A Gardening Meme

I saw this Meme on Home Grown and thought that I'd like to expand on it.

Instead of passing this meme on to others (which I know we all hate) I'd like to ask anyone who wishes to participate, to just do so!  Add a new question if you like.  Challenge yourself and you'll challenge others!  I'd love to learn about any secret you might have.

(*It is Spring after all and we're all happily being pulled this way and that getting our gardens started.  But if you have the time and the inclination, go for it.  Post a comment that you did and we'll all tag along.)

So here goes.

Describe your gardening style.

This one is easy!  I'm still searching and learning so "Anything Goes" would be the best way to describe my style.  I'm interested in raised beds, double dig, and lasagna methods.

What was the last plant you bought?

The blueberry bushes last fall.  No wait!  I bought some panseys for the front yard about a month ago.


What were the last seeds you bought?

Baker Creek, a cucumber called Beit Alpha.

(*Description - A delicious very sweet cucumber that is usually picked small and does not need peeling as the skin is very tender.  This variety is very popular in the Mediterranean having been developed in Israel at a kibbutz farm.  Now becoming popular with Americans because of the fruits fine flavor and high yields.  They are also burpless and have a great shelf life.)

When was the last time you picked the dirt from under your finger nails? 

Monday morning.  I took a chance and went ahead and direct sowed some summer squash.  (It really seems like an early, warm spring.)

Any big plans for the garden this year?

YES!...The word this year is Expansion.  I'd love to do hoop houses or a greenhouse (I saw an inflatable one on someones blog) so we can expand the growing season. 

The other kind of expansion is square footage.  More, more, more!  We need a bit more room to breathe with corn, melons and pumpkins on the list.

What was your biggest gardening mistake ever?

Ever?  Well, since this is only my second year I'd have to say the "dugouts" or our "vegetable swimming pools" from last year.  What a disaster!

Biggest success?

None yet.  I'm just glad to still be trying!

If you could be doing anything right now in regards to gardening, what would it be?

I'd love to have rich, fertile, worm filled soil.  We're working on amending it, but it's a slow slog.

What is your favorite garden tool?

SM of course.

What vegetable/fruit continues to be your downfall?

Green beans.  I don't know what happened last year.  I thought for sure they'd be a snap.  (Get it?  Snap green beans?  Ha.)  No fruit yet, so I can't comment on that.

What vegetable/fruit would you love to grow but it's out of your zone?

Broccoli and cauliflower (I'm not sure they're do-able here.)  Fruit?  Cherries, hands down.  I'd love to have some cherry trees!

That's it.