Yes, everything is the same except you strike them in the pellets instead of just loose soil. You can also use the small peat pots and put seed starter mix in them, then insert them into the bags. I used to trim the foliage back so there weren't large areas laying flat against the plastic as those contact areas are the most prone to rotting. The conditions I had to use for this method were, the only place I had which received strong light with no direct sun (direct sun on a bagged plant can cook it in a matter of minutes) was on my north facing balcony. I had a large glass terrarium I put on the balcony floor. I put three to four peat pellet planted cuttings per gallon Zip Loc bag, then inflated them by breathing into them as I sealed them so they were like inflated pillows. I then stood them up inside the terrarium like books on a shelf so they supported each other, standing up straight. I had a screen lid for the terrarium (it was created for reptile pets, not mine, but a friend's who tired of them) which prevented squirrels and other rodents from getting in to the bags. That set up worked perfectly in that area. It got hot and remained extremely arid, so the cuttings didn't rot. Attempting that method here in Encino, where evening humidity can rise dramatically, then virtually disappear in the heat of the day, resulted in full scale rotting. I hope it works better for you in yours. Kim

Tessiess, thank you for your input. I used alfalfa pellets for the first time this spring, and upon closer observation, I have not noticed any major differences that I can definitely attribute to its use; unfortunately I continued to use my normal March cocktail which could account for a lot of what I saw in terms of growth etc. I research, research, research and many experts warn against the use of alfalfa as it is believed to raise the pH, which is the opposite of what I want for my high alkaline soil. Years ago, I attempted to grow Blanc Double de Coubert. I had just began rose gardening and I am sure its demise is gardener error. I am happy to learn that you have had luck with rugosas; with very little intervention, which is probably key to its success? Now if I can just find someone who has had success with Paul Neyron to discover what the issue is with as so many gardeners seem to despise it.... Lyn, you are so correct. Las Vegas has its name because it means the meadows. This land was once very fertile and wet. Generally, the soil in Las Vegas has inorganic minerals, but is very low in organic compounds . We aspire to have soil that is 5% organic compounds but have to amend a lot to get there. We also amend the soil to lower the pH.

Hi Melissa -- did you ever get that email I sent you about digging a swale to capture rainwater on a hillside? I'm working on a similar project (slowly) and thought of you. Fundamentally I agree with you. It's best to grow plants that want to grow in the conditions you can offer them. I have a couple exceptions. You mentioned blueberries. I just adore blueberries. If you stick to the newer southern highbush varieties such as Misty, Oneal, and Sunshine Blue you may have better luck. Sunshine Blue in particular is said to be a little more tolerant of higher pH. Try a raised bed filled with compost, wood chip, and peat as a growing medium. I'm experimenting with the same mixture, some soil and sulfur added, dug as a trench in the ground. It is too soon to tell, but so far all but one of my blueberries are growing well and not chlorotic. I did lose one, but think that I lost it to hot dry weather when I was away. They do need water. I don't begrudge it to food plants. My other exception is that I planted a couple of avocado trees because Tom loves them so much. I'm not convinced that I'm going to be able to make them happy, but we're giving it a try. After killing about two dozen rhododendrons, I've given up on them. I have two left. One under the redwood trees actually looks reasonably happy. The other, alas, is on its way out. I do so love rhododendrons. At least I have roses! And apples. And plums, and figs, and citrus. Really, so much does well here that it is silly to sigh for the few plants that won't thrive for me. It means that when I go garden visiting and see favorite plants I cannot grow well, I have the special thrill that comes from seeing the less accustomed beauty. Rosefolly

Dave - those are some gorgeous roses as usual! you take some awsome pictures - or more like you grow some great roses! thanks for sharing. My two year old - like all of us here on the forum has fallen in love with Pete and won't even let me type cos she wants to say "hi pete"! aprille