How to build self watering / wicking garden beds for easy growing

[@j.b.6855]

As a gardener that uses mostly sip's (Self Irrigating Planters) like the one you used, I dont like metal containers. Rust will become a problem and if it doesnt hold water a sip isnt a sip. The Rubbermaid animal watering tubs, made of hdpe, will last literately forever. Hdpe is a food safe plastic.

[@lovefarmtn]

These are galvanized and intended for long term water storage so it SHOULD hold up, but I guess we will see :)

[@j.b.6855]

@lovefarmtn Because they are galvanized, they will last longer than a regular steel tub. But eventually they will rust. Not just from the water inside, where its in contact with the soil is a problem spot. Thats why I personally like food safe plastic, it wont rust. I want the sips to last a long long time. I just turned 60 and dont want to replace them in 10 years, not sure how much I will be able to do at 70. Another alternative is an ibc tote cut in half, it gives you two sip beds. But with them its best to scuff and spray paint the outside. White plastic tends to degrade faster in the sun, at least for me. The paint will add extra uv protection.

[@lurklingX]

what's nice about the troughs, is you don't need to do a pond or plastic liner....

[@russellanema460]

If it works, it works. Have a great summer

[@lovefarmtn]

Yes, they cost a bit more than some other options, but they look nice and are easy to assemble.

[@ibrewhaha]

Blocks are a great idea. It does seem like you could space the blocks about for inches apart. I think you'd need heavier grade landscape fabric to keep the soil and sand from breaking through.

[@lovefarmtn]

There are lots of great ways to modify the design. Let me know if you try those ideas and how they turn out!

[@prakashambastha7530]

Really helpful..Where to buy watering trough? Thanks

[@gregre052]

Those troughs are popular. Never got to it tho. Seemed like the bright trough wss too bright than I wanted. Takes about 20 mins to nail 2 sides and 2 ends together. The metal will decay for sure, but ours are 6 years old. Good luck.

[@lovefarmtn]

They are Watering troughs that are made to hold water sitting in a field 24/7, and should last for many years.

[@dollyperry3020]

I'm sad there isn't a follow up video for this.

[@lovefarmtn]

What kind of follow up are you hoping for. I know someone who can make one :)

[@JstcountryGirl]

@@lovefarmtn I would love to know after 11 months of having it if everything is working good or are there any issues or things you might have figured out need to be done differently. TIA.

[@farmervee_yt]

Thank you so much for this information.

[@lovefarmtn]

You're welcome!

[@preppingforlife264]

How well did this design end up working

[@lovefarmtn]

Very well. I had made others that are now 3 years old and doing great.

[@Soulbloom1]

I made one of these in a plastic tub, but I have a "dumb" question (just as a new gardener), do you still water on the top?

[@gregre052]

Its an easy decision. Make it easiest then if you are not happy. Likely wont.

[@thehomesteadconsultant]

We water from the top to establish plants or start seeds, otherwise, no, we only water from the fill pipe. That helps prevent weed seeds from germinating.

[@debraeckart9711]

Yes. During the hot summer months I did water in addition to filling the reservoir. Made 5 of these last year and they worked excellent.

[@johnb1731]

If the water level is only just above the cinder blocks how do the plants get water?

[@lovefarmtn]

The water wicks up through capillary action.

[@trishawhysong]

What keeps the cinder blocks from being weekend by the water?

[@lovefarmtn]

Concrete is made solid through a chemical bond that water does not break down. The reason water effects cinderblocks on buildings is because if freeze thaw cycles and errosion.

[@donnanelson9181]

What kind of soil did you use? I’ve read that you have to use a wicking soil.

[@lovefarmtn]

I have used a combination of organic potting soil and home made compost. Works great going on three years now.

[@johnb1731]

What exactly is the purpose of the sand?

[@lovefarmtn]

It aids in wicking and it adds some structure to keep the soil from setling into those locations.

[@russellanema460]

How does the water wick up through plastic weed barrier over the sand. Should b everyone's first question

[@melissalo3379]

I wondered about that too. Other videos i have seen show soil mix directly on top of sand. That's how i did last two of mine. So curious about that.

[@russellanema460]

@melissalo3379 yes, even if it was perforated I don't think enough water could wick through on a hot summer day

[@thehomesteadconsultant]

It works great, I have made many. Weed barrier is permeable.

[@robertartiga7]

Sand doesn't wick very well which is why it is added to soil to aid in drainage, also you will over time have contamination from your container, Galvanized means nickel plated, nickel is not food safe.

[@lovefarmtn]

It’s a permeable weed block and it works very well I real life.

[@dancurran1125]

Do the concrete blocks leach off any alkaline or other substances that can affect the soil?

[@lovefarmtn]

It had not been an issue so far

[@robertslockbower306]

Too hard complicated 82 years old

[@paulkazjack]

You've filled all your reservoir voids with sand??

[@lurklingX]

just the side ones.

[@thehomesteadconsultant]

No, just the gaps, the 2 holes in the cinder block are left empty. I add a sand layer on top of the fabric that does not go into the void.

[@jaymzgaetz2006]

Sand is not a wicking material.

[@lovefarmtn]

It works great, I’ve built 10 of these on several different properties and they have all kept the soil properly hydrated.

[@jaymzgaetz2006]

I'm glad you're seeing success but sand isn't used as a wick in wick irrigation. The built in reservoir and your soil itself is probably responsible. Sand allows water through it going down and up. In landscaping its more recognized as a filter used around drainage. Other than that...sands are for deserts. I'm sure you researched plenty of other designs prior to your build. I just wanted to point it out. I found your content by searching for wick agriculture. Gardeners use wicking but farmers don't. With all the worries about water conservation...why not? Simple to test. The first plant of the first row gets a wick. A deep post hole stuffed with paper or a nylon rope frayed on the top and bottom. Maybe you could use this subject for future content. Keep up the good work.

[@fredfable5655]

No. Not good enough....