Message Board - BigPumpkins.com

Deer Park, WI

Good grief this message board feels devoid of any pumpkin-related excitement right now. amirite?

no drama: isnt there usually some internet troll stirring up trouble on the forums this time of year, causing all of us to polarize and spew venom whilst we wait for ma nature to melt ice and thaw dirt? oddly calm 'round these parts....

Featured Grower: well, Mr. Eddy Z and I have initiated efforts to pull together a couple featured grower chats to get us by. more details forthcoming. Might even try to sneak one in before the big show, we'll see if it comes together before then.

CEC/Ca/Mg/K: I poured more hours than I can count into the soil test/fertility guide trying to find the best way to discuss/address calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels. I was not able to identify a simple solution where a straightforward recommendation for achieving a nutrient level target could be given.

2/14/2018 7:54:07 PM

Deer Park, WI

So, I'd like to provide some extra insights here: Ca/Mg/K are unique in that they are dependent upon CEC levels to determine how much of these your soil can hold. I explain this in-depth in the guide, but here's a nutshell version: CEC is a measure of your soil's nutrient holding capacity. Every soil is different, as such, every soil can hold differing amnts of these nutrients. This is why no one can say "build your soil to 3000ppm calcium". without CEC, no one can know if your soil has enough storage space for this much calcium. As such, CEC levels dictate what your soil can hold, and base saturation percentages provide the fine-tuning necessary to determine how much Ca/Mg/K need to be added to max your soil capacity, relative to other nutrients. Using a CEC value and a target base saturation %, we can determine what your soil "should" be. Subtracting your actual base saturation % from this value, along with some more #hardmath, it is possible to calculate exactly how much nutrient is needed to achieve the target.

As you can see, I ascribe to a philosophy in soil science that emphasizes target Ca/Mg/K ratios & base saturation values as a guide for fertility decisions. Admittedly, this is a controversial topic and not all agree this premise is useful. But I believe whole heartedly that this system gives us a reasonable target to shoot for and it will certainly do no harm. Plus, a topic of controversy may actually spark some interesting dialog on these curiously muted forums...

Lastly, those who purchased the guide last weekend (many thanks!!!) should have mail by tomorrow. Very eager to solicit your feedback and determine what I can do to improve on the tool.

2/14/2018 7:55:56 PM

Tom K

Massachusetts

Thanks for the hard work Joe. I purchased your guide and eagerly await the arrival. The subject of target CA/Mg/K ratios and base saturation values is a subject that needs some discussion IMO. Are you calculating the ratios using the base saturation percentages to do the math or are you using the actual PPM or PPA values in the equation? My understanding is that the way to calculate the ratio is to use the base saturation %. This is how the Bry calculator calculates the ratios. But Western Labs reports the ratios using the actual PPM/PPA values. So the results can be very different. Help me to understand this. I also understand that there is a school of thought that says just provide lots of nutrients and the plant will take what it needs but let's assume for this discussion that ratios are important.

2/14/2018 8:24:17 PM

Deer Park, WI

Great question, Tom. Happy to clarify. I am not working off of ppm or lbs/acre values. The algorithm I've created works exclusively off of CEC, base saturation percentages (both target and actual), soil type and patch size.

Of significance, a thought leader on this topic who wrote the book "Hands on Agronomy" broke out target base saturation percentages for three types of soil: clay, loam, and sandy. I follow this methodology and customize Ca/Mg/K recommendations based on soil type.

in order to get to a "lbs of product per square foot of patch size" recommendation, I do need to eventually convert into ppm and Lbs/a, however its only a back-end necessity to bridge from CEC/Base Saturation target to something a giant pumpkin grower can measure on a scale and spread across the patch.

2/14/2018 9:16:28 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

I’m keen to learn more Joe, and am dealing with a new patch that has a very encouraging first soil test result from Western Labs. I’m looking forward to learning more about the target base saturations for the 3 different types of soil. I’ve got sandy loam with lots of silt and a high CEC.

Sorry if I missed the answer to “will you have your new soil test fertility guide” available at Convention?

Looking forward to more information and details on this topic.

Thanks/Glenn

2/14/2018 9:47:18 PM

Deal With It

Here's some drama, Joe.

Maybe EddyZ should pay the $335 he owes the Oklahoma Giant Pumpkin Growers.

Oh, wait.

He's not an honorable man, so he never had any intent of paying, and he made the winning bid just to cause trouble.

Facts are facts.

2/14/2018 11:45:40 PM

Grittyville, WA

Uh I don’t think eddy is the only person waiting for a confirmation email. I think he will pay.... ALL clubs just good habit to send out confirmation emails. Eddy said he would pay when confirmation was sent. I have had no replies from Oklahoma either so I can assume he is in the same boat. Was wondering if you guys wanted to sell me the lesser holland lot in addition to the others I bid on. But cheers on stirring up controversy:). We all would like to throw poop at someone but it just gets stinky I’m keeping mostly quiet because I really need to focus on the season ahead. Besides it’s Valentine’s Day so everyone is on their best behavior right???! Let us know if that Clementz lot is up for grabs...! Put it in your night 2 auction!

2/15/2018 12:50:28 AM

Grittyville, WA

Joe — you just had to stir the pot didn’t you. Couldn’t just leave it alone huh?? Let’s leave the pot alone in more ways than one. Ps I read Kansas and Oklahoma are least likely to become like Washington and Colorado. Good for u guys! Believe me you don’t want your elected officials going all recreational on you... it will turn your state into hell. It ought to be legal for everyone except elected officials... Wayyyy off topic sorry!!!

2/15/2018 1:04:28 AM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

From: Maple Craft Construction [mailto:eddyz@efirehose.net]
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2018 12:23 PM
To: 'Rodney Williams'
Cc: 'mark@worldwidegiantgrowers.com'
Subject: RE: Lot 103

Mark
Can you ship out the Auction lot next week so I can ship to Germany the following week??
Please get back to Rodney and me
Thanks
Eddy

From: Rodney Williams [mailto:oklahomagiants@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, February 09, 2018 11:20 AM
To: Maple Craft Construction
Subject: Re: Lot 103

mark mentioned something in chat prior to bidding, not sure the date he is shipping the products out. Its coming directly from him. i could try and get ahold of him if its going to be an issue.
Thanks.

On Thu, Feb 8, 2018 at 10:25 PM, Maple Craft Construction <eddyz@efirehose.net> wrote:
Cool
This will also ship out by Monday next Week???
I have a bunch of stuff shipping to Europe on the 21st So please confirm
Thanks
Eddy

From: Rodney Williams [mailto:oklahomagiants@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 7:32 PM
To: Maple Craft Construction
Subject: Re: Lot 103

same email as this is our paypal oklahomagiants@gmail.com

On Thu, Feb 8, 2018 at 7:47 PM, Maple Craft Construction <eddyz@efirehose.net> wrote:
What paypal address just to be sure

From: Rodney Williams [mailto:oklahomagiants@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2018 6:22 PM
To: Maple Craft Construction
Subject: Re: Lot 103

Thanks, sorry i guess we over looked this email. thanks for your winning bid. pay when you can via paypal or money order

On Fri, Feb 2, 2018 at 8:07 PM, Maple Craft Construction <eddyz@efirehose.net> wrote:
Confirmation for Lot 103

Buyer Europe Bound
Derick Reinhold
c/o Eddy Zaychkowsky
Po box 866
Sweetgrass Montana
59484

2/15/2018 1:23:35 AM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

That is the email chain. I heard NOTHING from you or Mark then you sent this

On Feb 13, 2018, at 10:24 AM, Rodney Williams <oklahomagiants@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for your interest in our auction, we will be relisting this product due to non payment of the said 10 days. If you would like this product you can buy it directly from mark.

2/15/2018 1:27:28 AM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Sorry Joze didn't mean to muddy your post. I'm just tired of this crap because I have never NOT paid for an auction Lot. As far as I'm concerned they can stick this lot as I have already made arrangements to send Wow products.

2/15/2018 1:30:27 AM

Grittyville, WA

Here we go again...!!! Eddy you should leave Mark alone...

2/15/2018 2:37:46 AM

Grittyville, WA

Don’t put Oklahoma in the middle of your battle with Mark. Not cool...

2/15/2018 2:45:46 AM

Grittyville, WA

Good work Joe! My hats off to you lol!!!!

2/15/2018 2:47:26 AM

Grittyville, WA

I’m willing to take that lot for $340 delivered to Portland by Mark... IF everyone here will just drop it, which I doubt.

2/15/2018 3:03:08 AM

Deal With It

Nice try, Eddy, but you didn’t pay within the ten days stated in the auction rules.

No sale.

Also, you’re not fooling anyone who knows what’s happening behind the scenes.

2/15/2018 4:07:16 AM

Deer Park, WI

To be clear, my intent for a "topic of controversy" was along the lines of scientific philosophy. No worries Eddy, looks like I kinda asked for it.

Anywho, yes, i will have a handful of guides at the Big Show and the bulk of my presentation focuses on the concepts of soil fertility with an emphasis on this complicated topic of CEC and base saturation.

2/15/2018 6:19:34 AM

Central NY

Not in the loop on this one but the Oklahoma auction?....very strict sounds like....I have to remember that...big thanks to all the clubs that have been patient with me over the years...and that Eddy...he never pays...gimme a break...

2/15/2018 6:57:02 AM

Deal With It

You’re right.

Expecting payment within ten days is rather stringent.

Look for us to introduce a layaway policy next time, where a buyer is provided 30 days to pay.

2/15/2018 7:22:20 AM

Pumpking

Germany

@ Porkchop: You forgot to point out that the even 'worse' thing about this Eddy guy is: He also helps very often without receiving any payment, he sometimes even seems to dare to refuse to receive payments (and he still cannot stop helping others).

@ OklahomaGPG: Just wondering why you are trying to sell this lot again, because it already sold in the auction and you simply have to be a bit patient (seeing the whole picture would be different than seeing a '10 days' printed on a form. Also, Eddy already showed some email activity. (10 days without any sign of life from the bidder, that would be a completely different story.) Waiting for another one or two days for receiving payment would be much better for the club than selling the lot to someone else, because usually the auction is there for getting the most out of it and right into your club´s pocket, so why not being patient for a little while and sticking with the highest bidder?

2/15/2018 7:28:42 AM

Pumpking

Germany

@ the Okie-one again: 'He's not an honorable man, so he never had any intent of paying, and he made the winning bid just to cause trouble.'

You´ve made me curious (highly curious), how can you prove what you have written (step by step, of course), so let´s start with #1 He's not an honorable man..., then let´s go to #2 ...he never had any intent of paying... and last BUTT not least #3 ...he made the winning bid just to cause trouble.

Is each of them your (more than humble) opinion only, or is there anything which can be proven unambiguously? (Just wondering.)

2/15/2018 7:34:12 AM

Deal With It

Pumpking,

Shoot me an e-mail at tailorchris@ymail.com , and I'll provide some of the back story. I wouldn't be stating such things about any other grower who had failed to pay within ten days.

2/15/2018 7:39:12 AM

Central NY

30 days sounds better although I do try to pay as soon as I can...buuuut...an auction being run with “back story’s”...yea... tell Clare moron I said hello...Oklahoma is off my list...

2/15/2018 7:57:56 AM

n d fan

Peru

Eddy has probably helped more clubs than an one person out there. If he bid on you auction he will make it good. I think you handled this wrong. You should of contacted Eddy by email instead of trying to make him look bad here on Joes site. Eddy you have my vote for good guy of the year

2/15/2018 8:41:41 AM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Glenomkins maybe you should get all the info before you open your mouth.

First of all this nothing to do with my history with Mark, it has everything to do with the auction and what transpired during the sale of this LOT
Before I exlain that I will give you the history of Europe Bound. It is a second identity on BP so far this year Europe bound had bought over $6,000.00 worth of seeds etc for growers in other country, most of which is Europe.
Time differentials make it tough for these people to make the auctions so that's why I do it
Now as for the Auction. When Europe bound was in the process of buying this lot, Mark posted that it will be $150.00 to ship this lot, Oklahoma please show me where this was stated in your RULES
When Mark posted this, I stepped in (eddyz) and said no issues, send it to me and I will add it to a package I already have going to Europe and I would cover the shipping. I'm sure others will verify this
As you can see in the email chain, all I wanted was a confirmation on when it will ship, and all I got is crickets.
I move product all over and I don't care who its from. If they want it and I can help, I will. I am picking up 3 orders from the Hollands in Portland for some Canadian growers to save them shipping. I move Green gro products, and I move a ton of WOW products and yes I will move Mark's products if asked.

2/15/2018 9:38:40 AM

So.Cal.Grower

Torrance, Ca.

Not cool,,,,

With Eddy biding and winning more auctions then anyone he's bound to miss one or two deadlines.

Okie, lol

2/15/2018 9:45:18 AM

Central NY

Pffft...eddy, you don't need to explain jack...and don't worry about buzzkill glen, hes making great strides lately...minor set back..

2/15/2018 9:54:34 AM

Q Tip

OklahomaGPG and Claremoron are sure making great strides for the Oklahoma Clubs reputation....I couldn't think of a club I'd rather support :\ lol......However, I am sure there are some good guys in the club it's just unfortunate, who you guys choose to be your voice...Keep on Keeping on Eddy

2/15/2018 10:46:31 AM

Deal With It

I knew nothing about a surcharge for the shipping prior to the bidding on Lot 103, so don’t attempt to throw your bullshit blame on me.

I didn’t create the lots. My duty was to keep the auction running smoothly by posting the lots and payment rules efficiently.

2/15/2018 11:02:26 AM

Central NY

I hope just as much animosity is being thrown at the person that didn’t email the guy back...(prolly moron)...I see posts on here all the time about people late on thier payment or hard to get ahold of...or whatever...I see clubs post all the time....of course all the ones I’ve seen started with a please...Oklahoma is doing rough this year in my book and like Qtip says...lot of great guys out that way...bakers man comes to mind...it’s a shame really what’s going on...stay hellbent Oklahoma...(you did ask for it joe...lol...sorry)

2/15/2018 11:56:40 AM

Rick j.

stoughton WI

As one who runs a seed auction, a little helpful advice to the Oklahoma club. Quit posting on social media and contact eddy to make things right via email. Every time you post something on here all your doing is hurting your club.

2/15/2018 12:06:36 PM

spudder

Do not know anybody so I am not going to take sides. I seen that post by Mark and I seen the response by Eddy. Exactly who is at fault is up to people to make up their own minds.

And the sad part is that my first thought was "I wonder how much trouble this will cause".

2/15/2018 12:30:15 PM

Central NY

There isn't a side to take....its a non issue....so what about northshore sandbagging his soil results?....good, huh glen?....I'm excited for you...oohhhh....what a fence....

2/15/2018 12:50:06 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Lets do this and it can go away
I will send you paypal immediately if Mark can bring the lot with him to Portland and he can hand deliver it to me. Saves himself shipping. All I ever wanted was a confirmation, not a bunch of drama sheesh

2/15/2018 1:05:46 PM

Central NY

And the guy it’s goin to will be thanking Eddy and bubba...Oklahoma?...maybe not so much...

2/15/2018 1:18:46 PM

Deal With It

Thanks for the sage advice, Rick.

This is my first month on the internet, so I’m still figuring out the rules of this social media thingy.

2/15/2018 1:39:54 PM

Grittyville, WA

CEC does seem to be an important (somewhat mysterious) concept. Joe... make my trip to Portland worthwhile... don’t hold back at all, hit this one out of the park!!!!!!!!!!

Joe... if you miss or hit a foul ball oh well at least what your after is not personal. Everyone else needs to be careful not to get personal...

Just take a good swing at it Joe.. No ones gonna get badly hurt if you miss im hoping you hit it out of the park !!! Keep stirring!

2/15/2018 2:01:13 PM

Paul.Dimarco1

Williamsport

joe, got the book today. tired, fishing all day. just glimpsed at page one. its gonna be incredible read!thankyou

2/15/2018 5:08:06 PM

Paul.Dimarco1

Williamsport

opps jose

2/15/2018 5:08:30 PM

Paul.Dimarco1

Williamsport

dam, joze! told you I was tired, couldn't be the wine?

2/15/2018 5:09:52 PM

Deer Park, WI

I've got a trick or two up my sleeve for the Portland presentation.

Paul, send some of that wine this way please.

2/15/2018 7:19:33 PM

HankH

Partlow,Va

Anyone slamming Eddie on here for non payment is way off base.

Joe, I look forward to hear about that confusing but important CEC ratio at the Big Show!

2/15/2018 8:42:36 PM

Bubba Presley

Muddy Waters

Love your stuff Joe ! Just came in the mail best 12 bucks I have spent in a long time. See ya in Portland if the Lords willing creek don't rise.I will read it again on the da plane

2/15/2018 9:43:08 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Joe, thanks for the answer to my question, what the heck happened with the rest of this post...I’m not sure.

Joe, if possible, please have a copy of your booklet for me at Convention and id be glad to give you cash then and buy you a beverage. Thanks for the reply...I managed to find it within all the rest of the garbage here...

2/15/2018 10:54:42 PM

So.Cal.Grower

Torrance, Ca.

North shore,,,,,,,,,,,, see you in a few days!

2/15/2018 10:58:14 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

And lol P’Chop I found your comment within this mess too....shhhhh don’t let the cat outa the bag...fence done, test done, ammending has begun and some mentoring from Joe is just what I need.

Steve, you gonna be in Portland?

2/15/2018 10:59:53 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

You got it Chris, should be fun.

2/15/2018 11:05:24 PM

bnot

Oak Grove, Mn

joe, i just received the info that you have written up. I have made it 1/2 way thru booklet. I will be picking your brain later for ideas on how this relates to hydroponics. If types of soil makes a difference..then what about soilless. Gives me something to contemplate. Thanks.

2/16/2018 5:01:10 AM

Bubba Presley

Muddy Waters

Yes Joe was a big part of the 2043 grow.after meeting him at the GPC convention and attending the Spring seminar in Minnesota . I talked wirh Joe a few times through the season .His knowledge is vast and spot on .I highly recommend attending the Big Show and getting to a spring seminar.

2/16/2018 6:16:31 AM

BReeb

Orient, Ohio

Joe,

will your presentation be available to download for those not in attendance? or would will the book cover everything.

2/16/2018 8:25:05 AM

Central NY

NS—-no...boooooo...

2/16/2018 10:48:18 AM