Hi Fred, I agree with you about those older, lower leaves needing to come off. Since I got the plant in a very unhealthy state and have been "bringing it back" I've been taking off old leaves as new ones come in. The plant has the same number of leaves now as when I brought it home, but now more of the leaves are healthy than not. My non expert logic was not wanting to "shock" the plant by pulling off all the unhealthy leaves (a few months ago, they were all bad). You think this particular plant is healthy enough now to remove the last few old leaves? It's been in my care since March and had started budding - until I chopped the buds off! All my plants now, except for one, are disbudded as Barbara suggested I'd get heavier bloom this way. As I start allowing them to flower again in 6 weeks or so, I'll be sure to remove the flowers as they start to wilt. I did e-mail you for those sheets you so kindly offered to send. Thanks. Thanks again for all your advice and help. I've looked the AVSA website for local groups and it seems the last one of the year in my area is tomorrow. I e-mailed the contact yesterday, but have not heard back. I also re-arranged my living room yesterday to accommodate more plants. And so it begins... Amber

Since JPC is a large variety, I'm also not sure why you are keeping it in such a small pot. I know some growers go straight to the 4". I usually go from solo cup size to 3" then on to 4". The more I look at it, the more I think it is getting a bit too much light. Ease it off a little gradually and see how it responds. The petioles seem short (to me). It's also supposed to be dark green. As I said, it is not an easy plant so please don't feel bad. It looks healthy just maybe a little tight. Karin, the center seemed kind of "crunchy tight" on this one. It is Fredette's Sweet Jenny. Maybe the closet is the right place. Diana This post was edited by quimoi on Wed, Jul 9, 14 at 13:30

IrisVal, I'd go with the Osmokote. I use the superphosphate at replanting time because it doesn't 'travel' thru the soil.

I would go with an apprentice route vs. school. I've worked with people that have gone the school route and many of them seem inexperienced in comparison to those that apprentice. Have you considered injury? Most groomers have had or need surgery after grooming for short periods of time. After 5 yrs of off and on grooming- I need surgery for carpal tunnel in both hands and for my rotator cuff- and i'm 28yrs old. Not to mention the stiffness in my neck, shoulders, back, and knees. Then there are the allergies, Benadryl was daily dosed in our shops. I now have asthma, that dr.s think stemmed from allergy and irritation to pet hair and dander exposure. I can't afford the surgeries- time wise or financially so I had to quit grooming about 6 months ago. Also one good bite to the hand or arm can put you out of work for weeks. You mentioned you work 6days a week and 12 hour days- so do many groomers. Financially, if this is an income that is necessary to maintain your household expenses- grooming can be brutal. You have slow months (from jan- april) and also depending on your speed, quality work, and prices will determine your income. Some new groomers can only do 3 dogs in an 8 hour day- more experienced can do 10+. If your income that you have now is not necessary to uphold your household- quit, work as an apprentice for a year or so, and then start your business slowly. Also, some groomers require you sign a contract that states if you quit or are fired you cannot work with "x" amount of miles from their location for "x" months or years. If your income is necessary, quit the current job for one that is more flexible and introduce yourself to grooming. But if your income is necessary, think about grooming and potential injury and health conditions and what time off will do to your income. All of that aside, most days I loved my job and found it rewarding. But, you can get dogs that fight you every step of the way and can throw your schedule out the door. There are lots of incidents that can screw your schedule and delay your day- so it isn't always set hours and you have people to please and they can be very picky about their pets. I hope this helps and Good Luck to You!