50' is definitly a little far for 1/4" drip tube. I love doing planter boxes and balcony pots. I would have done this run with 1/2" poly to get to the boxes. If you spend some time planning the route of the pipe, you might even find it possible to hid a lot of the run behind siding and trim. Once you are close to the boxes you can build a drip manifold and run your 1/4" tube, 2 to each box if needed. You could also try using a bubbler or spray type emitter instead of a drip emitter, they put out much more water. However I'm not sure your 1/4" run is supplying enough water to make much of a difference, even if you took the emitters right off.

Thanks so much. How much do you think a second-story project would cost (there are so many variables, I know, but sq footage about 900 and including a bathroom)? We have thought of paying a contractor to do the 'heavy duty' stuff that we simply CANNOT do, but we *can* do all the finishing work ourselves (or most of it): drywall, painting, trim, flooring, all bathroom fixture installation, etc. And we'd probably pay to get an architect to draft the plans first, then work on saving for 5-10 years so we could pay mostly or all cash. Such a fun thing to be able to plan! For now, too, any advice on how to make a 'modern' house have more vintage charm would be great. I think when we replace the carpeting (ugh) with hardwoods, I'll also install higher baseboards--mine are pretty short. And I'm thinking of handscraped hardwoods or wide planked, perhaps! Thanks so much. As an aside, I'm happy to report that we went to see the 1912 farmhouse we were obsessed with for 3 days and it's a definite NO---a gorgeous, beautiful house with so much potential,and the most beautiful views I have ever, ever seen from a residence, but *too* much potential for us at this point in our lives. I have always lived in older houses (except for the one we're in now) and I walked out of there, turned to my husband and said "run away NOW!" :-) One day perhaps we'll find the right older home for us, but that one needed an extraordinary amount of rehabilitation! I hope and pray the right buyer finds it--it could be fantastic!

so i called lowes and mentioned the scratch and they offered me 15% off or a new machine. i took the 15% off...i don't know if they could have even ordered another one for me but i def wasn't going through another delivery process just bec of a scratch on the machine. i'm very happy with the 15% off. then i called the 3rd party delivery co's guy i had been dealing with all along...(way back i asked abt compensation for the hassle from lowes they said its the delivery company's responsibility so at the time i asked this guy i was dealing with and he said he def would be giving me something.) so i called and asked for compensation he said he'll get back to me...that he has to speak to lowes etc so i mentioned that i got the 15% from lowes for the scratch bec i never mentioned the scratch to him so i didnt' want him to be confused. and told him that when i asked lowes abt compensation for the hassle they said the delivery co is responsible. anyway he called back and offered $75 in lowes gift cards. I tried saying its so little, i'm getting that much back for a scratch and this was a huge hassle and totally avoidable had the delivery guys not dumped the machine and ran...if they would've just read the instructions they could have done it properly, and then on top of it they lost the feet etc that it was not a mistake, it was laziness and negligence etc...but he still said all he can do was $75 so i said fine... lol so assuming the above comes through it will cost me $356! still would not want the hassle of the feet, not worth the aggravation but the scratch is prob worth it ;) on a side note, when i called the delivery guy i've been dealing with extensivley, i introduced myself saying "hi, i'm the lady with the rubber feet" haha

Some additional thoughts about second floor window boxes. As I mentioned in my previous comment, I have 2. One is at the height of my waist if I am standing inside in front of the window and has no furniture in front of it. That one is a snap to water and tend. The other is a little higher and has shelving in front of it. So for that one, I have to use a little step ladder and reach over the shelving. Deadheading is a bigger chore for me than watering. So either pick plants that will continue to bloom without deadheading, or commit yourself to that task. Stained wood might be pretty, so long as it is not too dark and then I'd replace the door with a wood one. I'd also get lighter/brighter pots for the front entry area. The original post was from 3 years ago. So sunny1785, if you are following this thread still. I would love to see what you did.