• Containers.  Consider how big the root system and overall plant will become and choose an appropriate size container.  Remember, clay pots will dry soil out faster than plastic pots.  Make sure pots have drainage holes.  Finally, if you want to move the container around, think about how much a given-size container will weigh just after you plant is watered.
• Growing medium.  Garden soil is too heavy and won't drain well enough, but straight potting soil with perlite is too light and will not support many vegetable plants.  Pam Bennett of Ohio State University Extension in Clark County recommends one part potting soil, one part perlite, one part sphagnum peat and one part commpost.  That's a good guideline, but other mixes can be used, too.
• Watering.  You must be vigilant about making sure the soil does not dry out.  On hot summer days, this may mean checking more than once a day.  Watering is the ultimate "brown-thumb" skill:  Check the soil to a depth of a few inches to see if it is dry and should be watered.
• Light.  If growing indoors, try to garden in a south-facing window or consider adding supplemental light.  If outdoors, many plants thrive with eight hours of sunlight a day.  Root crops generally need less light than crops from which you'll harvest the fruit (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers.)
• Fertilizer.  The addition of the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) and micronutrients helps plants grow optimally.  It is especially important in container gardening since soil-less mixes contain very low amounts of these minerals.  It is easier to overfertilize than to underfertilize, so check and follow label recommendations.
• Plant selection.  Most types of vegetables can be grown in container.  However, always check the seed packet to see if the described size will work with the size container you will use, and be aware of special problems, for example with vigorously vining plants.

by:  Jim Chatfield, Horticulture specialist for Ohio State University Extension, Northeast District 

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Here's a quick list of some things to keep on hand to be well-prepared. 

Water is the most important item.  Store water in plastic containers - soft drink bottles work well.  Avoid using containers that can decompose or break, such as cardboard milk cartons or glass containers.  To keep your stored water fresh, change it every six months.  You'll need water for drinking, washing dishes, preparing food and staying clean. 

Keep a two-week supply of nonperishable food in the pantry.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.  Good choices include canned vegetables and fruits; canned juice, milk and soup; peanut butter, crackers, cereal, food for infants or those on special diets; cookies, candies, instant coffee and tea bags.  Your gas grill can serve as an outdoor cooking source if needed. 

Other items include: 

• Matches, candles, oil, lamps and oil, falshlights and batteries.
• Blankets, sleeping bags.
• Nonelectric can opener, bettery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• Personal hygiene items and prescription medicines.

Source:  University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Services, The Disaster Handbook, 1988 

by: Becky Collins, Family and Consumer Sciences agent for OSU Extension, Gallia County 

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Life on the farm has taught me to be flexible.  Activities are often planned, but they are always dependent upon the weather, or dependent upon whether the cows get out!  The cows don't get out often, but when they do, the first thing on the priority list is getting them back in.  When the best-laid plans go astray, it is time to go to Plan B. 

Here's a case in point.  A couple of weeks ago the idea of a nice intimate dinner with just my husband and myself popped into my mind as I was driving home from work.  Actually, I was tired and had decided I didn't want to cook that evening.  When I arrived home, I noticed an unusual number of vehicles parked near the barn.  I went to the barn first to say my hellos and was greeted with, "What's for dinner tonight, Mom?" 

This statement came from one of my two married sons.  I stammered round and told them I didn't know, but I would go in and see what I could scratch up to eat.  As it turned out, we did have that nice "intimate" family dinner, only it was with seven of us instead of two! 

Allowing oneself to be flexible helps eliminate stress.  Any of us, no matter where we live, or what life cycle we are in, can benefit from developing both Plan A and Plan B.  Sometimes, we benefit from such changes. 

by:  Bonnie Sutherly, Family and Consumer Sciences agent for OSU Extension, Champaign County 

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People who are directly involved are the ones who can anticipate problems better than I can. They need to be involved in the beginning of any new project. We call them quality circles _ staff who have the most at stake or who would be most affected are called in for their input. We always call in those who are the most negative, too. Not only do they provide the best input, they are usually sold on the plan before the project begins. 

More often, Plan B is the off-the-cuff plan you come up with when the original plan goes haywire. Instead of panicking, I just say, "It's time for Plan B," and we figure out how to get the job done. 

When something goes wrong at work, some people tend to look around to find someone to blame. It's human nature _ under severe pressure, people skills tend to go out the window. But it's also a waste of time and energy. Looking for a Plan B helps focus your energy to where it should be: Forget the original plan. Let's just find a way to get the job done - then go back to find out how the mistake happened so it doesn't happen again. 

Betty Jo Jarvis is known for her ability to come up with a Plan B to get things accomplished at work. She and her husband, Dann, live on 40 acres in rural Tennessee. 

by:  Betty Jo Jarvis, Interim Director of Upper Cumberland Regional Library, Cookeville, Tenn. 

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Here are several options for Plan B. 

Family, friends or neighbors. Have a set list of who to call. Make prior arrangements with these people so they know they are on your back-up list. 

Neighborhood co-op. Set up a cooperative plan among other parents so when all of the children are out, the parents can take turns missing work. 

Public sites. Many hospitals, YMCAs or day-care centers offer one-day "drop-in" services for emergencies. Check in advance to see what the requirements are and if you need to be pre-approved. 

Job flexibility.  Depending on your job, the age of the children and the reason they are out of day care, you may be able to make arrangements with your employer.  Options include working flex time, working at home or bringing the child to work with you. 

by:  Mary Longo, Family and Consumer Sciences agent for OSU Extension, Marion County 

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