Hi everyone. My name is Shawna and I am a complete and utter newie to gardening; container gardening to be specific. I'm having some relative success, but I can see the mistakes that I've made becoming clearer. I also just started composting, which is going well, but I might have made a big mistake, which is what brought me to this forum. I'm looking forward to learning more, while hopefully still keeping it simple. I live in VT with my Husband, and my two 20 lb. feline furboys. I have 3 grown kids (27, 28, 31), and a grandson (8) who I like to spend as much time with as I can. I also love to read, cross stitch, and color. I am unable to work outside of the home... long story, but I've had a serious illness and recovery from it, and am now learning to live with the damage, hence the containers rather than raised beds or a plot in my yard. I'm happy to meet you all, and can't wait to figure this whole gardening thing out!!
Hi Shawna and a hearty welcome to GardenStew I'm curious as to what sparked off your new gardening interest? You've picked a wonderful place to learn container gardening and all gardening in general as everyone is so nice and helpful. Please ask any questions you need to, no matter how big or small
Hi Shawna, welcome to GardenStew from north central Texas. In a way we are all new to gardening since it really is one of those constant learning experiences so any questions that come up do not hesitate to put them on here. We have members in all climates so someone will have the help you need. I have always wanted to live in Vermont, more specifically in a cabin waaaaaay out in the woods on a mountain but could never convince my hubby that he wouldn't freeze his giblets off in the winter. We would love to see photos of your container garden and other scenery.
Hi Frank. Thanks for the welcome. I've always had a lot of success with indoor plants, and thought it'd be fun to try to grow some flowers and food, plus I'm hoping to get some benefits from the physical activity. I've had a few successes with a small perennial garden, but right now it is in a state of disorder (we will be fixing it up in October for next spring). I chose container gardening on my deck mostly because I felt it would be manageable, especially since I move quite slowly. So, far it seems to be going well, but I know I have a long way to go. My husband is very supportive and encouraging, and is really excited about being able to pick my jalapenos right off the plant! Hi Toni. And, thank you for the welcome. I never considered that most gardeners are in a constant state of learning. I figured once you knew what you were doing, it would be easy to keep up, but I'm happy to hear it! Vermont is so beautiful during every season; I personally do not like February and August though, it's too extreme. I'm not sure I'd have the courage to live deep in the middle of the woods in a cabin, I like civilization too much. I find that although it does get really stupid cold during the worst of the winter, I can comfort myself with how awesome it is when things start blooming. My husband wears shorts all year long; he says that -20 (without wind chill) is his cutoff, and so far he's kept all of his parts . I hope to be posting a few pictures toward the end of the day.
Hi there Shawna and this time a warm welcome to our forums from Scotland. I just know you're going to love it here as we're a worldwide family of gardeners who have lots of interesting hobbies. I look forward to getting to know you.
Another warm welcome from Texas--central Texas this time, a small farm where we are constantly experimenting and learning. There are few things as rewarding as growing your very own flowers and vegetables. It's amazing what can be done in containers! Please let us help you, encourage you, and do the "happy dance" when you succeed!
Hello and welcome from Illinois. I have been doing container gardening for about 5 years. I've mainly had tomato, green pepper and cucumbers. I tried green beans one year and they didn't do too well. I may have to give it up after this year as I can't get out to water them as often as I should. But it is fun and the veggies are better than those from the store.
If you are too timid to post when your gardening trial doesn't work. You'll feel lonely in the quiet of no answers. Every gardener here has had something not work. So your flops are as fabulous and your wins. I had to be away from the house for 8 weeks this summer. It'll be November before its all set even sorta right...
Yes I agree; like my roses were very poor this year, loads of yellowing leaves and holes in the ones that are green. This November I am going to move it into the lawn. Its been not very good for Basjoo bananas as regards height, they are growing but we are coming to the end of summer now.... K
I had to replace my witch hazel (H virginiana). I was away too much and drouth took it. I put a H ovalis in, in its stead.
