This thread should serve as a place to discuss gardening in general, but so that we get to know one another even better, I thought it would be nice if we (well, those of us who garden) all answer a set of questions as well. (I'll answer them too!) Feel free to add more questions, or to abstain from answering one.

How long have you gardened: I've gardened since spring of last year.

Your favorite sources of gardening lore, myth, knowledge, and general information: Library books!

Gardening mentor(s): My aunt, who will remain anonymous.

Briefly describe last years gardening project: Last year my father grew tomatoes (and marigolds), while I grew a giant pumpkin! Unfortunately, the soil was deficient and I overhead watered the leaves, the combination of which resulted in sparse leaves and a disorder called scab. My pumpkin was somewhere between 100-200 lbs. and looked more like a zombie pumpkin. I was not impressed with my skills.

Briefly describe your current gardening project: I will once again take up the art of pumpkin growing. I intend to grow culinary pumpkins (which I may grow on a trellis), decorative jack-o-lantern pumpkins, and yes, another giant or two. (And this time, my pumpkins will succeed!) I'm considering planting lavender, or sometime of that nature, to attract bees, but I'm also going to self-pollinate giants to ensure the best possible fruit. (And by the way, pumpkins are fruit.)

So, has anyone else grown pumpkins? And more importantly, has anyone tried growing them on a trellis? I may try it with the culinary pumpkins.

Do herbs count? Cause that's what I grow.

How long have you gardened: Well, I only really started to get into it last spring/summer, growing an herb garden with my mom. However, I've helped my dad with some of his gardening for a few years.

Your favorite sources of gardening lore, myth, knowledge, and general information: I love the library books, I also have several (like, a dozen?) books at home, the internet can be helpful, and there are my gardening mentors

Gardening mentor(s): My dad mostly, although my mom and grandmothers have both worked with me, too

Briefly describe last years gardening project: Well, last year, my big project was the herb garden that my mom and I planted. We grew Bee Balm, Chamomile, Feverfew, Valerian, Rosemary, Foxglove, Forget-Me-Not, Fennel, Nasturtium, Sage, and Marjoram were in the front garden. In the side, my dad helped me grow Lavender, Horehound, and Wormwood. He also grew Thyme, Parsley, Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon Balm, and strawberries at our house, and he has a couple larger vegetable gardens at my grandparents' houses. Oh, and I also tried to transplant a couple Stinging Nettle and May Apple plants, but I think they died.

Briefly describe your current gardening project: Right now, I'm trying to grow ivy (which is looking a little brown, I need to water it more often), and some twigs that used to be plants. I think one was either my May Apple or Nettle plant. The one I'd really like to see come back is a plant that I think is at least related to the Deadly Nightshade (or, Belladonna), if it isn't Nightshade (I really hope it is!). One plant that I've transplanted and am actually having success with is a Morning Glory (it's got wondrous, deep violet blossoms). It's growing well, and has dropped seeds that have sprouted into three more plants. I also plan to regrow my herb garden, and perhaps add more herbs to it.

To answer your other question, my sister has grown pumpkins. However, her pumpkins didn't get very big (bad soil, I think), although she did name them. And my dad usually grows small pie pumpkins, among many other edible, useful things.

Of course herbs count.

What kind of pumpkin was she growing? Were they Atlantic Giants?

*grimace* I'm not sure I can say I've gardened. Most of the questions don't even apply!

lol. I've tinkered around with a little plot of earth for several years, but I usually forget to water it, and the soil is poor, so all I have been able to grow have been sunflowers and dill.

I get my information off seed packets.

Don't feel bad about that! First, find a plant your interested in. Then find out if you can grow it in your area. Then check out a book from your local library (if you can) that talks about the plant/fruit/vegetable/thing/etc....

My Morning Glory just bloomed again! I'm happy, because it hasn't bloomed for at least a month. Spring is on its way!




They were carving/Jack-o-lantern pumpkins, according to my dad.

How long have you gardened: I have been raised gardening. Therefore, I have been doing it the majority of my life.

Your favorite sources of gardening lore, myth, knowledge, and general information: My mom has a lot of gardening books she has collected over the years, but I personally never look up information on gardening except on herbs.

Gardening mentor(s): My mom.

Briefly describe last years gardening project: Last year I helped my mom in our very large garden which we pretty much ate off all summer and canned/dehydrated in the fall harvest. We grew corn, peppers (several types), tomatoes (tons!), carrots, radishes, beets, broccoli, peas, beans, cucumbers, squash, strawberries (a huge patch), and rhubarb (giant plants). The strawberries and rhubarb come back every year.
Herbs: chamomile, sage, borage, oregano, spearmint, rosemary, cilantro, lavender, marjoram, and basil (lots to make pesto!). Bug garden, lots of weeding!

Briefly describe your current gardening project: Same as last year.

I was responsible for watering all the flowers on my college campus last summer. Does that count as gardening? I tried to grow a philodendron in my room in January and it lasted till maybe mid February before I killed it. My supervisor's wife though has philodendrons all over the office and has offered to give me a cutting as well as offering to give me some mint to take home and grow when I leave in the fall (I've recently fallen in love with mint tea, which is odd since I don't care for tea).