Lol - up in the middle of the night fretting over fertilizers? Please tell me something else had you up at that hour. ;-) Here's how I fertilize in the winter: I water/fertilize (fertigate) every time I water with a low dose of fertilizer. Not everyone CAN fertigate that way - it depends on your soil choice and watering habits, so don't emulate unless you understand the ramifications. After I'm done fertigating, I fill 5 - 1 gallon milk jugs with tap water and add just under 1/4 tsp of 9-3-6 to each, and let them rest for the 4 day interval between fertigating, so they come to room temperature. I've asked a LOT of degreed hort people if plants suffer adversity from being watered with cold water, and not one has ever offered anything conclusive that says it's either good or bad, other than potential damage to foliage on some plants, like AVs. Most bonsai books suggest that a cool drink during the midday time period is very helpful because it quickly cools roots down, so apparently the 'shock' thing is a perpetuated myth. Still, it's no extra effort to allow the water to come to room temp, so that's what I do. When I fertigate, I use a watering can with a long spout that allows me to reach plants in the center of my 4x8 growing areas. The spout has a fine nozzle that sends out a 1/8" stream of water, so it take on average about 20-30 seconds to water a plant. This allows me to wet the entire surface of the plant, so gravity moves the solution down through the entire soil mass. When I see water flowing into the collection saucer, I water for a few more seconds, then stop. My plants are set on pieces of plastic u-channel above the effluent, so I don't need to empty the saucers. The evaporating water means my humidifiers run less. When it's time to water, I pour 2 qts of fertigation solution from the gallon jug into the watering can. I then add 3 drops of ProTeKt while the water is still turbulent, so it mixes well. I don't mix it in until the last minute because mixing the fertilizer and ProTeKt ahead of time causes some of the elements to precipitate from (fall out of) the solution. You asked if the ProTeKt is necessary. I think it's good to remember that in many cases, we approach growing with only our own perspective in mind. Much disagreement arises between someone who thinks their way is good enough for everyone because they are happy with it, and the grower who has found a way superior to that particular way and wants to share it. People very often get defensive when someone suggests that what someone says or does isn't the best way. "Well, it works for me!" really isn't very conclusive when it comes to deciding what might or might not be best for the plant. In addition to that, some growers place a high premium on 'less maintenance is better (for me)', while the next grower is trying to make the point that MORE maintenance is better (for the plant). I tend to always speak from the perspective of how to get to what's best for the plant, and then let the grower decide if they want to go to any extra effort or expense that might be entailed in getting there. So, the ProTeKt isn't necessary if your goal is to raise a healthy plant. I had healthy plants for many years before I started using it, but after I started using it, I noticed a lower incidence of insect and disease issues, and I noticed that my plants seemed more resistant to temperature extremes. I noticed these things even before I read a few of the many studies that quantify the effects of aqueous Si on plants, so if I was dreaming, I was at least dreaming in accord with the conclusions of others who made the actual effort to nail down the Si's effects on plants. I can't really tell you it's necessary, but I can say with a fair degree of certainty that if you do use it regularly, it's going to be helpful. Al

Hi, Thank you for your interest in FirmFit flooring. FirmFit flooring is a rigid vinyl floor with a nearly plasticizer-free core containing more than 70% limestone. It contains 5 layers: UV coating, PVC-based wear layer, PVC-based décor film, PVC-based rigid high-density core, backing (optional). FirmFit flooring contains a solid, waterproof core that won’t ripple or swell no matter how much liquid you subject it to. This core is ultra-dense with no foaming agents. As well more than 70% limestone makes it extremely stable under high temperatures. Please let us know if you have further questions and have a great day!

lll vvv, I suggest you order samples of SUPERCore to see how you like it. Ask Barbara at We Ship Floors for 3 samples of each color that you like. When and if you decide on one, do as I did and order a full box to get a better look at it. None of the SUPERCore samples I ordered looked like plastic to me. I also ordered samples of Modin, CoreTec, CaliBamboo, Adura Max, and liked none of them. We have chosen SUPERCore Krypton. I have a full box, 10 planks, clicked together and laying on top of my oak parquet floor where I walk on them everyday. I love it and am anxious to get it installed. Everyone at We Ship Floors that I have talked with has been super helpful. You have questions, ask them. I will say, I would rather call than email or chat. I guess I just prefer a more personal contact, but I’m also from time before computers, email, cell phones, and chats. I love the SUPERCore Lumberjack Pine and really wanted that one, but it just didn’t look good with our furniture. There are some good photos of SUPERCore installs on the Adura Max versus Coretec thread. You will have to go back in the thread to see some of them. Good luck with whatever you decide. Choosing flooring is not easy.

We had planned to install the Coretec Grande Lotte Oak; however have ultimately chosen another color. I have approx 1,500 sq ft available for sale -- willing to offer deeply discounted pricing. We are located in WI but can ship. Pls contact me at jwire@tds.net if interested.