Seeds: Seeds were collected between July and October, 1984 at Cedar Creek Natural History Area. The number of seeds needed to produce 20, 50 or 100 plants per plot (depending on germination rates) was calculated. Seeds were planted between May 11 and May 17, 1985.

Fencing: A six foot fence of hinge-poultry wire was put up around the experiment. The fenced area was 72' x 120' and the ground was covered by 6ml or 4ml black plastic to inhibit the growth of weeds.

Pots: Plastic pots, 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep, were used. Some were green "Zarn" pots and some were black "poly"-pots.

Watering: A soil moisture meter was purchased from Forestry Suppliers, Inc. (205 W. Rankin St., PO Box 8397, Jackson, MS 39204-0397). It was calibrated and experiments were run in the lab to determine which numbers on the meter (0-10) correspond to which percentages of soil moisture in each of the 7 soils. The soils are all classified as sandy since they range from 75 to 98.5% sand. However, because N7 contains 25% black loam, its water holding capacity is higher, but the amount of available water is not proportionally as high because the hygroscopic water held by the organic soil particles is not available for use by the plants. An attempt was made to keep the water level in each pot between the following levels: N1-2 to 4; N2-2 to 4; N3-3 to 7; N4-4 to 8; N5-5 to 9; N6-6 to 10; N7-7 to 10. The pots were watered if more than 12 pots read at or below the appropriate level.

Weeding: Pots were routinely weeded to keep them free of unwanted plants.

Overwintering: Pots which were not harvested in fall, 1985, overwintered in the field. They were pushed close together in a few large groups and bales of hay were placed around the outside edges of each group. After the plants had reached senescence, they were covered with black plastic and a layer of hay.

Light: A support structure was made for the light shades by sinking treated 4" x 4" x 8' posts at 8' intervals covering an area 48' by 72'. Supports consisting of 2" x 6" x 8' connected all 4"x4" posts. The structure was approximately 6.5' high. Two-inch chicken wire was laid over the structure as the first layer and to provide support for the shades. Shades made of black polypropylene material were purchased from Johnson Greenhouse Supply (2582 Long Lake Rd., Roseville, MN 55113, 636-1330). Each shade was approximately 24' x 24' and had edging with grommets for securing it to the wooden structure. They were used at light levels 1-5, and allowed 15%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 45% of full sunlight to reach the plants. The shades were put up in April, 1985. Level 6 has 4 layers of 2" chicken wire producing light that is 60% of full sunlight.