Just looked today and there are so many members on the grapevine (triple figures). I joined a few months ago and then there were only a handful of us.
The amount of information I have gained over a short time due to others kindness in answering my questions has been of great benefit. I hope all others on the grapevine enjoy their stay as much as me.
I look forward to reading all the future gems.
Jax

Yes it is good that the membership is growing - it can only be a good thing. I enjoy picking other peoples brains and also giving some advice. We should have a section at this time of the year for recommending good varieties of vegetables.

I just think its great that people take the time to help out, where they've got more experience and so on. Not all the answers are in books, it really helps to get specific info. I've already learnt a lot, so thank you!

I used to have an allotment but due to spinal problems I couldn't keep it on and changed my small front garden (10' x 18' - I have no back garden) into a mini allotment (no greenhouse - boo hoo - just coldframe) and several raised beds. So, being on this site has been a great help, it brings back that feel I missed from the allotment - I think it's important to share information and growing techniques or else in the long run some of the best, and weirdest will be lost.

Thanks.

Andrewo

Hi LJ
I think your suggestion that we should have a section where we can list our favourite varieties of various veggies is just what we need to keep us going through the winter months.
GYO have a "what's hot and what's not" article this month but it would be an idea if members could state from experience what varieties they favour and why.
I'll start a new thread in "Veggin' Out" as I feel this would be the best place for it. Look forward to everyone's views ( and whether or not they agree with the descriptions as per the multitude of seed catalogues !)
Cheers
Rat

Would just like to add my support for all the advice that is being passed over through the forum - its great! Why though are we "junior members"? When or how does one make the higher grade?
Sewer rat - great idea about members identifying what has grown well for them - could I suggest though that members identify whether they live south or north (or indeed far north) as what might be appropriate in the south will not be for us further north.
Thanks to all for the great advice so far!

Hi Jennie
Thanks for agreeing with the idea though it wasn't mine but Lesley Jay's idea! I agree that a note of where the member gardens would be useful though I can't see anyone out there beating you as far as being "North" goes .
To progress from Junior member to member, keep posting ! I think it is dependent on the number of posts -in the region of thirty will gain you a "promotion" to member. This being a fairly new forum, there are currently only three members, the rest of us being junior members (for a wee while longer anyway).
Let us know your favourite veg varieties and that will be another post to your credit !
Cheers
Rat

Oooops sorry Lesley!
Thanks Rat for explanation re Junior Membership - initially I thought you were all really clued up 14 year olds!

Hi again Jennie
If you turn the 14 years round and add a year, you'll be closer to the truth. What about your favourite veg varieties - so far only myself and Lesley Jay have posted !!
Rat

Am going through my seed packets, but this year was such a poor summer for us (no sun and cold northerly winds) it is probably not a good indicator. Although I did get a good cauliflower out of the plot this morning in torrential rain and 80 mph winds!. We had 96 mph SW winds last week, so all my staked brussels have blown over - polytunnel still standing though and no damage to the plastic so it was well worth all the efforts planning the position and going for the strongest spec. Do you think anyone would be interested in starting a thread on providing shelter for plots? I am sure others will be as exposed and perhaps have some good ideas that have worked.

Jenny,

Have given you some idas for shelter in the 'Top Tips' section of the forum.

Thanks

Wow Just looked at the numbers of grapes here on the vine these days. It’s fantastic. Back in September there were less than 10 of us.
We must have strong manure lurking in a corner of the forum. Today is the 2nd of December. I wonder how many new folks will have joined us by January 2nd 2006?
Jax

We can only hope that this forum grows. Personally it creates a wonderful place for gardeners to meet, find solutions, talk veg (without boring the family) and swap seed!

Andrewo

We now have 253 grapes on the bunch. Fantastic

It now stands at 274. A good increase in just 3 days.