No, I just crumble up the pro mix by hand till its not compacted, Ive never had it compact on me after that, however, Im using it as a generally seed started, not as potting mix. I dont let it soak, I just sow the seeds on top then water the jugs , inside by the sink hose, outside if its warm enough in the season by garden hose with a shower attatchment, I just push the trigger in about half and its works, just water till the water is down the bottom or flowing out. I usually have no probables after that.. every once in a while a container, got too many drainholes or something and tends to dry out quicker, but thats about it. Ive never used sunshine gro, so wouldnt know how that would work vs promix, but from what Ive used, I prefer pro mix to just about anything else when working with seeds, Usually nothing too big in there. Thanks

I really do not know whether this is at all the same problem you are having, so I'll describe for you my rose problem, what I've learned and how I am responding. An unnamed rugosa inherited with my house has suffered yearly with yellow chlorosis (yellow with green veining) followed by scorching of leaves and then entire branches. One possiblity is that there is an iron deficiency; the other possibility is that it is a different deficiency such as magnesium. I tried to correct for iron deficiency. If that doesn't work, I'll runs a soil test to shee what's going on. I have found information indicating that only chelated iron with EDDHA in it does any good for soils above 7.5 PH and that it is directly due to the alkaline soils we have that causes the chlorosis. If you are on clay as I am west of Mpls, the clay will keep the soil alkaline as it continues to break down. I severly pruned my rose, pruning out ANY evidence of damage, an then added a fertilizer with EDDHA iron chelate around the rose. So far it looks good with plenty of new growth. Hopefully that is all that will be required. Some site suggest spraying. Rugosas do not like being sprayed, I found out the hard way! Another site suggested Old antique roses (I have one-Rugosa rugosa alba) that is probably the strongest, heaviest blooming rose in my harshly exposed MN garden. I hope this is all that is required - for both of us!!! Good luck,

I just posted on another thread, but had to throw my 2 cents in ... I'm also delighted with my Bluestar. Some of the concerns I had turned out to be completely unfounded, and while I had a few start-up issues (as with just about everything!), Bluestar and Eurostoves addressed them promptly and professionally. In my experience, the weird issues raised on these Bluestar threads (ovens not sealing, doors flopping open, doors too hot) are completely bogus. Cleaning the top is a challenge ... one needs to not be too compulsive about that. But wow does it cook great!!! A few things in addition to the great burners ... I had read about long preheat times on the oven: I have the 48" and the small oven preheats in just a few minutes, the large in only a few more. I've never had ovens preheat so fast (my Bluestar was a replacement for a Viking). I consider myself an accomplished cook and baker, but my baking has improved dramatically with this oven (I've never had a gas oven before and was very concerned about how it would work for baking), my griddle is fabulous and, while it does need some time to have the temp even out across the surface, it preheats much faster than contributors to these threads would lead one to believe. I just turn it on before I start prepping the food to cook and it's perfectly heated in time to cook. I did tons of research before purchasing and was scared to buy something so costly sight unseen, but what a great purchase! Matt at Bluestar ... if you read these threads thanks for all your help! You're doing a superb job.

yeah, I was in shock because I had an a okay from the doc in the later part of November, but there is really no way to tell for sure if it's back without scans. No real tumor markers in the blood like there are for other cancers. Just the one blood test that can indicate there might be a problem if there are some higer levels of(insert something I can't pronounce and therefore can sound out to spell it.. here! LOL) and that was totally normal. yep, Terri, its not a fast grower. But as the doc told me my first visit a few years ago, there is also no cure. So, I just hope that the little buggers don't get resistant to the fun little chemicals! LOL I'll play a little video blaster game in my head while taking chemo! lol But, we might watch this for a while too. It's just one lymph node, and there were a lot more involved last time. But apparently this one is HUGE HUGE HUGE! Yeah, I always say, more is more! I don't believe the old saying , less is more! So, hopeing that there are no more little buggers in the new scans. Thanks for the prayers everyone! Darn! I jUST found a great new hair stylist for my last 3 cuts that I LOVE! And at fantastic Sams no less... and incredible cut for $20 bucks! Beats every $75 cut I've had lately! lol Oh, and guess what? Baseball season starts today. Ryan's team is travelling to Tennesse today for their first games! Sheesh! seems so early and so cold! Go RED STORM!