I think it's sad (she says with a grin) when you have to buy a few more to hit "the next big number". I bought (or received in trade) 54 plant this year. And of course I only purchase the must haves off my Lust List! Then I went to First Look (American Hosta Society's event where hybridizers show off potential new introductions). Took in a few tours and garden centers and then there were 19 more to join my "potted" garden. However, they were all too good to pass up (and some were won in a raffle): Parhelion Americana Little Wonder Olive Branch Patriots Fire Ice Age Trail Lakeside Symphony Teaspoon Island Charm Kismet Blue Lightning Hippodrome First Choice One Man's Treasure Gay Feather Ghost Tiara Morning Light Sugar and Spice Cats Eyes Now at 174 I think to myself...can I reach 200 this year?

Thank you everyone for their input. I've officially decided to do smaller amount of plants of each varieity: 7 Pot Brain Strain Yellow - 4 7 Pot Bubblegum - 4 7 Pot Douglah - 2 Bhut Jolokia - 2 Big Sun Habanero - 2 Carolina Reaper - 4 Chiero Recife - 4 Chocolate Habanero - 2 Fatalii Yellow - 2 Fish - 2 Inca Red Drop - 2 Magnum Orange Habanero - 2 Mako Kokasrade - 4 Prik Chi Faa - 2 Santa Fe Grande - 2 Scotch Bonnet Yellow - 2 Thai Dragon - 2 Trinidad Chocolate Scorpion - 4 Trinidad Congo - 2 Trinidad Moruga Scorpion - 2 If anyone feels that a certain variety will over/under produce based off of their experience please let me know. Thanks, Josh

Obviously, though, there are going to be differences in yield according to climate, soil, etc. But 8 sungold plants for one person is a HELLUVA LOT unless there is something seriously hindering their growth and productivity. You'll never lack for things to do with the ones you don't eat, though. I'm not personally a fan of them for sauce or for savory recipes like salsas or pico de gallo, but they make a GREAT tomato jam (really nice with ginger), if you're into that sort of thing, and they make a lovely, summery tomato soup with an extra sweetness.

In the spring, 24-30 hours. Taking care of the leaves left over from fall is rough. The I completely weed each bed before adding mulch. I often don't finish that until Memorial weekend. One bed in the wild yard didn't even get that treatment. It's been lucky to get water this year. Right now, I probably spend 14-20 hours a week. I once had someone ask what I had to "do" in the garden... wasn't I "done" yet? LOL. I started physical therapy last week, this time for my shoulders. She also asked what I had to do. "You move plants??" I'm very envious of my next door neighbors who have a fabulously perfect yard. They're also 80 years old and were retired before we moved here. I figure I have time to get to that point. Then I can be a full time gardener.