Thx for starting up this thread, though I figured the title had something to do with the same thing as my username.
Been on a few turns around the sun myself and I haven't learned much except not to get bent up about sh*t other people say or do...it ain't worth it. No drama is just the right amount of drama.
Thanks for posting the Cold Stares - love stuff like that. You know that feeling you get when you start seeing someone new ? I haven't had that in 15 mostly-happy years, but new music I really like does that. Black Keys did it when I first heard them...like a light going on. These guys too, so thanks.
I've skipped more than a few pages because I want to savor this as my new 'rainy day' read for a while, so forgive me if this has been posted already...
[video=youtube;QH3Fx41Jpl4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH3Fx41Jpl4[/video]
Guess we should talk plants for a sec....Instead of replanting your babies deeper, can't you put them on a milk crate or something to get them closer to the light ?
I don't put new plants under bright lights myself, I have a four-tube flourescent fixture over seedling trays with those tall plastic dome covers. They get enough light, but they don't stretch -they really don't seem to need very much light at that stage.
I had a problem with both fungus gnats and spider mites but don't anymore. At the first sign of webs, I spray the leaves with neem. I'd have to check my notes to be sure, but I think it's 8mL to a litre of water twice a week for two weeks. I used to use soap in it as well but stopped and it was just as effective. The less I put on my plants the better.
As far as fungus gnats, the best thing I've done is wait until the leaves just begin to droop before watering. When I started, I tended (like most, I think) to over-water. I also have about 2" of perlite in each pot as a topper on top of the soil to keep the larvae from getting to the soil. I keep sticky strips on 'em so I can see if they come back but I wind up eventually throwing away the strips because they get covered in bits of dead veg, small bits of perlite, etc....but no gnats in a very long time.
Lots of ways to skin the cat - that's just what works for me.
Thanks again for the thread, and cheers.