In response to DaMonkey "what's best for the plant, not the grower" idea, I have learned that it is NOT best for all plants to require watering more than once a day. There is a level of moisture/nutrient retention that will give you optimal growth of the plant. If the mix dries out faster than that, you won't get better growth even if you water 3X a day. The gas exchange turnover is less beneficial than greater absorption of water/nutrients. To the OP, I've had a similar problem but with the gritty mix drying out far too fast for some of the plants I was trying to grow in my climate (roses, citrus, mandevilla). For these plants in MY climate, moisture retention is an advantage, not a disadvantage. I have a rose in a pot of "retentive" bagged potting mix with 30 big gorgeous blooms on it right now, while a more vigorous rose (when I bought it) in gritty mix is growing poorly and has only produced 3 or 4 blooms, when during spring flush it should be more than 30 (and was more than 30 when it came in its growers pot!). Don't hesitate to use a "retentive" mix if that's what your plants, climate, and watering habits would do best with. You might also consider setting up a drip irrigation system. I have one set up just for the pots on my relatively small deck, and I so love not having to water manually. There is good info on irrigationdirect.com on designing a system. Actually, I set mine up so I could go on vacation in hot July or August without my plants all dying (and no one, no matter how good a friend, wants to come water all those plants every day, let alone twice a day!). But I was surprised to get home from vacation and see my drip-irrigated plants doing better than when I watered them manually. I'm using RainDrip components, but my impression is that they are all pretty standard (1/2" mainline, 1/4" tubing, plugs, various style emitters, etc). I have not tried any of the fertilizer dispensers to add to the automated system. However, there are growers on gardenweb that have set up auto-fertilizer-dispenser with their drip systems, so you might want to search for info if you'd rather go that route. I plan to try Osmocote Plus (24-8-16 with complete nutrients) in conjunction with my drip system this summer, rather than manual fertigation, which is work I'd rather not do. My main problem so far is that I can't find Osmocote Plus in stores (just the regular NPK-only Osmocote).

Hi Doc!! I am sorry that i haven't been around... My Little Daschund had a terrible accident a few days ago when he was coming up the stairs. He missed a step and hit his little head wrong and instantly began to curl his feet. The Vet said he hurt his neck and to wait and see if he will come around. Well, he was paralyzed and couldn't do much to help himself, so i had to make the decision to let him go and not suffer anymore.. A hard decision because i didnt want him to leave me, but a decision made from the love that i have for him and the true love he always gave back. A true Gentleman for 13 years and he left in my arms a relaxed loved little loyal companion. This is why i have been away.. I'm still bummed and im missing my little garden buddy..But i wanted to come here and tell you why i didnt respond to your email and this post.. Thanks for the email to get me here!!! Sorry to hear about your Peace Lilly. I know how much you loved them and how you worked so hard to get the mix right and the special containers for your loved lilly. Noone could have done more than what you did to make them happy, try again someday and i bet they will be bigger and strongern(healthier) than the others. Puerto Rico sounds lovely right now.. That would probably make me smile seeing those beautitful sunsets and crystal blue water around Luquillo Beach!! Love those Coconut palms all the way down to the water. What a great local spot to visit. So you have a new Rubber Tree eh? ;-) I bet it does love the partial shade in your yard. Plants naturally love being outdside and i understand that you want to bring it inside to your office. You have the right idea to keep it away from drafts and or airconditoning vents. Constant air (chilled) causes problems and i would avoid this if possible. Also, i would keep it close to any natural light that you can, but if it is only artificial light try and see if it adjust. Give it some time because taking it from a natural enviroment to a artifical enviroment will cause any plant an adjustment period. Good Luck Tecnico and i hope all is well with you!! Enjoy that beautiful sunshine down south!! Take Care, Laura

I'm not sure what is best for AV's? I cannot answer most of your questions. But I would not put lime in a soil you are watering with water that has a PH of nine! Holy Moly, that should kill everything! I would skip the lime, and yes use vinegar. I'm not really sure of the range of PH AV's like? But if you know go for the middle of the range. And no, mold is not a good thing. I know Al at one time had AV's and so the info you need might be in old posts. It would really be great for your plants if you could use rainwater.

5 gallons is very small for any tomato other than a small, determinate variety. If you live in a warm area, I would expect to water once a day at least. As I often say, the mix *will* hold plenty of moisture, but it is important that the appropriate size container is chosen. Josh