I had several 100 gallon water troughs at the farm that had cracks which would no longer hold water. Rather than throw them in the land-fill, I decided to put them to good use. My son and I set them around the edge of the patio. I had him drill extra holes in the bottom for good drainage and holes in the top to attach chicken wire to the top. We put old sticks in the bottom, then added a layer of old leaves from last fall. Purchased dirt went in on top.

Last Saturday before an expected rain storm we planted white and red onions and snow peas. I added the chicken wire on the top at the suggestion of a friend. She says that will discourage squirrels from hopping in. We’ll see. When I plant more seeds in warmer weather I’ll take the wire off. If the chicken-wire trick doesn’t work I may need to pray for some hungry hawks or owls!

I’ll keep you posted.