Dawn, When they first started here many said it was too far north and the yields were low. I've seen the best looking cotton this summer that I've seen since they started growing it here. Taller and bushy and already getting ready to flower. When they started they had only a very short window to plant in. No chance for a replant here. Now I understand they have some varieties that germinate better in cooler soil. Some of the cotton this year was planted a lot earlier. I know when they started they would plant around June 1st. Now I heard most were done before June 1st. The Cotton Root Rot must be why they moved up here. I was told and know in several of the areas in the South Plains of TX they had to quit growing it because of something in the soil and the gins closed. Many jumped in and grew it when they started and then it tapered off. Last year acreage was way down. But as yields have picked up acreage is coming back some I hear. A spraying accident is a lot easier to take when the responsible person is truly sorry and it was an accident. Once in a while you will get the person who doesn't seem to care and obnoxious. You couldn't believe the way the people that worked for this sprayer talked to those that called. First it was obvious who was involved as we could see the plane taking off from and landing for refill at the airport 1/2 mile away. And then we all knew the farmer who farmed the field and he told us who the sprayer was. First there was the how do you know it was us? Then the you should expect that when you live next to a farm field. And then "the wind has been blowing and we are behind and can't wait for it blow out of the right direction and we have to make a living. Your garden is just a hobby. " I bit my tongue and went on. Not so sure i would today. The wind is blowing over 30 mph again at times and over 90. This is the third day in a row. Starting to think we are going to have another summer like last year. My plants had looked good till noon today. Checked them this morning and watered what I felt needed it. Last night my sister said they lost a plant in a container yesterday. They have theirs on the east side of their house so they have wind protection and shade. When I went out at noon all 3 container plants looked almost dead. I can't figure out why. Those I had sitting in cups in the containers but hadn't transplanted yet looked fine. I transplanted one of them to see how it will do. They were put in the containers about 3 days ago. The soil was moist. A few of the in the ground plants looked droopy also. I thought about spray as the worst ones were all in the same area. Even the ones in the ground. But not convinced that is it. Guess if someone would of sprayed in the wind it easily could of happened. Then while trying to do a few things I broke off another plant. Hasn't been the best week for me. I have got a lot of my planting done and getting things watered good. Supposed to cool off for a few days. The rain last night missed us again by a few miles. I was about to the point when I saw things after dinner to just call off the season. Probably as frustrating a two years I've ever had gardening. It has to get better. I dumped half of last year's mix out of the containers and mixed in new with it. The one I planted today I planted in all fresh MG regular mix to see if there is something wrong with the mix. I did add a handful of bone meal and a little of a mix of cottonseed, soybean and a few alfalfa pellets I had in a bucket. But have done that to every hole I've planted and no problems but in the containers and the plants right next to them. Jay

Answers below... Does it need a clear top ? yes, light is required for the cutting to make food for the new roots, however I don't use a top on my "cloner" as there is enough ambient moisture from small leaks etc.  Does the water need some type of nutrient ? not really  Does the water need to be kept warm ? it can help, depends on the type of cutting - if the plant likes warm temps, then it will like warm water...An aquarium heater can be useful in a cloner - I use one to keep the water above 60 degrees in the winter.  Do the misting nozzles stop up easy ? Yes, even mini sprayers can clog as algae etc. build up, The finer the mist, the more likely the clogging. I have added an aquarium filter on the pump which drives my spray heads in my cloner. There are also misters for keeping the leaves from drying out (used when rooting in soil mix with cuttings which are hard to root), those systems usually use high (water line) pressure with a good filter and a timer.  Will a fish pond pump create enough pressure for the nozzles to produce spray ? Probably too much, the cloner I have uses a pump similar to wall fountain. The spray should not be blasting the cuttings - just enough to dampen them.  If I get some roots on the plants, do I plant them in dirt ? The new roots are susceptible to rot so you will have better luck with sterile potting type soil with extra perlite added. Chad

Thanks all for your comments. Beverly, yes I was very surprised to see the emotions displayed there by the fishermen and their families...seen on TV...as they wept and hugged each other while the images were carried into the sea. Diana...the one thing you learn very quickly here is that black sand is burning hot on a sunny day, and impossible to cross with bare feet lol! Tricia....I'm looking forward to your photos of the celebration there. San Telmo is the patron saint of both Spanish and Portuguese fishermen so there are certainly similarities in this event. The flower petal carpets are made in the morning and walked on by the church procession in the evening of the same day, after which they are swept away, so there is no time for wind to disturb them. Thank you James....yes there are so many unique and interesting event celebrations that take place here. And the striking thing to me as a Canadian is that the beliefs are so firmly inrooted and the emotions are so sincere when the people here are celebrating their fiestas. There is no halfway involvement....they are fervent followers of their traditions. I'm nearly finished working on the photos of the flower carpets from last year. And I have a couple of videos with music showing the preparations. I'll be posting them soon. Here's another one that I like: SharonCb

I was just checking on her old post myself to see if She was up and about today. I'm sure She watched Comanche Moon last night. It was a lot better. Hope you are OK Stacy! Gayle