The dowel or other object has to go up through the BOTTOM of the pot into the perched water there - a dowel in the top of the pot won't affect drainage, even if it's stuck way down into the soil. Think of it as making a bridge for the water at the bottom of the pot to cross. We're talking about drawing the water DOWN and out, from the bottom. Here is a picture of someone who was using yarn to wick perched water out of her pots: I looked and looked for a picture of someone using the stick-through-a-drainhole-to-drain-more-water-out trick, but couldn't find one. I'll try to stage one in the next week. It's amazing when you're not expecting it, LOL! Cotton is a good wicking material, the problem with it is that it will rot pretty quickly. As long as you don't mind replacing those wicks regularly, it will work. I would replace a cotton wick every year, because though you MIGHT get 2 years out of it before it starts to rot, you also might not, and end up with nonfunctional wicks halfway through the 2nd year. However, you might be able to get cotton t-shirts for free or cheap from local thrift stores - they often toss damaged or stained items, or sometimes even stuff they just get too much of. T-shirts these days are usually a 50/50 cotton-poly blend - so wicks made from this will probably be a little bit longer lasting than 100% cotton. I'd still replace them every spring, especially if you're getting them free or for super cheap. Just be sure you don't end up with t-shirts somebody was working on their car in, soaking up oil with, or using while painting and/or cleaning their paintbrushes! Some people use strands from Rayon mop heads. These also tend to break down (they're made from wood fibers, cellulose) but they are cheap and effective. Al, of Al's gritty mix fame, uses them. Go to the following post and search on "Tue, Jan 1, 13 at 13:24" to go down to the post where he talks about wicking to remove perched water. Container Soils - Water Movement and Retention XVI Here is a picture showing the kind of wicking you need to do to drain off that perched water, from the thread above: Now, if we're talking about drawing water UP from the bottom (wicking UP rather than down and out) here are some pictures illustrating that. You can use almost anything that will absorb water for the wicking - I bet even cut up strips of "super towel" might work, though I don't know how long they might last. But nylon clothesline is a good choice that is cheap and easy to find. You could also buy capillary matting (which comes by the yard in widths up to 72") and cut that into strips. I think that is mostly polyester felt (THICK polyester felt, you won't find it at JoAnn's). Anyway here are some pictures: Here's one who used cut up capillary mat: Here are her directions for how she made her pots: DIY self watering pots A lot of folks swear by using soil wicking systems. There is a reservoir (or several sometimes in commercially built self watering containers that use this) into which you firmly tamp soil, which will be partly below the water line of the water reservoir in the bottom of the container. Here is a picture showing the system: The air space between the water reservoir and the soil is important to this design, and its what makes it different from sitting your pot in water and doing what we think of as conventional "bottom watering". As for the video links you posted - there are problems with that guy's system. First is the soil medium. Straight MG garden soil is a TERRIBLE medium for a container. That needs to be mixed 1:1 with peat, or even 1:2. Even so, in our conditions here that isn't an ideal potting medium by a long shot. I've used it for years and so far I am getting away with it here- but I'm not sure I would be getting away with it in a tall container like that, wicking or no wicking. Second is the way he planted that tomato. Firstly, a 5 gallon bucket is really too small for most tomato plants. Still you can manage with that more or less, if you take a little extra care. When I plant tomatoes in the ground (or in a raised bed), I snip off all but the top two or three leaves/stems and plant it in a trench with the root ball at least 8" to 10" deep, angled up from there so the top two leaves come out just an inch or two above the soil. I also plant in water catchments (a depression so water is guided to the plant. Because a tomato will root all the way along the stem, and this is one of the best ways to drought-proof your tomato plants. When planting in a container, I do something similar - I will snip off all but the top 2 or 3 leaves/stems and plant it with just a couple of inches of soil below the root ball, then fill just to where those top few stems are poking up. This will likely be way below the level of the top of the container. Then as the plant grows, I remove lower stems and add planting medium. This way the tomato roots all the way along that stem and you aren't waiting for the roots to grow down into the bottom of the container - they are already there, and strong and healthy to boot! when I get to within about 3" of the top of the container, I mulch (about 2" of bark). Then there is your selection of plants. For a 5 gallon bucket, a determinate variety is a must. Also, look for varieties specifically bred as "patio tomatoes" or for containers, such as Celebrity, Bush Champion, Bushsteak, Bush Early Girl, etc. Burpee's has a bunch of varieties specifically for container growth - probably other seed sellers do as well. I grow determinate paste varieties in small spaces in raised beds when possible, though this year I ended up with Early Girl because that was all that was left by that time (mid-July, we moved at the end of June so my garden went in VERY late). When I was growing tomatoes in containers, I grew them in cut-off garbage cans instead of the 5 gallon buckets. I just don't feel those are really big enough for tomatoes. Garbage cans were a lot cheaper back then ... but if they go on sale, you might grab some for your tomatoes next year. I use the garbage cans because they are UV stabilized, intended for outdoor use. Other plastic containers usually break down pretty quickly in the sun. I HAVE grown them in 5 gallon buckets but they were hard to stake, hard to keep from falling over in a wind, and didn't yield as well as when they're in larger containers. I put the garbage cans up on spaced pavers or concrete brick to improve drainage - but that might not be as much of an issue in LV, with the right potting medium. Just make sure the drainage holes are good sized - like 1/4". Cover with soil fabric or coffee filters to keep the soil from washing out. You can also build mini-raised beds out of concrete blocks - a raised bed doesn't HAVE to be 4' wide and 10' long. Bonus - for me anyway - is having that thicker edge to sit on when I get tired, LOL! A concrete block "container" 24" square (internally) would need 2 courses (16 total) of standard 8x8x16" concrete blocks, and you'd then have a 16" tall raised bed to work with which will NEVER wear out (well not in OUR lifetimes). The soil dynamics in a raised bed are MUCH more forgiving than in container growing. The bricks run about $1.50 here when they're not on sale - if you keep your eyes peeled, watch craigslist and your local freelist, etc, you might catch them for less. A concrete block raised bed takes no real skill to build - just lay them out so the corners alternate. With no frost heave you'll be good to go to just lay them out on a level piece of ground. Hope there are some ideas that might be of use to you.

Eileen, If you cant tell by my online name, IÂm gardengrlÂs DH and yes, I am a former resident of Key West (KW) (born and raised there, so IÂm a Conch). Gardengrl called me and said you needed some info on where to stay, where to eat, what to see, etc. Hotels First a heads up, the dates youÂre going down there is the same weekend as Sport (mini) Lobster season. This means you will be competing for hotel rooms, restaurant seats, parking spaces, etc., with every person coming down for the lobsters. Given this, I would start working on securing hotel reservations now. Sorry you couldnÂt get into the Pier House; I have family working there and it is very nice. Suggestions on hotels/B&Bs depends on whether you going to have access to a car while in KW. If youÂre not planning to take/rent a car and are looking to stay in downtown KW, and since you were looking at Pier House, IÂm going to suggest taking a look at the Crowne Plaza La Concha. It is on Duval St very close to the downtown scene. Just checked the website and they are running summer specials, which may or may not be in effect given the Mini Lobster season. http://www.laconchakeywest.com/ There is a Hyatt in old town; however, I have never stayed or been inside the hotel and wonÂt recommend something simply based on the name. If you want to try a B&B, the Curry Mansion mentioned earlier is nice. Another place to try is the Pilot House, which is on the corner of Eaton and Simonton, which is one block off Duval St. Outside of Old Town, I can recommend two hotels. The first is the Courtyard Marriott on the corner of North Roosevelt and Kennedy Dr. Gardengrl and I stayed at this hotel last year and it is a good value. The other hotel, which IÂve been to before (and where Gardengrl and I will be staying in September) is the Doubletree Grand Key Resort on South Roosevelt (by the airport). http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/EYWDTDT-Doubletree-Grand-Key-Resort-Florida/index.do Getting around If you are planning to visit KW in August sans automobile, I do not recommend staying anywhere outside Old Town because as Gina alluded to earlier, it is the hottest month of the year. The ocean breezes that keep KW moderately bearable during the summer months die down during August and you will die trying to ride a bike to downtown KW. Even if youÂre coming from a strong sun area, do not underestimate the sun in KW. Definitely recommend strong, waterproof sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. If you will have access to a car, and plan to stay at a hotel outside of Old Town KW, be forewarned that parking in Old Town can be a challenge during a special event like Mini Lobster. In any case, if you have a car, bring a good supply of quarters with you to feed meters (we do when we go). Unless you and DH are used to riding motorized bikes, I recommend renting or taking bicycles vice renting mopeds to get around the island. The parking is far easier, you will just as much of the island, and you will be less likely to wreck a bicycle. Places to Eat. Again, all of these are local places. Breakfast: SandyÂs Café 1026 White St-- If there is one place that I recommend to EVERYONE who visits KW, SandyÂs is that place. This is THE locals place to gather in the mornings; most tourists drive by SandyÂs and donÂt give it a second look. SandyÂs is located inside M&MÂs Laundry on the corner of White and Virginia Streets and is a morning ritual for Gardengrl and I whenever we visit KW. There is no seating per se, since it is inside a Laundromat, so anything ordered there is takeout. I believe I san safely say that SandyÂs serves the strongest, best tasting coffee on the island. I recommend the colada (unless you like your coffee really strong and black, get a milk chug to dilute the colata), Cuban Espresso (AKA bucce or Cuban Speed) and Cuban toast for breakfast. They also serve the best Cuban sandwich (Cuban Mix) on the island. PepeÂs Café, 806 Caroline St  If you want something more sitdown, PepeÂs Café serves a very good breakfast at reasonable prices. It is located on Caroline St, near the Turtle Kraals area and is one of the oldest restaurants on the island (opened 1909). They also serve lunch and dinner. Lunch/Dinner: Turtle Kraals Restaurant & Bar 231 Margaret St  Given the last couple of experiences Gardengrl and I had here (slow service), I almost did not include this long-time local hangout. Turtle Kraals is on the water and serves good seafood. DanteÂs Restaurant and Raw Bar, 951 Caroline St  DanteÂs is a newer place, but has become a favorite of locals. It is located across the parking lot from Turtle Kraals restaurant. DanteÂs is noteworthy because they have a pool in the middle of the restaurant. They serve more sports bar type foods, but have a full bar and pretty good drinks. Rusty Anchor, 5510 3rd Avenue (on Stock Island)  If you donÂt have a car and want seafood, you can try this local favorite. Stock Island is just outside the KW city limits. Usually during Mini Lobster season, Rusty Anchor runs a special on whole lobster. The next two are places I have promised to take Gardengrl, but havenÂt gotten around to. When we go down in September, I will have to take her to one of these two eateries. El Siboney Restaurant, 900 Catherine St  Most people who come to KW want to try Cuban food at least once during their visit. El Siboney is the localÂs choice. This restaurant has been family owned forever (number of different families) and when you walk in, you feel like youÂre walking into someoneÂs living room. However, the restaurant has excellent food at very reasonable prices. Blue Heaven, 729 Thomas St  Dine with the kitties and chickens. Blue Heaven is located within Bahama Village and serves chicken and seafood with a Caribbean flair. They have a blog that I found while looking up the street address. http://blueheavenbacktalk.blogspot.com/ Bars and places for cocktails Its difficult for me to recommend bars to someone I donÂt know. Bars that I think are quite acceptable may be out of the question for others and vice versa. Since youÂre into Buffett, will recommend a few in Old Town Green Parrott, Whitehead St (great to go during the day) Bull and Whistle, Duval St Fat TuesdayÂs, Duval St (yes, I know this is a chain, but its going to be hotter than hell down there and you may want something cold, frosty, and alcohol-laden). HogÂs Breath Saloon, Duval St And since it will be your first time, do recommend Sloppy JoeÂs on Duval and the Original Sloppy JoeÂs (the one Hemingway went to), which is now Capt TonyÂs, and is on Greene St, just around the corner from Sloppy JoeÂs. Just as a heads up (since I donÂt know you). Key West does have a good sized gay and lesbian community, most of who reside in Old Town. I mention this because many who visit KW and are not aware of this sometimes come away with a poor view of the city, simply based on their own beliefs or something they witnessed while on vacation there. What I advise people who have never been down there before is keep an open mind and enjoy yourself.

I've lived in Texas all my life and have visited San Antonio frequently. Even with all my Texas pride, the Alamo is one boring tourist attraction. I doubt your 7 year old would be very interested after seeing the first few bullet holes in the walls. Sea World will be a blast and very tiring. I wouldn't try to do anything else that day. We love walking through La Villita and seeing all the old buildings. Once when we were walking through they were having a traditional Mexican wedding and the whole party was going through the streets--it was very lovely. We also make a trip to El Mercado to eat at the restaurants there because they aren't as touristy/expensive as the ones on the River. I haven't been since they moved it from the Lone Star Brewery, but the Buckhorn Museum is really fascinating--your young one would love it. Also try to stop into Durty Nelly's near the Hilton--it's an Irish pub where they play the piano and sing songs and you throw peanut shells on the floor. The whole family would enjoy it. The riverboat tour is a must and I would do it during the day and at night. The lights at night are beautiful. We've always walked the river at night and never had a problem with purse snatchers. Easy solution would be not to carry your purse. There are several missions throughout San Antonio. I've been to most all of them but I can't remember which ones I liked most. Your 7 year old might like visiting one of them. You can walk and climb all around them. There is a Japanese Garden but I'm not sure if that would hold his interest. I'm not sure what direction you're traveling from, but if it's on the way the Wildlife Ranch between San Antonio and New Braunfels is a hoot. You drive through in your own vehicle. I believe they used to sell "I survived the Ostrich" t-shirts because the darn little things were so aggressive about sticking their heads in your car to grab food. Have a great time--San Antonio is lots of fun. Stop by Dick's Last Resort on the Riverwalk if you're in the mood for crazy fun (don't ask where the restrooms are--they'll send you out to the street for laughs).

I think the best tip so far for here (where I happen to live) is to have breakfast/brunch at a buffet, which WILL hold you till dinner. Then check out some of the nicer places for dinner. Even the coffee shops in the hotels are known to have good food. If you have never been to a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, I always say it is a must see. Going to Taqueria Canonita and watching the gondolas will be a very relaxing time. The "old town" show is Fremont Street experience. But please, do not walk down there at night. Please take a taxi. I haven't been there in a while, but the show has always been entertaining. Oh...and at the RIO, they have Masquerade in the Sky, which is a free show. I understand it has become a little risque since they re-opened it. Have fun while you are here.