How to Make a Wicking Bed with Bread Crates | Large Water Capacity & Healthy Soils

G'Day Folks. Wicking beds are a great way to grow your own food. Having an extra-large reservoir makes them even better allowing you to grow longer between "watering" the beds.
Hope you enjoy this quick tutorial & your gardens are booming.
Cheers all. 🐟 🌱🍅
Rob
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[@RobsAquaponics]

Don't forget to click the subscribe button if you enjoyed the video & share the clip around with family & friends if you think they'll enjoy it too. 🐟 🌱🍅 Cheers all & have a top one. 😊 Rob

[@khamsibq]

Done greeting from saudi arabia

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Bandar. 👍👍

[@maddog789]

Mate sorry to ask, just started for first time to build wicking pots I have scored some drums and 100mm agpipe when after I've cut the drums in half I've realised I only have 38cm of inner depth 35gallon drums not 44 🤦🏼‍♂️ Any suggestions?

[@zpoedog]

Been a subscriber for a long time.

[@Bright-It]

Where is it in America?

[@joydavis4087]

This is the best wicking bed construction video I’ve found. For me, I will be using the irrigation pipe, because it’s what I have access to. My research shows, sand is the way to go.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I hope the build goes well Joy.

[@marlenepisani9887]

Finally a wicking bed that makes sense to me!! I have watched so many ,, that appeared to me that there would be clogging issues,, this one hits the mark! thank you!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it's helped you with an idea or two Marlene. Happy growing.

[@RobertIsaac]

I'm a very detail-oriented person and this simple video has actually filled in some missing information for me. The way you touched briefly on different materials for the various purposes was really helpful. The note on putting a zip tie through, rather than around, the watering tube is something I would've had to learn the hard way too. Cheers bloke.

[@RobsAquaponics]

The hose got caught in the fill pipe in the first bed I made so I found out the hard way Robert. Hope you're not going stir crazy through the lock down mate. Cheers.

[@walterlafleur8961]

When he said "curious fingers" it made me want to run outside and put a zip tie through all of my fill tubes immediately. xD

[@JanineMJoi]

ME TOO! This was the best I've seen, with the tips thru out! I haven't done one yet, sand is alot better than river rock @70$ ton

[@madisonnanda5246]

You are my kind of gardener. You are creative and make things work with what you have. Gardening should not be a luxury . Thank you for your guidance.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Madison. Happy growing 👍🌱🌱

[@rkgrkg1384]

You have the most detailed, most complete step by step and most helpful “how to” wicking beds video that I have found during my two months of research on this subject in all of KZbin.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful. Have you seen the others ion the playlist? kzbin.info/aero/PLBcWprMIwYYgCL4xDq6qcTQqDfW2tSdxF Might help with a few ideas.

[@Caddywoman]

Love the vid and lovely accent. I have one of these and never thought to use it. But have been building similar with 5 gal buckets. Works great. Now, I will build out the IBC. Thanks.

[@benjaminklenner4310]

That’s great, thanks! I’m making a full IBC wicking bed, and I came back to see this video because it’s got some good tips. Cheers

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it helped some Benjamin. 👍👍

[@russwoodward7601]

Rob Bob I really appreciate these videos. Thank you so much.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad they've helped in some way Russ.👍😁 Happy growing.

[@venetogardens]

Thanks Rob. I am pushing wicking beds to our garden club and neighbors. In our hot, dry summers they work really well.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Dave. I'm tossing up whether I move the round spice beds over or start off some new IBC joined beds where the blueberries are behind the lime tree. 🤔 Might have to ponder the situation over a gin later tonight. Missed you at the hangout today but figured you'd be busy at the moment. 🍅😉 Hope all's well with you & yours.

[@venetogardens]

@@RobsAquaponics oh was I busy today!. I had grown out 400+ tomato plants to donate to my garden club for a plant sale which was to happen today. But it was cancelled due to the virus. So, I had a tomato plant sale at my place today and will continue on Sunday. Wow! Sold about 350 plants today. They were quite beautiful, if I say so myself. And then I worked until nightfall on more bed prep. I still have a lot of tomatoes to plant out in my garden. I am hoping to finish that by Monday. I do enjoy your hangouts. maybe next time.

[@verena_techie355]

My son used this to build one and we have a drought and he has amazing produce!!!

[@RobsAquaponics]

That's one of the reasons I started to grow in them Verena. We had water restrictions & could only water once a week at the time. Cheers & happy growing. 🥬🍅🌱

[@gasguzzler69]

great video rob. I threw out my geo fab pieces I had when I sold up, wish I didn't now I know you can use it. my wicker bed was made for a old fridge with pvc pipe bricks as the water void, sand wick. old fly screen and shade cloth as the barrier between soil and water area, soil I scratched from all over they yard and added some mushroom and cow compost. It worked for quite a few years, I added my own compost once I had it every replant time. the idea to make and try a wicker bed came from your old videos about them, just with my own spin on what I used to make it. similar to your video, use what you have and repurpose stuff. I have a small above ground Hugoculture bed atm and some pots, have some blue I will make into wicker beds over time. cheers davo

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Davo. 👍 I have a mate that owns a hotel in central QLD that uses the old ice cream freezers the companies dump for his beds. He also used a few as deep water culture beds for his aquaponics as well. Cheers mate & happy growing.

[@jwstanley2645]

Thanks. I've wondered what a wicking bed is and how to build one. Perhaps I will set some of my beds this way.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Have found that they have grown the best Veggies for us out of all the methods we've tried here JW. Happy growing. 👍🥦🌱

[@Murphyslawfarm]

G'day great video mate now i have idea's for my veggie garden beds mate thanks 👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one mate.👍 Hope the builds go smoothly. happy growing.

[@Murphyslawfarm]

@@RobsAquaponics Thanks mate

[@gwenjohnston-petrarch5071]

Rob, I am relatively new to the channel as well as a new homesteader in the southern states. Your information and the way you present it is wonderful. You make all these projects completely doable and the materials attainable. I love the idea of repurposing things, especially things that may end up in a landfill. Thank you for your enthusiasm, your knowledge and for sharing both with all of us. Gwen

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Gwen & thanks. I hope to be posting a lot more once we find some land to turn into our own homestead. Sorry it took a while to respond too. Cheers & happy farming.

[@julieklysz487]

Rob that a great I dear. Thank as I am making up wicking beds and large pots. 😀😀😀

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Julie. I have a few clips that might give you some ideas. The second clip down is my ½ barrel clip & might help some, kzbin.info/aero/PLBcWprMIwYYgCL4xDq6qcTQqDfW2tSdxF Cheers & happy growing.

[@anton-op8xy]

Hi Rob, I have watched you aquaponics video for long time, I like to share my way to make the grow bed in aquaponics system, that is similar to the wicking bed, it just use gravel instead soil, I use it in my the aquaponics system, it reduces half the gravel use, it not just reduces gravel, but also reduces lots of weight and money, the other benefit is the system never blocked again.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Anton. I was trying to source a cost effective screen to try something like that the first time I had a solids buildup issue in my beds as it would help alleviate that issue as well. I do know one chap tried something similar & he had issues with roots from long growing plants getting caught in the mesh. He found that some media to fell below the mesh when it was time to remove the plant as the roots lifted the mesh. Would like to know how you go with your beds mate. Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🌱

[@ronaldhipp3223]

thanks rob, loved the video. im so glad you mentioned to cut the warering tube at an angle. great job.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Ronald. 😁👍

[@RavenRaven-se6lr]

Way to go Rob. Wicking Bed is much easier to set up than hydroponic set up. Going to give it a go 🇦🇺👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

A lot easier than the aquaponics that,s for sure. 👍 Cheers RR & happy growing.

[@jamielingenfelter5206]

I love your videos I have already made your chop and flip aquaponic system with the IBC totes now I’m going to make your wicking bed using a different container it’s 100 gallons not sure what it’s called...Thanks for the inspiration explaining things so well you’re a good teacher

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad I could help you out with a few ideas mate. 👍 Cheers & have fun with the build Jamie.

[@estherandrews4337]

Love your practical approach :) To increase the reservoir size I used a bunch of old plastic plant pots upside-down and surrounded them with slotted pipe and scoria, topped with geotextile.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Esther. 👍 The next ones I make will have recycled pallets in the base. Happy growing.

[@JanineMJoi]

I have a ton of old pots but I don't understand what you said

[@JanineMJoi]

Since this one was done a year ago I will look for the one with pallets, since I just bought a bunch of pallets

[@Javinkay]

I didn’t understand how hard it was to do stuff until I started my channel. Great video love your channel

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Javinkay. Cheers mate.

[@kennethperral1163]

This is actually good for area with less rainfall... Climate resilient

[@daviddouglas7228]

Hi Rob. I have made 8 wicking tubs from those blue barrels you cut in half. Then I put the root pouch on top. I actually sink the root pouch about 1 cm deep for better contact with the sand now. Also made 4 from some builders tubs. I am still not sure about the IBC. I want at least 5 year life out of them. How old is your oldest IBC. Also my tomatoes have grown amazingly well. I have used your root pouches but also I have put a non glazed terracotta pot in it next to the tomato plant buried to the rim . Bottom hole sealed. I fill it with water then a plastic saucer goes on top for the lid. Best of both worlds. Air pruning and olla pots constant watering when the plants need it. Thought I would let you know as it is working a treat and you always put up good advice for others. Happy gardening.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi David. These beds I moved out the back were set up on the front yard patch for about 7 years & I see no signs of deterioration on the painted or unpainted ones. In saying that, I have had some unpainted IBC that started to get small surface cracks when I bent the plastic after about 4 years. It comes down to how they were made & how old they were before they went to be recycled. Best way to get longer life out of them is to clad or paint them if you can. Hope that helps some.

[@daviddouglas7228]

​@@RobsAquaponics Thank you Rob. I will look into trying one out. Good health to you. 👍

[@HappinessFactoryGardens]

Been saving your channel for quite some time to go through and watch your videos. I think now is the time. We’ll be building an Aquaponics set up this coming winter in a greenhouse and I’d like to have some of your expertise!

[@RobsAquaponics]

That's great to hear. 😊 Hope the build goes smoothly for you HFG. 👍

[@sandrag6038]

Hey Rob, you've inspired me to build wicking gardens. Are there plants best suiting to growing in them? And are there plants I avoid? I'm guessing fast growing vegies are best suited.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I haven't found any that don't do well in there as such Sandra. I did find that 40+ corn probably isn't a great idea as they ran my old style of reservoir dry every day through the middle of summer. 😉 Sweet potatoes can be a bit of a curse as they will re sprout every season from the smallest section of root that you leave behind. Likewise with turmeric. Hope that helps a little.

[@theSam91]

Great video once again! Tried some wicking barrels over the summer and they were a huge success, going full scale raised beds now. IBCs too expensive where I live but the old back fence is being replaced soon, those old fence pales will be re-purposed into some raised wicking beds with design tips from your vids 👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Sam. One tip I'd give you is to run the liner all the way to the top edge of the bed if you have trees around. There roots will find away in if you cut it off below the top soil level. We found out the hard way in almost all our tin beds. 😕 Cheers & have fun with the build.

[@glenhehir3833]

Thanks mate. Extra water in the reservoir is handy if you want to duck away for a few days.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Even the standard wicking beds have saved us a few times when I've forgotten to water as well in the past. Cheers Glen.

[@robinsong7298]

Thanks Rob for the wicking bed information I'm just getting around to these and your instructions are spot on for me to continue to grow my garden. God bless

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad it was helpful Robin Song. Cheers & happy growing. 😁🌱🌱

[@Wethelees369]

Great videos mate I am on my second one now, You have adopted a new Subscriber here.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Welcome aboard Mate. 👍😁

[@jennyrebelein3617]

Love the video! I do have three IBC tubs and looking forward to make some beds! Thank you!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the builds go smoothly Jenny. 👍👍

[@vickitonkin9360]

Thank you so much I finally got mine happening and I am amazed is actually working put my worm farm in corner takes a lot of room though but will get there first timer.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Vicki. I hope the beds still growing well for you. 😁👍

[@vickitonkin9360]

My peasare taking forever along with the leeks. Something ate my garlic 😡

[@uchibauki2515]

Very nice farm and thanks for tutorials! Farmer really deserves more appreciation for their hard work 👍🏻👍🏻

[@RobsAquaponics]

So nice of you UU. Cheers & happy growing.

[@davec3376]

Rob, do you post your videos anywhere else? I cannot with good conscience continue to use KZbin because of their behavior but I really love your content and have been inspired and educated by you for years and would miss you very much.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm flat out keeping up with comments & questions just from KZbin so am not sure I'll be moving anywhere else for the time being. What sites would you recommend that have a board range of content?

[@davec3376]

Hey Rob I can't say with any authority but a lot of people are using Bitchute. That's to say they are continuing on KZbin but also posting on Bitchute . That way if they get closed down all the content is is still available. Strange days!.... Good on you for responding and best of luck. Take it easy

[@frisko6445]

I was just looking through your old videos for wicking beds and Bam you posted an update !! I just want to make sure I have this right..your drain tube is below the top level of the sand correct? So you don't have dirt soaking wet.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad I could help out Frisko. 🤣👍 To begin with I'd say it has to be under the sand but now I'm not over concerned. You'll find the water will fall fairly fast once there;'s established plants in the system. Hope that helps.

[@neilcalliou896]

I think I'm going to eventually, have to build one of those! You're one handy bugger ! Lol . Take care Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

😃 So I haven't converted you yet? 🤔🤔 Will have to try harder. 🤣 Cheers mate. 👍

[@sivils8356]

Thanks this was helpful. I was trying to figure out what to use for the reservoir as an alternative to the pipe as that's expensive. About $200 here in the USA.

[@peterhamilton8430]

perfect timing Rob, just in the middle of constructing our veggie garden here in Hervey Bay and decided to go 100% IBC wicking beds. Just setting up 12 halves on a level raised platform this weekend. The info on the water storage volume and method very much appreciated, and we will make a few mods to our plan....thanks again mate.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice timing indeed Peter. 👍👍 Cheers mate & have fun with the build.

[@TagiukGold]

Nice video. I was wondering how these wicking beds were made, and this video answered all those questions. Is there a video that explains the "when" of wicking beds, when are wicking beds the best choice vs other options such as hydroponics, standard raised beds, in ground, and etc?

[@mackdickson1209]

Wicking beds are good for plants that don't do well in flood/drain or DWC systems, eg. some root crops. Also for other situations- can take with you when moving, low maintenance, no need to mix hydroponic solutions, organic....

[@RobsAquaponics]

We use them here as they use a lot less water than other soil systems. There's next to no evaporation & no run off. They'r great to prevent root intrusion if you have trees growing in & around the garden. GREAT for folks that live in older built up areas that may have soil contaminated by lead paint or other toxic elements folks used to use around the home. For us its a mix of all 3 of the above point. We built them during water restrictions & could only water for an hour or so once a week. Normal gardens were dying in a week through summer while ours flourished. 👍 We have a large mango & many "weed" trees who's roots weer invading the older beds. Our block was terraces in the 1940's using spoil from an old tip site from the 1800's so thought it best not to grow veg directly in the soil. Hope that helps some.

[@TagiukGold]

Yes, good answers. I didn't think about water usage, but it makes sense for your climate; water isn't much of a thought here, except when it gets really hard, like around 0C. I had wondered how root crops might do in a hydraulic system, I know the hydroponic method is not a panacea. These wicking beds sound like a good way to compliment other methods and have a holistic garden, such as a way to use compost. So much to learn.

[@DigwellGreenfingers]

Great info video there fella! Keep 'em coming and stay safe!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks mate & same to you. 👍 Cheers.

[@therevelation19]

Self wicking is so cool. Today I reused a 10l bucket that was last watered something around mid of october last year and was sitting since them in my greenhouse. I expected something like concrete or so, but when I turned it over the soil was still moist and smooth. It has some 80mm drainage pipe in the bottom covered with some weedcloth and a 32mm watering pipe. Now I´m sure, my potatoes go in there too, just size it up. ;)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one. 👍 I haven't had much luck with potatoes in them but that's probably more due to me planting them at the wrong time. Sweet potatoes always do exceptionally well in them for use though. Cheers & happy growing.

[@mngardener6016]

Great to see the progression of your design and technique. It's nice that gardening always has something to teach you. Thank you for sharing.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope to never stop learning & still have a few more ideas on building reservoirs NMG. 👍 Cheers & happy growing.

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

Brilliant Rob, despite your blunt drill and scissors. The one handed drilling of the hose and first time threading of the cable tie was an astonishing feat. Well done. Now I am going to look for what you grew in your wicking beds.. I am planing to make mine in those green wadding pools, I collected in the throw outs. I am planning to paint mine a dark nutmeg brown. I see you have painted yours too.Warm Regards, Sez

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Sez. 👍 Have a number of walkaround clips from years gone by looking at what we've grown. Haven't done many recently though. Hope the gardens are doing well for you.

[@syncopium]

Love your videos! Thanks for the time invested and all the information given

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad you like them mate & hope they've given you a few ideas to play around with. Cheers & happy growing.

[@NeonblueIndustries]

Excellent Rob! Thank you so much for this great video!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad you enjoyed it NI. have a top one.

[@ethomasp]

I'd love to transfer this idea to seedling starting.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I pop my seedling punnets in shallow trays of water & find it works great Evan. 👍 Would like to know what you come up with if you give it a crack. Cheers.

[@arthurtorricer4544]

I tried the black tube option.. i think ill try using the Milk crates.

[@RobsAquaponics]

The crates do allow for a lot more water to be held so I'll be using them in the future I think. Cheers Arthur.

[@logantauson789]

Too cool! Love the materials simple & effects. Do you know anything or have made videos on growing your own worm garden? Thank you

[@RobsAquaponics]

I do have some older clips on worm farming but they're not as "polished" as these later clips Logan. 😉 kzbin.info/aero/PLBcWprMIwYYgBXGxs7FFfgeCBq2j_IkJ4 I will be posting some more worm clips soon as we'll be starting up a new farm here soon. Cheers.

[@Devo491]

Shadecloth is a good substitute for the geo-textile in this application.

[@annbyrne2415]

great. you made it simple.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad it helped some Ann. Happy growing.

Howzit Rob. Thanks for this. You might find the crate cracks and collapses around the central wicking basket. Looks like a weak point. Ohhhh.....I see you have addressed it. I was too quick off the mark.

[@RobsAquaponics]

👍👍 Cheers WOB & have a top one.

[@tschreiber9855]

Hi Rob, Great video again. I started my first wicking bed this season.....much smaller in size so. My family objects against the IBCs on the Terrasse :). I agree on the soil topic....hence the efforts to build a wurmfarm as well. This is a whole other story in itself. Thanks fore this clip Have good one Thomas-

[@RobsAquaponics]

You could always clad the outside with some timber to make it look more stylish for terrace growing. 😉 Cheers Thomas & happy growing mate.

[@87xfute]

Great job Rob, well done mate. Seeya Rob

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks mate. Cheers & have a top one.

[@ghmichel72]

I always learn a lot when watching you videos Rob ✊🏾 Question: @7:50 why not use a sheet of shade cloth between the sand & soil? I feel that after some time the mulch (whether it’s sugar cane, wood chips, straw, etc.) would eventually break down and settle its way through the sand into the water chamber. What are your thoughts?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad you're enjoying them mate. 😁 From what I saw years ago, that layer composts nicely there & doesn't mix with the sand at all. It may get mixed in if you get a bit deep with the garden fork if you're mixing in compost down the line though. Hope that helps.

[@franciscodelalamo7345]

Gracias por compartir lo utilizaré para hacer una lombricompostera que me olvidó mucho de regar gracias de nuvo

[@GreenJimll]

Excellent video. I've been working on self-watering planters for a railway station I "adopted" last year so that the flowers will only need watering once or twice a week. Some useful information in here, especially the use of sharp sand and weed membrane as wicking agents.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it helped you out some Jon. Happy growing mate. 🌱🌼🌻

[@bahman100]

Hello Rob, Thank you very much for your excellent videos. I am going to make my first wicking raised bed in Pennsylvania, USA, using your videos as a guide. No prior experience. Can I use weed barrier (also called landscape fabric here) instead of the geotextile fabric? I assume they are both permeable, but the goetextile fabric is probably more sturdy. Appreciate your input.

[@edwinbickel]

Rob, maybe you have addressed this before? The Earth Box uses a layer of plastic over the top of the soil and then you cut a small X where you want your plants and plant them there. Helps slow down water evaporation and weeding. Also as the water evaporates it is stopped by the plastic layer on top and it "rains" back down. Also, fertilizer can be put in nylon stockings and put on the top of the soil with the plastic covering it. When the water evaporates and rises to the surface, the water will come in contact with the fertilizer and slowly release it to the soil. This evaporation cycle happens over and over.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Edwin. Mulch will do the same thing as the plastic as well as a few more. It acts as a thermal blanket, provides food for the organisms in the soil that create the nutrients for the plants & will soak up rain to help conserve moisture. More importantly, using organic material as mulch allows gas exchange with the soil. I have seen plastic not do so on occasion at strawberry farms with bad moulds building up on the surface under the plastic. If it works for you though keep with it. 👍

[@edwinbickel]

@@RobsAquaponics Bob, thanks for the feedback! Will go with your suggestion. Just remember the Earth boxes from 20 years ago used plastic for the top layer.

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@edwinbickel They were one of the first wicking systems I saw as well. 👍 Cheers & happy growing.

[@goldlad3875]

Great video Rob., Do you add nutrient solution to the water with this style of wicking bed? Or do add a liquid feed occasionally to the soil at the top. Or nothing?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I mainly just top dress with things like compost, worm castings well aged manures to feed the soil. I will use liquid fertilisers as well but I just add them to the soil around the plants. Hope that helps some GL & happy growing.

[@arlenev9304]

This was so informative - thank you

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eazyrider6122]

Great video mate. Thanks for taking the time to do it, subbed also.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers mate. Vid's have been few & far between but they should be ramping up again now we're getting settled at the new property.

[@andyerskine4959]

Thanks Rob, that was easy to understand. Hmmm, now where did I see those bread crates?

[@RobsAquaponics]

🤣🤐

[@richardk5246]

Really useful video. Thank you.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful Richard. Cheers mate.

[@andybush368]

Great video Rob 😊

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Mr Andy. Hope all's well with you mate.

[@andybush368]

Ya all good this side of the globe thanks 😁 give Lizzy a scratch from me

[@AnnieFarmerFarm]

Thank you so much on showing us how to do it! I want to try one!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes well for you & you grow a load of veggies in the beds Annie.🌱🌱 Cheers.

[@maxisbored]

Thanks for the video! Towards the end, why did you cover it with mulch?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Mulch helps to keep the soil a bit cooler & also stops evaporation. It also provides food for the compost worms & other soil life. I know it can cause issues in some climate with people complain that slugs & snails like to hide under/in it. Cheers Max.

[@joldidjeridoos6026]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge brother! Setting up a system based on your videos in Australia-like Arizona!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I know a few folks in Arizona that have wicking beds & they love them. 👍 Happy growing JD. 🌱🌱👍

[@joldidjeridoos6026]

Rob Bob's Aquaponics & Backyard Farm, just checked the inbox and saw your replies. Thank you for sharing what you do as it is a key to a bright future for all! I’m learning quite a bit watching your videos and you have my respect and gratitude brother!

[@vicoltitus9753]

Hello, What do you do when the nutrients in the wicking culture bed are consumed ??? Does the soil change with a new one or is compost or biomass always added ??? How do you ensure plant nutrients for several consecutive growing seasons ??? Do we use organic fertilizers? At how many crop cycles does the soil change from a wicking crop bed ??? Everyone shows how to start a wicking culture bed ... Nobody says how to maintain it and how much it can be used until exhaustion and then changed ... Please, can you answer these questions ???

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have been growing with this style of bed for over 10 years now & haven't had any major issues with nutrient deficiencies. 👍 I feed the beds up all the time by top dressing with compost, mulches & also organic pellet fertiliser when the compost is scarce. The beds also have compost worms in them that feed on the various mulches & compost & help to make more nutrients available. Cheers.

[@vicoltitus9753]

@@RobsAquaponics Thank you very much Mr. Rob Bob. it is good to know that such a growing bed can work on a indefinitely amount of time by adding compost, biomass and organic fertiliser from time to time.. That being said, I think it's worth trying. Thank you again and have a great season !

[@zionassedo]

Nice job !

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks ZA!

[@Bling874]

Fantastic video, thank you.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad you enjoyed it Donna. 😁👍 Happy growing.

[@Enochulate88]

I was looking to do this with mushrooms ,mycototes

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one. Hoppe it works well for you. Would like to see the results if you get it to work.

[@LoveTheLand]

Hi Rob and Thanks for your great videos! Question: How quickly should I expect water to wick up into the top of the soil in my IBC? What should the moisture content of the soil feel like to my hand? Wet, moist, ? What would the moisture meter read at say 3” down, when it is at optimal moisture content? And lastly... this new design, how is it wicking for you? Thanks and happy gardening!

[@LoveTheLand]

?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I find that the water starts wicking up straight away. I normally find that the soil is moist about 100mm/4" down from the surface by the next morning. So fat=r this bed has only been filled twice & have provided us with a few tasty harvest of kohlrabi & broccoli. Cheers.

[@OneMansWorld]

Great lil clip mate loved it

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks mate. 😁👍 Hope you're doing OK at the moment.

[@jannaburgart4764]

Great video! I’m setting up some wicking beds right now. I was wondering what the point of putting covers on the drainage hose sections at the bottom of the beds.

[@RobsAquaponics]

It stops ants, skinks & mozzies from getting into the reservoir. Cheers & hope the build went well.

[@russwoodward8251]

Really great Rob. Many thanks.

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Russ. 👍👍

[@michaelyoung8689]

Hi Rob Great video, thanks for the tips!! Have you tried using a full IBC and just cutting top off? Could it work with the bottle crates as the reservoir ? Thanks

[@msodrew]

excellent video, v informative

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful Drew. Have a top one.

[@khamsibq]

If u fill the reservoir how long the water can stay and what is the frequency of irrigation Thanx for the good vid

[@RobsAquaponics]

Generally speaking, they can go up to 5-7 days before needing to be topped up. It really depends on the crop you have growing in them & how large you made the reservoir. A few summers back I had 40+ corn plants in one IBC bed & had to top that up daily. Where a bed planted with a few greens may go up to 5 days before needing to be filled again through summer. I will be covering this in a new clip as I've been asked a number of questions about the wicking beds over the past few weeks since setting up the new ones. Cheers.

[@ramise5932]

Interesting and educational. Thanks.

[@sharonwilson3797]

Hi Rob bob, great video, do you have the measurements for the height of sand and soil for best wicking please?

[@RobsAquaponics]

This one might help some Sharon, kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHKpqnVpat6Jm6M Basically, I like to have about 30cm/12" of soil & the rest can be reservoir. Hope that helps & sorry for taking a while to get back to you. Hope your build went smoothly.

[@aussiegirl654]

Great information I'll give it a try.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes well for you AG. 👍👍

[@jaenicoll]

Love the design Rob. What are your thoughts on using basic pvc tubing surrounded entirely by sand?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I have seen folks use it & it looks to work. I like the slotted pipe as it already has holes & is very flexible so can be used in round tanks as well as square. Cheers & have a top one.

[@PaddyP61]

Hi Rob Great Vid thanks. I've just done three WB's with gravel a few weeks ago, my first ones! For these I used Gravel in the bottom, layer of geotec then about 200mm heavily composted soil on top. I'm just about ready to do three more IBC halves. Can I just use my slotted ag pipe? Is coarse sand better than gravel in the bottom?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Coarse sand will wick better than the gravel but gravel works as well as you've probably seen already. 👍 It does help if you allow the textile to run from the base of the rock to the sand (if that makes sense) as it will act as a wick as well. Hope that helps some.

[@kristenjones4743]

Hmmmm. No recent comments, but I'm going to take my chances anyway. I'm brand new. In fact, I learned about wicking beds almost immediately after purchasing some large metal planters (4'x8') that are 32 inches deep. Now I realize that that's probably too deep, and that water won't wick up through 26 inches of soil. Looking at your use of drink crates, what do you think about the idea of a truly huge water reservoir, using drink crates without cutting them down? I'm concerned that the water would get stagnant at that depth. Maybe I'd be better off putting sand in the bottom of the beds, then lining them with plastic, and proceeding as if my beds were 2 feet deep? Thanks for any thoughts! I love your videos!

[@unionse7en]

tip: you can test this once filled with water and different stages of "commitment", after each layer of substrate and before putting plants in etc

[@tomarmstrong4761]

This is a "start from scratch" year for me--new-to-us house on land with yellow clay for soil, all four adults are looking forward to not having to bend over so much, and so on, so the idea of using IBC totes and cutting them in half rang a big chord for me. I happened on a couple of them at "the right price," as they had been sitting unused at a friend's workplace for a while. Even if I bought used ones, they are only US$100 or so if I look around a bit. I'm hoping that the structure under the fabric can be anything that will support the sand and soil--I have plenty of four-foot-tall wire fencing (2" by 4" gaps) that I can cut to fit. I scored a length of 4-inch perforated PVC pipe that I will cut in 8-inch lengths to support the wire "divider," and cut out the wire to insert mesh into the pipes to enable the wicking process to work. I'm glad that I reviewed this video today--it reminded me to use sand for the wicking agent instead of soil. I have a local supplier that offers a variety of gravels, sand, and ready-to-use soil mixes (including compost), and I figure to spend a few bucks getting started instead of thousands of bucks. I am enough of a realist that I don't expect a huge yield the first year--this is a "build the infrastructure and test a bit so that next year will be better" year. But I also think it could be quite successful if the stars align.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey Tom. How did the builds go mate? Sorry I missed your post until now mate.

[@tomarmstrong4761]

@@RobsAquaponics No worries, Sir, and thank you for the response, as I had been wanting to chat with you and others. It seems I did something wrong. The beds are not wicking water from the reservoir as I had expected. The build has been, as noted above, 4" PVC pipe (already had holes every few inches), in ten- or twelve-inch lengths, probably a dozen such pieces per bed. 2" by 4" welded wire fencing, with cuts so that wire gets bent into the pipe to keep things semi-stable. Good quality landscape fabric laid on top of the mesh, holes cut in the fabric over the pipes, then a 2' square of lighter landscape fabric filled with sand reaching to the bottom of the tub, the borders of the fabric arrayed so that sand doesn't have as much opportunity to get below the wire mesh. An inch to two inches of sand, then fill with purchased dirt (that is sold to be dirt for raised beds, topsoil with compost mixed On watching this video again, I realize that I hadn't used any straw or similar product between my sand and my soil. I don't know how big a deal that is. My spouse is saying something about adding cotton wicks as are used for Kerosene lanterns in my wicking pods going forward. Does anyone have any input on that idea? I did the fill pipe and overflow point before the wire, of course. I can see the water level, but I can also use a rod as a "dipstick" to check my water level. My reservoirs are still full two months after initial filling, and I've felt it necessary to top-water all four beds almost daily (except for days when it rained). I have seen this and other videos on the subject, and called myself following what seem like straightforward instructions, but I see no evidence that the system is wicking water from the base. I don't know whether the sand I used is the wrong product (general purpose sand that had been washed), or just what I've done wrong. Hive mind, what did I do wrong? This medium doesn't seem to allow for me to post pictures of my build, sadly. I am getting a few tomatoes, and some bush green beans are doing fairly well, but the lack of moisture in the soil is troubling me.

[@RustyNail5856]

i like the video. thanks for the help.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Rusty. 👍👍

[@ssmith5127]

I know this is an older video but hoping someone might see my question and have an experienced answer. I've been watching these videos for about a year now trying to learn enough to not kill everything I plant. Today my husband surprised me with a used Behlen stock tank that is 2x2x6. I'm thrilled and want to make it self watering using advice from this video. No questions about that process because the instructions here are so great!!!! However, I'm such a newby at gardening that I don't know if I should use this system to plant potatoes. Will potatoes do ok in a wicking bed environment? And would it matter if I plant determinant or indeterminate? Thanks for any answers.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi SS. I've grown potatoes in wicking beds & barrels & find they always do well. I do like to do them in a taller bed & plant the seed spud about 150mm/6" above the top of the reservoir level so they don't get too moist. I also make sure I hill up around them so any that breach the surface don't turn green when the sun hits them. I hope that helps some. Happy growing.

[@ssmith5127]

@@RobsAquaponics - Thanks so much for the reply. I've got lots to do and probably more than one or two failures in my future but I'm determined to do this well. I love that you share your knowledge. And I'm green with envy over your abilities and growing knowledge. The good kind of envy turned quickly into admiration. May all the good you put out to others come back to you multiplied again and again.

[@catherinegrace2366]

Very nice! I might give this a try. New sub

[@RobsAquaponics]

I think we'll keep using the no matter were we grow Catherine. They just make watering & maintenance so easy. Happy growing.

[@2200chuck]

Hi Rob. Great episode! How may years do you recon that soil mix will last before you need to dig it all out and replace it?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I don't replace it at all Chuck. Just keep adding compost & the bed should continue to grow well for you. I like to also top dress with aged manures or compost & add compost worms to the beds. They will feed on the top dress material & mulch which will in turn will feed the soil. So far the oldest beds I have are 7+ years old & still growing decent crops. Cheers.

[@KellenChase]

I thought you were going with L shaped stand pipes instead of the straight drain? For flood and drain, etc. I also love the idea of milk crates or bread crates for that layer. Thanks for that. Do you leave an inch or half inch for air in the bottom?

[@RobsAquaponics]

Some of the newer beds are set up with an adjustable drain but not all of them. I figure that these creat based beds hold a load more water so it isn't needed. I don't really make an allowance for a permanent air gap in the base. One will form fast enough as the plants start to use up the water. Cheers Kellen.

[@michellewolfson2086]

If I were to use your previous system, where you used the irrigation pipe, rather than the bread crates, would you still recommend using gravel in the corners or just use all sand?

[@ErwinvanHolten]

8:25 Is there an additional layer of geotextile fabric on top of the sand and mulch barrier? Great vid, tnx!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I don't worry about it Erwin. I find that the mulch creates a filter of sorts that keeps the layers separated. Cheers.

[@toddwikel3849]

ROB @RobsAquaponics Can you feed the wicking beds, water from your aquaponics system and use the overflow valve to recapture excess water back your your sump tank? I'm going to grow some non-native plantain trees in my greenhouse. With the nutrient rich water, I should be able to grow the trees in a sandy loam soil without any need to create a composited soil bed. Thoughts? Thanks, love the videos.

[@jeromelatinamerica1997]

Manu thanks Rob for ur great videos which I am getting some inspiration from and feedback for wricking beds I am making in a School. Greetings from France.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I hope the builds go smoothly for you Jérôme. 👍😁 Happy growing to you & the kids. 🌱🌱

[@torstensimmert7597]

Great Stuff again Bob thx a lot

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Torsten. 👍👍

[@simonrichardson353]

Great video very helpful

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful Simon.👍 Cheers.

[@simonrichardson353]

@@RobsAquaponics I have been procrastinating I finally got some raised beds put together and getting soil on Tuesday i’m going to try the self watering garden bed especially for ginger I live in the West Indies I’m going to make ginger tea with it it’s supposed to help to keep away mosquitoes because if you have ginger in your sweat they leave you alone keep up the good work I’ll carry on watching your shows and by the way what’s the level of sunshade do you use where you are

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@simonrichardson353 I use a 30% for most plants but will go up to 50% for the leafy greens. Ginger can handle 20-30% I think. 👍

[@carolp8037]

What are the dimensions of the container you are using in this video? Can this method be used in a planter bed that is 8ft long and 3ft wide? What modifications would you suggest for that size? Also what is the weight or grade of Geotextile fabric you use? LOVE the video - I'm inspired

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Carol. This IBC bed is about 3 x 3ft & is 19" high & you could easily set one up in a 8 x 3ft bed. The longest wicking bed I've made was around 16 x 3ft & it worked really well. The one thing I would recommend you do is to bring the liner all the way up to the top edge of the bed. I didn't & had tree roots got in. You can see a smaller version of that bed in this OLD video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4HPc6WFo7CUh6s Keep in mind that I would not build the reservoir the same as the sand one in the video I shared above. I would probably try to use something like the bread crates or pallets to allow for more water to be held there, like in the video you're commenting on. The fabric I'm using is sold as "Geo Textile" here. www.bunnings.com.au/grunt-1-x-10m-non-woven-geo-textile-membrane-drain-mat-fabric_p1090843 Hope that helps some.

[@katemcgrade790]

I've used small float valves that facilitate autofilling of the reservoir. It took many trials and errors to configure the values and floats to work reliably given they're designed for the float to be on a horizontal lever arm. I have photos; don't know how to get them to you though.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Kate. I made up an auto top up system as well with a float valve in a control box that sat outside the wicking barrels. Worked really well & would like to try something similar with the larger wicking beds when we set them up in their final positions. Cheers & happy growing.

[@prathappa]

Hi Rob, love your channel. i exactly thought the same idea ( however using free Japanese beer crate got from gumtree instead of bread crate) after watching your previous video. now i am building 4 wicking bed (probably over ambitious) . and wondering if any sand( think of sand from garden)does the wicking trick? i know you are a firm believer of sand as wicking material but what is your take on coco coir instead of sand? have you ever compared these?

[@RobsAquaponics]

I haven't compared them sorry mate but have used the coir in small wicking buckets before with no issues. I can tell you that the two round wicking beds I quickly showed in the clip have a very sandy soil in their reservoirs. I made sure there was very little organic matter in it & so far they're doing well. 👍 Cheers.