My intent isn't to make you look stupid or inexperienced. My intent is to point out that others would be less disappointed if they don't put the same amount of faith in a humidity tray (HT) that you do. HTs might make some degree of difference, but it's certainly not going to be significant. Maybe, if a number of plants were grouped together and over HTs, you might be able to gain something of a benefit from the grouping, but one plant - one humidity tray, could only play a very minor part in warding off brown tips. When it comes to growing, people are often very poor at relating cause and effect. I'm not singling you out - it's a fact. If you were misting regularly, you'd probably swear it was the misting that was warding off the brown tips, which would also be in error. If you stop and think about it for just a second, I think you'll agree that it takes a combination of a number of favorable factors to produce a plant with pristine or even good looking foliage. BECAUSE it takes a combination of factors, it's no more logical to say it's the result of the HT than it is to say it's the result of any one of: a favorable soil, favorable light, nutrition the plant likes, the right temps, lack of insect predation or disease ..... I'd favor good genetics over a HT any day. If you think it makes a difference, then that's great for you. I'm simply not convinced and wanted to share why. Al

Oh my. What is a passionate rose lover like you doing in that glacial hell hole? Reading about your endeavors has exhausted me and I haven't even lifted a shovel. I admire your grit and determination, but would love to see you rewarded with thousands of blooms on your rose bushes for all your hard work. I bet they could use engineers in zones 7 to 10!

Hi Teyo, Expanded clay we talked about before is not available in Denmark for personal use. The DSB Danish Transport department buy this expanded clay from Sweden. I talked with DSB employees they advised me to buy it from Sweden just like they do. They call it "sand sne = sand snow" For the Al's 5:1:1 proper screening is very important, my opinion is based on my experiences. These sapwood has no problems for me : But this one has real problem, it is water retentive and when it dried the size getting smaller that shrunk the soil . Really I hate it. These pine bark fine is after multiple screening it works so good for me: I made a second batch with it, I love it. It is so good for the plant. I really respect Tapla and Josh's efforts to help us to have a good potting soil. Have a nice weekend everyone :) Caelian

We are just wrapping up our kitchen reno. Backsplash left to install and we are done. Well, I think so..Are we ever really done? The backsplash is ordered and hopefully will be installed next week. Pics will be posted then. Here's the background.....our house is a 1970's ranch which was built for us in the late 70's. Now I can say good grief...what does a couple in their 20's know about having a house built. Everything was builder's grade because that was what we could afford. Bare basics. Over the years, every room was remodeled, basement reno done (not basementy--all dry wall and carpeting, built ins etc) leaving the kitchen for last knowing it would be the most expensive. Going forward, we are empty nesters. We are both still working but soon to retire. We set our budget at $50,000 but did go over that by about $5-10,000 I think. I haven't counted the beans yet. Funding came from savings. We do not have a mortgage. There were things I would not compromise on...the GC was first and foremost. He was just the best..excellent work and super to work with. The cabinets were another area. I have solid maple cabinets with dovetail and soft touch drawers. Mostly drawers on the lowers. The cabinets with doors all have pullouts. The perimeters are white, the island is a stain with glaze. These priced out at around $13,000. Not top of the line but very nice and we are happy with them. Quartz and butcherblock countertops were around $4,500 Hardwood floor and installation for kitchen, dining, foyer, hallway and stairs to lower level-- $7,000 Electrician and plumber--I think around $9,000. There was relocating of water lines, extending and relocating heating/air ducts for addition, up the amps for the bigger range, some unexpecteds. Building materials around $8,000 Labor for GC around $9,000 Appliances around $5,000. All appliances were bought at Sears..DH is retired Sears employee with lifetime employee discount. I waited until there was the extra family and friends discount night + employee discount + discount for putting on sears credit card. They were also on sale when I bought them. I bought all upper end--Kenmore pro dual fuel range, large french door refrigerator, top dishwasher and Sharp microwave drawer. Incidentals I haven't even added up yet...lighting fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, window treatments etc. All part of the big picture. Keep in mind that this was a complete gut down to the studs and we did have a small addition to the dining area--about 8x10. The only DIY we did was taking out the cupboards, taking up the vinyl flooring, removing moldings and painting. DH travels a lot so DIY in the construction etc was not an option. My advice would be to expect the unexpected because it will happen. These things can bust a budget big time. Don't settle for what you really don't want but keep reality in check. It's exciting to find that great light fixture or cabinet hardware on ebay or the tile from someone on craigslist. A lot of the fun is in the hunt. I came upon GW when we were well into our reno and wished I had found it sooner. There I things I would change of course. There are great people here with a wealth of information and oh so willing to offer great advice and share all the ups and downs of planning and executing amazing kitchens. Oh yes--I just remembered. We still have to put stone on the front of the house where the addition is. More $ that wasn't budgeted for. And so it goes....... Good luck as the journey begins.