Carol wrote: But please, do not mix wood ashes and water to soak your seeds in. It is lye, used by our grandmothers to make soap with. Too strong by far for seeds. Carol Hi Carol, thanks. hadn't considered that. regards, Bill Richardson Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Ixia King - ixia@dcsi.net.au Ixia Website: http://www.angelfire.com/ri/ixia/ Suite 101: http://suite101.com/welcome.cfm/bulbs_and_plants/ Writers Suite: http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/strange_tales