Thank you Lynn. The photos and explanations make it much easier to prep for my soon coming plugs. I was so hoping to read the proper mix to use under number 4. Then I could just print out this page and go to work on my new babies prep. I will browse thru the cubit again, to search out all the info we discussed on the mix last year. One more question. Is the Cacti/Succulent mix that you buy in bags any good?

Nice article. I'll be looking for the answer to your question.

I have never used the Cactus mix so don't know how well it works. There are so many different ways to make up your own mix, depending on your growing conditions.
Right now I am using Black Gold potting mix with added perlite and chicken grit mixed in. Once roots are well established I put them out in my raised beds which contain a mix of our local clay, forest compost, sand and chicken grits. I find that the peat that is used for most potting mixes either dries out and becomes hard, or retains to much moisture. It seems to do okay for starting root growth if I am careful about the watering.
You would have to play around with what works best for you. Just keep them somewhat sheltered until they have good root growth. Bright light or morning sun, protected from the harsh afternoon sun. : )

Ok Lynn, great . I already have my shelves where they will get Morning sun and afternoon shade. I also have other shelves in a different spot, where it is dappled shade most of the day. I usually put my brand new plantings there for a few days or more, until they get used to their environment.

Great article girl. Thanks again for all of the help.

You are welcome Debbie. Can't wait to see photos of your new plants. : )

LOL, me too!

Mary are you new to semps? Just wondering how they do in your area?

I have a few growing outside and some in the gh. I bought them at places like Walmart, just looking for shapes and colors, not knowing from the info tags which ones might be hardy here. Some just said sun loving succulent or something vague. I'll have to take a picture of the ones I planted outside a few years ago, they have grown nicely, filled in the spaces between them and look sort of like a mosiac. I have one kind in the gh that is bluish, not sure if it will survive outside, but since I have several, I think I'll risk planting some out with the others and see what happens.

I would love to see photos Mary. Just about any of the sempervivum should be hardy for you since they are an alpine plant. There are some of the tender succulents that can be mistaken for hardy sempervivum.
Right now Fred Myers has a nice selection of hardy Sempervivum. All sizes, shapes and colors. They are labeled as Sempervivum and some are named cultivars.

Thanks for all you do Lynn - I appreciate it and I'm sure others do too!

I second that Lynn. You make gardening fun and exciting. thanks a million

I think you skipped the very first step... jumping for joy!

Your right Zany, I do jump for joy when a box of new plants arrive. It is always exciting to open the box and touch the new arrivals.