Healthy Plants – Healthy People

Tag: wicking

  • The Basics of Building your own Wicking Beds

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    by

    Kai Wright
    in

    Wicking beds can be purchased, but many sold as ‘wicking boxes’ do not actually wick. Before buying, read our article on the countless ways to make wicking beds and make sure to watch out for many of the common misconceptions and design flaws of commercialised and popularised wicking beds. Proper wicking beds are easy to make. Any container…

  • Risk Assessments and Regulations of Wicking Beds in Schools

    Risk Assessments and Regulations of Wicking Beds in Schools

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    by

    Kai Wright
    in

    Any proposal to build wicking beds on school grounds requires the usual risk assessment. The information below is meant to assist the proposer. They are based on Queensland Government regulations and reflect Australian standards more broadly. While many rules apply nationwide, schools outside Queensland should confirm any additional local requirements. This information was last reviewed…

  • The Real Costs of Using Cloth and Stones in Wicking Boxes and Beds

    The Real Costs of Using Cloth and Stones in Wicking Boxes and Beds

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    by

    Kai Wright
    in ,

    Based on two common misconceptions, a common mistake made when making wicking beds and boxes is the use of stones and a sheet of cloth to cover the stones and the reservoir. The costs of doing so are high. Rocks waste space where the soil biology should be, the cloth stops the wicking process, and…

  • Countless Ways to Make Wicking Beds

    Countless Ways to Make Wicking Beds

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    by

    Kai Wright
    in

    Wicking beds can be made from almost any materials, we are limited only by our imagination. Here are some common options: Styrofoam Boxes Styrofoam boxes of all sizes can be turned into wicking beds, from 50-litre boxes to 13-litre mini versions using 40 mm PVC pipe as a reservoir. These can be decorated and placed on…

  • Building Wicking Beds for Schools

    Building Wicking Beds for Schools

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    by

    Kai Wright
    in

    Wicking beds are amazing for schools and are a good way to help get your students gardening. The tips in this guide can also be used for home gardens, but we will be referring to specific materials needed to ensure compliance with school regulations. Choosing and Preparing the Site Find a position that gets at…

  • Consequences of Misconceptions in Wicking Bed Designs

    Consequences of Misconceptions in Wicking Bed Designs

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    by

    Kai Wright
    in

    Many so-called “wicking beds” found on the internet fail to wick properly. Unfortunately, even reputable sources like the ABC have promoted flawed designs. These issues stem from two major misconceptions. Misconception 1: Soil Filling the Reservoir Some believe that rain or excess surface watering will cause soil to fill the water reservoir. This only happens…

  • Making a Styrofoam Wicking Box

    Making a Styrofoam Wicking Box

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    by

    Peter Van Beek
    in

    Building a Styrofoam box is a cheap and simple way to get started with growing healthy crops at home. Take care while building and you will soon be up and growing in no time! Remember, a lot of guides on the internet about making wicking beds are flawed, you can learn more about that by…

  • Mixing Your Own Healthy Soil for Wicking Boxes and Tubs

    Mixing Your Own Healthy Soil for Wicking Boxes and Tubs

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    by

    Kai Wright
    in

    Soils along the Queensland coast are often composed of silt and fine sand, with little clay and low mineral content. These sandy, low-fertility soils are sometimes sold as “topsoil” at garden supply stores, but the term refers only to their origin at the surface, not their quality or fertility. When using commercially sourced topsoil, screen…