What is a wicking bed?
A wicking bed is a method of watering plants from the bottom. The water is placed below the plant roots. This ensures the roots can access the water quickly and with minimal wastage.
Wicking beds have been very common in areas that receive hot summers. It is also very common when using hard soils.
Setting up wicking beds is based on the theory that plants do well when they access water directly from the roots. The water is stored in a reservoir and close to the plant roots. This means that the reservoir maintains the moisture in the soil.
It is good to note that the wicking bed’s size determines the water reservoir’s size. The idea is to ensure that all parts of the plant roots can easily access water with minimal challenges.
That is why looking for more information about how best you can make your wicking bed is important.
How to make a wicking bed step by step
Step 1: setting up the bed
The first step is to set up the bed. This includes deciding on the size of the bed and any other requirements. It is important to consider how the bed can be raised when necessary.
The base of the wicking bed has to be solid. This ensures that the bed can hold all the contents you need.
Step 2: Adding the liner
Adding a liner is also important when making a wicking bed. This is to ensure that the base of the bed is well covered. There is a need to first add some sand on the base before adding the liner.
The liner can be made of food-grade plastic. This is a good material to ensure the bed retains the water.
There are cases where the thickness of the liner matters the most. This is why some experts recommend using a double liner to maintain moisture in the bed.
Step 3: Installing an overflow pipe
There is also a need for an overflow pipe when setting up the bed. You can cut a hole through the liner to create a drainage route.
The size of an agricultural pipe is considered ideal for the drainage hole. Then you can install the agricultural pipe and seal it.
Step 4: Building the water reservoir
Then you can start building your water reservoir. The first thing you have to do is to add gravel to the bed. Long pipes can be added at the center before adding the gravel.
These pipes should be close to the overflow pipe. A 50mm poly pipe is recommended. This is the main inlet pipe to help with the ease of adding water to the bed.
Using gravel is considered good in reducing the speed with which the water rushes to the garden bed. It ensures that the addition of water to the reservoir is controlled. It is a good way of reducing any damage to the water reservoir.
Step 5: Checking leakage
Checking any leakage when making the wicking bed is also good. This is because leakage can lead to wastage of water.
The best way to check on the leakage is to add water to the inlet pipe and leave it for some time. You can come back later and check on any leakage.
Step 6: Inserting the geotextile fabric
A geotextile fabric has been viewed as good for easily moving water up the soil. This is because it absorbs moisture from the bottom to the top of the fabric.
There are cases where you may not have access to such a fabric. You can use shade cloths as an alternative. The only requirement is to ensure that the material used absorbs water easily.
Step 7: Adding soil
You can then move on to add the soil to the wicking bed. Ensures that you add the right soil mix for your plants. There is a need to add some compost to the soil. This is a good way of enriching the soil content.
Step 8: Planting
The final step is planting. The wicking bed is ready for your plants when all the previous steps are followed. It is good to ensure that you consider the type of plant before planting. This is because some plants do not do well in such beds.
It is also good to ensure that your soil is moist before you plant. It is also important to ensure that you take all the precautions when planting to avoid damaging the roots.
Plants will always do well in wicking beds when they are raised. This is one of the main recommendations that you should consider.
The best height for wicking bed
One of the main challenges when using wicking beds is the recommended height. Experts recommend a 400mm high bed for most of the plants.
This is especially the herbs or smaller plants. But some plants do well in 600mm high beds. This includes shrubs and trees that have longer roots.
It is always good to check on how well a plant’s roots are established before deciding on the height of the wicking bed. This ensures that you have the optimal height for the beds.
How big should a wicking bed be?
There is also the issue of the size of the wicking bed. One of the major considerations you should make is the size of your plant. This is because it determines how big the wicking bed will be.
However, experts recommend reducing the size of the wicking beds for better management. It is recommended that a wicking bed can be managed better when it is 40 to 70 cm wide.
But this has to also depend on the design of the wicking bed. It is always good to consult for professional guidance when making these wicking beds.
How often do you water a wicking bed?
One of the major issues that should interest you is the frequency of watering the wicking bed. The frequency is dependent on the type of bed and the plant. However, it is recommended to water the beds at least weekly.
However, it is also important to consider the climate. This is because the water requirements may be more during hot summers. That is why you are advised to keep checking on the moisture levels. It helps to determine how frequently you can water these beds.
Should you mulch a wicking bed?
Adding mulch to the plants is always recommended. This is because mulch is best known for holding moisture. It is also good to consider adding mulch to the wicking beds.
It is also a good organic medium that can benefit the plants. It prevents water runoff. The method is also efficient in controlling weeds in wicking beds.
Experts recommend using a 5-10cm mulch layer. However, this depends on the size of the wicking bed and the plant. It is always good to consult further when adding mulch to these beds.
The best soil for wicking tubs
The soil type is one of the main things that raise concerns when making wicking beds. There are concerns that some soils, such as clay, may not do well. It is good to select soils that do not compact quickly.
Among the best soils for wicking beds include loam soils. These soils also allow the plant roots to spread evenly. Remember that you need soils that can ensure that the roots can easily reach for the water and also retain moisture.
Is a raised bed the same as a wicking bed?
It is important to differentiate between a raised bed and a wicking bed. Some people have viewed that there is not much difference. This is because the difference is the use of water reservoirs for the wicking beds.
The raised beds may not have these water storage areas. However, these beds work the same for the plants. The idea is that the plants take up water from the bottom. They are also raised and hold smaller plants in size.
What is the air gap in a wicking bed?
The issue of air gaps can be confusing for a common gardener. But it should not be a major concern when considering using wicking beds. The air gap is the buildup of air in some spaces within the wicking bed.
How to address air gaps in wicking beds is a topic that you should look more into for greater efficiency in gardening.