To answer the replies to my original post so far: I am thinking self-watering containers to reduce potential problems with insects and other pests (which I can't see) -- a potential problem with in-ground planting, because these containers seem easier to maintain (ie. fertilizer strips), and to lessen the likelihood of me over or under watering. Thank you for telling me about the Florida forum. I will definitely check it out. I also love the cork/wire suggestion for monitoring the water level as well as the suggestion to use bamboo poles to rig up sun shades. My husband, who is also blind, is quite handy with his hands, so he will be able to fashion all these things for me. There is a little bit of an overhang, but it won't offer much shade. Regarding the proper potting mix, I am confused. the earthbox website seems to suggest all you need is their potting mix, dolimite, and fertilizer strip and you are ready to go. Yet on this forum, I keep reading about all kinds of "recipes" for creating the best growing environment and drainage. Mixing up my own stuff is pretty much out of the question, so is there anything that is ready-made that you recommend for the earthbox? And finally, what about mosquitoes? Are they able to breed in the water reservoirs of the earthbox for instance? Linda

A layer of Hydroton on the bottom of containers would be about the same as a layer of marbles of the same size. Initially, when they were dry, they'd absorb some water, but after they were wet, they'd remain saturated. If the layer was shallow, it would have no impact on reducing the ht of the perched water table & probably nearly no impact on o/a water retention. If the layer was deep, soil would probably rest on top of the layer & cause the PWT to be even taller than w/o the Hydroton. They wouldn't have any notable impact on drainage (flow through rates), and if you were just looking for ballast to reduce o/a water retention, marbles or stones (something not internally porous) would actually be a better choice. Al

Thanks for replying Trev. The soil is above the rim of the pot- but I did this because I have mel's mix in it, and it will settle quite a bit- after a couple of good waterings. About the size of the pot - I know that it may not work, but it's the largest one that I have. I don't see any possibililty of getting the thing transplanted anytime soon in the garden, because the cantaloupes and melons are really pressed for time- to get done before the first of September. I was mainly trying to buy myself some time with the plant. Could you clarify something for me Trev? I want to make sure that i'm understanding you right about the leaf nodes. Are you saying that if I set the container next to my garden- so that the vines run across the top of the soil, small roots will come out of each leaf node, and plant itself into the soil? If this is what you are saying, then I may be able to do that - as soon as the cucumbers are done producing. Do you think an area of soil that is 2ft wide and 4ft long would be enough for this to take place? Once it has reached the 4 ft mark, I could force it up the trellis that is 6 ft tall. Thanks Trev. One of these days, I hope to repay you for all of your help. EG

Here's the pic's I took today... LindaC-You mentioned dove tailing, but I wasn't sure which piece you meant, so I took pic's of both. This is the marble top chest...side of drawer This is the chest with the mirror...the back. Does the hardware give any clues as to age, or whether the mirror is original? I do see the difference in the wood color...now that you point it out! Still very curious about the stickers on the back...any ideas? Hinge that allows the mirror to swivel This is a top view of the drawers on chest with mirror Side view of drawer (Mirror Chest) The Pine Chest...This is my all time favorite bargain! I love this chest, even with all its stains and imperfections. Linda-you wanted to see the sides, back and top... This is the right side...in looking more closely, I think you are correct that it's one piece. The "line" that you see is actually a crack...there's one on the other side, also. However, if you run your hand along the top of the side, it's smooth-no seams. Is that what you meant by "solid"? This is the left side...the crack is more pronounced. The crack on the left side actually goes into the top somewhat. See how it's sort of a diagonal crack? If that was a paneled side, it would be straight, right? The top pine chest...hard to get a nice clear picture of whole top... And the back Definitely curious about the dark color. Linda-you also suggested having new knobs made. Who does that...what would I look up? By the way, I wouldn't change the knobs...I love them. Can I add something new? As I was taking these pic's, remembered another bargain chair...about $10 in a resale shop. My first chair had a laminated seat, but I'm not sure about this one...could be just one piece. Need trained eyes to check it out. The bottom