Drew, my question wasn't about money, I know they're more money than the fabric pots, which I already use, I have conditions and reasons that are bringing about my change in pots. Air-pots are a compromise since I don't want to use solid pots for my veggies. Besides, I'm only going to start off with maybe twenty to test the first season, if I like them it's an investment, if I don't it's a donation to the community garden. Jay, evaporation is one of the reasons for my switch, the wind blows everyday here and water loss is big, but along with evaporation I have dogs pissing on the bags, gophers and rats chewing through them and a few other reasons to ditch the fabric pots. I have just had so much success with gritty and 511 mix I don't want to go back to using such a fine mix, which is what they recommend for their pots. I may just have to play around with it and see what happens.

Why would you think Neem would have any effect on deer? In that dilute a formulation, I doubt it would have much effect on anything.

Just a thought: If you can find an exterior window like the upper part -- shorter but with arch that opens and that is weather rated for your climate -- and you can install it over the top of the height of your shower head, then you might could use another "window" for the lower part -- glass blocks or frosted french door rated for exterior use with the same frame color ... as long as it is the same width and creates a similar effect and can withstand moisture.

For me, the grocery budget is one area where it is possible to economize when necessary. Most other budget categories for me are pretty fixed (utilities, mortgage, etc). So, we do use mainly store brands and I shop at a variety of stores. It's interesting that while I often find Kroger owned stores more expensive, they sometimes beat Wal-Mart by a significant margin on non sale items. The most recent example was the Simple Truth brand of tart cherry juice was one dollar cheaper for a bottle than the equivalent great value one at Wal-Mart. The one place I am probably pickiest on brand is Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage. The seasoning is absolute perfection to me and I have not found a comparable lower priced brand. Now I stock up and freeze that one when on sale.