Laura, I'm glad you brought this thread back to life, because I have never found it. Al, as always, is very informative and reasonable. I agree whole heartedly with how he approaches gardening. I too prefer to use compost, and avoid chemicals, but am not against using chemicals either. For example, I refuse to sit back and watch my garden be destroyed by insects because I don't want to use chemicals. Usually I don't need to, but if things get rough, I have to bust out the big guns. Anyways, Laura, you talked about the runoff problems in your area; these issues come up all over, including here in WI. The biggest misconception people have is that the people using the "nasty" chemical fertilizers are causing the runoff, when in fact runoff problems can be caused by organic fertilizers as well. The biggest issue is not the stuff causing the problems, but the people who are. Proper use of inorganic AND organic fertilizers is key. You can buy all sorts off different products, both organic and inorganic, and each has instructions as to the proper application. If you don't follow these instructions, well, that is where the problem lies. So, with that said, you seem like a very reasonable and responsible person, so whether you apply organic fertilizer or synthetic fertilizer, and can assure you that if you follow the directions, you personally are NOT contributing to the runoff problems. Again, thanks to Al for his infinate wisdom, and to Laura for bringing this one back to life. Joe

Ok.. wow. I just looked them up a bit more and I have to say I have NEVER seen anything like this. They seem to be quite happy where they are so maybe I'll experiment next year too! One thread said that everything is edible. Do you have to cook the stalks or do you just chop them thin?

Hydrogen peroxide has a problem similar to chlorine in solution, ie, in the wrong concentrations, they are toxic. The advantage of hydrogen peroxide is that it leaves solution completely in 1-2 hrs after it has done its work; chlorine hangs on for days. I treat all water for nutrient change and make-up to 500-1000 ppm with 3% solution available in stores and let it sit for 2 hours. I have no nasties carried by water. Solution concentrations will depend upon your water supply.

Thanks, Ann, for your thoughts. I agree - I definitely don't want to be the buttinsky stepmother! But as the one responsible for the food in the house, I am just trying to "get it right" and at least attempt to instill some appreciation for or knowledge of decent nutrition. As for speaking with a nutritionist, my thought had been to suggest it so that *I* know how to feed a growing boy, not to use it as an "I told you so" opportunity. But no matter how I present it, chances are it will be seen as a negative thing, at least by my step-son. I do make pretty healthy meals and I make sure to include things my step-son likes to eat. I do serve at least two veggies and fruit at every meal, and we sometimes eat non-meat meals, although step-son lets me know he doesn't appreciate meals without meat. ;) I cook a lot and know where I can cut corners and do so when it makes sense. But I also don't want to be so stingy on calories that I short change a growing boy. That is part of my challenge. Regarding relationship-dynamics, I'm working on that with DH and step-son, however, not the inlaws. We're friendly and they're nice folks, but MIL knows what she knows and won't be convinced otherwise. I've learned it's not worth my blood pressure or time to educate or convince her of something because she can't be swayed. If having weight loss surgery didn't convince her of the need to eat right, nothing will. On top of that, DH and step-son have both asked her to stop giving step-son junk food "to go" every time she sees him (she gives him cans of ravioli, boxes of Little Debbie cakes, bags of candy, etc. to take home because she knows I don't buy that kind of stuff), but she won't stop buying him junk. The bottom line here is I can only do so much. I will continue to make healthy meals, stock the fruit bowl and be a role model for healthy eating habits. But I'm not going to nag or keep bringing this up, as it'll get me nowhere and quite possibly make things difficult amongst us. Despite this particular problem area, step-son and I actually have a pretty good relationship. He's a good kid, hard worker and straight A student. I guess I just feel more pressure than your average step-mom because he lives with us full time - he eats with us every night, not just on the weekends. Kimberly