alfa-bits -digging-potting-moving

The  Thompsons asked about alfa-bits: I (Rosalie from Baltimore area) am
answering since I guess you are referring to my message)    Be sure you get
the HORSE pellets, NOT  rabbit - they are called  "alfa-bits" .  As for the
superphosphate? I'm afraid my measurements are "by gosh, by golly" or as the
spirit moves me? - I'm ashamed to say I'm not very scientific about it (my
husband would have been upset about that)   When I'm planting a single iris
in an established bed, I just dig a hole, and put what I call "goodies" in (a
handful or 2, depending on size of hole and the plant) and mix it   around
with the dirt in the hole (maybe the mixing saves   the superphosphate from
damaging the rhizome if it would do such a thing?)  put the rhizome in and,
NO, first I add a little water and let that seep down and THEN  put the
rhizome in and fill up the hole and water again.  Now my "goodies" is in a
small bucket that I keep ready to use:  a mixture of peat moss,
superphosphate, alfa-bits, and maybe some 5-10-5 or some such, maybe a little
trace elements,  - all well mixed, and not really "measured" - Giving myself
30 lashes that I can't be more specific.
Sharyn of Annapolis asked about moving her irises before carpentry and
 potting, etc.  Someone else has given her a good answer, but I would never
go to the trouble of potting bearded irises for  just a couple of weeks,
except maybe SDBs because they are so little, they disintegrate faster.  I
keep them  roots up in the old-fashioned bushel baskets - wood slatted - in
 airconditioned room - usually the dining room - even as long as a month.  If
beardless, in spite of other people's ideas, I keep in buckets of water or
gallon milk jugs with the tops cut off (just the roots) - changing the water
so it doesn't smell or offer refuge for mosquito households until it is
convenient for me to plant them.  I would definitely dig before the tramping
of a carpenter.  And maybe the idea of moving the bed for a year.  I don't
see your name on the FSK membership list and we do have Annapolis people
because they feel it is easier to come to Baltimore than going to C&P - you
can also do both.     Rosalie in Baltimore area(ryfigge@aol.com) where it is
a few degrees better but no wetter.
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