Steve Bentler

Sorry I missed the preview and comment period, but from what I saw, it looked great to me! I think the "wood-wrap" is different but better than the more plain look without it. I liked the quick links in the "best" columns too - I think they do a better job of inviting you in to take a more in-depth look!

Ditto! I thoroughly enjoy reading them, especially as a break from the onslaught at work, I love learning this stuff and could do it all day, but that doesn't pay the bills! Keep up the good work!

You are both right. Nicer glass containers might be acceptable and turning tall items might be problematic. Then again, peas might be grown early in the season (black out) and then be finished when it is time to turn the container (white out) and plant new sun-loving varieties. Or just plant the plants that don't like the intense sun (ie - lettuce) in the now-shadow section, allowing the sun-living ones upfront to take the brunt of the sun and extending my cool season growing crops!

Thanks Galadriel and Juliet. Although I am sure it would work, the bottle-solution probably would be frowned upon by the HOA - too cluttered looking. I already am pushing it with the containers as it is since they weren't supposed to be between the buildings (which they are) so they might not like the appearance, but it is worth trying on a small scale and seeing what they say. And Juliet, the design you were talking about is somewhat of a take-off of the desert refrigerator/swamp cooler which might not only have the watering effect but a cooling effect in the middle of the summer. Interesting! And after posting my question, I was thinking about painting one side (only) white or with the RV reflective paint and facing the black side towards the sun during the early and late season, and then turning the white towards the sun during the mid-summer. The pots are situated against the condo wall and side by side, so it's not like the different colors would be blatantly obvious, if you know what I mean.

Thanks again for the ideas!

Thanks Roy - nice setup!

Welcome Juliet! I currently live in a condo after losing my home and beautiful organic garden years ago in the economic downturn. I now have to garden in containers only and I have to make sure that I don't offend the HOA. I mostly use the big black plastic pots that nursery trees/bushes come in. I have two challenges with container gardening. The first is the ability to add enough organic materials every year to sustain the soil without overflowing the pots. Generally I have to take some dirt out to make room, which makes it hard to create a permaculture pot, if you know what I mean. How do you recommend augmenting the soil with organic material without overwhelming the pots? The second issue has to do with retaining moisture in the pots without constant watering because of the black plastic heating up in the sun, drying out the soil faster. Do you have a recommendation for an ascetically pleasing coating or that won't offend the HOA gods and yet will possibly help me manage my water better? The overwatering is not good for many of my plants and yet they will become over-stressed without it. How do you overcome this with container gardening? Thanks, I look forward to your response!