I have some experience with this. If you go "10X12 hfgh" on the search link you'll find some previous posts. What worked for me very successfully are the EMT conduit pipes. I vertically aligned the EMT with the studs around the outside like this; I pounded either 3'rebar or a pointed iron stake 1&1/2 ' into the ground leaving about a foot protruding above the ground (I got it at Lowes in the construction barbed wire dept). Then I took the EMT & set it right over the stake & pounded the EMT about 6" into the ground. Then I attached the EMT with L shaped metal braces (hinge dept. at Lowes) & bolted it to the studs. On the gutter rail side you can bolt the EMT directly to the existing gutter rail bolts. You need to drill holes in the EMT. I also drilled tiny holes in the studs & used guide wire through the holes & then around the EMT & twisted tight. You can do as many as you think you need. I have 7 EMT lined up around the GH on the windward sides epecially. On the peaked roof side I had to use EMT pipe insert / extenders to reach the top of the peak. It works great. We have up to 50 mi. winds with the storm fronts that come in here in Nevada along the Sierra foothills. My 10 X 12 hfgh has passed the test with the bracing. Be sure to follow everyones advice & screw the panels in. Do not depend on just the clips. See posts by; Mudhouse, laserfan, gardner wannabe & theres a few others also.

Hi Bellrose On the sprinkler, won't hurt, if the sun is not hitting on the leaves. Like any plant wet on hot leaves can burn. I use hawaiian bud and bloom, with number 50 in the center, to make the plant flower. Was advised on here by Bill to use it. I feed twice a month, half dose, with the tbl they provide, in a gallon of water. I fill a gallon bucket, then dip in a coffee can and pour mix around the plant soil. Once a month I also put a couple drops in that mixture of superthrive. My leaves haven't grown out yet, most of mine are only about 6 to 8" long, can double that length, then will go to a full dose. Sone use other mixtures, they all work well. To quote Bill, one of our experts. Water first..next day feed.. put food on wet roots. Now being you don't know if your plant has been fed or not, I would not feed it for awhile. Can wait another month. An inflo is where the buds are, where it will flower. You have been given good advise by others. Just water it now, hope it blooms. The water meter will register all the way to the roots, not all use them. I prefer. KEeping in mind I live in a area that is hotter than you are. We are almost 100 today. Karen B.

I think the charge for grafting is four dollars. If not, then it is close. I sent two cuttings for less than five dollars priority mail (1st class would have been three something). Don't know how much to send the grafted plants back - whatever the post office charges them - they don't add to shipping, I don't think. Pretty cheap for peace of mind if you have a valuable cutting. I still don't have peace, though, b/c my cuttings weren't in the best of condition. I am thinking of sending cuttings of my other cultivars to them to get grafted plants of the same cultivars. I wouldn't do it now, though. If you cut your plant now, or during dormancy, you run an increased risk of the entire thing rotting from the cut end. The rot can start at the cut and travel down the entire plant and kill it. I've had this happen on accidental breaks at the wrong time of year. As far as sending to graft, if you have a white or more plain plume, you will be much more likely to root it on a heat mat with a light than a red, orange or rainbow. Also, you may not benefit from the grafted root system since your white or "plain" plant will probably have as good a root system as their graft rootstock. You really benefit from grafting if you have a cultivar, or a red/rainbow that genetically grows slowly and doesn't grow a strong root system. These types of plants are supposed to do better grafted onto a strong root system. Then they'll grow and bloom from those roots rather than their genetically weaker/slower roots. Still, I guess there's some white/yellow/pink that could have slow roots b/c all plumes are genetically different. Just have to observe and get to know the ones you have. Interesting about the rotten egg for the squirrels. I had no idea that could work. Please keep us posted. Recently, I lost several brussels sprouts and broccoli plants to some vermin - no idea if rabbit, chipmunk, squirrel, raccoon? I put several different things around the remaining plants and will see if they work. Maybe I should put some of my cat's fur in with the plants? Anyway, I am just hoping my cuttings do graft and am awaiting word from Florida Colors.

So when I remove the base of the roots how should I remove the roots of the dead plant? I plan on being very careful but I do not want to take away from the living plant. I would assume it would take breaking away the root ball and separating them from each other.