"Yes, this is a great idea. We have a large area behind our garage that would be great for that. Thanks."

"One can never have too many friends!!!"

"We are on the SE corner of Washington, 30 miles east of Lewiston, Idaho. It is really hot in the summers, getting up to 100 quite often."

"We are also dry in the N.W. corner of Montana. About 13 inches of moisture (snow and rain) a year. I came from Fl so was shocked that people talked about rain in "tenths of an inch". Clothes dry in a hurry on the line!!"

"Wow what a great idea about the black garbage/leaf bags. "

"No place is to dry. Maybe you can put the material in the large leaf bags pour in water and just leave it. The heat and dryness will make the moisture work. You can check it about once a week until you can tell how long the moisture lasts but I…"

"You need to kill the aphids. Insecticidal soap is your best bet for this according to my husband who is an entomologist. Also, ladybird (ladybugs) beetles, earwigs, and lacewings all eat aphids."

"According to my husband who is an entomologist, this is a rove beetle which are considered beneficial, eating other insects such as earwigs and feed on organic matter such as compost. Ugly isn't always bad!"

"Thank you for the info. I'll try this. I did mean drip system, as you figured out."

"any moisture is good moisture. Be sure to turn it as you mist it so it gets damp all the way through. Covering it may help retain moisture too."

"You could try insecticidal soap. It is organic and safe to use. It's available at most gardening centers including Home Depot."