Hi all! Just as an update- I pruned and potted up my Hot Lips about 3 wks ago. Thanks for the advice, Rich. By looking at the website, the plants almost "told " me where to prune. Get rid of dead, weedy and so on. New growth was peeking out on the lower stems, so trim down to there. They weren't root-bound as I'd feared, but close to it. I loosened the root ball a little, mixed some of the old soil with new Kelloggs and pumice, a little slow release, and put them in pots 2 in. larger. re worm castings- they're a component of the potting mix I use. It's not available all over, but it's such a nice, coarse well draining mix. And I found earthworms when I potted up! They are growing beautifully and already have fat buds on a dozen shoots. Didn't try cuttings yet, I didn't see anything viable that I trimmed. I'm wondering if they have insect repelling properties..? I've never seen bugs on them. I moved them next to one of my potted roses and it's now the only one without aphids. The foliage is very aromatic. If I were to look for similarly performing salvia to use as a companion, does anyone have suggestions? Texas and Mexican sages grow well here, but they are waaay too big for balcony pots. I tried Black and Blue and it croaked in a week-seemed too tender. Would I look for a gregii, microphylla, or? There are salvias available here, but sometimes the labeling is "red" "pink", or something equally enlightening. High Country Gardens may be a good source to order from if there is nothing local. Thanks!

Zinsser makes a great primer. The others are right though, it won't go on evenly like your final coat. You're doing fine. :) I painted a wood desk last summer and when I finished with the primer, I thought the same thing, "oh, what a mess I've made." But then I put on the first finish coat (a black high gloss paint), all of my doubts went away. You may need to put on two coats of your regular paint though since you're covering the wood and primer. I would put one coat on and then see if you even need to fill those corners. A little spackle will work - no mixing needed. When you first apply it it will be pink and then it dries to white. Then you can lightly sand it and paint on your final coat. Also, as others mentioned..use a really good regular paint brush. It will have finer bristles and give you a nice, smooth application. The inexpensive brushes have courser bristles. Believe me, the brush does make a difference. Bottom line is... you're doing great! :)

Read the can of B-I-N. If I recall correctly it is not supposed to be used for painting entire walls. Zinsser makes good primers. They are the maker of B-I-N. I called them and asked which primer to use for each project (Walls, bare wood, etc.). They were helpful and I was happy with the result. You know the first question anyone will want to know is " What are you painting?" Makes a big difference in which primer will work...BIG difference. Yes, I used the wrong primer for a specific project once, horrible results. Incidentally call any manufacturer; they should help. Not so necessarily with the local paint person at HD or Lowes.

I have not tried the SoapCrafters flavor oils. I have tried the ones from the sage.com. Good results. Also, if one wants sweetened flavors, they sell one called Sugar Kisses. BTW, I suspect licking your lips too often is not good for them, but not because of digestive enzymes in saliva. The only digestive enzyme contained in saliva, digests starch.