Wicking beds are an easy way to grow healthy plants in any location. They are highly water efficient, have a built-in water reservoir and can be assembled at home with household tools.
Wicking beds can be made to any size or shape and are assembled out of many materials. They allow you to garden anywhere, whether it is on a balcony, in a garden near trees or in schools where your plants are protected against trampling little feet. Wicking beds can be designed to fit any location. They require little maintenance and can be built in an afternoon.
To get started, we suggest you learn how build a simple Styrofoam wicking bed to become familiar with how they work. Once you understand the basics, check out the countless ways to make wicking beds.
A word of warning, there are many unnecessary and unhelpful modifications of wicking beds popularised in common media (even the ABC is promoting one), make sure to learn about common misconceptions and wrong designs as well as why you shouldn’t use plastic liners, bark or stones in wicking beds, tubs and boxes.
Articles
What about Wicking?
Wicking boxes and beds are for people who like to grow at least some healthy vegetables but are short of…
The Real Costs of Using Cloth and Stones in Wicking Boxes and Bed
A common mistake made when making wicking beds and boxes includes the use of stones and a sheet of cloth…
Countless Ways to Make Wicking Beds
Wicking beds can be made from almost any materials, we are limited only by our imagination. Here are some common…
“Our Growing Business”, a Y6 Student Run Project
Students at a Queensland public primary school, inspired by the school’s wicking beds, purchased and cultivated seedlings, later selling them…
Building Wicking Beds for Schools
Wicking beds are amazing for schools and are a brilliant way to help get your students gardening. The tips in…
Consequences of Misconceptions in Wicking Bed Designs
Many so-called “wicking beds” found on the internet fail to wick properly. Unfortunately, even reputable sources like the ABC have…
Making a Styrofoam Wicking Box
Building a Styrofoam box is a cheap and simple way to get started with growing healthy crops at home. Take…
A Guide to Making Your Own Healthy Soil
Soils along the Queensland coast are often composed of silt and fine sand, with little clay and low mineral content….