You need not concern yourself about the roots from plants that grew in that place last year. Whether they will be digested in one year depends on how alive your soil is and the mean soil temperature. If you soil cools down below 40 degrees in the winter the soil bacteria stop working, so no those roots will not get digested during the winter. However the soil bacteria will work on them during the next growing season and any nutrients the roots would have (they will have lots) will be put back into the soil for future use.

I had to direct sow last year after my zinnia seedlings failed and the daffs flopped. So I never did get it too look like what I had in mind. But this year is different. Jean, I know zinnias need lots of sun and the get lots of sun there all afternoon from about noon on. Just shady earlier in the morning.

I have Fibromyalgia and one of the problems that some people get with that is what they call "fog". My fog seems to be more like alzheimers and I get easily overwhelmed because it is almost impossible to focus on anything for long. I also forget the names of plants from one minute to the next. I found that making a list of everything I have helps me when I "loose" the name. Last winter I got a graph paper tablet and drew out my entire yard and the garden beds to scale. I did each quadrant of the yard on a seperate sheet of paper to allow room to write on it. In the spring I numbered my list and then put each plant on the graph paper in a circle that was sized to represent the size the plant will grow to. Then I put the plant number in the circle. It has made everything so much easier for me to keep track of. Now when I plant something I take the tag inside, write the plant on my list, give it a number, take out my graph paper and mark it on the drawing of my yard. This also helps when I go to the nursery because I can easily refer to my "map" and list and it keeps me on track of what sort of plants I need for specific areas. Otherwise I just pick things up with no idea of where I'm going to put them and I don't get overwhelmed with all the choices. It also makes it sooo much easier to explain to the sales clerk who is offering to help me find something. I can say I need something 2 ft. tall and blue to go next to this _______. Then the clerk can think about sun, water, soil etc. because he/she knows what is already growing where I plan to put the plant. Saves me from struggling with all those things. It takes some time to get it all on paper. I spent all winter at it last winter. It was worth the work. I don't have to feel embarassed when I go to open my mouth and nothing comes out, because I can't think at the moment. I feel much more organized and functional now too. If you suffer like I do from this disorder...you'll understand what a relief this little thing can be. Good luck! MeMo

My Canary dates are not overwatered. This winter they came in late (some time in December). Since this time, most have only been watered once. Once date palm leaves start to fold, they want water. Also, they get direct, winter sun in that garage as the garage doors are glass and face due south. Also, when you water palms, you should water deeply and thoroughly--otherwise you are just encouraging surface roots. Yes, the Queens are tall but their containers are very light--using those mock ceramic planters or large plastic tubs from HD. Bought a bunch of them at a good price (in a pleasant marine blue/gray color). I can post a picture of the Queens once they get for the season--some time next mouth if the weather stays on course and the groundhog is right.:) It is actually a lot harder to move the Canary palms--prickly, big, and wide. When it really comes time to moving them out for the season, it's not really that hard. I just lift the garage doors and move them out a few feet--dollies and bungees help. I can't wait to get them out! Are you going to keep the Needle containerized? (Mine are planted out on the south side of the house for their second winter.)