A few replies to go through, but a common theme.

We're on a gardening website, and typing messages into the forum so it's safe to say we're all keen gardeners. The only people who are going to delve this deeply into the forum are other, equally keen, gardeners. We all enjoy it for very similar reasons, the taste of the food, the satisfaction of doing it, saving money, for ecological reasons, to get away from the office/spouse/kids/neighbours etc. And yet a lot of people have been very defensive...

"it's sad I know but"....
"sad, but...."

Why is it sad? Why are we so defensive?

I work offshore in a very male oriented, macho workplace and I didn't tell anyone that I was getting very keen on growing my own fruit and veg until recently. Nobody has mentioned anything about it being a "sad" hobby. They have told me about there hobbies (ranging from train spotting, hillwalking, opera and even buying watches!!! and so on). Once we'd established that we both have hobbies there is a common bond. They probably think that what they do in their spare time is a bit "sad" but it takes all sorts.

We should be proud that we are growing our own, and should pity those who still put up with buying fruit and veg that have been sprayed with god knows what chemicals, with more air miles than we'll ever have, from multi national companies only interested in their bottom line.

Spread the word. The last big hike in oil prices saw a big increase in F&V production at home - it says so in this months magazine. We're not sad - we're on the cutting edge of the latest craze surely???? I'm sure there will be a lot more grapes coming to the forum over the next few months.

We should hold our heads up high and shout from the rafters

"for Christmas I'd like a coldframe... hardwood, clear sided, tall enough at the back to get some decent tomato plants in, and preferably 2 of them".

Hope Santa brings us all what we really want.