By Shannon Smith from Trafalgar Garden & Hire
In the world of gardening, innovation continues to shape how we cultivate our plants, and one method that has gained popularity is the wicking bed. A wicking bed is a self-watering raised garden bed designed to provide a consistent and efficient water supply to plants, promoting healthier growth while minimising water usage.
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At Trafalgar Garden & Hire, one of the most frequent questions we receive from clients is, "How do we build a wicking bed?" Well, fear not! I've crafted a simple guide to walk you through the process, turning ordinary containers into efficient wicking beds.
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If you're attending Creative Harvest, join me for a free demonstration at Green Hills Farm on both Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 1.30pm. Let's demystify the process together and empower your gardening journey with a sustainable, water-wise solution. See you there!
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Step 1: Gather Your Materials
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Before diving into the construction, make sure you have all the necessary materials. For a standard wicking bed, you'll need a water reservoir, a growing medium, a barrier to separate the soil from the water, and a way to access the water reservoir for filling. Collect items such as a large plastic container, PVC pipes, geotextile fabric, and a suitable frame for your bed.
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Step 2: Construct the Water Reservoir
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The key to a successful wicking bed lies in its water reservoir. Begin by choosing a sturdy, food-grade plastic container with a lid. This will serve as the base for your bed's water storage. Drill holes into the lid, large enough to accommodate PVC pipes. Place the PVC pipes vertically in the holes, ensuring they extend from the lid to the bottom of the container. These pipes will act as water conduits, allowing moisture to wick up into the soil.
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Step 3: Add the Geotextile Fabric
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To prevent soil from mixing with the water reservoir, line the inside of your bed with geotextile fabric. This breathable material allows water to pass through while keeping the soil in its designated area. Secure the fabric to the sides of the bed, ensuring a snug fit. This barrier is crucial for maintaining the wicking bed's functionality.
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Step 4: Fill with Growing Medium
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Once the water reservoir and barrier are in place, it's time to add the growing medium. Choose a high-quality mix that provides good aeration and drainage. A mix of coconut coir, vermiculite, and compost works well. Fill the bed with the growing medium, leaving enough space at the top for your plants. This layer acts as the root zone, where plants will access the water wicked up from below.
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Step 5: Plant and Mulch
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With the structure in place, it's time to bring your wicking bed to life by planting your chosen crops. Ensure your plants have enough space and water them thoroughly after planting. To reduce water evaporation and maintain soil moisture, add a layer of mulch on top. This will also help regulate the temperature of the growing medium.
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About Trafalgar Garden & Hire
Trafalgar Garden & Hire, owned and operated by the dynamic duo Nic and Shan, reflects the passion of this young couple who hail from Gippsland. Rooted in their love for the region, this family-run enterprise caters to residential, commercial, and trade clients throughout Gippsland, offering top-notch landscaping supplies and equipment for hire. Their pride emanates from a wealth of knowledge, a commitment to quality products, and exceptional customer service.
As proud major sponsors of Creative Harvest 2025, they demonstrate dedicated support for the Gippsland community.
Creative Harvest supporters can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on their initial purchase using the code CREATIVE HARVEST10 until the close of January 2025.
