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Location

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Date Posted

Nova Scotia

This year if all goes well I'll have a good cross and seeds and I'm looking for a way to identify them so there can be no fraud (at lest not easly). So if you have a good idea let me know.

I'm considering a stamp for the typical pumpkin weight # on one side and a stamp with rotating #'s to give each one it's own serial # on the other side. This # I would keep a record of who got which ones. As well as an initial Photo with all seeds together showing seriel #'s. That way I can not pretend latter that there is more seeds if it turns into a good seed.

Some may think this as over kill but I think that this sport will soon evolve this way.

thank you for any constructive comments or opinions

2/7/2011 12:37:04 PM

tried that 5 yrs ago smears ink on seeds when touched by hands if you have to doubt where seed from who handled it dont grow it

2/7/2011 1:14:34 PM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

here's an idea;
place your sticker label across both flap ends on seed envelop
then if "seal" is broken the owner might have a concern.
You can print your unique id # on each lable if you want for individual tracking.

2/7/2011 2:28:33 PM

Nova Scotia

Don thanks for the info I'll make sure to get a self inking fast dry stamp.

Cornhusk good idie I'll keep in mind

2/7/2011 3:04:36 PM

Muddy Waters

The seal thing wont always work I want to inspect seeds for damage on arrival,not find out in april when its time to plant.in less you use clear plastic with a seal on it.

2/7/2011 6:10:36 PM

Cincinnati,OH

The pumpkinpost site was using the sealed clear plastic envelope things.

2/7/2011 7:46:31 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Serial numbers hmmmmm... all the more reason to trade with growers you know and trust.

2/7/2011 9:52:16 PM

Muddy Waters

I agree Andy I think vacum pack seeds is what you will see in furture with some hard to copy logo

2/8/2011 7:47:11 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I agree 100% with Don, the serial number idea has been tried to death, the best I've seen was Clarence Koch, he took a soldering iron and actually modified the tip to have his initials on it, when heated, it burned it onto the seed coat.....I have one of these tips that he made for me, after numerous hrs and what felt like 3rd degree burns, I agree if you have to doubt where seed from who handled it dont grow it...When in Doubt..toss it out.

2/8/2011 10:26:50 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Good point Tom! Part of the reason I dont trade/swap seeds very often is the fact that if the seed is not in its "original & unopened" seedpack then you cannot be certain that the seed is in fact the real deal.

I've walked away from many seed trade/swap deals simply for that reason...someone has opened the pack to "inspect" the seed...raises doubt...throw it out!!

2/8/2011 11:42:23 AM

Nova Scotia

These post's illustrate my point of trying to find a fool proof way of establishing trust in this sport again. As most here seem to trust few people they know and none that they don't. I also don't trust the honor system all the time.

So despite negative feeling that it is to hard to do or try. I'll still give it a go to find someway to do this. As I would like to instill confidence in growers that they got the seed they wanted.

2/8/2011 12:06:15 PM

Nova Scotia

I have a specialty stamp and ink on route. I will post pic in diary when I get it with results. whish me luck

2/8/2011 12:17:56 PM

Georgetown, Ontario

Use a specially made stamp (I have a happy face with tongue sticking out) and clear plastic zip lock bag. If my seeds were ever actually wanted by anyone I would use crazy glue to seal the bag. I like the plastic bags better because there's never any reason to open it until you plant it. With a paper envelope you almost have to open it even if you are trading it or donating to an auction just to make sure its not moldy.

2/8/2011 1:00:55 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

From a new growers perspective, any seeds any way is great! To the subject on hand, don't risk damage to the seed, the simple fine tip sharpie, and clear plastic bag should be sufficient. For the guaranteed seal get out your trusty stapler and put a couple in the edge! I fed mine to the mice this winter!!! BSD, David

2/12/2011 7:33:48 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Pkn, Shepherd, do you punch a hole or two in the lil plastic ziplocks? Peace, Wayne

2/13/2011 5:08:16 PM

Georgetown, Ontario

Peace, Wayne.....no I don't. If they're fully dry and mold free I don't see a problem.

2/13/2011 5:56:27 PM

Kentucky, U.S.A.

I've received seeds from a couple growers that were in plastic bags, nicely cleaned and dry. As good or better than paper coin evelopes! BSD, David

2/19/2011 7:42:36 AM

Muddy Waters

Dont bag seeds till completly dry about 6 weeks rinse in 98% water/2% bleach soulution.If your in a hurry place fan on low pointed at seeds for 1 week.This would equal about 1 month of drying! I have received moldy seeds (not dryed long enough).(Not bleached)Go light on Bleach very toxic,more is (NOT) better.

2/19/2011 8:56:20 AM