Hi aloefreak1, I will describe to you what I have done with mine. I am in Zone 7b. Your a lot warmer. I have never used paper towels to germinate my seeds so I cannot comment too much about this. I fill pots (6") with a free draining mix similar to what I use for adult Adeniums, but I add some coconut coir for more moisture retention. Once filled to about 1/2" from brim, I place seeds (I soak for 2-3hrs. If purchased. Would not if fresh) on top of mix and press in slightly. I then top dress with a 1/8" thin coat of grit (granite or forestry grit) and water in sparingly. I place in a propagator with a lid and on a heat mat which keeps it at 80-85F. I have mine in a south facing sunroom. Have never used artificial light, but may be necessary if you have no place to give good light. Watch to make sure that you open the lid occasionally to let in air. I only mist the grit if it looks to be drying out, but usually do not have to with the humidity from inside. When I see 50 - 60% heaving through the grit ( soil if not using ) I remove them from the propagator. Keep in a warm place with good light and I do not use the heat mat. I have even started them before on top of a second fridge that we have with no heat mat. The seedlings will need to be kept evenly moist. Good light, but not full summer sun until they have 4 or 5 true leaves. I may have missed something and this is what I do. I am sure that we all have different methods. The SwazicumxObesum are nice plants. Rick

I think your fears are a little unfounded. Sure, groceries donÂt always sell the healthiest veggies (unless theyÂre organic groceries, and even then), but itÂs not as if theyÂre deadly poison shops. Anyway, if youÂre just starting out, start simple. Get yourself a small plot, simple fertilizer, and cheap tools. See if itÂs right for you. You donÂt need to spend money getting expensive things if you end up quitting or throwing out your back taking hoe to soil. And if youÂre intent on saving up, have you thought of switching to free or low-rate services for phones? Comcast and other carriers now offer low-cost combinations of phone, net and tv, and 1800-Free-411 is a free directory assistance service. With that you can pretty much trawl all you need without worrying about the charges.

There are some widespread perennial wildlflowers that provide a reliable floral display. They won't look like the picture on the 'wildlflower' seed mix, but if you plant a good mix, there can be a succession of colorful blooms through the growing season. I'm not sure what to recommend for Florida but, for the midwest, some good options are (arranged roughly in spring to fall blooming order): yellow tickseed (Coreopsis); coneflowers (Echinacea); blazing stars (Liatris); purple, swamp, or butterfly milkweeds (Ascliepas spp.): ( black-eyed susans (Rudbeckia); sunflowers (Heliopsis); goldenrods (Solidago); and asters.

Four O'clocks might be good. Just make sure you don't plant them too early and get them frost nipped. The scent is wonderful, and the seeds are easy to see and harvest. No cleaning needed. It's easy to teach someone how to recognize when they are fully ripe (all black, no green) and if people have any motor skills impairment they can be harvested by gently tapping the plant while holding a box beneath the flowers. With the scent and the abundance of flowers - in bright cheerful colors, they should bring a lot of enjoyment as well an abundance of seed. Lynda