Wow! I didn't know that keeping ZZs in small pots would keep the plant small. I'll go on a re potting binge now. I have 5 very large ones that I can split.

I have a large container of bamboo that I'm "sprouting" and will use for this project.

I've been hitting garage sales and freecycle for house plants that I don't already have and cutting shoots to start from them. I'd love to do cactus but I've never tried to grow them from seed and am too chicken to try to break up the cluster ones. Besides cactus are expensive in the nurseries here. guess I could just go out in the desert and "steal some babies" but I'm not brave enough to do that either.

to jmorth - - Pregnant Onion is something I didn't think about - great idea!! email me and I'll send you my address

These guys are going to be so appreciative when I tell them that folks all over the country helped out with it. I'll try to remember to take pictures and post them. The move is May 15 so I still have a bit of time.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions.
jean

This thread just warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes

@jvdubb - that's the pregnant onion bringing tears to your eyes.
Just kidding.

You all probably already know about his but I just recently discovered that you can use the "stuff" in diapers to mix with potting soil to help maintain the moisture levels.
I tried using just the crystals or whatever they are to sprout in but didn't have much luck. I think I may have used too many. Just will have to experiment more.

For rooting and for seed starting I use straight vermiculite.

I did mix the innards from adult diapers to hold moisture as an experiment (for non-food plants) but have not seen it as a success yet - the individual 'crystals' are too small (in my opinion). That being said, it is much less expensive than the Hydosource crystals and the experiment continues.

I used to buy 6 packs of bedding begonias and put them in individual pots in my classroom windows. They were pretty much nonstop bloomers, and oh so cheap. Geraniums are almost as cheap, but the do need a little more care on cleaning off blossoms. Angelwing (aka Dragonwing) begonias cost more, but they are so beautiful, so cheerful, I think.
Some vets might like a novelty plant like 'Firesticks' euphorbia.

Or Aeonium, or maybe mother of Thousands, (Mother of Thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana 'Jaws of Life')) There's lots of succulents that make good houseplants, and they should be readily available in Arizona.
Swedish ivy is always a good easy window plant, too.
How about scented geraniums? They like it hot and dry.

This brings back memories of my uncle and my grandparents pointing out their windowsill plants every time I went to visit them. So glad you are doing this.

Serendipity
I was having lunch yesterday with one of "my guys" and sitting next to us were 2 ladies, one with a little dog wearing a service vest. We started a conversation about the dog but soon it took off on others subjects and I told them what I was doing and . . . . wait for it . . . they both work at the VA and are familiar with the garden person there. I work with U.S.Vets which is unrelated to the VA so I hadn't even thought about going there. I didn't even know they had a greenhouse etc.
So I'm hoping I can at least get potting soil and maybe a few more cuttings.

Isn't life grand? if you sit outside long enough some rain will fall on your head.

Thank the dog; he's the one that made it happen!

Onions arrived! thank you so much.
I have so many ideas on how to plant them.
Still debating on whether to take a couple along when I take the plants the Veterans. Anyone who laugh at my dumb jokes gets an onion. I LOVE those guys.

jean

P.S. Have any of you heard of Listia? it has plants on it. I haven't tried it yet but have a friend who is trading all the time.

I have heard of Listia but have only 'purchased' a few recipes.
Just now I added my first item for auction (seeds). I will let you know if it works.

Glad they arrived well.

Just wanted to update you all. I got all 55 pots planted and had to put them outside because there wasn't room in my studio for them to get enough sun. Well..... as you might imagine the squirrels are have a feast on them - especially the coleus. The philodendron got sun burned as did a couple of the Christmas cactus so I'll have to re do those.
The reason it's taking so long is that the VA (insert nasty remark) has taken over 12 weeks to get around to inspecting the new facility and making their demands for changes. ugh. Those poor guys are beside themselves not knowing where they're going or when. In just the last few days U.S.Vets was able to get a signed lease and determine a move date - somewhere around July 4th. That couldn't be worse timing. Prescott goes all out for the 4th - we have the Worlds oldest rodeo here during that week and there are parades and all sorts of events. It's going to be very difficult to get volunteers to help with the move. Would any of you like to come help? I have a guest room you can stay in - and - my husband is a great cook.
On top of all that - I tore the meniscus in my right knee and have to have surgery. Not good news since my left knee is already bad from an old injury to the ACL (football you know!) Oh, well. Old age is getting harder and harder.
In any event - I have plenty of rooted plants I can replace the damaged plants with and I'll just have to move them inside to save them. I'm just glad it wasn't the javalina that decided to have a smorgasbord on them. They are destructive little/big devils - they would have uprooted everything and made a real mess. My husband gave up trying to grow tomatoes because on the very day they would be perfectly ripe the javalina would come in at night and eat only the ripe ones.

I really appreciate all your help and suggestions. Keep the 55 guys in your thoughts through this upheaval in their lives.
Jean