Sorry I didn't get back to you, I have been working on my roses. I usually feed them whenever I water them. Since they don't have soil, they need the nutriments. I never clean the clay balls and you don't have to change the water because you are filling the pot and only about 1 inch of water stays on the bottom. This filters up and waters and feeds the plants as needed. Since the containers are see-through, I just put more water in when the reservoir starts going down. Some people do flush with plain water occasionally but I haven't found that necessary. It is interesting that the roots grow right into the water and it doesn't faze them. I do not like the round clay pellets but I can't mention where I go because they get upset here so if you are interested I can email you the site. You do not have to wait for the plant to be rootbound either. Mine are usually blooming within a month or two. Here is a link that might be useful:

I don't think there's a better feeling than when you create something with your own hands and it turns out better than you imagined. It feels good to sit back and take it all in. I upgraded my setup yesterday. I added cross beams on the top and an additional shelf. I'm up to 3 lights now, and I doubt that will be enough. I have some peppers(under the towel) germinating on the bottom. Seedlings are under the lights, while cucumbers, tomatoes, and cantaloupes are on the top. Congrats on the successful DIY project. Hopefully your season will turn out just as good. Tim

Welcome to Potager Gardening! Post some pictures of your yards whether they are all set up and pristine or if you are planning a complete overhaul. Some of my favorite threads are the before, during and after shots and discussions. So what did you do today in your yard? I took some time this weekend to clear out my backyard growing areas; moving the vines and leaves of the finished veggies into the compost area, re-marking and edging the rows, adding compost, moving volunteer lettuce into the new bed, adding mulch to walkways, picking peppers and tomatoes. Whew. I'm planning to extend the veggie plantings next year; with the economy doing its thing I want to produce more food right here at home.

Went to the ER and it is broke. Doctor was very nice and told me I did the right thing attempting to tape them together. X-ray showed it is broke and because of where the break is the doctor wants me to wear one of those lovely "shoes" for a couple weeks. That way my foot will sit right and hopefully the break will heal properly. They all know me in the ER and know what I am dealing with so all were very nice and got me taken care of right away. Now, on the way in the door of the ER my dad stepped the wrong way and pulled a muscle in his calf! I ran in to a PT guy we know and he said that if it continues to bother him I should get him checked out because of his age but more than likely it is just a pull so he showed me some exercises he can do to make it better. Dear Lord I hope this is it for a while! We did go see mom and she is being released back to the nursing home today. The doctor called me this morning and said her liver and kidney functions, still has "rattle" in her chest but that is better also. She looks and sounds much better. Doctor said he thinks some of the throwing up comes from her shoving too much food in her mouth at one time, so he is ordering speech therapy to work with her more at the home so she gets in the habit of smaller bites. Dad and I just came home as there was no need for us to sit there and wait for transport for her. Mom was not too happy but that is just too bad, my toe hurts right now and is all swollen. I know in a day or so it will not be so tender but right now I am going to baby ME! How's that for a self centered attitude? LOL!