I too, can't wait for spring----10 below 0 right now. I will definately have more energy to keep up with the weeds. I'm having a total knee (right) Tuesday, so I have some more healing to do. I think I'll be ahead of last year though. I'm down 132 lbs. I used to do coleus, maybe I'll start again this year--I love them!

Better late than never. Try Earthbox.com. I got one of these last year , planted 2 tomato plants in it and I was giving tomatoes away left and right! Just remember to water it once or twice a day. You can't over water it. I'm getting another this year to plant some peppers. Reall, people swear by them. Phil

Just spent the afternoon taking cuttings. I have over 15 varieties of coleus and am hopin to keep them till spring. Last year I was very successful with Kiwi Sunspot, molton Lava and a couple others!

I just bought two hydrangea starts. They arrived very healthy about 2 feet tall (including roots). I planted them immediately in a space I planned just for them in a flower bed in front of my house between the sidewalk and the house. I planted each about 10 inches deep, 2 feet apart and to make certain they could stand on their own I did what I normally do with my tomatos in the beginning, I put a stick next to them and loosely tied some yarn around them. One hour after planting them we get this huge storm. I mean, it has been raining for hours. Obviously my little chosen area is not well irrigated. I looked out recently (after four hours of storming) and they seem to be alright, but I don't want them to drown either. Does anyone know about these plants, a way to irrigate the place I chose or anything? Thanks!! Barb

Until this year - container gardening was the ONLY kind I ever did. I hope my answer doesn't come too late for you. I changed this year because I got married, and my wife thinks two dozen containers in the back yard looks tacky. All I can say is, get great soil, DEEP containers, stakes to prop 'em up, watch carefully for blossom rot or pests. One year I had an enormous problem with bugs, but I got a harmless spray that did the job. Keep an eye on your plants during dry spells and hot days. Tomatoes need a bit more watering than most plants, and I watered nearly every day. Once they start growing and producing fruit, cut off the low branches not producing any tomatoes, because they'll needlessly sap the plant's strength. Consider moving your containers from time to time to get the optimal sunlight. Unfortunately, this is trial and error.