hi i am so glad that these posts are recent. i am concerned about the leaching of chemicals when i use plastic containers, or wood (might have been "treated"). i know nothing about this possibility and need some sources. uv was mentioned in this forum. hope that someone here knows where to start to become informed. would appreciate any info!!!!! the reason that i think i need to grow in containers is, i feed the wild birds and they have taken over the yard, and i am concerned their droppings carry diseases. (i am glad that they have taken over the yard - they give me many pleasant moments) any thoughts on leaching and chemical contamination from the plastic milwaukee

Historic residential architectural styles were not based on a "look" but a collection of specific cultural, experiential and architectural influences that were adapted and modified by architects and builders often but not always retaining much of the original intent. American Colonialists brought the Post Medieval style from England but substituted local materials (lap siding and wood roofing shingles instead of stucco, half timber and thatch). As the colonies prospered they adapted and modified the more fashionable English styles that were based on Classical (Greek & Roman) designs from the Italian Renaissance. We know these styles generally as Colonial and specifically as Georgian, Adam, etc. They were later used as inspirations for the Colonial Revival styles. In the case of the Craftsman Style, it was originally developed in southern California by the Greene Brothers. They were architects influenced by the English Arts & Crafts movement, oriental wooden structures and formal training in wood & metal working and designed intricately detailed handcrafted houses of natural materials that joined the interior with the exterior. These designs and much simpler variations were published in many American magazines like The Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping and The Craftsman and were quickly adopted by pre-cut material supply companies that sold mail order kits. This resulted in the rapid spread of a watered-down version of the Craftsman Style bungalow across the country. This is why it is difficult to find a Craftsman Style house that retains much of the inspiration or detailing of the Greene brothers. A similar thing happened when a vernacular version was developed of the Prairie Style. When a historical architectural style is reduced to a "look", it usually only retains the name for advertising purposes. When I see the term Craftsman it tells me virtually nothing except that the house is unlikely to have classical detailing but you can never be sure without a photo or drawing.

Seeds don't require a lot of soil for germination. As a matter of fact, I would have lots of problems with your container. I've always used standard #1020 plastic trays, with drainage holes. I sow two or three hundred seeds in each tray, place them over heat mats, and stick them in my little grow room that we assemble in the garage each winter. The trays, of course, are very shallow, but the seedlings only remain in them for a very few days after germination after which they are transplanted into trays with plastic inserts.

A KVM switch can work very well. Just make sure it can handle your hardware. All the keyboards and mices must use the same interface, and the monitors may have difficulty if you are using high resolution displays. VGA works fine, but if you are using a "full HD" monitor, be careful.