Wicking bed basics

Written By Canberra Enviro

What is a wicking bed?

A wicking bed is a self contained garden bed with a water reservoir in the bottom - basically a garden bed sized self watering pot.

Wicking beds can be made out of a variety of materials, from purpose built set ups to upcycling experiments. They can also be constructed to fit a variety of different spaces making them a great option for both small and large gardens.

What are the benefits of wicking beds?

In a hot and dry summer climate like Canberra the benefits of wicking beds really shine.

When it comes to water related benefits wicking beds are:

  • water efficient

  • have less water evaporation

  • allow for a more even water distribution

  • self watering

Other benefits for difficult to grow in spaces are that they:

  • can be placed on hard surfaces, which makes them great for greening up concrete or paved spaces, and

  • they’re hard for tree roots or invasive grass to penetrate (any gardener who has battled runner grasses will rejoice!)

Wicking Bed Design

Cross section of a wicking bed

Wicking beds can be adapted to the space you have and made using upcycled materials such as:

  • food grade buckets

  • wine barrels

  • IBCs

  • bath tubs

  • milk bottle

MINI WICKING BEDS

You can also been create mini wicking beds to grow your cuttings or seedlings in. They’re great for younger plants as they retain moisture and increase your cutting strike rate. Plus, they’re so easy to make!

Simply:

  • cut off the top of an empty milk bottle, or other plastic container

  • place 4cm of coarse river sand/landscaping sand in the bottom
    (from your local buy nothing garden group, or your local hardware store)

  • fill the rest with seed raising mix

  • cut a small drainage hole at the top of the sand layer so your cuttings don’t get waterlogged.

Why not try your hand at striking some cuttings of lavender, rosemary or salvias in your own mini wicking bed?

Want to learn more?

Join us for a Wicking Bed Workshop with Canberra’s ‘Wicking Witch of the West’
Dr Cally Brennan from Canberra Permaculture Design & Education:

Date: Saturday 15 November
Time: 1.30-3.30pm
Tickets: $40 (registrations essential)
Where: Gungaderra Homestead, Harrison

Canberra Enviro
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