6 pound Giant!

Originally Posted by Mischka

I wouldn't spend a nickel of my money at Baker Creek and there are many others here that feel the same way.

In addition to low/zero germination rates with their seeds, the owner of the company, Jeremiath "Jere" Gettle, has no respect for people that defend our country; i.e. the men and women of our armed forces.

See this thread: http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=16386

Is there a "perfect" seed source anywhere? I mean, do not all seed companies have a few faults?

[carolyn137]

Originally Posted by WillysWoodPile

Is there a "perfect" seed source anywhere? I mean, do not all seed companies have a few faults?

Correct that there is no one perfect seed company for various and sundry reasons, but I think that Baker Creek is the only one that has a political agenda that's expressed both in the catalog/website, as well as at the message site in certain threads where Jere participates and or starts them.

You haven't been at idig that long so perhaps you haven't seen them. As for me, I read only the Heirloom Forum now and gave up on the Politics Forum b'c it made for some very sleepless nights after reading the responses of quite a few who post there.

Each of us is entitled to our viewpoints on political issues and of course Jere as well, but when one such as Jere is the owner of a commercial business and has included information in the catalog and the website, that's OK too b/c he's the owner, but not everyone would agree with using a commercial company to advance political views.

That's how I see it.

[jgaleota]

Agree. I spent a lot of time reading both forums re: this topic tonight. Unfortunately, I had already ordered from them before I knew the history. Well, if the seeds have lousy germination, I will just have to give them, um, hail? Wait, this is TV so I can say H*ll, if not as a personal assault, right?

.

Originally Posted by jgaleota

Agree. I spent a lot of time reading both forums re: this topic tonight. Unfortunately, I had already ordered from them before I knew the history. Well, if the seeds have lousy germination, I will just have to give them, um, hail? Wait, this is TV so I can say H*ll, if not as a personal assault, right?

If their seeds had lousy germination then they would not last in business very long now would they?

[fortyonenorth]

I think the poor germination (and crossed seeds) are secondary to the political underpinnings of Baker Creek. But, hey, if BC can alienate half their potential customers and still succeed, more power to them.

[Mischka]

Originally Posted by WillysWoodPile

.
If their seeds had lousy germination then they would not last in business very long now would they?

I've had first hand experience of no germination with several of their melon varieties; Tigger, Kiwano Jelly Melon, Schoon's Hardshell and low germination with OFPS, Ananas Noire and Rev. Morrow's Long Keeper tomato varieties.

Additionally, out of 5 packets of Hopi Black Dye sunflower seeds, only 3 seeds sprouted. I had planned on growing them as a roadside border.

BC did replace the seeds every time that I've called and complained, but my time and the materials used to start seedlings were both wasted.

Originally Posted by Mischka

I've had first hand experience with no germination with several of their melon varieties; Tigger, Kiwano Jelly Melon, Schoon's Hardshell and low germination with OFPS, Ananas Noire and Rev. Morrow's Long Keeper tomato varieties.

Additionally, out of 5 packets of Hopi Black Dye sunflower seeds, only 3 seeds sprouted. I had planned on growing them as a roadside border.

BC did replace the seeds every time that I've called and complained, but my time and the materials used to start seedlings were both wasted.

Thanks for the information. I'll be sure to keep germination records on the melon varieties [actually everything] I have from them.

[BigdaddyJ]

All these years and I haven't even known some of my favorite tomato sites even had Politics Forums. Sorry, I pass, I'm only here for growing tomatoes and other gardening talk.

Originally Posted by carolyn137

Correct that there is no one perfect seed company for various and sundry reasons, but I think that Baker Creek is the only one that has a political agenda that's expressed both in the catalog/website, as well as at the message site in certain threads where Jere participates and or starts them.

You haven't been at idig that long so perhaps you haven't seen them. As for me, I read only the Heirloom Forum now and gave up on the Politics Forum b'c it made for some very sleepless nights after reading the responses of quite a few who post there.

Each of us is entitled to our viewpoints on political issues and of course Jere as well, but when one such as Jere is the owner of a commercial business and has included information in the catalog and the website, that's OK too b/c he's the owner, but not everyone would agree with using a commercial company to advance political views.

That's how I see it.

[travis]

Originally Posted by carolyn137

Each of us is entitled to our viewpoints on political issues and of course Jere as well, but when one such as Jere is the owner of a commercial business and has included information in the catalog and the website, that's OK too b/c he's the owner, but not everyone would agree with using a commercial company to advance political views.

That's how I see it.

Many corporations use their money and their power to advance a political agenda. Some do it with direct contributions to politicians who then introduce and pass legislation favoring the corporation or particular industry of which the corporation is a part.

Other corporations band together with lobbies or get the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to advance their political agenda at the national and state level.

Jere just happens to use his little corner of the seed world to express his political opinions in a personal and generic way. And I seriously doubt his pontificating has much social impact beyond alienating some customers and reinforcing the opinions of his little band of followers

[Mischka]

Originally Posted by jgaleota

Wait, this is TV so I can say H*ll, if not as a personal assault, right?

You sure can, as long as you're not suggesting it to anyone here as a destination to visit, as you said.

There are filters in place here designed to catch George Carlin's "Seven Words You Can't Say On TV", just in case someone slips up or otherwise loses their temper. (including me!)
They make life a lot easier for our moderators, without a doubt.

As for Baker Creek and Jere Gettle... there are many better choices to spend your money on seeds without having to contribute to someone's political agenda.

As for Travis's statement below, truer words were never spoken.

I put lobbyists in the same category as ambulance-chasing tort lawyers; we all know them - the type that bombard daytime television with their ads. I would happily suggest a destination with an excessively warm climate for them all to visit - permanently.

Originally Posted by Travis

Many corporations use their money and their power to advance a political agenda. Some do it with direct contributions to politicians who then introduce and pass legislation favoring the corporation or particular industry of which the corporation is a part.

[jgaleota]

Can you suggest a place that carries the kind of unique varieties that BC does---for next years ordering?

[fortyonenorth]

There are many - for starters, take a look at the "Seed and Plant Sources" forum here at Tomatoville. There are many sources for OP tomatoes and peppers and many of the proprietors are active members here.

Sand Hill Preservation has probably the widest selection of heirloom veggies. Their eggplants are listed here: http://www.sandhillpreservation.com/...epper_etc.html

They do not take online orders - nor do they accept orders year round. But, in my experience, as long as you follow their ordering guidelines, you'll be extremely satisfied.

Originally Posted by jgaleota

Can you suggest a place that carries the kind of unique varieties that BC does---for next years ordering?

[jgaleota]

Thanks, Fortyone. I actually found BC on the Seed and Plant sources here---kind of stopped looking after that, but will definitely go back and look some more. While on the subject, do you or anyone else have experience with gourmetseed.com?
Thanks for all of the info and help.

[fortyonenorth]

No personal experience, but there was a thread here a few months ago where others weighed-in. The consensus was that Gourmet Seeds was very reputable and offered excellent value.

[RayR]

I bought some onion and pepper seed from gourmetseed.com this year. Good source for some harder to find European varieties and you get a lot of seed for your money.