Growing your own vegetables and herbs can be a deeply satisfying experience, offering fresh produce right at your doorstep. But for many, daily watering and maintenance can be a roadblock. That’s where wicking beds come in—innovative gardening solutions that conserve water and thrive even when you’re away. In this post, I’ll walk you through creating your own wicking beds using recycled materials, specifically focusing on Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs).
What are Wicking Beds?
Wicking beds are a type of self-watering garden system that conserves water by drawing moisture up from a reservoir below, mimicking the natural groundwater effect. This system is especially useful if you travel frequently, as it keeps your plants hydrated for weeks without needing a top-up.
Benefits of Wicking Beds
- Water Conservation: They reduce the need for frequent watering.
- Self-Sustaining: Ideal for vacation times or busy schedules.
- Plant Health: Consistent moisture levels help avoid stress on plants.
Materials Needed
Choosing and Preparing IBCs
To start, you’ll need an IBC, which stands for Intermediate Bulk Container. These containers are large, versatile, and perfect for upcycling into garden beds. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Source Food-Grade IBCs: Ensure they previously contained food products to avoid chemical contamination. They usually cost around $150 each.
- Dismantle the IBC: Remove the cage and plastic base.
- Measure and Cut: Mark the halfway point on the container and cut around with an angle grinder to create two garden beds.
Setting Up Wicking Beds
Installation
Proper placement is crucial for the effectiveness of wicking beds:
- Level the Ground: Ensure the area is flat. If your yard slopes, you might need to level it by adjusting the soil.
- Positioning: Place the cut side of the IBC cage down to avoid sharp edges and ensure a smooth top frame.
Components for Wicking System
Necessary Components
To build the water reservoir and wicking system, you will need:
- PVC Piping: For the inlet pipe.
- Ag Pipe: For creating a water network at the base.
- Geodesic Cloth: Also known as drain matting, it ensures that soil doesn’t seep into the reservoir.
Building the Wicking System
Follow these steps to assemble the wicking system:
- Drill Holes for Overflow Valve: Use a drill bit that matches the size of your overflow valve for a tight fit.
- Set Up the Inlet Pipe: Insert a water inlet pipe that reaches into the reservoir for easy filling.
- Lay the Foundation: Add a layer of blue metal for the water reservoir about 25cm deep.
- Add Geodesic Cloth: Cover the blue metal and ensure the cloth extends up the sides to prevent soil from mixing with the water reservoir. This fabric also aids in wicking moisture upwards.
- Adding Fill Materials: Place large rocks at the bottom as a reservoir base, then add a layer of coarse river sand to help wick moisture upward. Finish with a layer of hay or straw to support the soil above.
- Setting Up the Drainage System: Drill a hole near the bottom of the tote for the drain. Attach a window screen to the drain using zip ties to prevent mosquitoes and debris from entering. Insert a pipe or hose to allow water to fill the reservoir.
Preparing for Planting
- Water Initially: Initially, water the bed from the top to settle the soil and start the wicking process. After this, you can fill the reservoir through the inlet pipe.
- Testing the Water System: Before adding soil, fill the reservoir to ensure the overflow system operates correctly.
- Fill with Soil: Fill the container with a rich, well-draining soil mix. Leave about 2-3 inches from the top edge of the container to facilitate easy watering and maintenance.
- Mulch the Top Layer: Apply a layer of organic mulch on top of the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients as it decomposes.
Building Timber Frame
- Select Timber: Use durable timber that matches the outdoor aesthetics.
- Construction: Screw the timber to the metal frame of the IBC, ensuring to pre-drill and countersink the screws for durability.
- Finishing Touches: Install top edging, ensuring no screws interfere with others.
Enjoy Your Handiwork
After weeks of building in your spare time, your wicking beds are ready to nourish an array of vegetables and herbs. These low-maintenance garden solutions will not only save water but also provide fresh produce without daily attention. Whether you’re cultivating succulent herbs or hearty potatoes, wicking beds are a reliable addition to any green space.
Growing your own food is both a pleasure and a sustainable choice. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can transform recycled materials into vibrant garden beds that benefit both your household and the environment. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more gardening tips and tricks, and share your progress with fellow gardening enthusiasts!
