Yes, barrels are much nicer looking.  Why don't you try those plastic look-alike 1/2 barrels?  Same esthetics with a fraction of the weight.
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Pots-Planters-Barrels/N-5yc1vZbx4v

Never had a problem with the vermiculite I buy, no dust.  With today's veracious litigious society I don't think a manufacturer is gonna sell you something that may be hazardous to your health.

What brand of tobacco cigarettes do you smoke, Mike ?

I am so glad JeffDM posted this topic.  I have  a double problem of squirrels and racoons.  The raccoons have been catching the fish out of my screen enclosed fish tanks for years. Now they go rooting through my compost pile looking for grubs, they trample on my plants, knock small pots/planted cups from shelves,  dig up planted pots!  Last week I managed to corner a raccoon in my covered area.  I never realized they were so huge.  This one was more like a 20lb small dog.  It was in bad shape: torn-healed ears, no tail, "wet-dog" smelly....dirty.

Suddenly, I realized "how do I get rid of this thing now?".  The machete was out-of-the-question and would end up smashing everything.  I came up with this simple "electrocooner":


A  6'X2"X2" with two 2" iron screws wired to an extension cord.  The device was extremely effective!  He was quickly dispatched and buried under a newly planted Moringa stenopetala tree.  Unfortunately, I notice my compost pile is still being disturbed so I have more than one raccoon pest.

I am really not into live trapping of vermin.  These animals are not threatened/endangered species.  I live in the middle of the city so I can't shoot-on-sight.  I am very interested in plans for whatever electrocution-traps that you guys have devised and used.

The squirrels plague my fruit trees.  This year, after an eight year wait, my black mango finally fruited. Not long thereafter, the squirrels moved in and began eating the mangoes.  If I wasn't willing to dip squirrel-bitten mangos in tupperware with peroxide, I'd never have eaten any this year!!

Anyone who has sympathy for ground squirrels has never lost their whole crop of apricots the day before they were ripe enough to pick.

H_ll yes!  I am sooo...THERE!  Catch-n-release?!  FORGET IT!!

Is pugging a viable technique on other trees such as guava or avocado?  Are there trees that should never be pugged?

Obviously any plant grown from seedling will take longer to fruit that one propagated from marcotting. However, isn't 10-15 years a bit of an exaggeration?  Every source I've seen averages 1/2 that.  In addition, the plant can be induced to fruit early by adding Potassium chlorate in moderation, to the soil.

I have several seedlings this size: 

I can send you a pair for $15.00. 
What is your email?

Hello all;

I have a few seedlings of Rambutan:



Seedlings of Longan:



Plants of Thai White Guava:



Plants of Jackfruit:



Specific varieties are unknown for these plants, so I'll take your best offers. Both the Longans and the Rambutans were from large, juicy fruit.   I will have more fresh Rambutans, Longans and Jackfruit tomorrow, so if you prefer fresh seeds, please email me.

Ethan;

I am looking for a Pulasan seedling ... do you have?

~Thanks!