Summer growing in greenhouses isn't always the most optimal environment. Most of us in temperate zones know that and wish we could grow them outside. Most of us do grow the larger stock either in the field or in open structures covered with shading. The problem comes when we try to grow plants in small containers outside. A good ripping wind or sunny day can dry them out more quickly than they can be watered. Wind can blow them over. Storms can wash all the medium out of the pot. Add to that most of the equipment we need is inside of the g'houses and we can control the enviroment to some extent, so that the plants won't have cultural problems if we get a month of daily rains. We can also avoid issues of run-off from the plants, not a good thing with the amounts of fertiliser or chemicals used. But, you have a very valid point......as much as possible we try to grow what we can in a natural environment. The plants seem healthier and more acclimated. As for drainage hole size, most of us start our plants off very tiny. Tiny plants are succeptible to overwatering. I purposely choose media and pots to provide excellent drainage. I can always add water, but if they're too soggy, try taking it out. LOL.

I finally remembered what I once used to keep plastic cups upright. I had some trays that were for washing drink glasses in a commercial dishwasher. I got them a a place called "salvage" at the nearby state university. Someone said that universities had renamed their salvage yards to "recycle" facilities. Lots of interesting stuff at these places if you should be near a university.

Never seen it offered anywhere in such quantities except for Harris Seeds. They used to offer 2000 foot rolls for about $300 plus shipping. Don't know if they still do or not. The red plastic fad just never caught on enough to justify marketing it in such quantities I guess. Google search shows Gardens Alive sells it in 100 foot rolls for $30 plus shipping. About 2 times the cost of plain old black landscape fabric. Dave

A while ago (when I was in the market) there were many posts about this with quite a few suggestions. I know I used yourhomesupply, as did several others and I was delighted with their prices and customer service. yourhomesupply. I know there were a few other places that in particular had great deals on cup pulls and hopefully some one else will post here...could have been ahturf or something lawlor?