I agree that eight inches for the raised beds will be fine. That grass where you want to put them ~ if it's not bermuda, nut grass or something terribly invasive like that, you'd be just fine building them right on top. I'm cheap, too, so I just mix in loads of compost and composted manure to whatever soil I have and use that. Though building an "Insta-Bed" sure is nice ~ not having to dig and mix anything. ;) I'm not a big fan of peat moss because it's such a pita to get damp again once it dries out ~ it tends to crust up for me. In my very humble opinion, it's not even much for changing the pH of soil ~ in my experience, trying to change the pH with anything never lasts (atleast trying to go from alkaline to acidic ~ don't have any experience with going the other way). So you might as well just learn what grows well in the soil you have and just do that. Most veggies will grow well in just about any soil. That's a generalization of course ~ I'm sure there are a few places around the world with soil so horrible that they won't (almost as acidic as vinegar, pure sand, etc.). But I'd bet your soil, when ammended with just good old compost, will produce wonderfully. But if you really want those Insta-Beds (and I can surely see why :), I'd get whatever the garden center has that is a mix of good topsoil and compost. Go see it before you buy of course, and grab a handful of it when it's damp (just damp, not wet), squeeze it tight into a ball and if it holds together in a tight ball even when you poke it, there's probably too much clay (needs more compost); if it falls apart right after you open your hand, there's probably too much sand (needs more compost); if it holds together pretty well with only a little bit falling off the ball and the whole thing falls apart pretty easily when you poke it, that's perfect. Lastly, I just posted on the "Newbie needs encouragement" thread about soil temps. You may want to go read that. I linked to a chart that gives, among other things, optimum soil temps for lots of veggies and how hardy they are. That info may come in handy for you as you learn what will grow when.

Hi, Sylvia I am wondering if you have any extras for me for postage. i would really appreciate it if i can take some of your unknown irises, i would love to see a surprise by next year,,:D oh, i email you already, fingers crossed.... thank you! Wendy

Lilies like moist soil and bearded iris like soil that dries out between soakings. But I have seen it done. I would keep the lilies at least 5 feet away and be careful with watering. Perhaps some Floridians will read your request and suggest bearded iris that will accept your climate. I have read that Louisiana iris grow in warm parts of Florida - they like more water than bearded iris. Your local nursery is your best bet for information. Ask other customers is they've had sucess with lilies and iris. Gardeners love to talk about plants.

1) It's best to have the condenser unit matched to the new indoor coil for best performance. If not, make certain the coil has a TXV (likely needs to be for R22). Something to consider: When you do replace the condenser unit, you'll be replacing it with one using R-410A after 2010, so you'll want to change the coil to an R-410A one at that time as well. Probably cheaper and better in the long run to get the new condenser. I do think Trane/American Standard makes some of the best condensers, with the Spine Fin coil. 2) No, you don't need any per se. You can use standard throwaway 1" filters, but the media filter would be nice to have for added filtration and less airflow resistance (more filter surface area). I would avoid electronic air cleaners (maintenance, price). 3) No. The lineset and pad are part of the condenser unit installation. The pad is what the condenser unit sits on. The lineset refers to the refrigerant lines. 4) Yes. See what your city/county requires as far as permits go. Some don't pull permits. Also see about an inspection. 5) Not sure to be honest.