Optimum levels of organic matter in solils is btween 5 and 8 percent, so while not quite there you are getting close. Soil pH, for most plants, is in the 6.2 to 7.0 range, so while a bit low yours is okay. Nutrients you want in balance, not too much of one and too little of another which is where the problem lies. Nutrient imbalances create more problems then they solve. Nitrogen is dependant on soil warmth, bacterial activity. When soils are cool and there is little bacterial activity there is not much N available, but as soils warm, and the bacteria become more active more N is available to the plants. Nitrogen sources with readily available N, soluble types, can make it look like there is ample N in the soil but that will also wash out of the soil quickly with excess water and is the source of nitrate pollution of ground water.

Forgiveness please, if this isn't the correct thread. I'm also puzzled about detergents, the old vs the new. We just tried cascade complete tabs (orange and green) and experienced weird things. We're just trying to understand why these happen... A. Copper bottomed pot becomes new copper penny clean. It's a 35 year old piece of revereware that I never bother to polish. B. Aluminum cookie sheet turns dull orange and green. C. Different aluminum cookie sheet turns gun metal gray and dull (washed in the same load as B). D. Also got really shiney stainless. E. Also got the reported problem with Calphalon - after 3 years of washing it in the dishwasher. On the plus side - the rest of the dishes are clean and free from film. We were using Cascade plain powder pretty successfully until the white coating on everything showed up. At that time we tried Quantum tabs - but that didn't help the coating. We "liberated" some phosphates and used as an additive with plain Cascade and our soft city water - the problem went away. The aluminum stayed pretty much aluminum colored. If I use tabs, should I not put aluminum in the dishwasher? Why did the copper get so incredibly clean - is some acid being formed? Is it still safe to put silver or silverplated stuff in the dw? TIA

Everything is just beautiful Michelle! Thanks for the update on pittsfield buff. After I saw your pics last night and how beautiful and golden it looked, I was going to just pick it on faith. Have it on a large part of my living room wall and today with no sun instead of looking green it looked pinky beige. Just don't understand. I absolutely love your bedding. It reminds me of a waverly pattern of wallpaper I used back in the day when Waverly was what most of the decorators used. Maybe I'm just becoming a nutcase. Started picking out paint because I couldn't choose between three dining room tables. I miss my old house which backed up to a forest preserve and had hundreds of different birds visiting every day during the winter. Now a new house with no trees and a backyard crammed up to a neighbor's house. DH in Florida on business as we in Chicago await yet another winter storm. I copied someone's post that explained how to post pictures so when I get tired of adding patches of color to my walls I'll try to figure it out. Again, thanks and your new home is gorgeous! Michelle

Anita - Wow! What's not to love?!? Your kitchen is beautiful and it is great to see how all your selections have come together so perfectly. I am just beginning my remodel journey and realized that although my space is a little smaller, your layout is similar to mine. I don't want to hijack your post so if you get a chance I'd really appreciate it if you could check out my post (see below) and add your perspective. I'd appreciate any advice you might have. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1115321231594.html?3 Two issue come to mind when I see your kitchen. 1. I don't have room to put the fridge and pantry together - one will have to be where your fridge used to be (I'm leaning towards the pantry, what do you think?) 2. I'm considering moving my range to where your cooktop is. Is there enough counterspace to either side? Thanks - and again, congratulation on an amazing space! Tara