There are a few reasons that the search function doesn't find things:
The data that it is searching is only updated every 24 to 48 hours so if you are searching for something that was posted this morning, it may not be found.

The search engine only looks for exact word matches. Say you are looking for a post on what to do with your carrots and you type carrots into the search box - the carrot cake recipe that calls for a cup of grated carrot won't come up if "carrots" because the search will only find an exact match. Same thing if you search for "carrot" and the post only has "carrots"

If you are looking for "ginger bread" and a post has a recipe but but called it "gingerbread", the gardenweb search won't find it.

That's why a google search works better.

I always use Google to search on the Gardenweb. That was how I found the recipe for Nancy's Vodka Pie Pastry that Sharon was looking for. I don't even bother with the quotations.

Ann

Thanks Kathleen - I actually did end up finding it on google. It's a good method to remember because the internal search engine is pretty lousy.

CS - At the time that I posted my frustration absolutely nothing worked. Even something like a lone "ginger" wouldn't have any results.

So many sites seem to have their internal searches driven by google. I wonder if it's a cost issue or something but it sure would be nice to have something more effective than what iV's got. Nothing more frustrating than trying every conceivable way to find something that you KNOW is there but just refuses to pop up!