Paul,

Thank you for the advice regarding adding water to the drainage layer. I was able to use the pump to fill the drainage layer from the bottom up. I also poured some water into the top of the soil layer as well, using the idea from Bill about putting tubing into the drainage layer. I have been using distilled and reverse osmosis water. I altered the misting schedule as you have it. I will alter it as needed so that the soil is moist but not soggy. I hoping to make a decision over the weekend regarding plants.

John