i ussually miracle grow all veg season .i would also say wind helps too.while there young constanly having a fan on them indoors , to build roots stronger . my old lady from ms too bilouxi and i know the only place to get a good breeze down there is at the beach or a big storm . anyway you might want to wait on a senior member to answer im a 2 yr newbey myself . but i do know that my base is appr. 4 inches in diameter .