I have a grow light bulb in a floor lamp with an adjustable arm. It's over several plants and I'm never quit sure how long to leave it on or exactly where to point it. Right now I have it pointed at the white wall above and behind the plants figuring the light will will reflect and disseminate indirectly onto the plants. I leave it on only a few hours because they also get a very small amount of indirect, low light from and; window across the room and the fluorescent lights in the next room. I do wonder if the temperature is part of my problem with her and also my ivies, perhaps. Water could also be associated, I have heard that tap water left sitting at room temp awhile before watering clears the chemicals. I store my water in closed milk cartons a good while before use. I dunno if that makes any difference or not. ~ken_adrian... You said, "grow lights should be 2 to 4 inches"... What did you mean by that? 2-4 inch bulbs? 2-4 inches over plant? That is not the permanent position. I didn't post my zone because all my plants are indoor, but I live in VA. Thanks everyone for the advice and welcomes. I will check out that site, Carol23.

I did a soil test late in the summer last year, it showed the soil was very acid. We had the recommended amendments made early this spring. We used a turning plow to make raised beds - it worked beautifully for moisture retention and drainage - but I'm gardening on a slope, which brings on more challenges. For those of you who used raised beds, are they permanent? Or do you till them down at the end of the season. How deep are they? The Zinnias must go - what I do have growing is either riddled with mildew or the Japanese beetles are feasting on them - or they're too short or too small. Time to till it up and start working toward next year. Next year will be better, right? I do appreciate all your responses!! I know I'm green, but I'm learning as I go along and you all are a wealth of information! This is not "Big Business" for me - more of a learning experience for my kids (and me). I'm grateful to you who are willing to take the time to share your knowledge. Thanks!

Hi Averil, here are some Arabicum pics for you......they are of the Bouquet variety and from seeds that Rick kindly gifted to me. In the pic below it may not be that clear but the left hand plant does show branches growing in most directions but the centre and right hand plants only have arms in just one plane! The left one has 5 really bulbous branches and looks very different to the other two. Guess they don't look so leafless really but this is the best they've looked and are different to my obesums. The leaves often get damaged and grow deformed as if glued together when emerging. None have been pinched out at any time. Gill UK

It's a dieffenbachia. They like bright light or filtered sun and water when the pot is light when you try to pick it up. If you cut off the leggy tops it should sprout new shoots from the stem. That's the simple carevi give mine. I'm sure someone will come along to give you more comprehensive advice!