Self watering container / barrel, with added ideas & pointers ;)

Have been growing in wicking beds/barrels for about 4 years & have been most impressed with the small amount of water they use as well as their ability to pump out the veggies.. Thought it was time to post an updated clip showing a few improvements & additions that have been made over the past few years to the wicking barrel design..
The one thing I have left out of this clip & hope to cover in another is the use of compost worms & the benefits they bring to a wicking system like this.. This clip is long enough methinks ;)
Harvest clip for the sweet potatoes planted in this barrel,
• Sweet potato harvest A...
Below are some clips & links that you might find useful if you are interested in having a go at making up your own wicking barrel, garden bed or container..
Scarecrows Garden blog was the first place I saw wicking beds & fell for them straight away due to our climate & our desire to conserve water.. Thanks Scarecrow :)
Unfortunately Scarecrow has now made this blog Private, sorry folks.
Colin Austin's Wicking bed web site..
www.waterright.com.au/
JT's Wicking Bed Project on the Backyard Aquaponics forum.. Love the water cells JT has made up for his beds..
www.backyardaquaponics.com/for...
Chris's first Wicking bed clip with soil/gravel wicking comparison has been deleted. 😕
Subscribe Here► goo.gl/vCXkP5
Would be great to see you come along & say "G'Day" when we post a clip.
Our Bits Out the Back Aquaponic & Garden store & affiliate link page
► bitsouttheback.com/store/
My Amazon Influencer page where you'll find the gear I use around the patch & Aquaponics listed
► www.amazon.com/shop/bnbob01
You can help support us through SubscribeStar ► www.subscribestar.com/RobBob
One off contributions can be made to PayPal ► www.paypal.me/RobertGrayAU
#WickingBed #WickingGarden #ContainerGrowing

[@peterbreis5407]

Excellent demonstration of your method for wicking beds. I followed a site where they used a range of aggregates and tested the height to which they would wick. The optimal was 5-10mm river gravel which is what I use and wicks about 150mm. I use containers upended on the bottom of the drum. Containers are standardised sizes to fit on supermarket shelves. Most taller ones like drink bottles, oil/vinegar etc are 290mm high and I halve them. 1 kg humus or yoghurt tubs are half that already. Milk cartons are a bit tall, I cut the excess off at the base and they make great seedling tubs. I fill the bottom of the drum with the containers, fill the gaps with the stones (about a bucket full/10 litre of stones), level off and cover with two layers of cardboard. I jam a simple 20mm irrigation tube down the side with the bottom notched to allow water to exit sideways. The drainage hole is just a hole. The stones don't leak out of it. The hole is on the opposite side of the tube and where I can see it overflow. The halved barrels are a little short. I use a lawn edge plastic strip/cardboard stuck around the edge to hold in the mulch. For cover I construct a cylindrical frame out of irrigation tube and T intersections with netting held on with ties, plus ties onto the barrel edge to act as hinges. I construct that to be bigger than the barrel so it hinges on the outside. Covers do many things, stop frost, minimise pests, reduce sunburn and hold back heavy rain from flooding the barrel. I aim for everything to be cheap, quick, simple and recycle as much as possible. I have plenty of left over irrigation tubing and have saved up/scrounged containers (you need a LOT!). Most expense was the barrels, stones and netting. Love recycling the containers and cardboard which i get from the back of my local supermarket. The cardboard will breakdown but still will separate the stones from the garden soil for years and wicks very well. For the top edge, use waxed cardboard, often used for fruit boxes, it lasts longer. Hope this is useful for anyone trying gardening in barrels.

[@SSaSSSy]

This is one of the best tutorials I have ever seen, thanks so much for the information!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad it helped some. 😁👍

[@chrism3845]

A great vid on a subject I'm interested in. Thanks for the detailed info.

[@ruthbentley2090]

That was really fabulous explanation, best I’ve come across… uncomplicated and easy to apply the principles in a variety of ways 😎🐸

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad you found it helpful Ruth. Happy Growing.

[@richardnadeau6]

Very detailed description. Great job and thanks for sharing.

[@zeldaberry9536]

Love these ideas great recycled and using for growing food. Wish more people would recycle and all clean our earth.

[@springtoolife1367]

Love your video thanks for investing your time to your viewers.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Am glad you enjoyed it and hope it's helped you out with a few ideas. Cheers.

[@DIYinCA]

Thank you for taking the time and sharing all these great ideas.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope they've given you a few useful ideas. 👍👍

[@kaoline4172]

Great Site! Superb presentation! A real master. I keep learning & enriching my gardening knowledge.

[@AstroGremlinAmerican]

Super amount of information on wicking barrels and learned a lot. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

H there Astro :) Hope it gives you a few ideas.. Cheers, Rob.

[@MrStroblight24]

Awesome video, love the fact you suggest other options so others can try different things based on your suggestions. Thanks

[@RobsAquaponics]

I think it pays to take a step back & look at things from a different angle to see what other ways there are to do things.. Came up with the idea of adding the rock to the IBC beds by thinking how I would make them if I had no ag pipe.. Cheers & have a great one Robert..

[@handydandycrafts]

I made one of these this year, I am so impressed that I haven't needed to water at all. My tomatoes never looked so good! Now I want to make every barrel a self watering planter!

[@dollyperry3020]

I think this is the best self wicking container video I've seen! Thank you!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Dolly.. Hope it gives you a few ideas.. Have a great one..

[@Beanie7371]

Thanks Rob. So glad to get some gardening tips from an Australian as we are able to source the same products.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it's given you a few useful ideas Catriona. 👍

[@ortizle1]

great tips. Love that you showed clips of what you were discussing for better understanding. Great video.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Lydia. 👍

[@WayneMeador]

Thank you for doing this LONG explanation Rob Bob! :-) I really did enjoy it and find it useful and I think this is one of your better videos to date. This helped to dispel many of my questions that I had and I'm sure I would have asked you. Well done sir! Cheers, W.

[@RobsAquaponics]

:D Was a tad long but felt it needed it Wayne.. Thanks Mate & all the best :) Rob.

[@thoile8185]

Wayne Meador y

[@tomnugent2148]

Thank you for a very laid back,very simple to follow how-to video. Kept right to the pointer and great little tips here abd there.Thanks for sgaring your knowledge

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Tom. Happy growing mate.

[@FixItJoeCool]

Thanks Dolly, I live on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Water is GOLD! Gonna try one per your instructions. Much appreciated! Keep up the wonderful work for the world A!

[@RustyNail5856]

great info, i enjoyed the video much. keep up the great videos.

[@strx.artventure]

You make the best wicking beds I've seen. Simple and effective!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Has taken a while but I think they are getting better.. Cheers & have a great one.. Rob.

[@mikebarker9187]

Nice job with the planters and the video.

[@RobsAquaponics]

+Mike Barker Thanks Mike. Just finished making up some trays for some wicking root pouches. Hope to have a mellon & some more sweet potatoes planted out into them by the weekend 👍 Cheers mate.

[@sequoiawarner6756]

Fantastic video, Rob! This makes it so easy to build self wicking systems; I've been wondering how to put one together, and you have just answered all my questions. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad to of been able to helps some Sequoia. Have you had a crack at one ywt? Cheers & have a top one.

[@1cleandude]

Really awesome video brother thanks for your time and expertise!🙏🏻

[@10yearvet]

Nice, Rob! Thanks. Oddly enough, I was planning on going through your channel this morning to look up videos on the build to get ideas. I like the idea of attaching the wire on top as a trellis. I haven't been satisfied with how I've done my cucumbers and think I'll give this a go.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Worked really well for us Jay.. They did slow down after the first flush but that was more to do with me not understanding how to feed the soil properly at the time.. Hope you have fun with the build Sir :) Cheers..

[@kaoline4172]

I agree with Dolly. This IS the best self-wicking container video I've seen too!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Paranormal. Cheers & happy growing.

[@barneel0verz]

Thank You! The best wicking tutorial ive seen. The general explanation of the science of wicking and the variation in design presentation is something that is lacking in most other videos

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi there & thanks. Trying to be thorough does tend to make the clips a bit long winded but I know it's helped a few folks out. Cheers & happy growing. Rob.

[@Kyee71]

I've never used wicking bed/pots but I certainly will now because of all of the advantages of using them, thanks for the outstanding video Rob

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it comes in handy if you decide to have a crack at a bed or barrel :) Cheers & have a great one, Rob..

[@yvairguy]

DUDE you're awesome, i had seen your IBC beds and really wanted to see a barrel version searched youtube and BAMMMMM there you are, thanks for the videos they are very helpful.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Jeff.. Have fun with the build mate, Rob..

[@WanieB]

thanks for the video, good information. i really like the barrel wicking pots.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it comes in handy for you.. Cheers, Rob..

[@cecilianena6648]

Great video.didnt notice that it is long.every bit was interesting.love how you showed many ways to make a wicking bed

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad you liked it & hope it helped you with your own build. Cheers & happy growing.

[@juliafield5578]

Hi, thanks so much for taking the time to make such informative videos on wicking beds. After thinking about the idea for a few summers and struggling with the heat in the Adelaide Hills I am going to start some beds based on your videos! I now have the information and confidence to do this and not spend a fortune setting them up. Really appreciate your help.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad the clips have been helpful Julia. 😁 Hope the builds go smoothly & you get some fantastic harvests. Happy growing. 🌱🌱

[@gilligan69fun]

Very thoughtful and informative. I can't wait to try this technique. Thank you for taking the time to explain your success' and failures. I live in Florida , so conventional gardening seems to use a tremendous amount of water. I hope this will supplement my regular grow beds. Thanks again.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I think you will be happy with them David... We also garden in full size wicking/self watering garden beds.. The largest is 6x1 yards just to give you an idea of how larger they can be built.. A bit of extra work goes into making them but they do hold the water well & stop nutrients from being washed away.. Hope that helps some Sir.. Rob.

[@gabriellepatrick8070]

Nice one Rob! Thanks for spending the time and effort on that.

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Gabrielle.. There were a hew gaps in the other clips so hope this helps fill them ;) Thanks & have a great one :)

[@eddiejamal1953]

I’m deeply thankful, great job!

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Eddie. Hope yours grow you some top tasting veg. Cheers.

[@georgekhoury583]

You are incredible you had so many awesome ideas for a self watering container that I haven't seen on anybody else's videos you are brilliant I love your ideas even the idea of laying the vine to grow up into your tree I've learned so much from you thank you so much you are awesome

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad I could help you out with a few ideas George. Cheers & happy growing. 🌱🌱😀

[@miks976]

really appreciate the time and effort you put towards sharing this video showing in detail of past, present and reasons for your designs, I made 5 of the original donut design with sand for my blueberries and dwarf orange and raspberry, they have done extremely well considering they were nearly dead from last years summer in standard pots. Thanks again. cheers.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Great to hear that Michael.. I have gone a step further & made up an air pruning wicking barrel for the dwarf red pawpaw tree.. Looks to be liking it so far so shall be posting a clip on it soon.. goo.gl/PlwHfV Am tossing up whether I will make some up for the other dwarf trees we have to go out now.. Cheers Michael & have a great weekend..

[@fifigirl8208]

Your a man after my own heart! . Easy to listen to, informative and best of all made me want to go a few steps further with my system. My son and I have set up broccoli boxes as self watering and grow all manner of veg in them including Strawberries. Will be watching many more of your videos. Keep it up and happy gardening. :)

[@RobsAquaponics]

+Fiona LOVES utube Hi Fiona & sorry for the very late reply :-/ I set up a few of the broccoli style wicking boxes to start off with then moved on to larger beds as I saw how well they worked. Think I'll always use them as my main beds now ;-) Glad you're enjoying the clips. All the best to you & yours.

[@randallbaker4293]

Thanks for the great step by step instructions as well as the tips! One way to tighten/loosen barrel caps that you didn't mention are two large standard screwdrivers: one sticking straight up against a flat and the other at a right angle to it with the blade against the flat opposite the other- kinda hard to explain but it works every time especially on tight-fitting caps.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers for that Randall. 👍👍

[@framel44]

As usual great stuff Rob, never a dull moment, keep up the great work. Frank M

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Frank, hope it comes in handy some time.. Have a great one & all the best, Rob.

[@remantics]

Just want to thank you for sharing all your wonderful experiences and knowledge. I live in Fairfield (inner city Brisbane) and am really appreciating your videos. I have recently set up one ibc aquaponics system (37 days ago), no fish yet but a few plants, and have been making wicking pots, inspired by your videos and based on your basic design using large recycled buckets and various other bits and pieces bought mainly from a recycling business. Thank you again. :)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi there Karen & glad the clips have come in handy.. What sort of fish are you looking at getting for the system? Did you use reverse garbage or another centre for your odds & ends? Am still looking for one closer to us.. Cheers, Rob.

[@meandyou2469]

Very well done. Love your video. And great Ideas

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Me & You. Happy growing.

[@lisakukla459]

This is fantastic! I've had my strawberries in a laundry basket for 2 years now, and they're getting pretty crowded. With the strong summer sun we get here in Oklahoma, wicking barrels are massively helpful. I love that I can get 2 out of a single barrel this way. There's someone I owe a giant favor to, and they love strawberries. This is perfect! Thank you for sharing this design!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes well for you Lisa. Happy growing. 🍓🍓

[@GideonGardens]

Great video Rob, thanks for sharing how you put these together. I've got two barrels left from the previous owner of the property we purchased. Am surely going to try this. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Don't think you will be disappointed.. All you need to keep in mind is that most of the hard work is still done by the soil ;) Have fun with the build & let me know if you need any pointers.. Rob..

[@callmebibin]

You've got me into wicking beds ;-)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope they work well for you Bibin. 👍👍

[@aquaponicdan9301]

Awesome 👍 reckon I’ll give that a go this afternoon 😊

[@RobsAquaponics]

Have fun with the build Dan. 👍

[@aquaponicdan9301]

Cheers mate she’s all done ✅ planted out a small piece of ginger, galangal and turmeric. Bit late in the season but we’ll see how she goes 😊

[@Grolnn]

I have never heard of this method before, but I really like it! I have a greenhouse on my little speck of land, where I grow peppers, tomatoes, pickles etc. It works really well, but I have to water them every other day during the summer. Which can be quite annoying. I'll definitely try this out next summer. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

The water savings were the reason we started using this method as we were in a drought when we first put the garden in & only allowed to water a few days a week.. Another bonus of using the wicking method for us was the amount of watering we didn't have to do.. The large beds only need to be filled once every 4-6 days during the hottest parts of our subtropical summers.. Would take well over an hour a day to water everything here if we didn't use the wicking beds/barrels.. Hope they work out well for you if you make some up.. Cheers..

[@SouthpawDavey]

Like all the options Rob. Well explained sir ;-) Woke up to 15 cm snow this morning. Kids are happy. Cheers Dave

[@RobsAquaponics]

Is that a good amount of snow for a night's fall ? Bet the kids had fun in it :D Thought a proper clip on them was long overdue :/ Cheers Dave & enjoy the weather ;)

[@areacode777]

Soooo informative. Thankyou very much. And the video is done really well.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks for that & hope the clip has given you a few ideas.. Cheers & all the best,/ Rob..

[@shanbaloch3312]

Thank you for the detailed info. from Bahrain

[@sgarcata]

Great video... I'm moving to the AZ desert and looking forward to implementing your ideas!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I know a few folks that have built wicking beds & planters in Arizona with good results. 👍 Hope the move went smoothly. Cheers.

[@sgarcata]

@@RobsAquaponics thanks... I'm still in Northern CA, but expecting to move in a month or so. I just found out how to clone rose bushes... I have two favs here that I'll be trying in the next few days. I hope I can do a rain water or grey water collection system once I've moved.

[@jamessanders4310]

I use a dowel rod inserted in the pvc watering tube to check for the water level in the bottom of the barrel. Works for me!

[@RobsAquaponics]

I use a branch. 😉 Cheers James.

[@manoharsagunthalla9215]

Thank you very much it's a very good explanations I really enjoyed it

[@noneyabidness7226]

Such a good video. Thanks, mate.

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Noneya.👍

[@peterot1957]

great vid rob will share for you happy gardening

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Peter & hope you get to have some fun in the patch this weekend.. All the best to you & yours.. Rob..

[@RobsAquaponics]

West Indian gherkins are kicking it along BTW :) Thought the chooks had killed 2 when they were scratching around the bed but they bounced back quick smart :) The stars & moon have all started to boom as well :)

[@peterot1957]

Rob Bob great to see happy gardening

[@rodgeri]

Great informative clip as usual

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Rod & thanks Mate.. Cheers & have a great one..

[@ChrisMooreKiteProvo]

Rob, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge, very helpful. I am a Master Herbalist from the U.S. that just moved to the Turks and Caicos Islands, very hot climate with no soil so I am going two methods to compare them, a modified version of your 55 gallon drum idea by perforating the entire separator screen and using the bottom of the barrel as the separator screen. This means one container per barrel. Barrels are $40.00 here so to compare I will use another method with a separator screen made of fiberglass fencing resting on 4" PVC towers cut down. I am going to fill my "wicking" tube with pool sand and make a 1/2" layer of sand on the bottom of the growing medium to aid in wicking.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Have you thought about adding more than one wicking tube? Am thinking about adding 2 or 3 in the base of a barrel in a rain gutter style set up..

[@joanies6778]

Brilliant! A few years ago I tried gardening in wicking buckets and in a large cattle protein tub. A few of my plants became toxic or something... now I get why. I was going to try again putting a plug at the bottom so I could drain and replace the water in the reservoir. Now this video gives me much better ideas on how to properly set up the bins and I am excited to give it another go. Thank you! 🌱🤗🌿

[@RobsAquaponics]

I'm glad it's helped some Joanie. I do have a slightly different drain outlet on other builds that allows you to flush almost the whole reservoir if that helps at all, kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn2agZqlidF8o6c The components you have may be different but it will give you an idea. Hope that helps, Rob

[@SIMCOMEnt]

really liked your video, inspired me to make a barrel wicking bed 😀

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Patrick. How did it turn out? Are you happy with them. Cheers.

[@rosemariefederle9728]

Thanks the best video I have seen on KZbin you Explained it very well 👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dsr20631]

thanks for the update Rob, your videos are always appreciated. Ive followed your tips and methods with a barrel of my own recently and its going very well. The only thing I noticed with mine was when I went to top up the reservoir the odour from the water was pretty off. I'm not sure if this is normal or not but decided to pimp mine with a solar powered air stone down the filler tube to keep it less stagnant and possibly promote root growth. I flushed the system for a while and havent had the smell since so hopefully it's made a simple improvement. Lookin forward to the next vid. Cheers, Dave.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Dave.. Glad to know yours is travelling fine now & I think the air stone is a great idea :) The first time we had that happen was in the first 3 barrels that were made.. Didn't add enough sand & organic rich soil was sitting in the reservoir.. It started to go anaerobic & we could smell them from a few meters away.. Was rather bad & the barrels needed to be pulled down & re made.. I have since had a lizard or frog die in one & that was rather wiffy.. It dissipated after a while & has been fine since.. I try to keep caps on all the fill tubes now to keep the critters out now.. Cheers Dave, rob.

[@jamierussell9889]

Good video robbob, gives me such a better understanding of it all, it was kinda going over my head before lol:)

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Jamie.. Hope it comes in handy.. Cheers, Rob.

[@SusanRogersMakingItWork4Me]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, I knew I'd done something wrong my wicking buckets didn't turn out. Next ones will!

[@RobsAquaponics]

That's a shame they didn't work out as planned Susan.. Hope the next lot turn out better & let me know if you want some more information.. Cheers, Rob.

[@frozenfowler]

Excellent video as always Rob, thank you. We hit our first cold snap this week -22f below. Last week we were without power for nearly 5 days, gave the generator quite the workout and nearly lost my tomatoes (in the garage of course), thanks again and take care Dan (frozenfowler) Fairbanks Alaska

[@RobsAquaponics]

Wow Dan... That's quite some time with now real heating & power.. Does that happen often up there ? How did the fish go through that ? Rob.

[@frozenfowler]

In the 17 years I have been up here I have never seen the power out that long. Thankfully we were ready, we had the generator all gassed up and had 40 gallons of water on hand, everyone made it through just fine =) Dan

[@johnburnett9340]

Mate, another magnificient and informative video; thanks for sharing. Finally, a future clip on shade house construction would be great.

[@RobsAquaponics]

HI John.. I do have a few older clips showing bits & pieces on how the hoop house went up.. This one probably gives you the best explanation.. DIY Poly pipe Shade house for Aquaponic set up + AP Update... I have had a few people ask so will see if I can come up with a bit of a how to clip rather than a look back after the fact.. It will probably be a while before I get the time to do it so don't hold your breath ;) Thanks John & I hope that helps a little bit.. Cheers, Rob.

[@johnburnett9340]

Rob Bob Thanks Rob; much appreciated.

[@mediamaker2000]

I'm definitely trying this when we get into a new place and have more room! This is a great explanation of your wicking beds Rob. Well done!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Mr Dale :) Don't think you will regret it at all & let me know if you need to pick my grey bits :) All the best sir..

[@roggiedale]

Rob this is nice, but we have been doing this in Georgia for about twenty five years with now thirty barrels. Much simpler and very effective method is to cut the top third of the barrel off. Cut a four inch hole in the center of cut top for your wicking pipe (set pipe straight down with some screening to your liking on the bottom). Your wicking pipe will be filled with soil or what ever to your liking to move the water up to the roots of plants. You slide the top in the barrel after cutting four vertical cuts on side of cut top. This creates your water reservoir. You can use more and use different arrangements of wicking pipes. Use the threaded plug hole for the fill pipe with a cheap adapter from the hardware store. We have found a simple hole in the side level of barrel for drainage is much more user friendly. There is nothing to block hole with this method. Compost tea lovers can now put a air stone down in the fill pipe with your tea recipe. The amount of produce we get off these is amazing. One more great benefit there are very easy to empty and clean with bleach water for the next growing. Used soil is not reused in barrel and works very well moved in the garden. Us Yanks, SueLee and I really like you videos.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi there & thanks, am glad you like the clips.. Have seen a few similar barrels set up like you describe & they look to pump out great produce.. I tend to keep the soil in as it is so expensive to buy here.. We also have a year round growing season so just feed them up with any compost or we have on hand.. Cheers to you both & all the best, Rob..

[@teresaholland4790]

Super excited to try this 😎tks Fla USA

[@RobsAquaponics]

I hope they grow some great veg for you Teresa.

[@5winder]

Great ideas. God bless you.

[@scrapbagstudios]

Thanks Rob. I have had success using scoria with geo textile layer between it and the potting mix. My earliest ones used upturned plant pots covered with geotextile and covered with gravel, then geo textile layer. These work also. But I like the barrel idea and also your root pouches. I am in the Northern Rivers NSW. 😀

[@RobsAquaponics]

That's great to hear Margaret. 👍 Hope you did OK through the recent bad weather

[@scrapbagstudios]

@@RobsAquaponics Thanks. Yes I did OK in the recent floods but many of my friends and neighbours were not so lucky. Hope you did OK.

[@RobsAquaponics]

@@scrapbagstudios We did OK but had friends up north & around your area that weren't so lucky.

[@scrapbagstudios]

@@RobsAquaponics ❤

[@lifeinthailand]

Lots of good info there. I use a 4"angle grinder to cut my barrows and most PVC pipe as well. I find it much quicker and easier to cut it straight.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Easier to clean up with after as well from what I have seen.. Bit on the nose though ;) Cheers mate & have a great one..

[@harrynewitt9338]

In the blue half barrel bed I use a flattened 1.25 l soft drink bottle wrapped in shade cloth retained by the cap through a sized hole. The bottle has a dozen or so 8-10mm holes so providing a larger drainage area to the approx 20mm neck /outlet/ overflow

[@thurstonmr]

Best video I have seen for wicking barrels right down to the handles! 👍👍👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Momma Biggs 😊👍

[@GeorgeStephen1959]

Great and informative video Rob Bob covers all you need to know on wicking barrels :-)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks George.. Hope it saves others some pain.. Have a great weekend Sir, Cheers..

[@ieshavincechan7310]

Awesome information, thank you

[@kennethfreeman8042]

Your black pipe with the sock on it was a great idea thanks.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Kenneth.👍

[@tulipsmoran5197]

thank you for a thorough and informative vid! I use drip tape irrigation throughout my gardens and raised beds, however I also keep large pots of flowers and herbs as part of the garden design. This wicking method would be great for that. I'm also thinking it may be worth creating a couple of wicking beds in outer perimeter areas. Thanks for the info!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Tulips.. I like that they only need to be filled once a week or so.. Hope the beds work well for you if you try them.. All the best, Rob..

[@Bigelowbrook]

Nice job. One of these days I'll get around to making some of these! I have a bunch of blue barrels that are damaged and the other half would work great.

[@RobsAquaponics]

I really like them Rob & have grown some great plants in them.. Dwarf fruit trees are next on the list for them & am thinking of adding one into the aquaponics, "Earthen bed" style, just to see how it goes.. Hope its not to chilly in the dome at the moment.. Have a great one, Rob.

[@Bigelowbrook]

So far, it's seems to be a bit colder. I'm doing to do some more heating experiments...and cut down a few more trees. ;-)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Bigelow Brook Farm (Web4Deb) Nice.. Look forward to the clips.. Really want to make a rocket mass heater here but it just doesn't get cold enough :/

[@Bigelowbrook]

You'll have to invent a rock mass chiller! -Rob T.

[@KathleenCorum]

Great video! I made up some blue barrels using a design I had earlier come up with independently but you surely have given me some food for thought. I built platforms to keep the soil out of the water, no sand, all water reservoir below the platform and used a column of soil for wicking. It's looking OK so far this summer. I do know that what I used as a planting media has left a lot to be desired. I'm fighting depletion of nutrients. I think that the drain pipe as a reservoir is worth considering. I may have to try that. The platform structures I built are out of various scrap and could fail in some way. The fill tubes are in a couple sizes and the small ones make it too difficult to determine the water level without filling to the point of overflow. It is certainly interesting that I'd positioned my drain hole in practically the same place. I'd gotten all my ideas from the commercially available self watering containers.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice one Kathleen :-) Have you seen the "Global Buckets" system here on KZbin.. Sounds very similar to yours but with 4-5gal buckets.. Have thought about doing something similar with the barrels after trying them but had problems sourcing materials for the base for the soil to sit on.. Am glad the clips got you thinking & would be interested to know what you come up with.. Cheers & have a great one, Rob..

[@ghostedyoutuber263]

It is going great.

[@gardeningtipswithphil2244]

Thanks for the tips, big thumbs up.

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem Phil. Hope it gives you a few ideas mate.. Cheers..

[@gardeningtipswithphil2244]

Rob Bob Thanks Rob. It certainly has, I'll give your method a go.

[@jodykruse1949]

It's funny you mentioned Colin Austin, I've been talking to him for 3 years, via email, about wicking beds. I just fiished building my enclosed garden full of 8 large wicking beds in May of this year.

[@RobsAquaponics]

He's the chap I first saw with these systems Jody & is a wealth of knowledge about more than just wicking beds.

[@Moonlight76876]

Well done, now I am going to do my. Thanks you muchly.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build went well for you MD Happy growing.

[@davidsonnier1690]

a great idea every second. thanks

[@RobsAquaponics]

+DAVID SONNIER Hope they come in handy David. Have a great one.

[@pietervanderwesthuizen2319]

Hi. What a great tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Pieter.. Hope it gave you a few ideas.. Cheers..

[@tomd4068]

I’ve never had any luck with anything like this. Problem is when the outside temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Roots and plants don’t like it. Maybe placed in afternoon shade might be great or under shade cloth. Great video. I love watching these. So many people have no clue how to build anything. Kudos to you.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Our temperatures regularly hit 100+ here through summers & have had no real issues with plants suffering due to heat stress of the roots. It would help to give the plants a bit of relief from the sun though like we do here. Cheers Tom.

[@qaswedfr1234]

I USE A LAYER OF SPONGE LAYER ON THE BOTTOM OR SIDES IT WILL FORM INSULATION AGAINST THE HEAT AND DIRECT SUNLIGHT, AND ABSORB WATER TOO AND FORM A RESERVOIR. PAINT THE TUBS WHITE.

[@mio.giardino]

Excellent instructions!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks. 🙂👍 Cheers Mio.

[@paulnewtonshandle]

Shared for ya mate, I hope you get a few more views, I saw a clip a few weeks ago and thought wow look at this blokes garden would ya, how'd it get so radical, so I went back to the start and am working my way forward in time, I still have 5 years or so to catch up on but it's been a hell of a ride so far and will keep watching (mostly interested in the aquaponics, worms and the odd update) keep on keeping on brother, peace

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Paul. The patch isn't looking so good since we move out for the renovations but hope to have it up & running again by the end of the year 👍👍 Cheers & happy growing mate. 🌱🌱👍

[@eggbear9555]

Great stuff .. thanks for sharing ... poly tunnel starting up sometime this year so will be interested in doing something like this ...

[@RobsAquaponics]

How are the starts going for spring there Egg Bear? Hope the barrels work well for you if you have a go at them.. Cheers mate. .

[@eggbear9555]

hey Rob . starts are going well thanks .. early days yet but love being able to get my hands dirty again.. hopefully be setting up the poly tunnel in the next few weeks. haven't even thought about making barrels just yet but have some ideas about a setup which may work . all in good time . hope this finds you and your loved ones well ... cheers

[@RobsAquaponics]

Egg Bear All are well here thanks as I hope you & yours are :-) Have a great weekend mate..

[@guessagain6647]

I use a tea made from percolating the leaves of my bocking 14 plants for an all natural fertilizer. 2cups:gal. I made up gallon jugs previously used for windshield washer fluid and 1in pvc pipe cut to the length from the bottom of the jug to just below the top of the reservoir at the bottom of the wicking barrel. Also drill some holes in the part of the pipe that stays inside the gallon jug and seal the joint with RTV silicone. Then you can fill the jug and run the pvc down your fill tube and as your plants take up moisture the water/fertilizer mix will automatically replenish the reservoir. When the gallon is empty, you'll know it's time to replenish the jugs.

[@blethynmitchell]

Great clip

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Blethyn.. Have a great one,.

[@dymondwillow2]

Gonna work on making one or two of those wicking barrels. BTW, I like your beard when it is short like it is in this film.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope the build goes smoothly DW. 👍 Don't think it will be that short again anytime soon but I am due for a trim. Happy growing.

[@IberianCraftsman]

those kinds of pots in spain they also sell small version for house plants and have a water level indicator, basically a flag attached to a floating piece so you can see the water level of all of them just looking at the flags.

[@GideonGardens]

Nice and detailed, thank you very much:) You now have me wondering if I should make some of these for the sweet potatoes instead of planting them in the raised bed..........Have an awesome day Rob!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hey there Ann.. Was a great day thanks & hope yours is going well :) Just harvested 11 pounds from the 3 slips from this barrel & there might be still some left in the base.. Don't want to dig to deep in there as we have a luffa vine still in there at the moment.. Might yet have a pound or 2 to come hopefully ;) Cheers & have a great one :) Rob..

[@GideonGardens]

That's a nice harvest!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Gideon Gardens Hope to post a clip on the harvest from the 2 barrels in the next few days Ann ;) The first barrel wasn't that impressive ;)

[@kirankankipati-thelinuxcha689]

Good post. Keep up the good work dude :)

[@RobsAquaponics]

Cheers Kiran.. Have a great one..

[@bjw4859]

Another great video, thanks, an idea I saw at a permaculture course I did & have not seen anywhere else is, to monitor your water level, drill another hole the diameter of some clear tubing, say 19mm, below the top most point of your water reservoir, insert the piping into the hole similar to the overflow hole, or even instead of it, cut off so it is level with the top most point of your water reservoir & fix to the side of the bed with liquid nails or hot glue etc, now you can see from the outside of the bed what the water on the inside of the bed is up to, did that make sense ?.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hi Brian. Have seen a few folks pop in water levels similar to that. 👍 I find the stick method works OK for me but can see where it would suit others to have a visual cue as to when it's time to top it up. Cheers & have a top one mate.

[@Quonzan]

Great video! I think wicking in pots is a great method for lazy renters like myself who only remember to water sporadically and also seem to frequently move house like some sort of urban nomad. I just finished making a wicking pot in a 60 litre bucket. I put a layer of scoria down with a well in the middle, on top of which I put a sheet of weedmat with a bit of sand filling the well. Didn't have any straw so I just straight-up dumped a ton of compost on. I calculate it cost me between $20-$25 in materials - alas, I had to buy everything. Still, if my veges don't die it'll be so worth it! Container gardening has not served me well thus far (sigh).

[@RobsAquaponics]

+Zara Haines Hope it grows you some great veg Zara. I found I grew the best plants in smaller containers when I used a bit of worm castings in the mix if that helps any. Cheers & all the best. Rob.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Excellent how to, Rob. I know where to come when I get around to setting up a wicking barrel. Thanks!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it comes in handy for you once things thaw out a bit there.. Thanks & have a great weekend :) Rob.

[@djeoutdoors]

Nice job, thank you !👍

[@RobsAquaponics]

No problem 👍

[@adventureplustv]

Fantastic! Thank you so much!

[@RobsAquaponics]

Hope it gave you a few useful ideas. 👍 Cheers.

[@Letthemagiccometoyou]

awesome video.thanks

[@RobsAquaponics]

Thanks Jarek. Happy growing. 🌱🌱