Melanie sent me a link to see the latest plant stand for growing three different types plants, in this case tomatoes. She was quick to add that she would not be buying one since she thought she could make one for a lot less. http://www.qvc.com:80/

While I LOVE to look at these neat garden ideas, I wholeheartedly agree that we can probably make something functionally similar and get a lot more satisfaction out of making it ourselves. May not be as pretty, but in the eyes of the maker, it may be even better.

So when would I use a mail-order site or company? For the times I want to give gifts. Giving someone an old recycled bucket with holes punched in it and used wood or pipe to hold it up might not be the best thing. But then again.....

Just watch for a money back guarantee if you are unhappy with the quality. It is really hard to tell from pictures how well something is built.

By the way, in the picture on QVC I might not grow tomatoes under a porch. The light on the back and side might not be strong enough to produce healthy plants, and remember to WATER, WATER, WATER. Plants in containers REALLY dry out fast.