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 were all classified as sandy since they range from 75 to 98.5% sand. However, because N7 contained 25% black loam, its water holding capacity was higher, but the amount of available water was not proportionally as high because the hygroscopic water held by the organic soil particles was 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 the fall of 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.