How to Build the BEST Self Wicking Containers! DIY Self Watering Tubs

If you want to enjoy gardening without the hassle of watering every day then you have to try these DIY self wicking containers.
Sustane 4-6-4: amzn.to/2HPyvaC
Sea Mineral: amzn.to/2WCpHsd
Gardening with Leon: / @gardeningwithleon2816
AFH T-Shirts and Hoodies!
www.armsfamilyhomestead.com
Gardening with Leon: • Video
Follow us on Facebook. / armsfamilyhomestead
Instagram / arms_family_homestead
Pinterest / armshomestead
SnapChat: arms319
Arms Family Homestead
PO Box 167
Sulphur, Ok 73086
If you feel led to help us make these videos possible check us out on Patreon. www.patreon.com/user?u=2572900
Some links my be affiliate links, but that's okay because it won't cost you any more cash and I might make a few pennies if you buy the products!
Canon T4i
amzn.to/2mbdFrM
Rode Shotgun Microphone
amzn.to/2WdWsvB
Joby GorillaPod Tripod
amzn.to/2lJcLkU
American Flag Hat
amzn.to/2v3EQZi
Tools I use and recommend:
Hoss Tools:
shrsl.com/1ihev
Soil Block Maker
amzn.to/2kQ4jRV
Fogg It Spray Nozzle
amzn.to/2kQ1KiQ
Save 10% on seeds in the MIgardener store by clicking my affiliate link www.MIGardener.com/ARMS10

[@jmajick4415]

tip when drilling plastic. after piercing the plastic, drill in reverse. Makes for a nice clean hole with less burs and squiggly pieces.

[@cashonlyj3469]

Not sure about Plastic and can be toxic idk.

[@jujube2407]

@@cashonlyj3469 I guarantee everything from the store is grown in plastic and worse...

[@thepitpatrol]

@@cashonlyj3469 holy cow

[@genur7106]

“ You know nothing- John Snow!” Don’t mix the politic and good gardening!

[@Hellnogizmo]

@@genur7106Some plastic is NOT safe for food, what part of that is political?

[@nadternawly2936]

I’m a Pakistani Muslim chick originally from NYC learning from your awesome channel. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[@duncanmaina7491]

I am in Kenya in Africa and i have enjoyed the video very much. Very clear exposition. This is a very new concept to me and i will try to implement it. Thanks to you and to leon for this exposure. It is mind blowing. If people in Africa can embrace this simple technology, they would solve the perennial problem of food shortage due inadequate rain.

[@leeannjohnson1808]

You are every old gardeners dream... someone who wants to learn how to grow your own food, with the energy and strength to do the hard work. I gained a love for Native plants from a retired Forestry Service agent in 2007. It almost killed me (literally) but I wouldn't trade that summer, he passed early 2008, for the world. Spend as much time with Leon as you can, ask questions, write down the answers and thank him by growing healthy plants that feed your family.

[@jba36420]

You are, without a doubt, one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever witnessed. Not only are you spending tons of time recording, you are probably spending a like amount of time editing. Your channel is my favorite and your kids are so fortunate to live on a Homestead.

[@skyz3160]

Totally agree!

[@lindanichols7296]

I agree also. To work a very stressful full time job , quality time with his family, keep up 110 acres of land, feed and take care of the animals,take care of a garden ,film, edit and I’m sure there’s stuff I’m leaving out. This man sets the bar HIGH. This world needs more Daniels. God bless you and your beautiful family.

[@skyz3160]

@@lindanichols7296It appears he's using his life WISELY, not wasting any of it. WORK has a reward through the outcomes of it. He is having his life blessed because of his choices, like compounding interest in the bank. Reminds me of a scripture: "Well done good and faithful servant". It speaks volumes in integrity and due diligence of time and money. Very good role model in many areas.

[@skyz3160]

@@lindanichols7296 Let's come into agreement with each other to " ask the Good Lord to put a hedge of safety and blessings on Daniel, his family, his homestead, his profession, his critters and also long life and good health. Amen."

[@lindanichols7296]

Sky Z .Amen

[@daak12341]

"Dont over think it" probally the best advice i have ever recieved. Thanks

[@saffloweroyl3663]

That crank up tunnel!! I must know more

[@jerrysabio3279]

I just built mine two days ago with a bucket and it's doing great, I just want to thank you both and Mr. Leon to introduce me to this wicking bucket. I was hook and born again farmer. I thank you again for doing an awesome job.

[@MIgardener]

Love wicking beds. When I get more space I am definitely going to put them in too. So convenient!

[@coreyfmiller]

Could you tell me the name of these red containers? Thanks in advance!

[@carolynchadwick7867]

@@coreyfmiller Not sure my memory is right, but think he says the source for them, or it's link might be in description below video.

[@Ken1704]

Love the Migardener channel. I am in Northern Indiana and there are not a lot of channels that talk about Midwest climate.

[@gmoney78]

This is so much easier than all the ways I’ve been researching. And I have 100’ of the perf pipe I was about to throw out that previous homeowner had on the gutters. Great idea!

[@milododds1]

I like how you keep things simple while building to last. Two years ago I bought several different types of fabric (felt and tarp) containers. Most of them have either fallen apart (tarp), gotten partially eaten by critters or showing a lot of green moss like growth on the sides and weakening (felt). You're right about going with industrial strength materials. Cutting the PVC pipes at an angle makes it so you don't have to make elaborate false bottoms in your containers for the water reserve.

[@reneeharagsim4720]

I just bought 5 blue tubes, soil, and vegetable plants at Leon's this past week. I'm 2.5 hrs drive from his place. Turns out, my youngest daughter's science teacher is Leon's daughter in law, small world😍. I plan to start on this project after Easter. Thanks to you and Leon for sharing your wisdom and awesome videos💜.

[@mattrichardson7882]

What is Leon's contact info..thanks

[@sstarkey1695]

Arms Family Homestead is such a great and diversified experience. Thank you for sharing all of your valuable tips and tricks of being successful in gardening and family farming. Great presentations that are often very entertaining. You are doing a great job on your own, Daniel, but I really miss Houston. He is very special.

[@drewconrad7093]

The way that you can open the end of your greenhouse is awesome.

[@maryhines1814]

These are awesome. I'm cheap so instead of pvc I used pool noodles and they worked great!

[@bigtx1769]

Drove to Kingston today from Dallas, and bought a truck bed of the divine potting soil, sustain fertilizer, and the sea minerals. Im building exactly how you are brother! Thank you for your guidance. Keep up the great service on youtube! Even Texans can use your good sound advice!

[@cherylwilliams81]

Daniel you are a great teacher! I always learn so much! Thanks!💕

[@RideAlongside]

Looking forward to seeing some updates to this self watering garden!

[@BackHomeAgain]

Love your videos, you're such a natural teacher... I've learned so much from your channel... love your family dynamics as well, y'all are such a sweet family. 😊

[@harolddenton6031]

Thank you for telling us about Leon's KZbin channel. I am learning a whole lot from his and your video about constructing self wicking plant tubs. Now I know why my tomato plants were drying up and dieing in my 5 gallon tubs! I wasn't using empty bottles of empty gallon jugs in the bottom of my 5 gallon buckets.

[@craigwyjack9179]

This was great very informative and I like the guy, love his sense of humor. I lived in Oklahoma, Broken Arrow and wanna go back.Thanks.

[@212acres3]

Good idea Leon. Thanks for sharing Daniel. Y’all have a blessed day. Getting ready to get my learn on at church.

[@anneode9095]

This man is fulfilled in his life. Has a balance between family work and gardening. I hope I can find a guy like him.

[@marypangburn5627]

No offense to Leon but you are much easier to understand and the fact that you have you containers on the ground so it’s easy to see inside of what you are doing is perfect. Thank you for translating Leon. I can’t wait to drive down to see Leon’s place in person! It’s a little bit of a drive from where we are in Kansas but not far enough that I would not want to spend an afternoon there!

[@indigetal]

I'm currently in the process of building 5 large self-wicking raised garden beds based off of albopepper's similar design. The one key difference from this one is that he wraps the open ends of the pipes with garden fabric - tying them on - and then running a small pipe from the outside of the bed to the inside of one of the pipes.

[@stupendas101]

I loved: "While it's not important to feed your plants every day, it is important to feed them on the days that you eat"

[@ricklulu3572]

Not true ...because the plants don't take up all the nutrients all at once. There are plenty of nutrients left and some from slow releasing nutrient.

[@chriscook5613]

I basically do this setup. The exception is that I put a closeable valve on the side toward the bottom . I open and drain the water once or twice a season. It extends my growing season for a few months. The plants really perk up after a water change. I drain and leave the valve open at the end of the season, so it doesn't freeze to a block of ice in winter. Probably extends the life of the tubs as well 🙂

[@brooksfamilyhomesteadandre1063]

This a great way to grow things. Thanks for passing it along to us from Leon, appreciate all you share with us.

[@calvinh.8882]

I transplanted 6 trees around 5 to 6 feet tall, and with two of them, I put some rocks in the bottom of the hole and a piece of 2in. PVC running from top to the bottom like you did here, so the PVC would take water straight to the bottom of the root ball and figured the rocks would allow more water to collect down there, and those two trees took hold and grew and greened faster than the other 4.

[@KeepingItDutch]

Thats awesome

[@oldman9164]

cool , the way the end of that tunnel raises and lowers .

[@ipsobond21]

By far the BEST self watering containers I have seen on here!! I like these a lot!

[@havecourageandbekind9605]

Oh my goodness! I’ve been a member for a few years but now I’m looking for container growing videos and this showed up on my feed. The kids are so young! So precious. You look like a baby! Lol I’m old. PS...this is brilliant

[@papasbackyardgardenhavingf4468]

Thank you for the wicking bucket idea. I made a few of these with your plans with a few changes. So far I am in love with these. Especially the mobility aspect.

[@patriciaross5627]

Thanks so much

[@bobjohnson4431]

First off I'm all kinds of impressed with the drawbridge style end opener on your green house! I tried experimenting with the self wicking idea a couple years ago and I wish I had watched your video first. I have a couple points to improve and correct and I think it will work better. Thanks!

[@chanelprincess6061]

I Love this video! Tell your wife she is a lucky woman. GOD BLESS YOU TOO

[@ThaDonCWT]

If you don’t want to fuss with the garden fabric, you can instead just cap the ends of the pipes with the fabric (duct tape it on), then fill in the void space with either wood chips or or gravel. Because you’re using potting mix, it won’t get into the perforations like a top soil would. Good idea to use perlite or vermiculite in that bottom layer of topsoil that’s surrounding the pipe, just to help with the wicking.

[@beckyjohnson2514]

I've been trying to determine if I should get perforated or non perforated pipe. It seems from your comment above, that you use perforated. It also sounds like you are using wood chips, gravel, perlite or vermiculte in the bottom of the tub around the pipes as you are not using the garden fabric... Is that correct? Do either of these 4 substances clog the watering pipe?

[@Archzed]

Wouldn't soil rotten?

[@JA-wp6cj]

Love the video, built mine, used 1.5" pvc so the hose could just drop down into the pipe easy peasy, next step, drip system to pipes

[@BOVANATOR]

That sounds like a great idea!! I'm thinking about building these, but I'm a little confused on how you'd water them. Would you simply fill the water resevoir until you see the water coming out of the 1/2" drilled hole? Also, would you need to water from the top initially to get the roots to seek out the water down below? Lastly, what types of veggies would be good for these containers? 🤔 I'm thinking strawberries would do great with these, possibly even raspberries! Thanks for any advice you're willing to share!

[@Pierre46pb]

Learning from you right in Quebec, translating in French for friends gardiners.

[@HeartinessApproach]

We have often used self wicking pots, but homemade is always better. Thanks for the video.

[@rachaelbailey2880]

thank you for taking the time to both educate yourself and me I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for me and my family however I will say that I have come up with a plan to grow tomatoes utilizing the topsi turvi method and still keeping it within the hydroponic mainframe setup and what I have found is that this method can be applied to all fruits and vegetables that grow on Vines it is so simple I used 2""PVC pipe and fittings drilled the holes for the 1""net cups set them up above the ground at 5 1/2" off the ground attached the drip line and a return line to my resavor I also built a trellis for them works great for tomatoes cucumbers watermelon cantilopes grapes and whatever other vine producing fruits and vegetables you can think of I hope you can use this idea in your garden besides if not for you and the 5 gallon cucumber bucket idea to hang it up in your high tunnel I would have never thought of doing it myself so thankx and God bless ps keep growing keep learning and keep educating because without people like you and I and the rest of the gardening community's well food would become a scarce commodity and that would be a truly worldy catastrophic event

[@jenniferaustin1400]

[

[@ednakaska2657]

Rachael Baile

[@peggybowe5556]

What an awesome idea! Even for flower pots! Thx for sharing all you do!

[@reddirtadventure]

Love the gardening video Daniel, keep them coming!

[@KMRatheist007]

Thanks a ton 🙏👌👍 Brilliant and well presented. There is “sophistication in simplicity”. You are a true genius pal !!!

[@ashleygraves2343]

I just wanted to learn how to trim my goat's hooves, and here I am two hours later still watching this channel.

[@gastoncannon4710]

Awesome video, you’re not only the goat man but also the garden man! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@crazedman6786]

Had some amazing cherry tomatoes and jalapeno production using Leon's method last year! Adding more containers this year!

[@laahchan1]

The best I have watched re: self-watering system. Your explanation was precise and on point. Thanks.

[@jewelholland855]

I really like all the things you do with the kids and family & friends. You amazing Animal’s are great and love the way you take care of them all .

[@tamtam1501]

Congratulations on your nearly 100,000 subscribers !! keeping it Dutch sent me over here 😊

[@LifeX2Find]

Thank you for all of your hard work! Between you and Leon, I'm beginning to learn how this works, but most of all not to 'over-think' this!! lol Thanks, again!!

[@vernareed2692]

I thought that was so cute! He's working away then "don't overthink this"! Lol

[@NapoleonGARDENINGTV]

Thanks for the amazing idea and demonstration! Happy growing to all of us! I will definitely try that in my new garden!

Excellent video, also love listening to Mr. Leon talk.

[@jetstream799]

Love this channel. Good job explaining an teaching

[@darylcampbell3244]

I’ve been doing this method with five gallon buckets for two seasons now. It works great!

[@GetMarketingTraining]

is this method good for all vegetables including root veggies... what is recommended?

[@TurkeyDart]

What size pipe are you using for the 5gal?

[@OleensEmbroidery]

@@TurkeyDart that is what I want to know

[@777Ryank]

Daryl Campbell Will you answer the questions? Best to you

[@darylcampbell3244]

Sorry I did not see this. Pipe size not matter I use 1”. You want it long enough to touch the bottom (cut it at an angle and to be above the dirt. I hope this helps.

[@bobdenton9581]

BRAVO! I really enjoyed your video. This is a whole new gardening world for me. Thank you!

[@joaquincortada1483]

Thanks! Watching your videos makes me want to go work in the yard.

[@bonnie3994]

Omgosh I going to try this for sure Thanks for the one on one step VERY helpful🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗GREAT VLOG as ALWAYS🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@aceelliottcentralcoastchic6644]

Miss. Bonnie I absolutely agree.. I couldn't say any better.. Iamma try to out myself in my apartment and see if it works in a apartment garden better then what iam already doing..

[@TLMuse]

Thanks for this-very well-presented; terse and to-the-point but you still manage to give it personality and make it a pleasure to watch. I've planted for many years with a few EarthBoxes, and came here to learn about cheaper ways to expand. Re: soil amendments, the EarthBox folks recommend adding powdered fertilizer like you do here, only they use a lot more powdered fertilizer, slow-dissolving, and kept in a line away from the plants, to slowly dissolve over the growing season, without requiring other fertilization. Also, in place of your sea salt mix, they have EarthBoxers incorporate dolomite (dolomitic limestone) through the top few inches of the soil, not just for minerals, but also to adjust the pH of the potting mix. Just thought I'd pass that along in case it might be of use to you or your readers. -Tom

[@hawkdriver0171]

I bought an electric Cement Mixer this year to mix my potting soil. Works great, saves a lot of time and you'll get a perfectly blended mix

[@traceykays433]

Wow great ideal. Have never thought of that.

[@GRasimos]

You’re a good teacher brother. Thanks for sharing.

[@YolklahomaRocks]

Amazing what you can do in the greenhouse now. Your FREE lol. Looks awesome. We like the way Leon did the cucumbers to. Glad you made this video. I couldn't find the video where you planted the first 2 that you mentioned. Keep up the good work.

[@bcvahsfam]

Thanks for making this video. It's exactly what I wanted to see. You made me LOL when you said "Don't over think it!" as I usually do! There were some other funny things too. So, thanks for educating us AND making us laugh. I'm curious how how you will feed your plants everyday. Thanks for the links.

[@theresamerritt8798]

I miss your planting videos I hope you get the chance to do that i love to watch you work your stuff lol I learn a lot from your way of planting thank you for showing all of them I love your family

[@niaelbryant2336]

Thank you! For crediting your project idea original source. Awesome video. Much respect. 👏😊👍

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

When i'm blending my soil mix i use a modified drywall mud/paint mixer that is 2 foot long by 6 inches wide. I Cut the round loop off of the end to leave just the spiral blades, then put it on a 1/2 inch electric/cordless drill and spin and dig into the soil and it mixes it 100%.

[@mariedunn6851]

I'm going to try this but on a smaller scale. Thanks for the info 🤗

[@randygreen007]

You’re editing is as creative as your gardening style. Excellent information. Thanks.

[@robertchall8576]

you and Leon have got it going on thanks.

[@MYPERMACULTUREGARDEN]

FIRST OFF !!!! gorgeous soil Daniel ! love the tubs and loved to see how you opened the end of your greenhouse.... I was wondering , since I did not see a window !~~~Irene

[@GregReed1962]

Thank you Daniel, I a looking for easy ways like this to garden. My wife and I have bad backs, and this looks like a way for us to garden and not have to bend over quite so much.

[@margaretjones2055]

Greg Reed try putting them on a table that's even better

[@gioknows]

I look forward to trying this technique this spring. You really make it simple to understand. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada.

[@kristoskalemanis]

The best! I'm so glad I found this video again

[@mio.giardino]

I just had my husband cut my plastic barrels today to make these. 😊

[@JamesTierney]

How did it come out for you ma'am?

[@hardnackfarms1736]

Howdy fellow Okie! I will add this to my husband’s “ Honey- Do- List” for sure! And by the way he won’t like you for it! Lol I really need to do this, it would make life a lot easier on this farm! Have a blessed week! Wendy❤️🐞

[@harrymills2770]

I like your heat tunnel. I always get the itch to start my babies long before the last frost every spring. And who doesn't want to keep gardening after the first frost of fall?

[@billcoley8520]

Well you are the first to not let the water to drain out the bottom that I’ve seen on KZbin. I’ve been preaching this like forever. BUT, I DIDNT THINK ABOUT THE AIR POCKETS. 👍 I’ll try it

[@learningaswegocitygonecoun6805]

I have never been able to grow anything except weeds. I'm giving this a try. 😀

[@inthebriarpatch]

I have experimented with hundreds of plants - top watering vs bottom watering. Bottom watering has my vote hands-down. The plants are healthier, the soil surface stays dry and pest-free. I've grown 20 plants with bottom-watering against 20 plants with top-watering and watched the BW plants get bigger and greener every time. This is an excellent tutorial. Great job! I've just recently used a modified version of your idea to make bottom-watering pots of a much smaller size for indoor use. House plants LOVE it and I love not having wet soil on top.

[@bonniefowler5013]

Thank you for sharing your experience and the experiment with the two growing methods.

[@michelebarnes4059]

Just found your channel. I have been a organic gardener for over 50 years. This system is perfect for me. I have raised beds with tunnels. Growing up has been a blessing. I am going to use your method now. Thank you, much appreciated. O yes, I Love all the sweet people from Oklahoma. 😁

[@lonnaadkins8282]

Thanks for explaining this system so fully

[@MegaMELJE]

Yours is the first video I watched on this topic and now I do not need to watch any more. Great pace, appreciated how you showed each step but didn’t belabor any points. So good!! Thank you!

[@resourcefulgirl]

Really like the addition of sea minerals. That's what is typically missing from our food because of the poor soil quality. So I'm getting my home ready to sell, probably early 2020, and I'll be moving to 17 acres I've owned for a long time. I'm building a completely self-sufficient home and leaving the suburbs. Great tips and enjoyed your presentation style. Just subscribed :)

[@missourigirl8447]

I love this. I just bought empty lick tubs from a cattle ranch last week.

[@gloriajackson5827]

"DON'T OVER THINK IT, KEEP IT SIMPLE " :) GOOD VID 🌱

[@franksylvest708]

Thanks for demonstrating how- to- place the drain pipes in the container. Mr. Leon, much like my Dad, assumed we should know how.

[@domenicozagari2443]

You need a hole on the side to get rid of excess water, you can fill it also with just dirt, You don't need air for the roots. When you drill the hole you got to drill with the drill pointing down a bit to stop the dirt to come out. You dont need drain pipes, you can use plastic bottles, just stab them to let air and water through. Dont use salt.

[@SugarCreekOffGrid]

This is awesome!!!!! That chard is beautiful, one of my favorite plants. Thanks so much for sharing this. I will for sure give it a try

[@hereiamfornow]

Thanks for your video, you explain many key points better than anyone else !

[@grazynatretter7885]

Very clever and interresting ,thanks for so work in garden 😀

[@springsy6210]

i really like projects like this.

[@yvencia1150]

Great video and thank you for sharing! 🤗😊 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

I like this set up. Well done! I have the exact same cattle tubs. I've been doing the holes in the sides the same way but about 5 holes all around. I been adding dry leaves in the bottom half which the soil compresses down. I did this thinking the leaves would hold the moisture and feed the soil. But I like this idea and will start using it.

[@jaysoncolbert6187]

This is incredible! I've been doing wicking buckets but I've been using screens and never thought to use that landscape fabric! This is a game changer for me. Just gotta tell myself don't go cheap, I love me some Walmart

[@revelationrancher6555]

Great idea Daniel... That would work for us at our ranch, since we're not there full time.. Brent

[@straubdavid9]

I take my container (ex. 5 gal bucket) put one drain hole (1" or less diameter) about 2" up from bottom of container. Then I fill the bottom with hardwood chips up just enough to cover the bottom up to top of the drilled hole. I then finish filling the pot/container/bucket with whatever mix of potting soil you are going to use, plus the fertilizers etc that I premix in my wheel barrel. The woodchip buffer zone at the bottom provides a reservoir that will drain out the side hole if it gets too full from a hard rain, or over-watering. I also use the black grow bags that will allow your soil to breath/air pruning of roots, and provides good drainage. I also have drilled 1/2" holes in the bottom of my buckets and stuck a piece of window screening cut to size/shape of bottom to keep contents from falling out when picking up containers and relocating them in different parts of the garden .... perhaps for some shade - or protect from a sudden frost etc. Take care.

[@moniquegebeline4350]

David Straub Doesn’t the wood chips tie up your nitrogen (it requires nitrogen to compost down). Just curious, that’s kind of like a hugleculture idea in a pot, but I’ve been hearing not to mix wood with soil. Two conflicting ideas about it I guess- maybe it would work with stones?

[@martinbrodie8507]

Low tech 'hydroponics'. I love it!

[@shyama8301]

Your video of showing how your work develops at each stage is fabulous. You are so clear and easy to understand. You are such a good teacher and presenter. Thanks so much for sharing. Watching from southern Spain where it gets very hot. As such simple and efficient watering methods in container growing is of great interest. Keep up the good work of inspiring others. Would be good to see raising of goats video too (you mentioned you have goats?)

[@KeepingItDutch]

Good job...planting some Dutch cabbage I see lol you will never go wrong with anything named after me Haha.😁

[@everoldbharath5777]

0ą0d

[@audreyabbott7806]

I so enjoy learning with the Arms family!

[@cherylcampbell7495]

This is so clever. It would wk for my house plant and patio plants to.💕

[@USSBB62]

Clear concise instructions. Thanks very much.