Glyphosate, such as is found in Roundup, must come in contact with the actively growing leaves of plants in order to harm them. It is not absorbed from the soil into the root system. However, there are formulations of Roundup (and many other herbicides) that contain other chemicals and it's possible that this is what was used on the field. Most herbicide damage is very distinctive with deformed and twisted new growth on plants. If absorbed from the soil, it may present in other ways. The logical explanation for your problem is poor soil. Heavily farmed soil (unless the grower uses organic methods) is usually severely depleted of many nutrients and the farmer must replenish them each year. A good laboratory soil test is the first order of business to solve your problem. You might also check with your local office of the cooperative extension. They are familiar with the soils and farming practices in your area and might be able to give you some insight into the problem. Good luck. I know how frustrating it is to plant and replant and still not get a crop. Sandy

Groundhog, not rabbits. Groundhogs love cucumbers and can easily do that much damage, generally starting from the ground up. Rabbits would do far less damage and over a period of days. Deer would start at the top and eat the whole thing. The first year groundhogs are relocating right now and it sounds like one moved in. In my opinion, the best solution is to trap with a Havahart trap and relocate. Set the trap in front on the hole, place boards along side to direct the ground hog in (make sure the trap will still close and not get stuck on the boards), loop over with chicken wire if possible so the only was "in" is through the trap and bait with peaches. Check often if trapping on a hot day. Good luck! Bellatrix

Outsmarting the tree rats (squirrels) around my house is a full time job. This past spring I hit on a new idea. When I plant a container I invert an empty wire hanging basket over the container and the plant gets sun and can be watered but the squirrels can't dig in it. Another idea: I bring in a lot of plants to "over winter" under lights in my garage. I have so many that it is hard to reach my hand under the lights (4 shop lights) to the middle for watering. So I bought a pump sprayer with a long wand and it works great! In late winter I add a little liquid Dawn detergent, few drops, to each gallon of water and not only does the soil get wet easier but the worms that are waiting to hatch into distructive pets just don't hatch. Don't know what it costs me to run those four shop lights all winter but I don't care. It is a small price to pay to be able to "garden" every weekend in the garage. Many people have mentioned that they mark their outdoor plants with a "permanent Sharpie". In my experience there isn't a "permanent Sharpie", they all fade and quickly too. A grease pencil/china marker or expensive "no fade" garden center marker are the only markers I have found that won't disappoint you by fading. Eight years ago I decided to learn about gardening so I tapped into my local library. I checked out nearly every book they had on gardening and learned so much. The Gardenweb forums are also a wealth of information and entertainment. There is always something new to learn and I appreciate all of you who take the time to write in your ideas. One last idea from me...I keep a small notebook on my computer table and jot down any idea I find that's new and I will want to try. Little pieces of paper get lost but I always know where my notebook is and also use it when I order "on line" so I will remember the name of the company and the order date. Tina or Trowelgal

Ok. In order for the arch to be higher, the tanks would need to be much closer together if you put them on the inside of the panel. They might be hard to get between, to weed, etc. So I would suggest you put them on the outside of the arch.(one on each side). I don't know if you considered that already as the option and pretty much have the tanks where you want them, but it looks like you wouldn't be able to weed the tank on the right, if it is right near the fencing. Have you put any drainage holes in the bottoms of these tanks? Don't put too many in. I was using about 9 food-grade stock tanks and put waaaay too many holes in them and the water would drain out much too soon, and I have to water them about every other day......which is a drag. I've tried to plug some of the holes and they're doing a big better. But mine are up on some cement blocks, and not right on the ground. I love trellis gardening. I grow (in the ground) cucumbers on both sides of the trellis and they love it. I also use my kids old swing set with fencing up one side and over it and grow winter squash, and it seems to love growing upwards.