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No Place Special

I sent a bubble pack to a heavy hitter in Canada, along with a nice letter and $1 for return postage. I think I read here that $1 would cover it. He replied to me via E-mail today " I have your letter and $1 won't even cover the postage on this end not to mention other costs and time" I was rather shocked by this because this was my first negative response Ive had. Everyone else has gone out of their way to get me atleast some seed. Did I go about this wrong? Can someone from Canada tell me what $ for postage is required? He did also say he was swamped with letters and requests so I can only imagine what that would be like. Just was looking for some input on this.
Mike Frantz

11/20/2002 6:07:28 PM

Jackson Twp, Ohio

I saw somewhere else today on this site that you can get us stamps on the US Postal service website, and was curious it seems as if you can do the some thing with the canadian postal service, however i have not tried it yet and i do not know how much it would cost for them to send the stamps. I was wonddering how much canadian postage is required to send a bubble pack to the us?

11/20/2002 7:08:44 PM

van isle b.c. canada

mike, i,m canadian and i,ve found that one dollar us covers the postage close enough for the girl i go with. and no you can,t buy us stamps up here Hi Craigs wife here. Im the one that sends all the envelopes. If I send a bubble pack and a few packets of seeds to the u.s. it costs me about $1.40 to $1.60 canadian. which works out to about 1 dollar u.s. Craig and Darlene from Canada

11/20/2002 8:01:33 PM

Southeast

Similar thing happened to me!

11/20/2002 8:10:34 PM

Deer Park WA

Hmmmm.... Maybe they want some $$$ for their effort? Mike, remember them so when you get a whopper you can return the favor to this "swamped" grower.

11/20/2002 8:17:37 PM

Ontario

yes It also cost me aroun $1.50 canadian to send a bubble pack to the U.S. But this is with no seeds , just a self addressed bubble pack inside. At our postal outlet the try the bubble pack through a plastic templete . If it goes through the slot then it is $1.50 canadian. If it does not fit it cost more. Who is the grower?

11/20/2002 9:09:41 PM

No Place Special

Hello everyone, thanks for your replies here and e-mail. I have had a dozen or so E-mails expressing their curiosity as to whom this person is. As of now i am un-decided if I should let out that info or not. I guess it is this persons right to want something for his trouble. I realy don't want to cause trouble for them either. I am open to opinions on this though. I guess it is my first instinct to NOT say anything until I have had more time to think about this. I really would like to say the name with the intrest of maybe saving some of you the time and money of waisting a bubble pack. For fun I have replied to the E-mail and asked what it ($) would take to get his seeds! I will keep you posted to that and maybe based on that response I will reconsider releasing his name. Like I said before, this was a complete shock to me and I consider it an HONOR when someone requests my seeds. And as some of you know I sent out my seeds with ME paying for the pack and postage. This favor was done for me last year and I thought it was great! I do understand that I only had a hand full of requests which allows me to do this and those with neverending requests would go broke. Anyhow, sorry I can't release the name at this time, and thinks again for advice or recomendations. Mike Frantz

11/20/2002 9:15:05 PM

No Place Special

One more thing.....Im sure my seeds don't meen anything to him, but I sent him some. Does that punch a hole in you theory Tom B.???? LOL

Seed requests granted without sending my own seeds....100%

Seed requests DENIED when sending my own seeds......1

hey...what does that say about my seed....ROFL

Mike

11/20/2002 9:24:50 PM

Ontario

COSTS ME 1.40 CDN WITH SEEDS BUT DEPENDING ON THE PERSOM BEHIND THE COUNTER, i HAD ONE CLERK TRY AND CHARGE ME 2.80 CDN. i ARGUED WITH HER BUT TO NO AVAIL, SO i WENT TO A DIFFERENT POSTAL OUTLET.

DREW

11/20/2002 9:37:33 PM

Kuna, Id.

Mike,
I sent two bucks in each pack. As I was told to by a Canadian grower. Good luck with your problem. Have you offered to send him another buck for postage.
Ken

11/20/2002 10:50:28 PM

Puyallup, WA

When I send a SASBP for seed, I always include $2 to "defray handling costs".

11/20/2002 10:59:08 PM

Sydney, Australia

I sent out 25 Bubble packs overseas with return postage coupons. I got back 19 of them, which was better than I expected. Maybe the others got lost or I had an old address..... Later I found out that the coupons were only worth 80cents, which wouldn't have covered postage. One grower contacted me a told me he didn't send out seeds because he had done so in the past and never heard anything back. Sounds fair enough? From the 19 packs I got back some great seeds from some of the biggest hitters. More than I'll ever be able to plant. I will be sending all those generous people out seeds from all the pumpkins I grow this season. Maybe in a SABP inside an envelope...... I find giving and recieving seeds a great part of this hobby. Ben

11/20/2002 11:28:28 PM

Caceres, Spain

Mike Frantz, I totally agree with your feelings.

11/21/2002 1:01:31 AM

ontario

I agrre with Andrew.some of our postal station charge way to much....depends who you get also.....wayne

11/21/2002 7:59:30 AM

Erin,Ontario.

Hey Mike,don't let one bad apple discourage you.I have an Ebay business and 90% of my transactions are with the US.One of your greenbacks is worth 1.63 of ours as of today.The guy you are dealing with obviously has tremendously high overhead and labour costs,to say nothing of an overinflated ego!!LOl!

11/21/2002 8:52:44 AM

No Place Special

FYI, this grower responded saying that $10 would get me some of his seeds. I know the "paying for seed" topic is a little touchy right now and I really don't know how I feel about. I do know that last winter my rookie year I would have paid almost anything for some AWESOME seeds. I have a slightly different attitude now. I learned (as mentioned somewhere before) that seed may only contribute to 20% of the end result. I fully believe that!!! So I guess that it would be nice to have a 100% no $ involved sport here, which is rare and gives it something special and really that is rare and special, but I do understand why some may try to get something back out of their hard work and skill. This sport or hobbie can become a little expensive at times and I can only imagine the kind of time and MONEY a heavy hitter puts into it. So, is $10 to much to ask??? People breed dogs with "high quality" genetics and don't GIVE them away even though to many that is a hobby???? I plan to always be a free giver, but don't know if I should look down on someone who doesn't. My 2 cents of the day
Mike

11/21/2002 10:04:50 AM

Webster, NY

I also got a response from a heavy hitter asking for $10 for his seed saying it was for postage and his time and handling. I thought it was a bit much, but he never asked for a bbl pack and said he would take care of everything. If he buys the bbl pack, and depending on how he ships things, it might get pricy. I'm not saying it's right or wrong, and don't really want to get into a long discussion on the the "selling" of seeds. I'll see what happens after I get his package. I'm still a bit new at this, but I am finding out that there are so many generous people out there, there is not a real need to spend much money one way or the other. And, my seeds might not be great, but anyone is welcome to as many as they want.

Dave

11/21/2002 10:37:21 AM

Southern Illinois

thats kind of funny,my wife wants buy a shar pei,those things are expensive,she says she wants a hobby,some thing to do to make a little extra money,well i told her to go to the pound find one with a little shar pei mix,raise it and go back to the pound and bred it to another shar pei,i told her to do that for a few years maybe by then she may have some thing good,she laughed at me and said if i am going to raise them,i want the best to start my breeding,imagine that why would a person spend money on a hobby,i guess i cant complain i would buy any seed offerd to me as long as there were good seed,whats the guys addy i will send him 10 dollars for some good seed,i will spend at least over 500 dollars on just pumpkin supplys this year,yes givin seed away is a great thing and i will give all my seed away are trade for seed that they get from there pumpkin the following year,but i will start out with the best seed.

11/21/2002 10:56:06 AM

Mike....how badly do you want his particular seed??
If it is not that big of a deal, I would thank him kindly and ask him to return your $1.00 in the bubblepack provided...no need to send seed :-)

On the other hand, if you really want some of this particular seed, $10.00 is not terribly out of line for people who are selling....of course I don't want to start an ethics discussion on individuals selling seed...but there are places who sell AG seed for $10.00-$12.00.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do!
BTW, where is Walcott, Iowa??

Michele

11/21/2002 11:59:12 AM

Utah

my guess is ...Al Eaton...

Al is a nice guy and has done a lot for the sport, but he did the same thing to me a few years back. he figures his time and seeds are worth $10 USD. and from one point of view it easy to say that his seeds are worth that... on the other hand there are many other growers with just as great of reputation who will give their seeds away for free.

i told him i thought he was selling seeds that it wasn't good for the sport, but it was a free country and he could do whatever he wanted. he said he wasn't selling seeds but my $10 covered shipping, handling and the photographs that were included... the seeds were free.

so the choice is yours... i did it once... probably won't ever do it again. because in my opinion he is selling his seeds and that's not the direction i'd like to see this sport go. but i still think he can do it this way if he chooses.
just my 3 cents...
gordon

11/21/2002 12:54:09 PM

No Place Special

Where the Mississippi river runs east and west in Iowa border Illinois. Comonly refered to as the quad cities. Really Walcott is like a subburb to Davenport IA. Thanks again everyone for your opinions on this subject. Later, Mike

11/21/2002 2:09:46 PM

No Place Special

didn't offer me pics for my money, said I could view them on the AGGC page....LOL

11/21/2002 2:10:45 PM

Ga.

Mike,,see if you can find some seed another grower in usa has grown with same genetics as his and send them a bubbble...I figure if a ,,for example,, 712Kuhn X 801.5 stelts he grew would be no better than the same cross G grew if same seed were used...I'm not saying G has grew this combination,,just used as an example...

11/21/2002 3:10:33 PM

Ontario

Gordon,

Al Eaton and myself have traded seeds for 4 years now and there has never been a charge.

drew

11/21/2002 5:13:15 PM

Commack, NY

Drew, i dont doubt that you and Al have traded seeds. but, (and i in no way mean to insult anyone here), you have grown some enormous pumpkins, and undoubtedly Al would like to exchange seeds with you. Some of us havent attained your level of pumpkin-ness yet, and its those people who seem to incur the $10 charge. Now on the flip side, i met Al this summer in Ohio, and we talked for quite a bit. He seemed like a real straight up guy. He technically is allowed to sell seeds, and if he does that im okay with it, its his choice. But Mike, i want you to keep in mind that if any average person sent fred calai a bubble mailer a few years back, they could have gotten a couple of 846's for free. Of course it's all a crap shoot, and you never know where the next big one is going to come from. Maybe something of Al's will grow the next big one and in that case the 10 bucks would be worth it, but maybe not. You never know. I've done it once, and more then likely i wont be doing it again. that's not to say that his seeds arent top notch, but i dont see the need to spend that kind of money.

Scott

11/21/2002 5:43:57 PM

ontario

Ok now I am abit !@#$%&*()ticked off.. if your picking on Al you have alot to learn......when I first started out he asked me for something for the seeds.....and you know why to cover costs....many times he sends out great seeds that never get planted by anyone....I believe when he finds your serious,things are alot different...if it wasn't for him I would not be at the level I am right now in the sport..he tries to help guide growers in the right direction.....he calls people all over the world getting information for the AGGC and genetic information that has helped us all....he takes time to provide information freely that helps us all out...he has provided information freely regarding growth of his pumpkins that many heavyhitter don't....I know there are some big guys out there selling top seeds for top bucks...I don't agree with that but 10.00 give me a break.....anyone taking shots at him will just have their bubble-pacs returned empty, if you sent me one....I helped one day to make calls gathering information on genetics of the 2002 crop..he paid his long distance bill and so did I...and everyone benefits in the end.......take a look at the big picture............................wayne

11/21/2002 5:50:31 PM

Kuna, Id.

OK, So if it is Al we all no now how to get his seeds. Problem solved. I didnt send Al a bubble pack only cause I don't have his address. If I had it I would send the 10 bucks. I sent a 5 in all the first packs I sent out with a note saying to use it for more of those little envelopes. And when I got seeds back they all had my 5 with them. So I stopped. I think next yr I will send some of those little envelope's. As they are not free. As much as this hobby cost the least I could do is cover my own end for there seed.
Ken

11/21/2002 6:41:21 PM

Southern Illinois

i have his addy, if any one wants some good seed, e mail me and i will give it to you 10.00 for some great seed,what a deal.

11/21/2002 7:10:34 PM

Indiana

If only I had 10 bucks to spend on more seeds that I dont need.......LOL

Tom Beachy

11/21/2002 7:27:34 PM

Commack, NY

Wayne i for one am not picking on Al, and i dont really think anyone here is either. I guess some are just surprised that he asks for $10 when most people don't ask for anything other then a self addressed stamped mailer. I know i was surprised when he made the same request from me a few years abo. through our email correspondence and my meeting him in ohio, i can say that he's a testament to our hobby. There is no question, or doubt in my mind that he has contributed more then most.

11/21/2002 7:29:14 PM

Deer Park WA

Ok,ok,ok let's forget about the money thing for a moment. If I grow a pumpkin and charge for seeds no one plants it, so I would never realize it's potential. If I give away seeds and it is widly planted and sucessful well now it's worth something. I do believe the seed requester should always pay for shipping (SASBP)and send in a letter along with seeds of their own. Al Eaton is probably the finest grower, and contributor to this sport. I have numerous emails and letters from him encouraging and teaching me. I for one plan on growing either his 1153 or 850.5 from 01 this season.

Gerry Gadberry

11/21/2002 8:45:15 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

So what you guys are saying is a "smart grower" to get their seed planted, and proven should send you money. I like that idea, maybe an auction type situation. Jeeze is it winter already. Still 5 months to go until germinating time. Shannon

11/21/2002 11:35:15 PM

Western Pa.

DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED! I have met Al Eaton, and can assure you he is a true gentleman and a definate asset to the sport of growing Giant Pumpkins. I have never requested seeds from him, nor have I paid for seeds from him. I only want to add to one thing that Farmer Scott said: A few years ago, if you requested seeds from Fred Calai's 846#, he (most generously) sent out 3 OR MORE seeds from that pumpkin. Knowing Fred personally, I have tried to obtain an 846 for the past two years(unsucessfully),supplies are almost exhausted, and it seems like a big bunch of them had been sent out west.(I'm still thankful that I had the opportunity to grow one.) PLEASE don't inundate Fred Calai with seed requests, let him enjoy his retirement days!(If I were in his position, I'd ignore ALL seed requests!) All I know, is that Fred and his wife are some of the kindest, caring, loving, Giant Pumpkin People I have had the pleasure to know, The Calai's are what it's all about! No words can describe when his grandchildren gather around his big pumpkins at weigh-off time for a photo! When it comes to "Champions", I put Fred Calai right under Howard Dill!

kilr

11/22/2002 1:26:58 AM

Caceres, Spain

Nice words, Kilr. Liked to read them.

11/22/2002 5:15:12 PM

Decatur, IL

I don't really care what Al does. If he wants to charge for his seeds, more power to him. I do think, though, that it takes a little something away from this sport/hobby. I thought the feeling of camaradarie we get from sharing seeds, ideas, experiences, etc. was part of what made this so special for us. It's like raking your sick neighbor's leaves and then charging him the same rate as a lawn service. It just makes you look like a mercenary and "sleazy". Also, asking 10 or 20 bucks for your seeds and then saying your not charging for the seeds but just for the postage and/or handling is being deceptive in my book! Especially, when we all know we're not supposed to be making any personal gain from our seeds(Dill's plant variety protection patent).
I'm all for seed auctions for charities or regional pumpkin growing groups, and I'll throw some cash in with a SASBP to thank a grower for his kindness. But, I'll not give in to paying an asked price to a grower for seeds!
Just my two cents.
Charlie

11/22/2002 10:26:19 PM

Key West, FL

I geuss I might add something to this, I think Al sounds like a nice guy by what people say and I am sure he is. I do think though that 10 bucks is a bit much to charge, i can see mabey a dollar or two but imagine if you got a 100 seed requests at 10 dollars a piece, thats quite a bit of money. If you are retired though and it helps you buy pesticides and fertilizers and everything else, I can see why he would do that.
Ben
why is it 2 cents? why not 3 or 4?

11/22/2002 10:54:29 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

why is that grower charging more then howard dill is? who runs a business:)

billy

11/22/2002 11:18:42 PM

Deer Park WA

Billy, you are a wise man....

11/23/2002 1:45:19 AM

Roanoke Il

I really don't care if a grower charges for seeds or not If you look at the big picture there are plenty of growers out ther that are willing to give his or her seeds out for free like my self.
Most pumpkins if properly pollinated will produce 300-800 seeds. I understand why people charge if you are getting 400-500 seed request a year it does become time consuming to fill those packs.
If you want to know the truth most of the seeds we are growing today came from 2 or 3 pumpkins and squash grown just 14 years ago. Lets say you grow 4 plants and you have the genetics of the 723 or 845 or 846 or the 705 and If you selfed these seeds and crosed them back with each other you yourself would have the best seeds in the world in 3 or 4 years. To tell you the truth it takes atleast that long to get the basics down if not longer. Best of luckbto all of you mark

11/23/2002 5:39:58 AM

ontario

Look lets get it straight.....Al gets a zillion seed requests....and most go out to growers for nothing....if he get 10.00 dollars for a few rquests big deal....like I said it doesn't make him rich...I like to see how many growers out there will come to his defence..I have lots of requests with anywhere from nothing to 5.00 thrown in the bubble-pac...so lets say most come with 1.00 and a few add up to 10.00 bucks each , is that wrong....I for one gets seeds freely...just asked for the 1153 to plant and he is going to send it FREE and he only has a few ...I will say it once more when he finds your serious about growing, they come very FREELY....do you know how many great seeds are probably sitting out there in someones house that will never be planted, just because they though it might be great to grow a pumpkin for the family..use cheap seeds for that....I personally thinks its a great idea to see if someone is serious ...Al's coaching a couple of new growers out his way....to help them get started....NO MONEY INVOLVED .....I am surprised at a few of you that I see on Chat........oh here is one for you all to run with....what do you think of a retiring grower charging 400.00 for 2-845 Bobiers....................wayne

11/23/2002 9:01:11 AM

Ontario

I have to agree with Wayne here. Once he knows your serious he gives out his seeds freely. I have received his seeds the last 3 years without even sending a bubble pack. He paid the postage and for the bubble pack. He must get over 1000 requests a year and he has to have some way to figure out who's serious because if he didn't there would be no way to fill all the requests and the more serious growers wouldn't have access to his seeds. Last year I received so many requests that when I finished sending them all out I was only left with 20 seeds from each pumpkin. This year looks to be the same if not more, so I think as this sport grows we all will have to start turning down requests, which I don't want to do, or figure out who are the more serious growers and only send them seeds, because there is not enough seeds to go around.On a final note if you really think about it, 10.00 for 6 seeds out of 3 pumpkins with superior genetics from one of the best growers out there, pretty cheap in my books. You look at all the hobbies out there and this is nothing. By the time you put the labels on, postage, bubblepack, time, its worth 10 bucks. To suggest he is making money here you are wrong, again your assuming he charges 10 bucks for everyone WRONG!!!!lOOK AT ALL THE MONEY WE SPEND ON SOIL AMMENDMENTS,FERTILIZER, WATER, BUG SPRAY ETC ETC ETC. AND YOU GUYS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT 10 BUCKS, YOU NEED TO GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT.

DREW

11/23/2002 10:15:36 AM

van isle b.c. canada

i,m afraid i have to agree with andrew, wayne and mark. i,ve sent to al for the last two or three years and he,s never charged me a cent. on the contrary he sent me some seeds at his cost for sending him some genetic info from a weighoff site out here. i have nothing but admiration for the guy. if a person does not agree with what he is said to be doing then send to other growers ,like myself who don,t charge. mind you , you won,t get the same genetics. time to move on. craig

11/23/2002 11:24:54 AM

I`ve known Al now for about a decade and have traded seeds with him every year...no money has ever changed hands.Al has been first class all the way and I respect him greatly as a grower and a friend.Al has given this great hobby of our`s a great deal....anyone who knows much about AG`s....knows that.For you people who are starting out and don`t want to pay a measly $10 for seeds,pictures,and family trees then......don`t...it`s no big deal.I find this entire discussion ridiculous.....let`s bring it to a close...Ben

11/23/2002 1:15:31 PM

ontario

I agree Ben ....subject closed....wayne

11/23/2002 2:09:00 PM

Ontario

Here's another reason why that a lot of the best growers out there lurk in the shadows of BP and the mallorn list. They don't want to be drawn into a ridiculous arguement and have to defend themselves for no reason. Subject closed.

drew

11/23/2002 2:25:55 PM

Ottawa

Andrew/Wayne - I know you said case closed but I beg your patience for one more reply.

This is the first year I have grown a large pumpkin and I am surprised at the number of unsolicited seeds requests. Some come with postage paid, others do not. I prefer to donate my seeds to clubs where they will distribute or sell the seeds to people who really want to grow them

I believe we are growing into a group where many people are trying to collect as many different types of seeds as they can in the hopes you will have the silver bullet seed in 2-3 years. It is a strategy that many people use. The problem with this is that there are many seeds sitting in someone's drawer that will never be grown. In that case no one will ever know it is a silver bullet will they. How many seeds are like that? We were fortunate that someone grew the 723 Bobier because with all the 1000 - 800 lb seeds in circulation why would anyone grow a 723? Well I am glad they did.

I have replied to numerous seed requests already this year. I have asked 3 people for seeds. Each of these people have grown a pumpkin with characteristics or genetics that I think will do well. Perhaps we should all be more selective in the seeds we request. Only ask for seeds from pumpkins that you think you will grow. Think about it!

I have know Al for a number of years and he has never refused a seed request. He freely donated seeds to the Ottawa St. Lawrence Growers Association for their seed bazaar, he wrote articles on growing and genetics that formed the base of the newletter and it was his collection of gentics tracking that forms the base for the AGGC.

I would suggest that if you want seeds from any large grower, show a knowledge of the genetics and show why you want those seeds. Those seeds are really nothing until they grow something big. Be selective in what you grow and know why you want to grow it.

Sorry to belabor this discussion item.

11/23/2002 3:27:29 PM

Ottawa

A/W I know you said case closed but I beg your patience.

This is the first year I have grown a large pumpkin and I am surprised at the number of unsolicited seeds requests. Some come with postage paid, others do not. I prefer to donate my seeds to clubs where they will distribute/sell to people who really want to grow them

I believe we are growing into a group where many people are trying to collect as many different types of seeds as they can in the hopes you will have the silver bullet seed in 2-3 years. It is a strategy that many people use. The problem with this is that there are many seeds sitting in someone's drawer that will never be grown. In that case no one will ever know it is a silver bullet will they. How many seeds are like that? We were fortunate that someone grew the 723 Bobier because with all the 1000 - 800 lb seeds in circulation why would anyone grow a 723? Well I am glad they did.

I have replied to numerous seed requests already this year. I have asked 3 people for seeds. Each of these people have grown a pumpkin with characteristics or genetics that I think will do well. Perhaps we should all be more selective in the seeds we request. Only ask for seeds from pumpkins that you think you will grow. Think about it!

I have know Al for a number of years and he has never refused a seed request. He freely donated seeds to the Ottawa St. Lawrence Growers Association for their seed bazaar, he wrote articles on growing and genetics that formed the base of the newletter and it was his collection of gentics tracking that forms the base for the AGGC.

I would suggest that if you want seeds from any large grower, show a knowledge of the genetics and show why you want those seeds. Those seeds are really nothing until they grow something big. Be selective in what you grow and know why you want to grow it.

Sorry to belabor this discussion item.

11/23/2002 3:28:42 PM

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Since the people who have taken up for Al are Canadian, let me say as an American that Al Eaton is not only a heavy hitter but in the top 3 of great guys who grow AG's.

He has helped me tremendously (so far my results have been
less than good due to my mistakes). He has given me seeds
at no cost to me as a reward for taking the time to Attend the Ottawa weigh offs, and has helped me in more ways than I can remember.

This entire thread is absurd and comments like these are the exact reason Heavy Hitters no longer participate on this or the Mallorn list.

Thanks to Wayne, Ben and Andrew for excellent responses.

Bob Attaway

11/23/2002 3:32:00 PM

New Brunswick, Canada

Al has never charged me anything for seeds which have always included photos and statistical informatiom. Better yet, he sends them to me each year without my ever asking for them. He seems to have faith in my growing techniques and has continued to support and encourage me over the years. I will go as far to say that(because of my work commitments) he is the only reason that I am still growing pumpkins today. I hope to repay him one day by producing a true giant from one of his seeds and join the ranks of growers who have thanked this man for all he has done for our sport....I suspect that he is trying to weed out the less serious growers by seeing if they are truely committed in obtaining great seeds or just seeing what they can get for near nothing invested. After all, how do you distribute roughly 500 seeds to perhaps 1000 requests with the hope that each grower will do their best with these superior seeds. The true joy in growing pumpkins, next to producing your own winner is to see these seeds or offsprings perform to the best of their ability. In my mind, $10.00 is nothing for the quality of seed he produces each year and the time involved in handling and shipping. It is also the cheapest part of our investment in growing pumpkins....If I would ever grow a respectable pumpkin and anticipated these number of seed requests, I would probably make it easy on myself and let Howard Dill take care of this hassle.

11/23/2002 3:38:33 PM

canal winchester ohio

I know I'm a far cry from being a top grower ( way far) but I do want to add some imput here. When I first started growing again I called Al's house for some tips on watering, soil prep, ect. Well I think the conversation went on for at least 45 minutes & during that time I could tell he was very sincere with what he was telling me. I later called back & got some seed off of him, I paid $10 dollars & had no problem with it. Last year was "tight" for me money wise but I wanted a single 1153 seed from him. I wrote him & he sended me a 1153 ( no charge) and I was greatful to get it. What I'm getting at is Al is a very good person..period.
And Bruce I'm a little guilty of what you said about getting a few to many seeds. But in my defense I don't hoard them. During this time of year when people start looking for the "hot" seed they want to plant I try to help out where I can. If I have a seed someone wants to obtain to grow I send it to them ( free) if I don't intend to plant it in the near future.
I sometimes take a little ribbing from my punkin friends for being to easy, but this sport is about helping each other....right??
......Paul

11/23/2002 4:21:15 PM

No Place Special

OKAY!I agree, enough is enough! Being that I am the one who started this mess, I would also like to request that this thread be closed. Yes it was Al Eaton I was refering to. By the number of people here that have defended him, im sure he has been informed or seen this thread and probably thinks im a complete S.O.B! I never intended to sick the dogs on AL. In addition to the 50 posts here, ive had almost that many E-mails concerning this subject. Many seem to think hes great and many seem to think hes .well.a few choice words. It seems some people get seeds from him for free and others may be requested for some compensation. Exactly what influences him one way or another im not completely sure. I do know that im not going to judge him. I have never meet the man.yet.but when im a heavy hitter someday im sure ill get the chance. Just for everyones information, I did take Al up on his $10 offer. In my opinion it is more than fair for his great seeds. I CAN NOT IMAGINE HOW HE OR OTHERS DEAL WITH ALL THE REQUESTS. Maybe it is his way of weeding some out. To be honest, I am still a rookie and probably wil not be able to grow his seed to its fullest potental. I can understand why one would prefer his own seeds to fall mostly in the hands of compatent growers who ARE or most likely will plant his seed. I must admit that I to (like most of us im sure)gather many seeds that we do not plan to grow this season. I thought this was part of the way things were suposed to work....or what EVERYONE did. Anyhow, After I offered to pay Al for his seeds, he replied saying that he would send them for free.

11/24/2002 1:12:20 AM

No Place Special

He said "stocks are low and that he needs to draw the line somewhere". If someone wants something bad enough, they would pay for it (my thoughts). The fact that someone would pay says they probably will grow it. I agree with his system. And AL if you are reeding this or someone else is informing you of the contents, please know I had no intentions of placing your person on stage for everyone to critique. Someday I may meet you and then I will form my opinion of you. Untill then I will prove to you and to others that I am a dedicated Giant pumpkin grower worthy of your seeds and any others. Mike Frantz a future "HEAVY HITTER"

11/24/2002 1:17:36 AM

ontario

Come to the spring seminar and meet him....glad you finally understand....tried to explain that to you....it took guts for you to post another reply....I just wish it had never happened....wayne

11/24/2002 8:29:38 AM

Webster, NY

934, is the spring seminar you mentioned the one located near Niagara Fall? I thought about going to the last one and couldn't make it. I hope to make it this spring.

11/24/2002 10:21:54 AM

ontario

Yes it is....

11/24/2002 7:56:12 PM

Utah

wayne, drew & others -
i'm sorry if you thought i was "picking" on AL... I was attempting to post my experience with him and let others know how he works. no need to use @#$(*$* language on me or anyone else. so apparently if you're a new grower from the US is cost you $10 for 6 great seeds. a good fair deal if you choose to take it. if your from canada, he knows you, knows your a serious grower or write the right type of letter then they are free. even a better fair deal.
So now we all know how AL distributes his seeds. That is all i was trying to point out. That he distributes his seeds different that others. and to let people know that fact. and let people choose for themselfs and not be caught off gaurd if he asks them for $10 USD.

gordon

11/25/2002 9:08:03 AM

ontario

the typed text was just to indicate I was ticked.I don't swear....on the computer its hard to get your feelings across properly...lots of times a typed statement sounds worst than it really is...don't make this a USA vs Canada...it doesn't matter....no borders in pumpkin land Gordon Tanner...actually Walcott didn't let out Al's name to start the ball rolling you did....now you have probably made a heavyhitter reluctant to fill seed requests for new growers...you really accomplished alot...sad..sad..sad....wayne

11/25/2002 11:54:33 AM

Utah

wayne.... yes it is hard to convey feelings via computer...
but when i see... @#$(* ... i assume that someone is swearing... sorry i misunderstood you... but i didn't know how else to interperate it.

wayne you tell me who started the ball rolling ?
who started charging for seeds when virtually everyone else is the whole didn't and still doesn't ???
all these new and newer growers come on the the site and we try to convery to them the how it all works. one of the things that consistantly get put out there by everyone is that you don't have to buy your seeds. so a few years ago a new young grower grows a 1000lb+ pumpkins and tries to sell his seeds. He get pummeled by all of us, me included, that he shouldn't do it. that's it's a gentlemens sport and that's not how we do things. but it's OK if AL does it because he has his reasons, which are very good and logical.

Wayne... I just tried answers Mikes question by putting the facts out there, which includes stating AL's name. so that mike and other growers will know that if they ask for seeds from him. and more importantly they can deside for themself which direction they want giant pumpkin growing to go...
1) toward the $$$ and selling of seeds, which Al by his actions is leaning it toward. and all those who stick up for him are also endorsing! or
2) keep it as free and gentlemanly as possible. which is why even though i'd love to have some of Al's seeds, I choose not buy them.

11/25/2002 4:39:36 PM

Utah

... and if Al chooses to not send out seeds to growers because of some thing I wrote...
then it it will sad... sad... sad...
but it will be his choice and his alone.

11/25/2002 4:45:56 PM

ontario

Yeah I like that....his choice..hmmm...so let me put it this way... if I guy constantly gets punched in the head walking down the street minding his own business by someone he doesn't even know...and then decides to walk on the other side because he is tired of the abuse he never asked for,that's ok in your books.....makes perfect sense to me ?????.....if you have any further comments e-mail me privately....enough...

11/25/2002 5:56:02 PM

Roanoke Il

,

11/26/2002 6:38:29 AM

No Place Special

?

11/26/2002 10:20:21 AM

Utah

you're aguments are weak and you know it. so instead of defending them you just say that i am beating up AL.
... tell me how i "punch Al in the head" for stating out the truth about how he deals with his own seeds and giving my opinion on it ???
i think this is a very important discussion which has serious impact on how seeds are and will be distributed.

I would love to hear from any and all on the subject.

... and for the 3rd time... Al can do what ever he wants to with his seeds. sell them for a million dollars a piece, feed them to the squirels, or cook and eat them. but if he chooses to sell them. I think i should be able to tell others that this is what Al does. (shocking idea huh ? ---telling the truth!) and I choose not to buy them. and why ?
argue against that please. i'd like to hear that from you.

11/26/2002 11:11:39 AM