I once read a gardening article about all the plants killed by "good" gardeners. It seems like a counter intuitive statement on the surface but the author went on to talk about these gardeners taking chances and learning the right conditions that plants need experientially. So yes, while they do kill a number of things while getting it right, they are in a constant discovery and analysis mode that better serves them than overly cautious and only sure-fire success plantings. Few gardening tips and articles that I have read over the years have stayed with me as much as the message of this article -- which I interpret as having a willingness to take chances -- because it perfectly marries one of my longest held garden philosophies. I believe the garden is a rare and glorious thing in life because it is a place of endless second chances.
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| My prize of ginseng seeds |
So, with an idea of possible successes and failures firmly in my heart, I set off on an afternoon of seed planting. I recently got an awesome member deal on American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) seed from United Plant Savers. Members could get ~400 seeds for $15. How could I not take advantage of that. Now, I've tried planting ginseng seed before and that resulted in an utter failure with 0% germination. But what I did that time was pick what I thought would be the optimal location and planted all the seed in that location. I didn't do that this time. I roamed all over my 8+ acres and planted the seeds in what I thought may be viable locations, 40 different locations.
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| One of many planting locations |
Will they all grow? Absolutely not. But will I strike upon the right location? That is my fervent hope. Did I make notation of all the sites? Oh goodness, no. I don't operate in that manner plus that afternoon with its freeform planting was just as enjoyable as the possibility of seeing that seed surprising me in a few years with a full grown ginseng plant.
So my suggestion?? Take chances. Learn from both your successes and failures. And if need be, try again.
