Only A Suggestion....

I can't believe I'm doing this. I usually don't make suggestions, but I was wondering if there's ever been a forum here for beginners and newbies. If there was, was it successful?

The reason I ask is because I click on the Garden Talk forum, and after I look down the list, I usually leave because I don't know enough to participate. Most of the time, I don't even know what the item of discussion is (because of my lack of knowledge, not because the subject isn't clear). I hesitated to write all this because of the risk of sounding stupid.

My first garden, which was this year) was not a success, and I would love so much to learn all I can, before I tackle it again in the spring. Please don't misunderstand. I've recieved lots of helpful advise from the Hosta, Shady, and Tx garden forums. I don't want to give the impression that I'm not appreciative of what I've learned from them.

This is what started me thinking. I read a comment on a thread that this is a site for gardeners. Well I started thinking about that, and I realized that I visit the pets, prayer requests, and houseplant forums more than anything else. Not the garden realted forums. So I started going to Garden Talk again, and ran into the same problem,,,it's all over my head.

Please disregard this if it's not a good idea. As the subject line states, it's only a suggestion...

I agree with you jdee. I also am new to outdoor gardening, but I have 30+ yrs experience with house plants. While I've been having some luck with my outdoor garden, its mostly a trial by error situation. The Garden Talk forum was way over my head too. A problem I can envision, though, is that no "experts" would visit (logical, what could they learn?) and it'd be all of us "know-nots" asking each other questions. I'm finding that visiting forums about specific types of plants is helping me a great deal, and one day, I too, may be able to understand Garden Talk....lol. Good luck jdee.

Jdee - I can relate to what you're saying. I'm doing my first "real" vegetable garden now and will be starting a flower garden in the near future. Although I've gotten a lot of valuable information and help on the forums when I've started a new thread, I'm over my head in offering any help to other people because the questions are usually beyond me. With a forum for newbies, maybe I'd actually be able to offer advice. Count me in if there's enough interest for a new forum. Margaret

Jdee, I think Ceedub is right that only newbies would visit the newbie forum, and then you would have a situation where you are not getting any real help. Sometimes GardenWeb is like that! My advice is to jump in and ask questions if you don't understand something. There are many friendly and helpful people here who would be happy to explain something or answer your question or give you links to read. I have gained most of my knowledge by doing research on the Internet, by asking questions, and, of course, by trial and error in the garden.

You can Google topics on the Internet like "Propagating Plants" or "How to Prune Roses," and you can also search Dave's site as well. PlantFiles has tons of information on individual plants and their care so you can search for any plants which interest you. Also, pick up a gardening book like Better Homes Gardening or Western Garden Book or Sunset or Ortho gardening books. After a time of searches and reading, you will start to learn about the things that interest you.

It helped me to walk around nurseries and write down the names of the plants which interested me, and then I would come home and search for information on the Internet and here at Dave's. You can usually find past threads which reveal a lot of information. It just takes time, and you do have to put effort into it, but it can be a labor of love.

Yep, part of me says a newbie forum would be great, but then again, it might not get "care and feeding" from those who could help you.

Garden Talk is/was NEVER meant to be an "advanced" topic forum, so jump in. Ask away! I don't think you'll get your head taken off for asking basic gardening questions, but - conversely - please don't be offended if someone offers you a link to an older thread that discusses your question ;o)

I discovered something that I didn't know. The classic threads contain some great information. I guess I should have looked around before posting this. lol

I was thinking that some more experienced gardeners might visit a beginner forum to see if they could offer some good advice and answer some questions. I know how much gardeners like to help eachother, and how happy seasoned gardeners seem to be to help the beginners. That was what I had in mind when I suggested it, but I can see where you're all coming from. I just thought I'd throw it out there and see what ya'll think?

We try and help where we can, and no question is too basic. It just seems that this has grown to be such a vast site that sometimes a newbie can get lost in the shuffle.

If you have a question that you don't feel comfortable asking in the public forum, you might want to email someone who seems to have some knowlege of the subject that you are needing help with.

As Terry said, Garden Talk was never meant to be an 'advanced' forum.....it didn't start that way, I assure you (and I remember when there were only 4 or 5 forums here)

Please post your questions there...someone will help you...and you never know...there may be someone out there who has the same question. It could help someone else who needs some basic information.....newbies arrive here every day, and your questions could help get them over the reluctance to ask for help.

If I need to know something I just ask.
Someone will aswer out there in cyber space.
Most people are glad to help answer any questions you have.
Nice to meet you.Jody

When I came here I knew nothing about gardening...and now I know a lot...I just don't have the stamina to garden...but love to read about it and other great things to learn here on DG.....everyone is very helpful and will answer all your questions. Go for it! Jo

I'm not sure anyone would call me a newbie at gardening. I've been doing it for 40 some years. But I admit there are certain parts of the subject that I have no knowledge about at all and new topics come up all the time. Think about Biotech or greenroofs or the various chemicals coming on the market all the time. Think about Polymer crystals and herbicides that don't harm earthworms. I am thrilled to find someone who can answer my questions so I don't have to spend time and money making the mistakes they can warn me about. Just because I know something about plant propagation doesn't mean I know a lot about trees. If I can trade info, that's great but it doesn't always happen that the person who has the info I need is going to need the info I have. What I do know I will share, knowing everyone has to start somewhere. Ask the questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question. Besides, it might bring up a question I never thought of. That should be what these forums are about. Jessamine

As a new gardener embarking on my second year of success, I bounce all over the Forums, reading as much as I can process at a time, then asking the 'dumb' question when I can't quite figure it out.

And ya know, I've never once been blasted or put down for asking a 'dumb question'! Folks always seem to come out to clear the way and provide direction. :)

What topics would you like to see presented within a "First Time Gardening" Forum?

Donna, who is barely past newbie status :)

I'm not sure. I don't know enough to suggest any topics. It was just an idea. I'll just have to not feel funny about asking "what does that mean?" lol

I soooo understand your answer, jdee! *grin*

If you (or anyone else, for that matter) get timid about asking something, just email me here on DG and I'll do it for you and not even tell. Might cost ya a smile, though. ;)

Donna

Same here jdee.
Christine.

Jdee I KEEP having to ask what things mean - being from th UK I have an entirely different set of plant common names and some words get a different spelling/meaning too. I just wade in and ask for clarification, no one seems to mind, they probably think I'm an idiot, they are probably right too, but they are kind enough not to say so and I get my answer. Just have a go, you'll see it works! :>)
Carol

Carol - that's the way to go. Also works for 'puter dummies. I ask dumb questions on DG because they're much kinder than 3 sons who think they know everything and do know a LOT more than their mother!! (computer-wise that is) lol