kim.. are those plants so special.. that you need to use chemicals???? you would be so much better off just getting rid of them ... please think long and hard about that ... yes.. the bigger mom's.. die.. and remain over winter.. hiding eggs .. in spring.. the crawlers hatch.. and wiggle out ... timing an application of oil or soap .. would require they actually be out from under mom.. but not yet having developed their own hard cover ... the few times i have had scale in pines.. one single systemic application was all they ever needed .. no repeats ... so .. again.. why are they so precious .. that you just cant get rid of them??? ... the only reason .. that i would accept .. is that they are great grandma's heirloom ... and even then ... i would probably.. guiltily get rid of them ... think of it as an opportunity to add something better.. ken

In the area I live in, there used to be zoning laws requiring a minimum of 4 acres lots, so many people have lots 4-8 acres. Most of these remaining plots just have the house area and maybe a few acres maintained, and the rest either completely let go or mowed a few times a year. In regards to free to cheap, I'm sort of going off the model the big tenant farmer goes off of. In my area, it's illegal to "let go" of a property so if it's visible from the road it has to be maintained in some way. People are also eleigble for a tax reduction if property is farmed. The tenant farmer gets land in the agreement to maintain the land. One of the fields next to me for example is a owned by a real estate investor, and the house has been unoccupied for a few years but he pays a landscaper to mow the lawn. This is only a theory, but if I offer to replace the landscaper and mow what can't be bailed, set him up for a tax reduction, and offer x amount of money per bale, I can't see it being much but I could be wrong. I never looked into seed costs or fertilizer applications. My family owns a farm market so I usually get "set up" for cheap seed prices. I know a good amount about fertilization because I took turf grass classes in college which is loosely related. As far as storing, I was hoping to try to get interest before I bale, and if I have to store it I would put a tarp over a stacked wagon. Something else I was thinking of was delivering and stacking hay for and extra amount per bale

Hi. I know this post is closed but you do sound like you can help me. My kids (7, 5, and 2) are trying to start a small garden in South Tampa, Florida. If you have any suggestions on what plants we should grow and when to plant that would be great. I'm just looking for some guidance since I know Lowe's and Home Depot don't really know what they are talking about (I worked for both at one point or another.) Thank you for any assistance.

Gardengal, I have known you for years and in fact you and I have had the same mentor to get to where we are! We have a history here, on the Hoya, Cactus, Containers, Rose, Fragrant, Houseplant, and many other forums! Please, for what it's worth, there are members here that far surpass the "mules" as you say that REALLY appreciate the gifts you have to offer including me, I do, and a whole handful that have been nothing but kind and eager to learn, not to mention any names. I agree, there are at time mules here, but then so too at the Cactus Forums and others, a reason why I stopped posting there for a while and many other forums. Promised myself I was not going to give myself that lost opportunity to help others despite what a slight handful might act like or say and that is why I am posting up a storm there again....One thing I did promise myself is that I will never stop being kind or helping those of the general population here or any other place in which the majority far outweigh the few. You and I go way back and I know as you know I do that there are many innocent good hearted ones that watch us through closed doors, hang around but never post, lurk, and even post that truly appreciate all that we do and share. As a plea to you, please don't leave here for the sake of a few, but continue to be a gem here on this forum and the many others that you have made a huge impact on, including on what I know. Sounds good? You of all people I believe will not disappoint nor the many others that truly have a soft spot for you, me just as our mentor Al have never. You and I know he never gives up on the many that DO appreciate good help that many need to know. From Me to you, one member here that has always respected and appreciated your offerings. We need people like you here! )) E- ail anytime if need be mikerno_1@yahoo.com