next year we are going to have 14 plant of which I plan on having 10 of our own seeds, and of those 10 they are seeds from last year. I have my cross 2 from 2002 (1260X845) that was never grown up til this year. We got a late start on the plant and did not pollinate until July 28. We weighed it in at the southern ohio weigh off and it was 835. The deal is that the plan was still putting on over 20 pounds a day when we got hit by Ike and the pumpkin shut down only putting on another 60 pounds or so. I guess my point is that we all have great genetic and in capable hands they all can grow giants. If you like the cross, grow it even if it came from a first year grower and only weighed 200 pounds. I think the next great seeds has been sitting on someones shelf the past 2 or 3 years. It just needs to hit the dirt.

12/9/2008 8:21:03 PM

milford, CT,

I think Quinn and Dave lead us to the real point...Supply and demand are going to force people to do their homework and only request what you would grow. After a few years of sending out bubbles you end up with hundreds of seeds that don't get planted. Make a plan..research potential seeds that you are interested in and ask for those. The days of growers sending out everything they grew is going away. There are more growers than ever and it is not possible. I know some people feel they might miss out on a seed that ends up "hot" but that's the way it is going. Nobody said picking good seeds was easy but with some time put in you can narrow down the possibilities. Just my 2-cents!! Mark

12/9/2008 8:27:07 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

Before sending a bubble, I ask... & take 'sorry' in grace and stride. That cuts both someone getting inundated by requests AND the cost of sending one out. If the person can't & doesn't send it back, my thought is, it'll keep until next year... or the year after. Some that have donated to me, I'm keeping records for if we do the deed-they'll be first on the share list.

I also overstamp 'odd size','too thick' & an extra ounce as well. I'd rather when I ask someone to send me seeds to put a little more on than I think is necessary, than have them have to pay. I'm on fixed income too, I know what tight budget is.

Clubs are great, I joined others & we're still getting ours going here. I didn't get HH class in '08 but I did a nice & little unusual cross, some wanted seed & I shared. Often as trade. One of the clubs already mentioned, the promo handler did want my PB seed for their promo & I sent it; hope it sees dirt. Hope it shows it is as good as I think it will be. Sharing in the spirit of sharing.

I'm proud enough of what I grew to make sure it's going in for '09. "Growing what you Grew". With results, comes the bubbles. Heh.

1. Have respect for your fellow growers. Understand some seed may be very short supply. Ask first before sending that bubble. If they said okay but can't send it back, or send something else, understand.

2. Put enough postage on. That can get expensive if you have 200 bubbles to deal with, but. It's a courtesy. At least put enough on for Odd Size, Too Thick, & an extra ounce (17c an ounce after first, OS, TT).

3. Clubs that have promos and other shareouts; auctions; raffles; are wonderful. Look to a club by JOINING, for some of your seed wants and supplies. And don't forget the same venues, support them with donations of seed.

4. The grower put all the work into it, it's their hard work, skill, luck, and time in that envelope. Give it the respect that deserves!

12/9/2008 9:30:26 PM

no.scituate R I

Quinn & Dave, I know how you feel. There just aren't enough seeds for everyone who would like one, especially this year with so many of my pumpkins with low seed counts. There seems to be more and more growers requesting seeds than ever. Just yesterday, I had 12 bubble packs in my mailbox. I think the way to go is to help out clubs with seed donations that they can distribute however they choose. Joe

12/9/2008 9:37:29 PM

South East

first come first serve seems the most fair to me. save an ammount for yourself and friends and the rest go out to who ever wants them. As far as clubs go, i,m no member anywhere so i rely on the grower rather then a club, its a good idea though. Cant get it? trade or buy at an auction.
And since we all want to promote the hobby its a good thing isnt it. Although expensive at times, maybe even enoying for known '' heavy hitters'' it must be an ego booster to, i mean everyone wants to see his seeds grown.
And theres plenty of seeds out there, so if someone gets a no, then thats not the end of the world.

12/9/2008 9:53:39 PM

Western NY

I've been cutting back on sending out requests the last few years, at the expense of losing out on collecting some prime seeds because I didn't want to bother folks who would be getting bombarded anyway. As it happens, one of those that I decided not to request seeds from turned out to have something that in hindsight I wished I had requested. After thinking it over, I emailed the grower. Perhaps it was the promise to plant it, maybe he knew I would give it a good home here, I don't know, but I did get the seed.

I wish it could work out this way all the time but the reality of low seed counts, grower demand, and promised seeds to clubs makes for a tight supply sometimes. I should know, i've been on the horrible end of having to turn down growers myself.

And remember - if you don't get that seed you want, give an "unlikely" seed a shot, or one of your own. There's no shortage of capable genetics out there.

12/9/2008 10:25:02 PM

Minnesota

I did'nt mean a club worthy of growing my seeds, I ment me having seeds that are worth being planted.

12/9/2008 10:26:06 PM

Pleasant Hill, Or

Just in the short time I have been growing, I have seen "seed collecting" become the #2 goal of a lot of growers, some seem to make it their #1 goal. I have experienced it first hand after growing my first big one, then having it all over the news didn't help either. To add to the chaos, I had people who had never grown anything, who just saw it on the news, ask me for my seeds. Compounded with low seed counts, it gets real hard not to disappoint people. I don't mind trading with people who may grow it, but the ones who just collect seeds just in case they hit are the ones who bother me. I keep records of where all of my seeds go, and because of that, I have caught more people than you would expect double bubbleing me.

My solution is to keep a some for myself, trade with friends, give some to clubs, then if there are any left trade with new people.

I agree with Quinn, seed collecting has become too much of a frenzy, demand is too quickly overtaking supply. There are a ton of great seeds out there. All of the great seeds became great because someone took a chance with it, and it payed off. Be that person and discover the next great seed, or better yet, plant your own and prove it.

12/9/2008 11:22:54 PM

Pocatello ([email protected])

Lots of good points made in this thread.

I used to send out a half-dozen requests in a year. They all always came back with seeds, and I usually planted something from each one. Lately I've found the club model much more to my liking... Just pay your club dues, contribute your own seeds, and wait for that wonderful package to arrive. Now, I don't worry about any other trading, unless there is something very specific that I want and that will certainly see dirt.

Last year after getting the club distribution, I randomly examined the list from one of the auctions, and found that I had already received five of the $$ seeds in that auction... they were in the club distribution.

12/10/2008 12:20:47 AM

[email protected]

I have made 2 requests this year, Not sending any bubbbles out. I think the club packages, and auctions are the way to go, It is a win win situation. and frankly it's cheaper.
Use the PGVG or SNGPG seeds sale for Example, For $150.00 you can get more great seeds than you can handle, By the Time you send out 25 bubbles, postage both ways, etc.
Plus club memberships will give you a great amout of seeds also.
And remember What's hot this year, probably won't be hot next as a new seed will take over.
There are also a lot of great seeds at Dills, very cheap, and some of the best in the world.
Eddy, ex seed whore lol

12/10/2008 1:50:28 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

I have to admire the HH's like Quinn, Joe J, Joe P, Jerry & the Wallaces. They really try to get their seeds out to everyone who sends a BP. The last few years seen us have bad seed counts, but this year we seem to have gotten a great count.

I try to donate as many seeds as I can to the GVGO (Home club). I've told growers this year that all my 2008 seeds will be available through the GVGO & that everyone who joins should receive one from each of our 3 fruit. I set aside 325 seeds from each pumpkin for the 2009 GVGO Membership Drive.

We also donated 55 seeds from our 1156 to the SNGPG, 50 seeds from the 1156 to the PECGPG & 20 to the Gentilly club. I usually donate 50 seeds to the PGVG & keep 20 of each seed for myself. The rest are offered up to other growers.

We (GVGO) like to donate seeds to other clubs as well. Last year the GVGO sent out over 12 BP to all the other clubs. This will continue this year. Some clubs didn't even respond to our donation, while others responded with a returned seed packs of their own. Thanks. The seeds we receive from other clubs go towards our Annual Fundraising raffle. The clubs that can't return a BP, I usually try to trade seeds with their local growers in hopes of securing seeds for our future GVGO raffles. I also personally send out 25+ BP to growers that I've traded with for years.

Phil

12/10/2008 7:09:04 AM

southwest MO

That was by far the most powerful display of pumpkins I have ever seen here on BP. Heavy 1,400 pounder after Heavy 1,400 pounder!! Major congrats Quinn.

12/10/2008 11:38:36 AM

Utah

Lots of good posts here.

I too really respect and appreciate the HH's, they are good people who don't want to turn anyone away. I know personally that they are always very generous. I believe they each have to come up with their own answer. Make some kind of priority list based on whatever they choose. (I know how I would do it ... me, my home club, my close friends, other clubs, others who promise to plant it, and then everyone else [first come first serve or lottery of some kind]... but I don't have this problem! lol)

As for the rest of us - I think we need to not send off a SASBP unless we have talked to the HH grower recieved an OK to send one. And that we need to do this every year unless other arrangements are made. This way HH's don't end up having BP that they can't fill.

And like others have mentioned there are tons of great seeds out there with great genetics... Just as good as the HH's seeds- and we should look into growing those. What will help make that happen is the HH's telling us no.

Also we need to not be upset or dissappointed if we get told sorry all the seeds have been alloted.

and that's my 2 cents worth...

12/10/2008 12:02:43 PM

Netherlands

If you want to grow a world record and not have any seed requests, grow a squash.

Been there, done that. It works.

12/10/2008 12:35:35 PM

Knopp, Germany

great thread. watch out for what you wish for, there is more that 1500 pounds behind a pumpkin.

one day you are burying vines thinking the world is great and the next day it is snowing and your are contemplating how do i tell someone no, i can not fill your request.

The growers that get hundreds of requests for seeds every year put up with more then most of us (me included) can even imagine. Us new growers should be very grateful.

There are great ideas on how to handle this type of situation, join clubs, send emails requesting before you send bubbles, etc.

My name is Owen, and I was a professional bubble sender. I have not sent out request for seeds from the masses as I used to for a few years now. I joined clubs, sent my seeds, and was always overjoyed if I ever got a bubble from someone that I did not request one from, those are your true friends.

My hat is off to those that get overwelmed. I think this problem is probably limited to new growers, and I understand that fully, being one myself.

New growers, read this thread, put yourself in the HH's position and take their advice.

12/10/2008 12:37:24 PM

Cornelius, Oregon

For me, I take my seed batch from the fruit. Dry them, clean them and then go through and take out the bad seeds. Then I count them. I select out the best 50 to 100 (depending on the seed count) and store them away in the hoard cabinet for myself and the future. Then I donate to my club, usually around 25%. Then I trade with my long standing friends and guys and gals I have traded with for years. Then with what is left, I begin to fill the new bubble packs....Not every one of the new packets gets a seed from every fruit, but I do my best to keep everyone happy. Yes, I am old school, yes I do have a "Seed Collection", but now I am filling the wants of new growers with seeds that may not have hit the big time, but are still good genetically, still from great growers, and still have all the potential to grow a nice big pumpkin.

I get made fun of for having a massive seed collection, but you know what, when a new grower says "I just want some seeds" and I am out of giveaways from my stock, I can dig into that hoard and throw in 20 good seeds from other growers. So, do I hoard seeds, yep. But I also like to give the new guys a nice fat pack of seeds to open. I was a new guy once....

12/10/2008 12:48:20 PM

[email protected]

Overheard at a pumpkin seed hoarder's anonymous meeting...

"Hello, my name is Rocky and I am a seed hoarder."

Crowd responds - "Welcome Rocky... Tell us a bit about yourself"

"It all started back in 1997 for me, I had to have that Andersen 977 because it was the largest of the year and I could not get the prior year's 1000 pounders. I started sending out bubble after bubble and here I am ten years later with over 1000 seeds I will never grow. I have since seen the light and only send bubbles to the few I have traded with for years along with an email to a top Heavy Hitter asking for his seeds with the PROMISE it will see dirt the following year. It took me several years to figure this out but here I am today."

Moderator - "Thank you for sharing Rocky. There are many growers here that feel your pain and understand what you are going through. The urge to have the top seed is nice, but if you are not going to grow it, why ask for it? Seed auctions, promos, and club distributions are the best avenue if you have to "try" for a hot seed. If you really need it - email the grower and ask him/her - they just may have one for you with that promise!"

"Thank you for listening".

Tomorrow night we will review the book by Andy Box entitled, "Monkey on My Back - and How I Got Rid of It".

See you there Ned.

12/10/2008 12:48:34 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Great topic...I also started by asking, and then sending lots of bubblies!!! I now have a seed collection that I am trying to distribute privately, to new growers. I have recently been given part of the honor of trying to collect seeds for the KGPG auction each year. I am truly amazed at the generosity of the HH's each and every year, their willingness to help, and their honesty about what is available, is outstanding!! Several of these well known folks, just say...sure, just tell me yer addy, no bubblie needed! Most all are willing to help out our new group here in Kentucky, and I say THANKS to all of you!!! Peace, Wayne

12/11/2008 1:18:05 AM

Upstate S.C.

THEPUMPKINGURU, I want to personaly thank you for you post. I am a new grower and although I am new grower and don't have many seeds to work with I am still a MAN..And I really have a problem begging for anything so I want. Thats why I am so very greatfull to the folks that have helped me this year, and will reward them when I hopefully become a HH. Not one time did I have to beg. Now I didn't get a response from everyone but thats o.k. and there were no hard feelings, but 99.9% of the people that I emailed sent me seeds and all I did was tell them the truth, that I am new and that I would grow there seed and keep them abreast of how there seed does way down here in the south. I think that for the most part, HH like helping people like a new guy out, I mean who wouldn't. If I am lucky enough to become a HH one day I would thrilled to get an email from someone THOUSAND'S of miles away asking for some help or ONE OF MY SEEDS. When that day comes I will know that I have hit the big time. WATCH OUT!!!

12/11/2008 1:46:58 AM

Bloomington, IN

SCTROOPER, you first name wouldn't happen to be Chris would it?

12/11/2008 7:11:02 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

If you're fortunate enough to request and get the hottest seeds out there, good for you. If not, just do a little digging. I logged on to AGGC and started looking at what some HH's grew over the years. I sent e-mail requests out to a couple of HH (I don't want to put anyone on the spot so let's just call them Phil and Jake ) The seeds that interested me most are from 04 and 06, great crosses in any year and rarely grown for some reason. There's lots out there.

12/11/2008 9:42:05 AM

Marion,IN

Here is my story on making contact with a grower before sending a bubble. First weighoff was this past season. There were a lot of HH's there. It was like an all-star game. I approached one HH about the possibility of getting some seeds after the weigh-offs were over. In short, he said no for a multitude of reasons. I tried! Later, I was waiting to get loaded up to leave, I see another HH standing right beside me, yikes.. Anyway, we start talking he said "you know how to send a bubble envelope?" I say "certainly sir!!" He said get a pen and paper and I'll give you my address and I'll hook you up with some good seeds! While I ran back to my truck this HH talked pumpkins with my wife. She won't talk pumpkins with me, but will talk and talk to the HH's about them. THe HH's get all the chicks lol!! Anyway, later she said,that guy was so nice, who is he?? Oh boy, she has alot to learn. Persistance is key.

12/11/2008 11:31:14 AM

Knopp, Germany

LOL Mark, great story, lesson learned, take wife to weigh offs and instruct to talk to HHs. That was funny.

12/11/2008 12:24:31 PM

Oakley, UTAH

quinn thanks for the info on low seed count and honesty about it, i am new to the game so only looking to grow some 1000/1200 lbs this next couple of yrs to figure out some of the traits involved, when i get good enough then i may ask a few HH's for some great seeds, anyway i hope u dont mind me asking a ? or 2 when on the chat line thanks curt (lave)

12/11/2008 6:12:41 PM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

I agree with Okiegal, always ask BEFORE you send a bubble and accept "no" respectfully. And if you do get your bubble back filled with seeds make sure you make an effort to contact that grower with a big THANK YOU! All these heavy hitters haves jobs just like the rest of us and I would imagine that several hundred bubbles inundating your mailbox gets time consuming. Sure, everyone wants to plant seeds from these guys but there are also a ton of seeds out there which were created from crosses of some of these great seeds. I think if more growers would give those lesser known seeds a chance they would find that they would also grow some awesome pumpkins. Hope everybody has a great holiday season!

12/11/2008 6:20:42 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

So very nice to see a thread on this message board, where everyone is being nice!!! This is what bp.com brings out in "most" folks!!! LOL Grow 'em BIG!! Peace, Wayne
PS...thanks Quinn!!

12/13/2008 2:05:21 AM