yes, you are right, it would of been better to train them above the soil, but given my time restraints, and how often I am able to visit them, i only have a few minutes to stake some shoots down. I have let my training go on 3/4 of them and are only keeping a few horizontal.

but about the mulch, I am using bark nuggets, simply bark not full mulch (leaf clippings), do you think this will also create a habitat for insects?

overall though, the plants have balanced out with the natural predators and don't seem nearly affected by pests as they did when they were smaller. thank you for the advice, i will be keeping a close eye on the mulch and also try and raise up my training a bit off the soil.

peace friend :jointsmile: