A lot depends on the type of ferns you are trying to grow. I second the suggestion to try the other forum for more specific advice.

Karen, I'll share our unusually warm and sunny days with you if you share your rain. We'll go half and half and that should do it for both of us. :O) Paula, After wsing for a few years I still feel the same way you do. I've never gotten over putting those seedlings out when they are so tiny. Also, by the time they could be planted out in such a small state, the slugs are out in full force and well, you know what happens... The other issue is spotting where I've planted them. They get lost in the chaos of the gardens. One thing I am doing this year is placing collars made from yogurt and icecream containers and pop bottles too. If the collars are placed deep enough, the cutworms won't get the seedlings, and if it's high enough, it discourages the slugs. After they start growing, I'll be removing them gently so as not to disturb the plants.

Now i am really confused. I had been convinced on an earlier thread not to water but at this stage i dont have much to lose. I have cranked up the heat since i started having problems so it may be i was using too much water relative to the growth rate. I will start to water half to keep damp and see how that goes. Next winter for sure any bananas are going to sleep for a few months. I just put on the predator mites today, man can they move, i was covered in them before i realized what was going on. Also just received my new seeds so 3rd times a charm right?? I have been to Texas and to Norway and one thing in common was really nice people, so thanks to you guys and to all that have spent time helping me. I will make you a very nice cup of tea if you ever come to ireland! Ronaldo,

Gee Maria, glad I caught this post before I tucked them away. Actually, I have never, knocking my head against my antique mahogany desk-knock on wood, get it? Never have a fungal prob with any of my amaryllis. Perhaps having them under the pool cage is a very good thing. I have fungicidal soap, 7 dust, clorox. My guess is a mild clorox dip is my best option? Whenever I give my orchids their summer bath and trim, I fill a bucket with insecticidal soap-very weak and trim all fugly roots and dunk the plants, wash their leaves and give them new medium. Makes them happy happy. I learned that pet shampoo with Pyrethrins is good for house plants and I got rid of some ants in my pants, no, no I meant ants in my plants by spraying a very mild solution with water on the leaves and the potting mix of all my patio plants. I did nothing today cause I got my 2nd spinal injections today and I feel like a mule kicked me. I will feel so much better tomorrow so I will take care of my bulbs. Plus, Dennis is going to pressure wash all the surfaces on the lanai and in the pool cage plus do all the windows around the house. So I hope I feel better so I can help him. More like help my babies and get all my amaryllis and orchids out of his way before he starts. lol