Okay.

<Do eggplants need to be hand pollinated under cover? I thought they are self-pollinating, like peppers...> Have to? No just as you don't have to uncover them when they bloom for pollination. But it makes big difference in production just as it does with all other members of the family. They are also shielded from the wind when under cover and wind plays a role in pollination of eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers.

Pcola - the small black specs might be young flea beetles but the damage to the leaves in the pics isn't typical of flea beetles. It could also be aphids or spider mites or any number of other common small insect pests. Or it could be nothing more than some sort of mild environmental damage and that is what it looks like to me. Plus even if you can determine that it is flea beetles then they are not a major pest and almost impossible to control anyway so most of us just live with them. Most importantly, the damage you show is very minor and poses no threat to the plant. So it isn't something to be overly concerned about unless it got substantially worse and trying to intervene without actually knowing the cause usually only makes things worse. Just relax and keep an eye on it. Dave

Thanks tech biker. I know less about engines than I know about grass, which isn't too much, but your analogy makes sense. As well as the advice. As far as organic food choice compared to chemical, for me, I think its two reasons why I like it - 1. ease of use ; less chance of human error, over feeding, easier to apply and water in without chemical burn or cement discoloration (which I have a lot of visible mistakes lol) 2. safer for my family, pets, environment. My current goals are to keep it simple like you say. Adequate food, water, sunlight part I'm working on trimming trees. My father just got an extended chainsaw pole trimmer...we are going to share it. I'll be able to reach further up now to shape up all the trees. I"m mowing consistently at 1.0 inch height at approx every 3 or 4 days. I'm maintaining my equipment as best as I can. And I'm trying to be as healthy as I can. This last 2 months have been tough. I just applied texas tee tonight. I gave it a light soak in to keep the dust down. We just had a huge downpour saturday and then we are fried with 105 degree weather sunday and today. I'm still not pleased with a couple of yellowish areas..but I see some green forming. I'm guessing the recovery from my last human errors have just been taking a while to cure. I'll probably do another round of baby shampoo next time I water. Looking forward to posting some quality pictures soon. I do have some great looking areas though, carpet like. The sides of our house are still a no mans land riddled with weeds. They grow fast. I'm trying to keep it low. I really hate even cutting it. I feel like I'm contaminated my mowers just by cutting them, and that I'm spreading their guts everywhere infecting the rest of my yard! I'm guessing its 20/25 percent grass and 80 percent weed. Plus one side has I believe saint augustine growing thanks to the previous owner of the house next to us who planted it or something. I'm guessing winter might be the best time to start a weed attack and prevent regimen.