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How long have you been gardening for, and what's the newest thing you've learnt?

+78 votes
by (610 points)
How long have you been gardening for, and what's the newest thing you've learnt?  
How long have you been gardening for, and what's the newest thing you've learnt?

65 Answers

+26 votes
by (990 points)
 
Best answer
Half an hour- I've learned I don't like gardening!  
+14 votes
by (670 points)
This week and I leaned I know nothing about gardening
by (1.1k points)
@jael same!  
+15 votes
by (640 points)
30+ years, ( I didn't start gardening until I was in my 40s) and I've just learnt that it takes a bit longer every year to do the same job, lol.  
by (5.1k points)
@naomanaomi50 i second that!  
by (2.9k points)
@naomanaomi50 me too
+20 votes
by (880 points)
I just let it happen.  
by (870 points)
@kamilahkamillah2939 I'm not so sure that's actually gardening? Looks like your growing a rain forest?  I'm not complaining, the world needs more rain forests. However. I draw the line at an 18th century chandelier outside  
by (400 points)
What a beautiful garden, amazing.  
by (880 points)
@trueblue3 Antiques are my trade. It's a lot more organised that it looks here, I can't be bothered to move from my G&T in my 18th century glass.  
by (870 points)
by (880 points)
@trueblue3 I shall post a photo of luncheon, standard's have to be maintained in the present climate  
by (870 points)
@kamilahkamillah2939 yes one must. Have the butler hold the camera though old chap so one can get the entire garden in the shot. There's a good chap x
by (880 points)
@trueblue3 busy walking Corgis sir . Yorkies actually.  
by (880 points)
@trueblue3 have you looked at my profile .  
+73 votes
by (4.6k points)
Years and newest thing is that garlic water does not put off lily beetles!  
+23 votes
by (1.6k points)
10 mins First you got. to dig an ole
+14 votes
by (730 points)
I've gardened all my life, I've learned that really I know very little! I tend to muddle through and generally hope for the best, while admiring other people's masterpieces!  
by (610 points)
@ceballos how does that work out for you
by (730 points)
@powerboat some things I just can't seem to grow - red cabbage has failed once again! I have never managed squashes or pumpkins. Spuds, tomatoes and onions are always reliable, I try and grow what I like to eat. Today I learned that I need to read up on varieties more. I have 24 climbing bean plants ready to go outside I didn't realise they grow to 2m high and now I don't know where to put them! But hopefully I'll get some beans off them!  
by (3.4k points)
@ceballos Two 8 ft posts 6 ft apart, tag some plastic netting between them, place plants equally apart, let the fun begin Good luck
+15 votes
by (850 points)
4 years. And i forget everything i learnt from the last year.  
+54 votes
by (3.4k points)
Although I had a fair idea how to grow veg thru watchin my lovely Dad. yest I learned I can grow tayto's in a bag. they're in and planted so fingers crossed !  
+33 votes
by (670 points)
I've learnt I'm better with hardy plants  
by (610 points)
@stubbed6 what's a Hardy plant?  
by (670 points)
@powerboat easy to care for, don't die easily x
by (2.9k points)
@powerboat can leave it out in all weathers and it comes back every year
by (410 points)
@stubbed6 me to
by (610 points)
Ohhh are onions and potatoes Hardy
by (2k points)
@stubbed6 me too
by (2k points)
@powerboat hardy plants are the likes of evergreens. Ferns, bushes etc There remain basically the same throughout the year
by (2.9k points)
@powerboat you grow them every year
by (670 points)
@powerboat I don't know if you'd class veg as hardy plants but potatoes are easy to grow. I have yukka plants that are super easy to grow. Google 'hardy plants' and it'll tell you more about them x
+18 votes
by (940 points)
I wouldn’t say what I do is gardening got a few pots, a couple of hanging baskets on a brick garden with a couple of water features but still learnt that I ain’t good at keeping things alive  
+6 votes
by (590 points)
Two weeks and it’s confirmed what I already knew- passionflower is a b***ard to remove  
+43 votes
by (2.9k points)
Ive been gardening for about 40 yrs , im a chuck it in and see gardener. this garden is 3 yrs hard work, as was just a rubbish tip when i moved in, i have a sitting area out of view and ive learnt a lot from this site too
by (680 points)
@prurigo This is what I'm aspiring to . It looks beautiful x
by (410 points)
@prurigo your garden is beautiful!  
by (2.9k points)
@bernitabernj9 thankyou love to see things grow,  
by (2.9k points)
@both1845 its only small but i love it . tnku
+40 votes
by (4k points)
A good 30 years and every year the garden looks different as I’m always having new ideas and moving things about plus it takes me a lot more time to do it  
by (410 points)
@wellbalanced do you always do the same thing when moving things, and if so, what, I've lost a few things I've moved and wonder where I'm going wrong?  
by (4k points)
@blower I’m one of those people that look and think that plant or shrub doesn’t look right or isn’t doing well where it is so I’ll dig it out and move it moved this camellia last week because it was surrounded and couldn’t see it seems much happier now
+2 votes
by (2.2k points)
40 odd years, I've recently learnt I love it more than ever
+68 votes
by (620 points)
I have been gardening for 11 years and one thing I've learnt is I'm rubbish at it  
by (4.9k points)
@bordelaise I'm sure you're not really. I just stick mainly with the things I know I can grow! Now and again I try something new. I've sown seeds this year, not very good with seeds. Very excited that I have some sprouting.  
+29 votes
by (910 points)
Only just started to get into it - I now know a few more plant names (mainly due to posts on here) and how aggressive roots of nettles can be. The nice thing I’ve learnt (I moved into my home end of last summer) is to be patient and see what comes up, the garden next door is beautiful and some of the seeds must have spread into my garden as now have some bluebells and some other lovely flowers come through
+39 votes
by (2k points)
2 years through a group setting, but first year working from home. Learning as I go and researching new stuff all the time. Planted an Apple tree in a large pot yesterday and researching how to best care for that
+7 votes
by (3.6k points)
I just learnt slugs dont eat sunflowers if they have coffee round them. Weird
+74 votes
by (1.3k points)
I learnt that I have to be patient
+26 votes
by (1.3k points)
About 4 years and I recently learnt that you can use raw honey instead of rooting powder  
by (2k points)
@boll6083 good to know, thank you
+42 votes
by (1.4k points)
Iv not been gardening long but iv learnt how to kill plants  
by (4.9k points)
@scandal we can all do that!  
by (1.4k points)
Well I just not long moved into a house and first time gardening everything I’ve planted just dies  
+28 votes
by (700 points)
I’ve learnt no matter how hard I try the garden plants will die. I love gardens but can only watch on in envy people who have green fingers.  
+35 votes
by (2.1k points)
Only really been gardening for about 3 years and have learnt you CANNOT have nice grass with children.  
by (610 points)
@quinque tell Me about it
+24 votes
by (1k points)
Don’t step on a rake! It really does hurt your nose!  
+22 votes
by (1.4k points)
About a month and the newest thing I’ve learnt is to be patient (I got my first flower yesterday! )
+28 votes
by (650 points)
Ive learnt that garden makeovers when the dump is shut is really not a good idea. It leaves us with a hell of a lot of garden waste that we now have to store until lockdown is over.  
+28 votes
by (620 points)
30yrs & I've learnt that my dad's lawn has more moss in it than grass.  He's let it get away from how I'd got it looking 5yr ago.  
+44 votes
by (1.2k points)
I've been gardening in various forms for about 45 years and now only do pots . I've learnt . Take your time . Garden to please yourself . One persons heaven is another persons nightmare . We all make mistakes !  
+68 votes
by (1.3k points)
20 years. Not all trees you saw the bottom of the roots off survive.  
+35 votes
by (13.7k points)
40 years + and just learned that Herb Robert is quite tasty, a bit strong and smoky but nice.  
+75 votes
by (670 points)
65 years, since I was 7 I just found out that bicarbonate of soda makes tomatoes sweeter.  
by (610 points)
@gatling10 in the soil?  
by (670 points)
Apparently in the watering can.  
by (610 points)
Ohhh right. Every time you water or just a few times
by (670 points)
I think @louls/activity" class="qa-user-link">louls said once a week, it was on utube @louls/activity" class="qa-user-link">louls O'Neil.  
by (610 points)
Oh I'll give that a go  
+29 votes
by (680 points)
About 20 yrs of pots an baskets in the summer, empty them in October. Last year for some reason I didn’t empty the pots, so this year I’ve got shedloads of seedlings an plants coming back from last year. So I’ve learnt I’m a complete plonker an could of saved a lot of money over the years ‍♀️
by (440 points)
@albi9264 do you leave these outside? I have tomatoes and cucumbers I have been keeping indoors but they have sprouted and I have no room inside
by (680 points)
@foresaid I have an extra large shed that has a covered veranda, I put them in the sun and move them on to the veranda over night. My first time so hope it works  
by (680 points)
@foresaid I think if they’re covered overnight should be fine but I’ve never grown veggies in my life, quite tempted to try chillies at some point  
by (440 points)
@albi9264 thank you I will try once tray out. I have spinach and potatoes outside and they are doing ok. Only started gardening since the lockdown  but I have always fancied it as I have a big garden and hope to keep it up if it works out well
by (680 points)
@foresaid I’ve started with the seedlings cos of lockdown as well, my neighbour ordered compost for me from her milkman an I had the cell trays left from last year. Think I’ve identified most of em using google images. No doubt I’ve planted a few weeds as well  
+63 votes
by (1.7k points)
30 years since i bought my first home. Not really done anything for last 8 years or so. Getting back into it this year. Amazed how much i remembered. Newest thing i have leart is to use toilet roll for sone seeds.  
+46 votes
by (1.2k points)
I've been gardening for around 35 years, what lve learnt is, my idea of gardening, cottage style, is not for everyone. I love flowers, grass, insects, trees and birds. I always feel sad when trees and hedges are cut down. Maybe lm just getting old lol
by (1k points)
@staw I love cottage gardens with flowers and bees everywhere, I don't mind a few weeds either, daisies and buttercups.  
+38 votes
by (870 points)
40 years. that however bad the garden looks. when spring comes and the flowers come back it’s magical .  
+56 votes
by (670 points)
I am 74now& started gardening in my 20s . and the last good tip about gardening was on here today about, hard boiled egg water being good for plants, so thank you.  
by (610 points)
@moderation I heard rice water aswell
by (670 points)
@powerboat you learn something new everyday!  
by (610 points)
@moderation definitely
+59 votes
by (1.3k points)
I have been gardening since my first home, 35 years ago. I am still learning as I expand what I put in my garden.  
+24 votes
by (930 points)
2nd year and have not learned how to be structured nor remember plant names. The kids ask what are you growing. I'll always say the same thing. It's surprises  
+43 votes
by (610 points)
This is my second year. And most recently I learned if a plant gets eaten I cry.  I had some new Dahlia shoots growing beautifully about 2 inches tall. All gone this morning. I am gutted. Xx
by (700 points)
@pathogenic where we live, I've learned not to plant wildlife food. But their tastebuds keep adapting to what we have available   
+78 votes
by (1.5k points)
Since lockdown started, I've learned that it's a great way to be outside when a prisoner in my own home  
+68 votes
by (650 points)
That my saved bottle tops brighten up the shed. love being in the garden and pottering. then admiring it with a gin.  x
by (2k points)
@alkahest wow i love this. Going to save mine. Too. Ill have to drink some full fat and some skimmed now.  
by (650 points)
@clubhaul285 Ask family or friends to save them for you. you'll have loads in no time. x
+49 votes
by (2k points)
Im getting better I've lived here for years but only in the last few years had time. And time is what you need, and patience.  
+55 votes
by (1.7k points)
About 50 years and I've learned recently that some blue flag irises, but not all, eventually turn white
+37 votes
by (1.3k points)
30yrs but going into a house with a yard. Having to re learn what can go in pots rather than the ground.  
+55 votes
by (1.8k points)
40 years going to have bees and learning tree grafting
+14 votes
by (4.1k points)
Since I was a child. I am learning how to grow miniature roses.  
+10 votes
by (620 points)
You never stop learning you will make mistakes and you will pick things up and say that was easy just enjoy
+45 votes
by (3k points)
The more you do the more your back aches!  
+26 votes
by (1k points)
Been gardening for about 8 years, and my garden is no where finished yet. Still got loads of ideas. Just recently planted vegetables so will see how they turn out.  
+72 votes
by (1.4k points)
I’m 56 now. My dad taught me since I could walk to garden. It’s been for the last twenty years my full time job. I don’t want to consider another job.  
+21 votes
by (1.4k points)
Started last year, with my Mother in Law's help. But really got into it this season. Planted summer bulbs today, have courgette seedlings in a trough and tomato seedlings pushing through, as I was determined we would grow some of our own vegetables this year.  
+38 votes
by (650 points)
Since we bought a house with a garden in 2017, and I've learnt that the previous owner was a absolut knob. Working hard to get things to a base level so that we can have the garden of our dreams. Lot of hard work, biggest thing I've learnt is to take a note pad with us when we use to go for a coffee because we always use to end up discussing ideas for the garden. And I've learnt that being friends with my neighbor's is invaluable
+24 votes
by (700 points)
We have been living in the high desert of NE, AZ for 5 years now and this is our 3rd garden attempt. We have learned a lot about this environment but we have waaaayyyy mire to learn. It's all trial and error for us. Hubby 75 & I'm 62.  
+5 votes
by (1.3k points)
That weeds are as tough to dig out this year as last  
+58 votes
by (1.9k points)
My husband’s father was head gardener at RHS Wisley gardens In Surrey and my husband was a big gardener so we been married 35 years previous to that I used to help my dad in our garden at home so I guess I’ve been gardening most of my life ❤️
+24 votes
by (700 points)
I potter but not very good at it until I discovered the fish poop from the pond filter is amazing for the plants. Their are loving it and growing like crazy x
+33 votes
by (610 points)
Been gardening for about 15 years and have learnt it’s never done lol alway something else to do, but it will still be there tomorrow so sit down and enjoy it sometimes! X
+74 votes
by (2.3k points)
Fifty years
+23 votes
by (2.5k points)
Just kinda starting my parents garden was all ways pretty and productive having both flowers and veg galore ( we lived on a farm out garden was huge) but iv never had much of a garden myself. Iv just done 2 years at college to try to learn this stuff I learned loads but I'm newbie lol spent a fortune getting to look the way I want but now it's the old plant it see if it grows  
+13 votes
by (2.3k points)
I was knee high to a grasshopper when I started . My dad gave me my own patch
+45 votes
by (680 points)
I started as a child helping my dad in his allotment but I haven't got the space for growing food sadly. I'm sure I find an actual garden so much harder and definitely don't class myself as a gardener just someone who is meddling and hoping for the best. Careful watering even after the sun has passed as plants can still end up scorched x
+13 votes
by (660 points)
Since I was a kid and latest thing I've learnt is grafting plants to obtain a faster yield. I obtained a cutting from an apple tree which grew, it's only young. I then obtained a cutting from a Canadian macintosh apple tree and merged it together and it has worked. It should fruit within a year or two. It's in a plastic bag to ensure humidity and so the graft doesn't dry up. Amazing technique
+61 votes
by (4k points)
Got into gardening with my mum she loved hers and it rubbed off plus love garden design and all the gardening programmes we have now too. always learning
+75 votes
by (6.4k points)
That lettuce seeds need to go in the fridge for a couple of days to germinate
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