Hey EG, how are you doing? What specific moisture meter are you using in getting a reading of 3-4? Regarding just using Miracle-Gro potting mix alone, I have found it is too "good" in wicking, and that is why I am running about 30 different combinations of potting mix, Turface, Cactus Mix, Bark Fines, Redwood Compost, and Perlite. To date, the 3:2:1 ratio of potting mix, bark fines, Perlite seems to be doing the best in the EarthTainers. I'll have to validate this with several 'Tainer grows of this ratio in the Spring planting - - but I will NEVER use plain potting mix in the 'Tainers again. Raybo

The skunk story was funny, probably not for you because you had to clean the stinky dog.... What's got my jaw on the floor is that you picked up a 3 ft. snake. I would have been out of there and wouldn't have return until I saw the snake hauled away. eeekkk!Wouldn't have made any difference what kind of snake. And then you even had to recapture it. NO WAY!!! Guess I am a city girl. Not saying we never get snakes, but I'm not about to pick one up. May have to give you a call next time I have a snake in the yard. lol ;o) Deb

30 years ago I supervised an inmate fire crew assigned to "spring-cleaning" of a state park campground. Heavy rains had left puddles loaded with worms on the road. One inmate-firefighter called "Country" claimed to have the Guiness world record for eating worms. I saw him, on a bet, eat 50 redworms on white bread! Maybe the fresh water flush cleans 'em out.

i'm happy that you were able to free the snake neohippie, and i'm very glad to have the info- thanks! and just fyi (everyone); the very fine black bird netting will also trap snakes- they can't back out of it. i discovered a beautiful one hanging dead in my berry patch. -and it traps birds too, so check out the piles of netting you have in sheds and garages and put it in plastic bags. i found this out the sad way one summer long ago and have never used it since. min