When does it happen?

[HeyWayne]

Just about to post a question regarding squash, and hovered my cursor over the New Shoots button as I still consider myself a novice gardener.

T'was an act of self-moderation I suppose, to make sure I didn't post in the wrong place.

When do you stop being a novice?

[piskieinboots]

When do you stop being a novice?

Have you had a meal or two out of your garden?

If yes (and I know the answer ) I'd say 'you' would move out of novice category into Amateur, which is where 'you' will stay for ever

[HeyWayne]

Have you had a meal or two out of your garden?

If yes (and I know the answer ) I'd say 'you' would move out of novice category into Amateur, which is where 'you' will stay for ever

"What's amateur?" says Wayne

"Nothing dear" says piskie.

I will now consider meself anamateur!

Cheers missus.

[janeyo]

I don't think I will ever be anything but a novice, as after all each year, the weather is different, the seeds might be different, the time you plant etc may be different, the advice you follow may be different and you may try a different approach etc... all to a greater or lesser extent. I am sure even people who have been doing it for 50 years still have failures.

Maybe you become an old hat at it all if you don't do any of the above? Or maybe it's when you are no longer a novice that you are prepared to have a go at different things?

Oh lord I need to sit down now, head hurts thinking about it all

How about when someone asks you for advice and nods sagely when you tell them what you think?

[organic]

I tend to see it more in terms of the question...
...if the question seems like it's incredibly basic then it's probably "New Shoots" material - if there's a bit of assumed knowledge in there then it's maybe a bit above that.
It's a thought anyway.

[Florence Fennel]

I think it's when you can fairly confidently advise a novice?

[Bren In Pots]

If you're growing something for the first time, like I am with chilli peppers.

[Flummery]

You're always a novice in that you're always learning. When you stop learning they might as well nail down the lid!

[Brengirl]

"What's amateur?" says Wayne

"Nothing dear" says piskie.

I will now consider meself anamateur!

Cheers missus.

I am now professional at spurting on my keyboard. I do not believe you are anamateur at anything.

[Brengirl]

"I know nuffink" officer. Least said soonest mended.
Like Flum says there is always someone who knows more and I am eager to learn.

[Glutton4...]

You are an expert when you lean over the garden fence and say to your Neighbour;

"You don't wanna do it like that!"

or;

"They'll never grow if you plant 'em like that!"

or anything similar!

Other than that, refer back to Auntie Flum's comment!