g'day tishtoshnm, there is a huge difference drums are of the order of 40 to 50 gallons 200 odd litres in size depending on US measure and imperial, we have used drums as well as a tank. now tanks are whole different thing they start at generally 1k gallon 4k litres and go right up to 80k/litres we use those around the 22.5k/l and 25k/l size. that is real water harvesting capacities. to save 20k/l litres of water in drums you would need around 100 drums, just doesn't cut it hey? have a look at our permaculture essay page for pic's of drums and a tank. currently back in rural we have 2 X 22.5k/l (k/l = kilolitres) tanks full, that should go some way to drought proofing us because even in a drought it does rain, sometimes. in times of drought we use all our water at least twice none goes down the drain after 1st use, hope all that helps the vision? tanks are the only way you can insulate against drought. we are property owners so tanks always suit us, our current 1.25 acre block has around a 4% slope very nice. 100 meters deep and 50 meters wide. len Here is a link that might be useful: lens permaculture essay

Wow! I was just saying on another GW forum that gardeners generally don't have enough appreciation nor make enough use of sweet peppers! Euarto, you obviously appreciate sweet peppers. I am going to agree with Sandy that there are many variables effecting flavor. And, you didn't say what kind of weather you have had this year, when the peppers are "bland." It is interesting that the "small peppers (both sweet and hot) taste great." Sometimes, I think the seed companies (and the supermarket displays) are just trying very hard to make us think that bigger is better. Don't be fooled and don't be afraid to try little sweet peppers. They may be best for your growing conditions. Steve

Winners, in order: Pink Peace, Tamora (Austin), Marie Van Houtte (tea), Alnwick Rose (Austin), Gold Medal (HT) and Granada (grandiflora). Passionate Kisses was planted in June and hasn't stopped blooming. Queen of Sweden did very well until early August -- it's doing nothing now. Double Delight has been a double dud - several flowers in early spring, then almost nothing. Darcey Bussell bloomed non-stop in July despite the heat, and is gearing up for another flush. Munstead Wood is beautiful, when it blooms, but the flowers are few and far between; same with Mr. Lincoln. Chihulys (floribunda) have been blooming constantly since June-July. Trumpeter (floribunda) did very well at first, then slowed down, and now is reviving. I love those superbright, very long-lasting vermilion blooms. Don Juan is just growing along, or should I say growing up - fall flush on its way. FWIW, Sylvia

Most cherry types do well in hot weather. Although this is my first season growing them, Green Grape and Black Cherry are said to excel in heat. Stupice is both very cold and heat tolerant. Here in Tucson our hot season is dry only May through early July. Then monsoon sets in through early September, and I imagine our climate is similar to TX, perhaps with somewhat lower humidity. I am trialing what is supposed to be an extremely heat tolerant indeterminate hybrid known as Hawaiian Tropic. Allegedly it produces big red tasty tomatoes throughout the season. We'll see. I'm trying one in a raised bed and another in an EarthTainer. Seeds are scarce, so if you'd like a few, email me. During and after the season I'd love to hear what works well for you. Russ in Marana, AZ