When you say they are on the patio, do you mean concrete or pavers? Surely the roots wouldn't go far out of the bag in that situation ... in which case I'd let the "late air prune" with some straggle.

Ralph, I vote for getting a dog. My little subdivision was built in the middle of farm land. Deer frequent everyone elses yard except mine. I've even seen deer directly across the street from my house but they didn't even look at the daylilies planted by my mailbox about 20 feet away from where they were munching. We have a fence but they could surely jump a 4' fence if they wanted and I think I have tastier stuff than everyone else. I think it's because we have dogs. Now sometimes dogs and gardens are a pain, but we started early with the big dogs with training. Now they walk all the way around the garden, never going through it. One even stands at the very edge waiting til I throw her a tomato. Last year we got a third dog and she's a little digger. I've never had so much digging going on, but then again she small and its probably in her genes to dig for voles and stuff. Plus I haven't spent a ton of time teaching her not to dig. So far she knows not to dig while I'm outside. I guess that could be considered progress. lol Yep, get a dog. They are way more fun than a fence.

Tom, "John, are you using the white bags? I'd be concerned about the dyes and chemicals in the other colors.... " Good point. Heres what they (Greenbag Inc) say... "Is made from non-toxic, non-corrosive materials and safe color-fast dyes". I'm interested in these for several reasons, drainage, cooling and cost. I know they drain well, I don't think you could ever fill one with a garden hose. The upside down tomato bag I tried last spring stayed cool and it was black. The ones from Publix are a buck and I hear W mart's are cheaper. So I'll give it a try. john

I had a few and used them around the house and for traveling and then one store put them on sale for 49¢ and gave 5¢ credit for using it right away, and of course 5¢ credit each time you use them. The older female cashiers are pretty chintzy on how many bags they'll credit you so you need to watch for that at these stores although another nickel or dime isn't *that* big a deal. I also got a bunch for free from Menards so I have a bunch now and I use them for a lot of things. I was skeptical at first about whether I would use them consistently. At first it was just Rainbow that gave the credit but that's my preferred store most of the time anyway. I wondered if I'd remember them when I needed them but I started just leaving them in the vehicle and then just had to remember to bring them in. There's been a time or two I forgot to bring them in but that's not often. I've probably paid for them now from the credit. And I do line them for messy things. I usually prefer to pack my own groceries. Mine have the plastic card for the bottom and are very easy to clean. I can't help but think that the poly version would be more sanitary than canvas but who knows. A quick spray with cleaner, a wipe around and I usually let the cleaner sit on it for a bit then a rinse off and hang them up. Who says they're not washable? :) But even with the regular plastic bags, doesn't anyone else carry more than one at a time? Depending on the weight and bulk I can carry 4 or 5 in each hand pretty easily if they're not too heavy and bulky so I don't see how I can carry more in the reusable ones. I can often carry a couple of the reuseable ones in each hand too.