If it were me, I'd sort of break it down into categories of things I needed to do: 1) containers to use 2) soil mix 3) specifics of growing each item 4) how to grow in containers Per the containers to use, do you have them already? If not, do you have any idea of what you want? Self-watering, irrigated, or you water yourself? I primarily use Earthboxes because I lived in a condo and didn't have a way to make my own and I had no direct water source - self-watering worked well for me. Sounds like time is a bit of an issue for you, so not sure you can make your own. When you water is part of this decision - will you have time to water multiple times a day? Will you set up an irrigation system? Even if you use self-watering containers, you will have to water some of them at least once a day in the heat of Texas summer. The soil mix is based on your choice of container. Here is where the organic part may have to be stretched a bit, but it also depends on your definition of organic. There isn't an easy answer and a lot depends on what is most important to you and how intuitive vs science based you are. I like to know how things work, why they work, and then optimize. Many people do not care. Per how to grow each item, my guess is that you'll just have to do a lot of reading at night when the kids are asleep. There may be a forum specific to some of the things you are growing, but remember, growing is also specific to your area. Tomatoes, for example, may have difficulty setting fruit in Texas in the heat. I don't live there, so can't advise you, but I know they will not set when night time temps are high. Other things you are growing do better in cool temps, such as broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. You've missed the spring planting season, I imagine, but can plant these in the fall. Per this, I'd immediately make a chart of all the things you want to grow and do some quick research regarding when they grow best - either specific to your area or regarding temperature. How to grow in containers should come before what container to use or what soil mix to use, though I put it last. Knowing a bit about this will determine the type of container you use and the soil mix you choose. That's where this forum can probably be of most help. If you understand a bit about the properties of container soil and then add to it the characteristics of your area, then you can make some intelligent decisions regarding what containers and soil to use. Not sure that I helped much in terms of specific answers, but you have so many things at once that maybe breaking it down a bit will help focus you and help you know what to ask and where to ask it.

DAILY UPDATES! OK, a small complication... turns out I have something happening in Thornhill for my daughter's school first thing in the morning. Funny how they never tell you these things 'till the last minute. Apparently, is NOT optional. :-( And then I have to work at noon, so I don't know if I'll be able to make it. :-((( Still, there are 5 yes's, even without me. Check back tomorrow night for a final tally. YES: ~ amcorrigan ~ Sorellina ~ Nadia_smiles ~ mari11 ~ Wildflower_2 NO: ~ Me - still have hostas; still want daylily... maybe a private swap? ~ jroot ~ Cherylnpickering Potentially YES but haven't heard back: :-( ~ Lana/Lanakolo ~ Violetta NOT SURE: ~ skraps ~ Bo/carsbrook? ~ Ninjakaren? ~ jroot?

Haha. I did snatch up one of the first batch (?) of Golden Flame. :P So glad you got one! I want everyone to get this plant. It's so pretty!! Congratulations on blooming blashernaezii! That's dead exciting! I really love this group of plants. They are delicate looking, yet resilient. This round, I was snagging the flagellata. A year ago I would have said I didn't trust myself to grow this species, but I am seeing very good results from my caudatas, so I think I'm ready! (I hope :)) I am also engaged in the anulata obsession! /high five!

i would love some of these if i could!! that would be so cool!! armenian cucumber tortarelo cucumber golden gopher musk melon? royal golden melon lee okra zolotistala melon casaba melon 1 bosc pear 2 mustard gai choy 1 garden peach tomoto 4 okra mix 1 daikon radish 1 canary bell peppers 2 lemon balm 1 sweet chocolate peppers 1 bok choy 2 green zebra tomato 3 peppers yolo wonder 1 peter peppers this year, i think will be a great year for that square foot gardening!! especially with all that is needing to be put in the ground!!! **big smile** i have lots of 6 blazing star liatres 21 single white angel trumpet-smells awesome 14 lavender datura- don't smell but is pretty!! 4 sesamie seeds so if anyone want's these, let me know. :') these are filled pretty good!@! ~Medo