Any focused N fertilizer works fine but with plants in containers yellowing leaves is more often caused by over-watering than nutrient deficiency. If you want organic only then fish emulsion fertilizer given weekly works fine for me. if you don't require organic then Miracle Grow is probably the most common used. Container gardening forum offers many other recommended brands but they are all similar. Since container plants, especially if in too small a container like most tend to use, require frequent watering, they also require frequent feeding. Dave

I cannot claim to be an expert on chilli thrips, but I know how we control them, and how most successful programs work -- they are based on soil-applied imidacloprid as the primary control measure. Then supplemental sprays with unrelated chemicals help prevent any build-up of resistance to the imidacloprid. It works very well. There appear to be a few roses that at least tolerate them, if not being actually resistant -- 'Mrs. B. R. Cant', 'Trinity', 'Smith's Parish' 'Tausentschoen'. Probably lots of others. Unfortunately, some of the most otherwise carefree roses (Belinda's Dream, all of the Knock-Out series, Don Juan) are unusually susceptible.

Valentine: thanks for those detailed tips! So you suggest I put the rosemary on the windowsill inside or outside? And if I wrap it with bubblewrap, do I wrap the plant too, or just the pot? (It's an old giant tomato sauce can from Lombardi's Pizza) Oldrose: My window faces southwest, but because of all the buildings around me (I'm on the second floor) light doesnt last very long :P So I'm in California now guys, San Jose visiting some old friends and it is COLD out here! Something is really up with the weather--this past month has just been World Natural Disaster Month. For the love of Al Gore, let the government set standards already and stop this madness! I came out to Cali for a tan!!! ;)

hi there... just want to know if anyone's experienced the same as i have... i have a number of chilli plants of different varieties growing under artificial light in my attic... they originally grew outside in pots, which explains as to where the critters came from.... the critters in question, are of two types (i think)... one is a small fly which whilst larval, grows beneath the surface of the soil, and comes to the surface as a pupae, which then changes into the flies in question? to me all things point toward fruit flies, however, appear smaller, and of a slightly different shape... the other, is of a tiny little white/yellow bug, which when sprayed, jumps quite high, like a flea? it generally lies just beneath the surface of the soil, until the soil's disturbed... i've sprayed pyrethrum on the flies and soil, and it seems to kill the critters fine, however in a couple of days, they're back... as my plants are quite young, there's no fruit as yet, however my concern lies in the next couple of months, and as to whether these pesky things are going to cause any problems for me besides the irritation? any diagnosis, prognosis or info regarding suspects, and remedies are greatly appreciated... kind thanks, james...