The myth of dahlias 'needing' a killing frost is rather silly, when you consider the fact that they are descended from a dahlia originating in Mexico, which is much closer to the equator. I know folks that live in non-freezing areas who cut their plants without a freeze, and dig/store their tubers with wonderful results the next season. Some might ask why they bother digging if 'they don't have to.' There are several reasons. 1. Most serious growers plant out only one tuber instead of allowing the whole clump to produce many shoots, as you get the most vigour and better blooms from a single tuber. 2. Digging and dividing allows growers to increase their stock for planting out, sharing or selling. 3. Instead of Northern winters, Southerners go through a rainy season, which can rot out entire clumps left in the garden. (The most successful growers that overwinter clumps in the ground cut flush to the ground and COVER the tops with plastic to keep water from pooling in the soil.) Hope this helps explain things a bit.

Al, Thanks so much again for your help. I could not seem to track down the Fafard51L or 3 but found 52, which I believe has 60% pine bark vs. the 40% in #3 and is closer to the 51L but with wetting agent ?) Which I am hoping is okay...the creepy crawlies were taking over and I felt I had to do something... So I repotted the tree (sadly I managed to lose even more leaves in the process as I clearly am not as skilled as you) I washed virtually all the existing soil away from the roots and used the 52 So you had been kind enough to offer assistance with things I can do to limit the soluble salts in the soil and I am all ears... If its not included in that advice...I also am guessing I could use some advice on how much to water for the container size...and when and if to fertilize (the diameter at the top is 15.5" and its about 14" high) I guess I also have the same initial question... which is assuming my soil is okay now... and I water appropriately... any guess as too how soon I should see improvement and when should the awful brown spots go away??? I'm not sure why I'm having such a hard time with this guy... my ficus benjamen has been happy as a clam for over 3 years and 2 repottings.... sigh, and I thought alli was supposed to be easier! Thanks again!

Peas are up! Interestingly, all four sprouted in each box on one side of the garden, but we only have two so far in each box on the other side. I planted one of each variety in each side, so that I'd get a better idea of how they did in the slightly different lighting conditions. I've been so envious of all of the warmer climate gardens that are already producing! On the other hand, we had a fantastic set of bulbs in the neighborhood this year and those of us in cold areas get to really enjoy things like the Forsythia when it blooms. Note: my mix compacted about an inch in the past few weeks since I put it in, but the boxes are pretty deep so I still have over a foot.

So far only washer dryer water is what is qualified as gray water by the city website. They may slowly add other system, washer gray water system is permitted without any permits. We want to build so that in future we can use it once they define the rules for shower. weedmeister- I discussed with my GC and he also proposed the same that I should use recirculation pump so that there is no wastage at all. Most probably we are leaning towards it. BTW...we ran into a issue with master bed room and the work is paused until structural engineer reviews it. Hence this is on back burner for couple of weeks. Once my hubby makes the final decision will update the post.