Susan Hunters

Sorry, I don't know how to respond to each of your comments so here goes:

Anna - Thanks for the lip/shade advice.  I'll definitely drop the soil a bit.  Any kind of tool help would be nice for me also.  With the metal water trough, I won't be able to have a thick side since it will be elevated off the side; but am hoping leaning over it won't be a problem.

Jay - Thanks for the other ideas but I don't have the strength or skill to build something down low.  I do like your idea of putting wood in the trough to increase the moisture.  The barrels sound like a good idea too, but I don't have anyone who can cut them in half.

Saralee - Thanks for the cardboard idea, never thought of that decomposing for better soil.  I'll check into the old appliances around here; not sure if the city will allow them, but checking into it.  Like the book idea and I'll check that out too.

Anne - Thanks for the tool info.  Could you expand on how you use the spade for seeing if you need to water.  Breaks will be a must for me also.  I loved the watering schedule - how long do you water your veggie beds?

Scott - Thanks for a new container possibility.  I agree, root space is important so I'll add a bit more to the troughs.

John - Thanks for giving me another place to look into.  I never thought about getting ideas from the VA.

I was wondering what sort of gear was available for people with movement handicaps - I can't kneel or get back up, can't bend down for long, don't have a lot of strength.  I was looking into somehow raising a metal watering trough  about 1-2 feet off the ground to take care of my bending problems.  What should I have it raised onto, cinder blocks, bricks, something else?  With the winds we have, do I have to anchor it down?  If I do, with what?  Is there something better to use?  I've been told that I only need to put a foot of soil at the top, but should I put wood in the bottom or stone or something else in the bottom to bring the soil up to the top.  Are there special handicap tools I can use and where would I find them?  Any other advice?