From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Salinas, Ca

I am considering organizing a patch tour. I have read about and viewed many pictures of successful tours that have transpired throughout the U.S.

With that being said, what are some of the negatives that can happen at the tour and what can you realistically do to prevent them?

Some of the obvious ones:

Accidents occur – a vine accidentally being broken. I think one could mitigate this risk by both roping off a perimeter and discussing the “ground” rules and where one is allowed to venture and not.

Transfer of diseases from patch to patch – Could you mitigate this by wearing those “booties” you have to put on when you go to an open house? Or, could you step into a pool of sanitizer before entering the patch “area” (not the patch itself).

I see that the large successful clubs have the heavy hitters participating so is the risk not that great?

Should one simply have the tour and use common sense and just have fun?

Before I attempt to organize something I’d like to make sure the risks do not outweigh the rewards. Please, give me your thoughts and suggestions.

4/30/2009 11:02:48 PM

Ohio

usually when they have patch tours at my place in the summer, as soon as they let 35 people off the bus I tell them all to spread out evenly, starting at the center and have them all walk down through my patch(like hunters do when trying to jump up grouse or rabbits ).....But the more vines that are smashed the better, helps the pumpkins grow bigger they always say.....






(LOL kidding ya Mike, this is a inside joke.)

5/1/2009 5:18:40 AM

Rhode Island

a patch tour is a great thing. most sites have snacks, drinks,chips ,etc. the host usually also fields questions from the visitors as well.
we dont rope off our patches because 99 and 9/10 percent of growers know not to walk in and around someones plants. rather walk around the boarder ,etc.
i would encourage club insurance though. we have had insurance covering any club event for several years now.
fortunately no one has ever had to use it but none the less its money well spent. --- especially at these type functions.

5/1/2009 6:23:59 AM

Jericho Vermont

We always like to give out food for service. 1 bucket of weeds picked by a touring grower equals one hot dog. Big eaters welcome!

Seriously though patch tours can be a lot of fun. If you don't know the majority of growers it is a nice idea to go over some basic rules before the tour starts and make sure to ask each grower showing their patch what their comfort level is. Make sure to have the group follow those rules.

5/1/2009 6:27:06 AM

Long Island,New York

Might I recommend grief councellors for the ride home in the bus?....especially when you check out the Ohio Valley Tour........

5/1/2009 6:28:16 PM

Corralitos, CA

Hey Mike if you have one this Year let me know. [email protected]

5/1/2009 7:08:47 PM