From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Niagara Falls,NY

Is it just me or are the number of people offering to share their seeds next to zero? I mean there used to tons of people offering to share their seeds with other growers. I think so far I've seen a few, but nothing like it was. I's a bummer for new people or people on a budget. What gives???

1/22/2013 8:04:45 PM

Niagara Falls,NY

Oops, left the t out of it,s!

1/22/2013 8:11:15 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I think it has come down to if you want it you have to ask for it. I prefer it this way...this way you are going to do your homework.

1/22/2013 8:21:26 PM

British Columbia, Canada

I give away 100 seedlings every year to the community. People are always lining up at my door the first week of May, lol

1/22/2013 9:13:45 PM

3 acre corner in Whittaker,Mi USA ([email protected])

Not sure either....but I know that I got my start 3 years ago by great people here giving me seeds to get me started (both being asked by me and offered). I think I have some stashed away that I grew and if someone wants some then I can get someone started as well. (only as long as I know they will see dirt) then people are welcome to them..
email me at [email protected] Erik

1/22/2013 10:03:47 PM

El Paso TX.

Think it is also partly because the weights have gotten up there so quickly and everyone seems to be wanting seeds from only 1500+ lb kins these days so even offering up seeds from a +\- 300-500 lber gets no takers -- esp. since the price of Bubbles is getting up there ( $2 - $3 for supplies and $5 +\- for postage on each bubble) making it actually cheaper sometimes to buy them at auction or from a supplier if getting a several different seeds.

I give out several on other forums and locally to people looking for some practice seeds or wanting to give them a try that haven't grown before but doubt there'd be much interest in my tiny 300Lbers that grow in our desert soil and heat !

But definitely do appreciate the growers here that do share !!

1/22/2013 10:34:19 PM

El Paso TX.

Plus I think a lot of growers don't want to post offers before the auction season is finished to keep from competing with them and the auction season seems to be getting closer to the start of growing season these days !

Combine that with the clubs giving so many seeds with their membership packets that joining a club or 2 gets you more seeds than you'll ever plant and that might be part off the answer to your question.

1/22/2013 10:43:11 PM

Piqua, Ohio

in the last 3 years I've given out hundreds of seeds only to see they don't get planted, that's part of the reason I don't offer them. anymore I keep less than 50 seeds out of my pumpkins and compost the rest. I think what JDfan said is true, so many good genetics out there to grow. last year I paid $130 for an 1807 this year they barely bring $50. I bought a 2009 for less than I paid for the 1807.

1/23/2013 10:44:54 AM

Omaha, Ne.

Times change, The more groups the lower the seed costs, Huh go figure :). I still got a pile from last year, that may never see dirt. The first year I had big ambitions and only two spots to grow. Now I just ask for just a few. Think I'll donate the rest to a club.

1/23/2013 3:45:56 PM

I think Josh is right about people making an effort to send seeds out and not being planted. If someone asks for a seed,it should be planted and then maybe there would be more offers.

People want the hot seeds and maybe the best seed isn't being grown, which could be why some are saying to plant at least 1 of your own. I was thinking of offering my excess seeds but for the same reason as Josh ,i am going to do like JA,JD and DC which may encourage new people to the hobby.

1/23/2013 4:38:24 PM

3 acre corner in Whittaker,Mi USA ([email protected])

These points are actually right on the money everybody.. It is kinda cool to watch someone grow something that you gave them and if you give them some and they dont at least TRY to grow them then youre like "what the heck..Not cool". Erik

1/23/2013 8:55:45 PM

Niagara Falls,NY

Then why have a seed exchange site at all?

1/23/2013 9:08:17 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

Year before last I ask for seeds to get me started, Josh was amoug those I recieved seeds from. Klinker, Krause, Jensen, Lovelace and others I'm sure. I have attempted at least one from every grower, and many again this past year. Now I'll grow some more of them again this year plus the second generation from first year. Maybe next year I'll seek some new genetics!

1/23/2013 9:31:38 PM

South East

swapp em and dont expect nothing. Just to be curtious and get to know a new grower, or at least make first contact.

1/23/2013 11:01:10 PM

Central Minnesota

My advice is to ask someone. I give seeds to anyone that asks and have never had anyone say no when I ask. Pretty easy actually. I try to support the clubs and buy seesd at auctions, but asking the growers certainly doesn't hurt.

1/24/2013 9:20:43 AM

Rhode Island

WHEN RON AND I STARTED OUT IN THIS "ORANGE THING OF OURS" HOBBY MANY VERY GENEROUS GROWERS FILLED OUR BUBBLE REQUESTS.
ITS HOW WE GOT OUR START.ALL VIA SNAIL MAIL AND PHONE CALLS I MIGHT ADD.NO BP OR SOURCING THE LIKES OF WHAT YOU HAVE AVAILABLE TODAY.

BECAUSE OF THAT EARLY SUPPORT FROM SOME VERY GOOD GROWERS MANY SO CALLED HEAVY HITTERS AS WELL AS NEW/NEWER GROWERS HAVE CARRIED ON THE TRADITION OF FILLING AND/OR OFFERING BUBBLE REQUESTS.

THATS THE GREAT THING ABOUT OUR HOBBY.ITS NOT JUST THE PUMPKINS ITS THE GREAT PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE WAY.SOME WILL REMAIN LIFE LONG FRIENDS.

PEOPLE LIKE TINA AND FRANK ARE A FINE EXAMPLE OF WHAT I MEAN.

PAP

1/24/2013 9:53:52 AM

Missouri Wine Country

I'm trying to get growers going in my area, I buy some nice seeds, some get given to me. The extra seeds that come in my bubbles that I don't plant get given to friends to get them interested in growing. Not any fun if you have to celabrate by yourself. I got started buy someone giving me seeds.

1/25/2013 5:56:37 PM

Johnston, Iowa

Its amazing what a person can get by just asking nicely. I can identify with *Everything* Pap said, and I'm definitely grateful for the online resources which are available now. If this was 1994 I'd be on my own and growing bunk AG seeds from the local garden store. At the same time I will practice what I preach. Will post an offer in the seed exchange momentarily.

1/25/2013 11:05:06 PM