LOL...:) Of course your plant will produce chilis. Many pepper plants are self pollinating and alot of times only need to be brushed up against or have a little breeze to do the job. Lack of sunlight will slow things down, you will probbly never have a monster of a plant but you should not have problems otherwise. Be careful not to overwater, it is better to let a chili plant get overly dry than to overwater. I wait until I see some droop in the leaves before watering. Keeping a light on it cannot hurt and definitly let it get as much direct light as you can. good luck..:) kendra

All: I have a covered porch, and uncovered steps. I need to put something on it to protect the wood. What's best? I have been reading on here about that ATO, but I haven't seen anyone put it on a pressure treated pine deck. What's best for those? Is the Sikkens good? Thanks a lot!

I'm so glad to read these responses! You have helped ease my mind (and feel confident that hardwood is the way to go). Since you guys brought up rugs - that's something else I wonder about. Do you have to reposition them frequently or go without them for a few months of the year to keep the hardwood color even? Meaning - does the surrounding floor "fade", leaving the covered areas darker than the rest of the floor? And I should clarify - I call it "mudroom" although per plans it's technically a "drop zone." It will be the entry area from the garage (where we will have a rug and shoe tray) with a bench seat, cubbies/storage, etc. so not actually dirt traffic. It's more a place for coats, backpacks, keys, etc. - and a bathroom! Must have that as soon as I walk in. :) Laundry will be on the top floor with the bedrooms, and will have a vinyl floor. There is also a bathroom on that floor which I forgot to list, but it's just a half bath. The kitchen opens to a deck, but it's covered and the stairs lead to patio, so hopefully no major dirt. Great tips on the color of the hardwood. I plan to go medium-light with cabinets (knotty alder) either a bit lighter or darker. And with a satin/matte finish on floors & cabinets. And since some of you mentioned dog hair - water bowl dribbles ever an issue, or are they small enough you don't have to worry? Although our dog does have a habit of "attacking" his water bowl (Bowl Appetite so it's a gallon in there) and making some large spills. I'm sure we can find a tray or other remedy...

Your window in the background can help some with light, unless it faces north...then not much help at all. Keep the blinds open except at night. Only a very small container type tomato will work. But if you started from seeds it will be awhile before a larger variety needs to be moved. Depending on your location, perhaps it could go outside in a large pot then. Watering will take more than a spray bottle. You want your soil moist, but not soggy throughout. Stick your finger in a couple inches and check the moisture. A spray bottle may wet the surface and fool you into thinking the soil is moist, but down an inch or two could be very dry. Gently pouring water around the edges of the containers until the plants are larger will get them the water they need without disturbing the tiny plants. Fertilizer won't be needed immediately, but later you can greatly dilute it and water with that. I've thought it would be fun to try a stacking planter like you have. Looks like a good set up for lots of small herb varieties when used with good lighting. Maybe I'll stack one on my patio next summer.