Thanks Farkee for the food for thought ;-) I probably will invest in the real deal (Genuine Earthboxes) but this is just not the year to do it... I can talk my husband into perhaps a $20.00 expense, but not a $50.00+ expense, and because we are in Canada, with shipping and exchange working against us, it will definately be more!! Thanks for your ideas on the rocks, I am not so sure that a container filled with rocks and water or just water is more heavy, (don't underestimate the weight of water!) but the idea that it would take up 2/3's of the water is a good point, I did not think it would be that high! The cans are an interesting idea... I don't think soda cans would work here, not possible to take of the tops and bottoms, but ordinary cans would work... But this type of support system, just not sure what I will use, is likely the best way to go... I have seen Josho's containers earlier this weekend, very inspiring!

hi i am so glad that these posts are recent. i am concerned about the leaching of chemicals when i use plastic containers, or wood (might have been "treated"). i know nothing about this possibility and need some sources. uv was mentioned in this forum. hope that someone here knows where to start to become informed. would appreciate any info!!!!! the reason that i think i need to grow in containers is, i feed the wild birds and they have taken over the yard, and i am concerned their droppings carry diseases. (i am glad that they have taken over the yard - they give me many pleasant moments) any thoughts on leaching and chemical contamination from the plastic milwaukee

After much confusion over the links posted here, I have finally found the solution. Yay. No www in the josho address. Ammended link at bottom. You have no idea how much I searched and searched before realizing how simple the solution was. :: hangs head in shame :: Here is a link that might be useful: Ammended Josho Link

I definitely understand paying for the convenience of having something pre-built and delivered. Some stuff I just don't want to mess with building myself, but when it comes to my gardening I'm just a huge DIY fanatic. I don't want to just grow my own food, I want to grow my own food using nothing but my own two hands and my ingenuity. When I mention that I grew my own salad people get somewhat impressed. When I mention that I grew it in my basement in a hydroponic system I custom-built myself they get even more impressed. But as I said, I understand that there's situations where your time spent doing something else is worth paying to have something built for you. I could probably build a house if I set my mind to it, but I just don't have the time for that. You gotta pick your battles.