The message . com
from "Vivek.M" contains these words:

Hello,
My name is Vivek.M; I am a engineering student from India. I've just
taken up gardening as a hobby; the only things i've ever grown till
date are a pair of water-melons.

1. Could someone suggest a Internet based resources on gardening.

The Royal Horticultural Society in the UK (this is the society which
hosts the Chelsea flower show)

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/index.asp

I use
the Wikipedia to decipher the funny words that i come across; things
like perenial, gamete and pollen. I don't understand why plants must be
planted at a particular time and why you can't shove them in the ground
in reasonably bright sunlight and expect them to flower and fruit.

Because in many parts of the world, like mine, there are four
distinct seasons, two of which are not suited to seed germination and
growing. Here (Scotland) there is only a 90 day growing season. The rest
of the year is too cold , or light levels are too low, for seed
germination and plant growth. So, it's essential to plant at the right
time. Too soon and the seeds will freeze or rot. Too late and they won't
have time to flower or fruit before winter.

2. Is there any way to obtain seeds, not that i don't get seeds here;
trouble is most of the seeds i get are for fruit and food stuff that is
commonly available here.

Try Chiltern Seeds in the UK; they ship all kinds of seed, worldwide,
and have a top reputation.

www.chilternseeds.co.uk
email

I wanted seeds for: leeks, broccoloi, chard,
rutabaga, RASPBERRY's, STRAWBERRY's, PLUM's - stuff like that - which i
don't get to eat locally.

Some food plants from temperate climates (like raspberries, apples
and plums) need a cool winter dormancy. They just won't grow in
all-year-heat.

Before you start, it would be worth reading up on how climate and
season affects plants, to give yourself a better understanding of their
needs.

Janet. (Scotland, UK)

--
Isle of Arran Open Gardens weekend 21,22,23 July 2006
5 UKP three-day adult ticket (funds go to island charities) buys entry
to 26 private gardens