Also, I would look for BOTH, dried tendrils and yellowing. Thumping isn't really an accurate way of doing this, as you will have a different way of thumping. The mistake I made was that I picked the watermelon when it had dried tendrils but was green all around (no yellowing). As I cut the watermelon open, I saw that only the center was red, and there was some green whereas the rest was all white. Yellowing gives you a sense of age. I'm still experimenting as this is my first time growing sugar babies. I just brought in a melon today that had some yellowing and dried tendrils and it was great!I have two more watermelons outside where the tendrils are drying but no yellowing atm. They've been on the vine for quite a while so I'm really curious to see how they come out. Again, this will only make me more knowledgeable for the next growing season (hopefully I won't forget these lessons, lol)

Lawns, like other plants, go into dormancy---that's what protects them from harsh winters--and roots wont germinate new growth in such low temperatures. To put a greenhouse over a specific area, with conditions that would encourage such growth, wouldn't persevere long enough and any such germination wouldn't last very long once the conditions that encouraged such growth was removed. Remember...its the soil temperature---not any for a brief period that encourages growth. lasts. You just have to accept such conditions until spring--and the rebounding of soil temperatures which will hasten germination and growth.

Fruitnut! First off, welcome back and what a beautiful tree you have there. Is that tree planted in the ground? It's amazing, from my whole family. I have been tempted to plant one in the ground in mine too. Hey Blaze. Good to hear they are doing good. Now, I suppose you just might try this method, I just might. I have been debating it for days. Talk about encouragement to do so. Hoping you are ok on your side of the world:-) Mike

Oh mesembs can be so beautiful, but some can be such a pain;). The little bit I gather is these can be difficult, but who doesn't love a good challenge. Makes the successes even that more special;). Steven Hammer says "Seeds should be sown in summer. It is best to use large pots and mabel-mixwith extra pumice. Sow seeds thinly. Two-year-old plants of both species can flower." Mabel mix from what I gathered is 2-1-1 Loam, coarse sand, and pumice. I read something about adding salt to the mix. I don't think this goes for seedlings, but an older plant. From a couple people and the famous Mr.Mesemb himself this is a step to skip. Goodluck:).