Is it powdery? I notice a white powder sort of substance on my hib leaves after watering. It seems to be where water has dried on the leaves and I've wondered if that's how the leaves react to water or something? Still trying to figure it out myself.

I have made my own super-fine sugar, for a recipe, by using regular granulated sugar and my kitchen blender, AND...... Found this by "Googeling"......... Here is a link that might be useful: Making Own Powdered Sugar

When you do long-term home food storage you learn both white and brown sugar actually have an indefinite storage time, when properly stored. I like to make my own brown sugar because you can decide how much molasses and what kind of molasses you'd like to use, as well as what kind of sugar you'd like to use. I prefer that deep rich Plantation Blackstrap Molasses. Freshly-made brown sugar is more aromatic in baked goods. You'll soon think commercial brown sugar has a stale taste, in comparison. You can mix the sugar and molasses together with a whisk or even using an electric hand-held mixer, as well as a food processor. I like the hand-held mixer for the task. You can "fix" hardened brown sugar by placing it in a 225-degree F oven for 10 minutes. -Grainlady

Yes, plant thick. I have a few varieties that always do well and trying a couple more this year. Sugar Ann and classic Sugar Snap do well for me. I plant, direct seed, my first double row as soon as i can work the soil, then again the next 2-3 weekends, a week apart-ish. (wet rough weather will sometimes keep me out of the garden). If i relied on just one of those plantings i may not see one pea. Seeds are cheap and the harvest can be buckets full. Once the weather warms, in go my pole beans right behind the peas, in, again, a three week planting, but way less thick. As they are getting a footing, the peas start to brown and crisp and pull out with ease. Planting a few varieties, (i go overboard with 15-20), will give lots of peas and beans as they have different growth times. Early on i had given up on peas for a few years thinking i had the wrong climate but now that i 'insurance' plant i get enough to give plenty away. I get all my peas from Johnny's. And a random pack here and there if i can't help myself from the nursery racks...those racks seem to have a 'buy me' magnet. I try not to look...