To answer the replies to my original post so far: I am thinking self-watering containers to reduce potential problems with insects and other pests (which I can't see) -- a potential problem with in-ground planting, because these containers seem easier to maintain (ie. fertilizer strips), and to lessen the likelihood of me over or under watering. Thank you for telling me about the Florida forum. I will definitely check it out. I also love the cork/wire suggestion for monitoring the water level as well as the suggestion to use bamboo poles to rig up sun shades. My husband, who is also blind, is quite handy with his hands, so he will be able to fashion all these things for me. There is a little bit of an overhang, but it won't offer much shade. Regarding the proper potting mix, I am confused. the earthbox website seems to suggest all you need is their potting mix, dolimite, and fertilizer strip and you are ready to go. Yet on this forum, I keep reading about all kinds of "recipes" for creating the best growing environment and drainage. Mixing up my own stuff is pretty much out of the question, so is there anything that is ready-made that you recommend for the earthbox? And finally, what about mosquitoes? Are they able to breed in the water reservoirs of the earthbox for instance? Linda

You and I are in nearly the same climate, so my experience may be of some use to you. I have found artificial protection of mature crops through winter - by putting plastic or cold frames over them - not very succesful. It generally results in their being attacked by aphids or other insects or fungal problems. Just letting cold-hardy crops take their chances with z6 winter is more productive - and a whole lot easier! About two winters out of three we're still eating fresh greens in februrary. Starting stuff out anew in early winter inside or outside in a hotbed and then transfered to a cold-frame generally works well. Stuff grown in cold-frames is usually a lot healthier then in a hot-house. Of course, lettuce in february doesn't happen in a cold-frame. I forget about lettuce for the cold six months of the year - never heard of the stuff. In June I eat it in quantities that might seem deranged to some folks. My primary green thru late winter and early spring is walking onion. Can't recommend it enough - completely cold-hardy, reliable, effortless perennial. With that plant you could abandon the grocery store without fear of scurvy, though by May you will be tired of it! But then, you don't have to eat it again until December. Anyway, my experience has been that effort expended to "baby" plants thru winter is largely wasted effort. Expand into the now little-used former reliables like walking onion, parsnip and other crops that can be left out, put up storage crops, and enjoy the luxury of greens in mild winters when they happen.....

I used to do a lot of container gardening, mostly tomatoes and peppers. Loved it - no weeding! One summer I did some experimenting, trying to see how large of a tomato I could grow in how small of a pot --- it was super dry and hot that year and I was having the hardest time keeping them all watered, even having to dash home on my lunchbreak! What I finally did was to place them all in a kiddy swimming pool full of water. Worked great! I've done it since if it's going to be warm and we have to go out of town for a few days.

I understand what you are saying tapla. Some of the concerns I have are using things that might be a bit toxic, or that are ruining certain areas where they are mined. My aged compost seems pretty good. Everything grew well in my stock tank containers last year. I will turn it and add more this spring. What I was trying to figure out was the nature of it drying out so easily and wondered if something more locally obtained might help with that...........or if I had just drilled too many holes in the bottom of it. I have the stock tanks raised up on cement blocks, so it's very easy to deal with stirring the soil up and refreshing it every year. My reasons for not wanting to buy certain things is a philosophical thing. I'm trying to do things more simply and consume less. I really think I can grow decent veggies in the soil I'm using. And even if they're not County Fair-winning veggies, the trade-off is something I can sleep better with. Thanks halocline for posting that previous discussion. I'll check it out.