A new month, a new thread. Considering that the app addicts thread has seen some recent activity, it seems like this is a good time to convene a meeting of the Garden Club. If you are holding off on doing any new apps and allowing your existing accounts to age, then grab your gloves and watering can, pull up a chair, enjoy a cold, refreshing beverage of your choice, and feel free to share!
I promised myself no more apps after planting a couple of "seeds" back in the beginning of April. But, as some of you may have read, an unusual opportunity came my way. I had an Amex back in 1987 that went bad and was cancelled. Out of the blue, I received an invitation to apply in the mail. I went to the preapproval link and it came back with offers for Zync, Green and Gold. Since Amex is known for backdating, I decided it was worth taking the shot; an active account showing on my report with an opening date of 1987 was too huge a possibility to pass up on. I went ahead and apped for the green, and to my complete delight, I was approved! And, when I logged into my new account on the Amex website, it showed the member date going back to 1987! I can't wait to see how this reports once it goes to the CRAs; I feel like I've planted a mature, shady oak tree in my credit garden! And, my first card from a prime issuer in a long, long time. 
Please know -- I would NOT have done this had it not been for the possibility of backdating. This is once again a case of weighing potential benefits of a particular app and seeing how it would fit in with one's long term credit goals.
The recent spate of unexpected approvals tempted me to apply for a card that I really, really want -- BoA Platinum Plus MasterCard credit card with WorldPoints that supports my alumni association -- but I reigned in my enthusiasm and decided to wait. I want my new Amex to show on my reports and some baddies to drop. Time is my friend, and so long as I stay on course I will eventually be in good position to apply and receive an approval. Until then -- garden, garden, garden.
So, how are other folks' gardening efforts going? Please share!
Well, in the last two years and 1 day I have only applied for two cards. Lowes project card (6 months free financing on the new roof) and Barclays Apple Card (12 months free financing on the new computer).
Both purchases were "needs" not "wants"
I've been a good gardener as of late.. Haven't applied for anything and paid off some accounts.
Paid off Jareds... Current balance = $0
Paid off First Premier... Current balance = -$8.00
Paid off HSBC... Current balance = -$15.00
My next three targets this month will be JCPenney, Chase Slate and Macy's.. Think I'll focus on the two that actually report credit limts, lol.. I used to have 9 accounts reporting a balance and now it's down to 5. And before the month is over it'll be down to 3.
I've sock drawered the Macy's, JCPenneys, Bloomingdale's, Care Credit, First Premier, and HSBC cards. I also made a request for a credit line increase with First Premier Bank and am awaiting their decision. I just want to get a final increase on that card and then quickly close it before they come knocking for their annual fee next month.
Well I'm in my third month of building/rebuilding. No Trigger fingers have been used and I just have my eye set on December when MAYBE I'll see If pull it to apply,I even said it on my siggy that I was going to apply in december but after daydreaming here and there at work, I'm really leaning towards just letting my score age maybe till April or may so I can get a loan for my bike (2,000-4,000) after all I DON'T NEED ANOTHER CC but I DO NEED A CHEAPER WAY of transportation and HAVE FUN ON THE WAY!! Lol 
I'm in gardening mode until this fall when I'll probably be looking to take out an auto loan and maybe finance a portion of an engagement ring. My accounts currently are:
-Several student loans ranging from 2008 to present
-Cap1 $750 limit opened 8/08
-USAA MC $7000 limit opened 11/10
-BoA AmEx $5000 opened 4/11
-Delta Gold Amex opened 5/11
Eq only shows one inquiry from USAA and EX has two from BoA and AmEx. I'm very happy with my small portfolio and I'm sure these cards will grow quite nicely with me.
Starting Score: 703
@Anonymous wrote:Just started gardening a few days ago. Found this board a few weeks ago. Seeing others results made me go a little app crazy for a minute. Got a bunch of letters out and now I'm going to garden what I do have for the next 6 months. Then apply for 3 cards strategically, if my score has made it to my goal (680), then garden until I buy a house.
Yeah, this board can do that, LOL!!!
Sounds like a good plan!