I have 1x4 trex planks (cut into 2 and 4-foot lengths) that I've used for framing beds for 5 years. They show no signs of deterioration other than dirt. They're heavy and expensive, but weight and durability can be assets. Instead of trying to get beds higher and higher, I try to get them lower and lower by redigging new beds until they're loose and fertile 16 inches down. That takes time, but you can make a great start your first year. For spring crops, you should have no trouble with lettuce and other salad greens, potatoes, peas, and onions from plants. In late May, after the soil warms, move on to tomatoes and bush beans and small plantings of cucumbers or squash. Include a cherry tomato in your patch, because they are bombproof. Grow what you would otherwise buy at the store, mulch everything, and you'll have a great garden. Here is a link that might be useful: my website

Spathiphyllum can tolerate a wide range of mixes, but they do best in a well-draining mix that is watered frequently. The reason I would still use smaller particles is root-room. The plant will run out of root-room in short order in a container of super chunky mix. In fact, my Peace Lily already needs to be divided and transplanted the way I did last year. I used a very course mix of bark, perlite, and pumice. I did add the recommended Lime at the time of mixing, and I've been fertilizing at least once a month. The Peace Lily is blooming, too. Josh

Hi Cayla, That's good the nurseryman pruned it back because that will make it branch out rather than stay one little trunk, usually. Figs don't read the books. :) I was having trouble with several of my little potted trees and I cut them halfway back at the start of the season and they then decided to put out more bushiness and have set figs for the first time. They're 3 years old. Could be they would have done so anyway, but they look a lot fuller now and there are figlets on them. Yes, growing the little tree to give it a good foundation would be my top priority. Meanwhile--Walk, or drive around your area and look for fig trees. What zone are you in?/where do you live? It might make a difference where you live because if you live in a cold area, then you might not see trees until their owners bring them out when it's warm enough, or dig up/unwrap their trees. It's fun to search out fig trees. I wish you the best with your little tree. Happy figging, noss

You're welcome, Susan. If one side of your ruler is ok and the other isn't, place a strip of narrow masking tape or painters tape on that edge or maybe some nail polish as a reminder of the worn side so the ruler can still be used. I usually check mine on National Quilting Day. "NQA began sponsoring National Quilting Day with a resolution passed by members attending the 22nd Annual Show in Lincoln, Nebraska, in June 1991. The third Saturday in March is officially designated as National Quilting Day, but quilters are flexible and we love a celebration � especially when fabric is involved! So over the years, observance of National Quilting Day has unofficially been expanded to the whole month of March." Here is a link that might be useful: Free project for 2012 National Quilting Day