Re CP13's question: I am growing amaranth that was seeded into a compost/soil pile I inherited when a friend moved away (she'd bagged it all up so how could I say no?!). I had dozens of volunteers come up in containers that were planted with other seeds. They have dark green leaves and stems are topped with large light-green grain aka seedheads. That is what I meant about careful in the compost, as it seems that's how I got so many volunteer seedlings. So far I have harvested and cooked leaves a few times, much like a coarser spinach. I have not yet cooked the grain, I suppose it needs to be dried first? Just the other day I was thinking I might try seeding the amaranth as a cover crop on some garden space that is currently sitting under weed-killing black plastic (that needs to come off before it disintegrates into little pieces) but that I won't put beds into for a while. The friend also gave me a big bag of seeds marked "Callaloo" which is apparently the Caribbean name for Amaranth, plus I have plenty more seeds now.

Laura - I have just about given up on commercial mixes - I almost always mix my own these days. The only big problem that remains is finding the right ingredients. Sahoyaref is right - it does sound like peat moss is your problem - it is one tough son of a b**** to rewet if it dries out completely. But there are several other options - the only real problem is what is available locally! Partially composted pine bark is an excellent base for a soil(less) mix - but it's almost impossible for me to find :-( . Cedar mulch is pretty good too, but I've never seen it fine enough for my needs. Coir is a nice peat substitute that is becomming easier to find - I usually see it sold in bricks that need to be broken up and moistened, but I do find it kind of pricey. A very fine orchid mix would be a good base too, but it's also likely to be expensive. I mix whatever I'm using as a base with about 1/3 - 1/2 perlite and vermicluite (depending on how wet the plant likes to be), but vermiculite breaks down pretty fast... You can also use *coarse* sand, or chicken grit if you can find it (it's probably cheaper than perlite). This drains fast and doesn't hold a lot of water, so you'll need to water more often than if you were using a peat based soil, but it's better for the plant to drain really well and get watered more often. If you're stuck using peat moss as a base, then I'd advise not letting it go completely dry. If the soil does dry out completely, then you can soak the plant in a kitchen sink full of barely warm water, to which a small amount of dish soap has been added, but I'd put the pot into the shower for a good rinsing the next day. And change as much of the soil as possible as soon as possible. My cat that died last year was really bad for getting into pots and using them as a cat pan. The best solution was to find something to cover the soil with that was too much trouble to dig in. For me it was those large pieces of bark mulch in my outside plants and those decorative glass stones that they sell by the bagfull at the dollar store for the indoor plants. Sometimes just adding a layer of sphagmum moss is enough - it no longer looks nice and inviting (but sphagnum moss can encourage fungus gnats...). Or you could find something that the cat's afraid of and put it in the pot (cats are always afraid of something wierd!). As a temporary measure you can just tape a plastic bag or some cardboard over the surface to keep the kitty from getting even more in the habit. BP

Rosey, IF I had scrolled down, I'd have seen the Logee's thread. Duh, lol. Isn't it amazing how much styrofoam is stacked in a box? You can order an item the size of a dime. It's shipped in a huge box, w/thousands of styrofoam peanuts. I can't stand the way styrofoam feels or sounds when rubbed together...Oh God!! It's like rubbing fingernails across a blackboard.. Have you seen the new peanuts? They're made from corn, I think??/ They don't cling, and dissolve in water. They can be tossed outside, poured with water and melt..no chemicals in this stuff. I wish corn peanuts were the only type used. Rosey, I'll be right over with a professional vacuum cleaner, and vacuum you down..lol. I don't understand. You potted plants in 3" to 6" containers? Wow, what a change. I do the opposite. I under-pot. Some nurseries pot in larger containers so they can charge more money. Don't know how many times I unpotted a new, 'established' plant, only to find roots the size of a medium size cutting. That pisses me off! Rosey, I use MG but amend with other mediums. Depends on plant. Giving you a plant for Christmas was a nice gesture..Your neighbors sound very nice and friendly. Ppl here stay to themselves. Rosey, it might officially be spring, but I doubt the weather knows how to read a calendar..lol. Nights at 20!! sure doesn't feel like spring. Longer hours are a blessing..that's true. It's supposed to be 65 tomorrow, but drop down, '30's-40's' by Friday and all of next week.. :( It's sunny, too. It's 44 now..think it's too cold to set out my 'denia? All I have to do is drag to the front porch..no stairs..once temps drop, haul back inside.

depends on what you like I have orchids & spider plants in the kitchen, palms & antheriums in living room. staghorn fern, palm, & ivy in bedroom. I spend maybe 2 hours a week or less watering & caring for my houseplants. always have something rooting, or seeds sprouting. lighting, temps & time you have to spend on care of plants are all considerations. best of luck.