greenchic, How much should I cut off the top? 1, 2, or 3 feet? Maybe even more? Because it's doing so well, I don't want to shock the plant. I got the healthy corn plants from my Mom. She has ultra green thumbs and propagates them here/there and she leaves them outside to get full and bushy (doesn't get below 35 deg). When I got these corn plants (3 plants total), they were about 6'-7' tall and a PITA to get home without damaging too many of the leaves. It's taken them about a little over a year to get to 9' tall. I was thinking of giving these back to her and swap them for some of her other healthy plants, but it's such a big hassle to move them now that they're so big. So, my delimna.... what to do with them now. How much should I cut off? If I try rooting them in water, do I put the cuttings in bright indirect light or in the same spot as where the plant is currently? thanks, Lali

If you're growing sweet corn, the real issue isn't the size of the ears, it's the ripeness of the kernels. You can strip back a husk and puncture a kernel that looks full - if a clear liquid comes out, it's not ripe. If the liquid is milky colored, it is. If the liquid is thick, it's past. If no liquid, way past.

Hi everyone, Thank you for all the wonderful advice and kind words. Here's an update on my friend and co-worker: btw...want you all to know that she has many friends and co-workers who've been doing what they can to help. I just happen to be here posting about it. She and I talked about the bathing. At first she was receptive but then she seemed to get uncomfortable with the idea of someone outside the family helping her with something so personal. This led to some serious talks with her daughter who has finally stepped up to the plate and is now helping her with the bathing issue. There have been some tense moments, and I suppose everyone deals with these things in their own way but...well, you know how that goes sometimes. The good news is that as of today Home Health will be helping her out 20 hours a week. The disability that several people at work have helped her apply for has started so no more stressing about how to pay the bills. I should say less stress, cuz it's not a lot of money but better than none. The people at work have put together a fund raiser...raffling off a goodie basket and a handmade quilt. So far, we've sold $500 worth of tickets. We've been helping with groceries and paying the utilities but there is just so much individuals can do. The fund raiser reaches those who would like to help, but don't know how or what to do. As far as hospice goes...that's what we'd really like to get going for her, but around these parts the family has to request it and so far they haven't done so. We keep suggesting it. Hospice is ready to step in as soon as they get the green light. This lady is a good soul who has spent her entire life helping others...it's the least the community can do to help her in her time of need. It's just a shame that her family has to be prodded to do the right thing. However, it looks like we're 'guilting' them into it one tiny step at a time. Thank you so much for all the advice...you folks are wonderful. :-) edwinna (who rambled a bit)

Lilla, I sent you an email also to express how tickled I am to have you help with this knitting project. it is one thing to have it done, and a whole huge thing to have Velleen doing it!! I hope it is not too much, if it is I will certainly understand. I am sending you my 50 year old stocking in with your swap package (great padding) as sister and my stockings were almost identical. An almost 48 year old picture is included too. Thanks for coming to my rescue, my sister will be in tears I am sure. I will fill you all in on the details of my "plan" when sister comes to visit. I have lived here since 1981, and this will be her first time here. Can't wait!! Trin