I winter-sowed Nicotiana alata 'Jasmine-scented white' this year using seeds that were commercial (Seeds of Change, organic) BUT they were packed for 1997 so they are 10 years old! I often sow older seeds to see what will happen and for the most part still get excellent germination with seeds that are 10 years or older. Lots of the Nicotiana sprouted, which I planted out in little hunks and also potted up a bunch in flats for a swap I'm hosting next weekend. Not sure what variety you're trying to grow, or where the seeds were from, but in my limited experience it is very easy to start from seed.

Yes, Lizalily... I've begun to write down a few thoughts on the subject of mislabeled bulbs, and as I said, with a little more input from the crowd I'll be going for broke! I want it to be a generic letter that can be sent to multiple companies since it's more than one company handing out mislabeled bulbs. It would be helpful to me if everyone would tell me how many bulbs they've gotten that have been either mislabeled or have had health issues, and which companies they've had problems with. I believe I will begin a new thread with this in mind... I think the mislabel problems begin at the grower level and are not really the fault of the retailer or wholesaler, although keeping the proper tags with the proper bulbs ends at the seller level. Most plant material sold in bulk can be ordered with or without tags, and there are separate companies that sell tags. I know this to be true with growers and sellers that deal in annuals and perennials, so I'm assuming it might be the same for bulbs... I'm not certain of this, though. Either way, just our little group of buyers here on the forum adds up to a lot of money spent and a lot of bulbs purchased, and it's not right to pay good money for something and have it not be what was originally ordered!

well I have only fed these violets like 2 times in over 1 year. Plain ol' Miracle-Gro for house plants. So I guess it is the lights. These lights are over 8 months old. Brand new they put out Max. light. At 6 months, they put out much less light, and that is with the lights down at the lowest level. These are at the highest level. AeroGrow seeds packages won't even grow with bulbs this old. They need to be replaced at 6months, or the seeds don't sprout, let alone produce veggies or flowers. Thought violets needed a lot of indirect light. This seems like very indirect light,....but,...some violets love these lights, others grow like this.

I am a designer and also work with Abbey Carpet and Flooring in Petaluma CA. The basics about carpet: * There are many different fibers, but the common ones you'll see are polyester, nylon, smartstrand and wool. Both polyester and nylon come beck dyed or solution dyed. Smartstrand, a sturdy fiber, is solution dyed. Post dyed fibers mean that there are open dye sites for stains to latch to. Solution dyed means that the color goes through and through, like a carrot is orange all the way through, so there are no open dye sites to latch onto. Soiling happens to every surface because it's caused by the dirt that comes in on your shoes and feet. That needs to be vacuumed away or the cutting facets on the particles will begin to abrade the fibers and make the carpet looks worn and dirty. * Nylon and Smartstrand are resilient and will stand back up when vacuuming. While polyester fibers have become much cleaner during processing, they will lay down in traffic patterns over time and not pop back up with vacuuming. * If stain resistance is what you are looking for, then choose a solution dyed product. I recommend solution dyed nylon or Smartstrand. Liquids generally bead on the top of the carpet for quick removal - always dab - never rub because you'll abrade the fibers. * The argument about allergies is unfounded and the perception has changed through vigorous research. For a time, carpet was ripped out of schools for that reason, but is now being reinstalled. Carpet acts like a filter in the home. Particulates rest on the top of the carpet to be vacuumed away. Hard surface floors don't hold dust etc. so every time you walk through a room, those things get recirculated with every footstep or gust of breeze. * There are certain things to consider when choosing your carpet: where is it going and how are the rooms being used - A low, dense fiber on stairs is best; a rarely used guest bedroom might be a good place to save money and use a polyester. * Vacuums: The longer and softer the fiber, the more compression space when walking, so if lots of footprints bothers you then go with something denser. A soft carpet requires an adjustable vacuum and the ability to disengage the beater bar. There is no carpet manufacturer that will warrant their carpet if you use a Dyson - it's not on any manufacturer's list of recommended vacuums. Be sure to get the right vacuum for your material. An IRobot type vacuum has a different type of bristle movement that can unwind fibers. Disengage the beater bar when running it over a loop construction. * Generally speaking, carpet will be the least expensive installation and with basic care will easily last 15-20 years. Carpet generally uglies out long before it wears out. Warranties demand a professional cleaning every 18 months and it's a good idea... it keeps the carpet tight and clean. Think of your jeans stretching out between washes: carpet is fiber/material and it gets walked on every day, so keep it clean. *Always take carpet/flooring samples home to look at in your light. Color changes with light. A computer screen can't replicate what anything will look like in your space. *Shaw, Mohawk, Karastan, Phenix, Stanton, Engineered Floors are just some of the manufacturers producing solution dyed products. Please feel free to contact me if you'd like more information! Good luck!!!