Thank for the input. Since adding a foot of soil would make the bed a bit high, I decided to tilt the soil slightly. I scraped off the very top bit of the soil along with weed, and then dump a mix of 50% compost / 50% top soil, about half a foot. I dug a hole and filled it with water and sprinkled some mycorrhiza before planting the plants, since disturbing the soil supposedly destroys mycorrhiza. I planted some beebalm and New England Aster. Both are pretty tough plants and should do well in full sun, though half the things I planted there hasn't done well. I am beginning to think that the place is cursed. Paul

Jane, I haven't saved seeds from melons, so I'm inexperienced. I wouldn't go with floating row covers, as pollinatoras may be able to crawl under them. I think you'd need to protect both the male and female flowers, by covering, or tying them up individually(the ones used in controlled pollinations). Then using a paintbrush to pollinate the females, with pollen from the male flowers. After pollination, the females would have to be protected until the fruit starts to form(so the bees don't pollinate as well). I'd look for better instructions than mine, on the internet, or in a book. Douglas

nomorebluekitchen - For oven bacon, I use a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper (easier cleanup) and lay the bacon strips out side by side . I cook at 350 or lower to cut down on shrinkage. This is how we always did it in every restaurant I worked in. Although usually in the restaurants we would partially cook it this way and then finish on the griddle. I cook it this way at home because it generally creates less mess and you don't have to turn it and look after it the same way. caryscott - I'll have to try the Piller's taste Better than Bacon, thanks for the tip.

Jasdip=what do you mean by your whirly pop quit working? I was referring to the aluminum hand crank type on the stove. Get one and give it another try. It makes the BEST popcorn on earth! Turn on the burner to 7 or 8. Added oil and 2-3 kernels of popcorn. When they pop, add 1/2 cup and stir once or twice. When it starts popping, stir continuously until they stop popping or its so full the crank won't turn. Dump, add popcorn salt and enjoy! This is foolproof. BTW if cooking for a crowd, the popper has to cool completely before re-using of the next bath will be tough,