In a message dated 10/15/00 3:15:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time, chilewmn@bluemarble.net writes: << it ends up as a mess. I wouldn't do this in a basement. >> I did last year. Worked out just as you say, but dear me, what a lot of sweeping (and griping) accompanied this method. This year, one Serrano and one Hab in pots to see if I can nurse them through the winter (despite "the Lord's" concerns with tap roots). All the rest will be plucked clean before the next big frost and left for Mark's North Dakota treatment. Gareth