I think that is what he meant - You asked Can yall take a look at my pics and tell me what I should do to break these clumps up So where are the pics we are supposed to take a look at? ;) Otherwise it isn't clear why the post about looking at the pics if the pics aren't there? Plus it really is a discussion for the Soil forum or maybe the Vegetable Gardening forum since it isn't really a "tomato" question. See what I mean? As to clods and clumps - part of the problem is the time of year - dry and hard soil vs. normal digging time in early spring or late fall. Part of it is your soil and only elbow grease will solve that - well elbow grease and a pick axe. I sometimes have good luck stockpiling the worst clods in a corner somewhere and soaking the pile well with water to soften it up and then takes the tools to it now and then until it finally breaks down. Might also consider that making a raised bed might be a whole lot easier for you to do. Dave

I've never used it for stamping into (except playing with my kids), but i've seen it suggested for jewelry. It comes in little multi-packs in the party favor dept. I made a little man when we were studying Mexico a while back; he's posted in the gallery. But this "animal" is a horse of a different color, isn't it? Handles so unlike other clays. Here is a link that might be useful: Doh Boy

dude, Remember to brush twice a day for the first 7-10 days. No algaecide or chlorine for the first week. Then you can start adding chlorine slowly.Add acid as needed to lower the pH to 7.3 or so. It will rise on it's own for the next year. This tendency will slow as time progresses and the plaster cures. Watch the filter pressure too. The dust you brush off will get sucked into the filter and if not paid attention to, will clog it. Then daily for the next few weeks. No pool sweeps for the 1st 3 to 4 weeks. No Vacuuming either. You don't want track marks from the wheels. Note: When brushing, turn off the skimmers so the drain pulls the dust. Brush towards the drain. Run the filter continuously. If you have an Intelliflow, try for 2 to 3 turns per 24. Your plaster will cure nicely and smoothly. If I missed anything, I'm sure someone will chime in. Scott

Only humans do 'composting'. This is a very narrow interpretation of composting and I believe it IS splitting hairs :-). 'Compost' (the noun) is broadly defined as "organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment" and 'composting' itself (the verb) as "nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic waste you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil–dark brown, crumbly and smells like a forest floor." Does nature 'compost'?