The BEST Self Watering/Wicking Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed

Last year we built a self watering/wicking galvanized metal garden bed using a metal trough from our local Ag store. We grew three tomato plants in that bed and that thing EXPLODED with fruit all year long. This year we decided to add four more of these self watering beds to the garden and we've tweaked the design to make it even better and more efficient. You only need five things to get started with this project:
1. A container of some sort
2. 6" perforated irrigation pipe
3. Piece of PVC pipe
4. Piece of fabric cloth
5. Gardening soil
Check out this video to find out how to put that altogether to create an awesome raised garden bed!
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[@RockingCHomestead]

Thanks for coming over and watching. If you liked this video you will like the rest of our Garden Playlist! Check these out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIbUnnWOr7N5ask

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@Lisa-on2cz]

Super fast response, thank you and thanks for the answer. I haven't purchased the irrigation pipe yet.

[@jkleczewski]

Thanks for this. I have been watching all kinds of folks messing with wood and plastic sheets, and I kept thinking "Am I missing something, why not just use a trough and skip all the BS..."!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Stock take is the way to go. They work great and they are durable, and could be moved around if needed.

[@adrumwhisperer]

Good idea! You could daisy chain the beds together! Just put 2 holes (lower, towards the bottom) in each tub, then run a hose connecting each of the beds and leave the last bed open (where you currently have your drain hole). This would allow all of the beds to share the water and you would only need to fill in one place. This would be more convienent to fill (instead of doing each bed seperately) and even automate (attach a timer and refill every few days). Beds that take more water would get additional water from a neighboring bed that uses less water. You could even make a closed system by adding a buried reservoir tank to your overflow port. The tank collects additional rainwater then a small fountain pump with timer refills the beds. If a refill isn't needed the water just recirculates back to the reservoir tank. If the tank is large enough to last between rainfalls, you would never need to manually refill the beds. The only maintenance I can see would be cleaning out the pump filter occasionally.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Great idea. Not sure I am mechanical enough to make all that happen, but great idea.

[@patrickhayes3099]

@@RockingCHomestead Pa-leeze, you could do it.

[@marcusgrigsby446]

what ONE man can do ... ANOTHER man can do

[@Rick-the-Swift]

adrumwhisperer you should definitely do this and make a video bro.

[@adrumwhisperer]

@Rick the Swift I built a rainwater collection system instead.... collects rainwater from the roof, stores in IBC totes and then a pump sends it to a pressure tank and feeds into my irrigation system. I can water my whole yard or just my raise beds to conserve water.

[@ittybitty7702]

Your video is one of the best. Great tips, great list on necessary purchases and really nice, clear information. Blessings to you

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! We really like these garden beds.

[@OzarkMountainGoats]

Great idea. Can't wait to see how well they work out for ya.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you. We are hoping we have a repeat of last year! Fingers crossed!

[@OldReddingFarm]

I absolutely love the look of your garden beds !!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! We really do like the raised beds.

[@stepht5]

Great idea for a raised bed/wicking tub! Y’all did have a bunch of awesome tomato plants last year!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you. We are hoping for a similar result this year. Stay tuned!

[@koheartsgpadatslocos8320]

That is great idea, thank you for sharing!

[@RockingCHomestead]

You are so welcome!

[@OakKnobFarm]

Such a great concept, nice build you two!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you sir! Hope things are going well in the NH!

[@jamesshaw3850]

New to garden basics and I love your channel and craftsmanship for gardening

[@RockingCHomestead]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MsLippy]

Love those galvanized beds, Have A Blessed Day

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! You too!

[@lifeonthe80]

I like those raised beds.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you.

[@TheNakidGardeners]

Great video Lance. You guys did a great job. I wanted to do something like this for Pop last year.

[@RockingCHomestead]

I think he would love it. Taming the Indeterminate tomatoes was a little tough last year since we have these out in the open, nothing to trellis them up with. We had to do a lot of redesign for trellis and plant management, but they grew like crazy. We are going to grow peppers in them this year.

[@Mrs_Homemaker]

We made two of these last season - a four foot long tank and a six foot long tank. I wanted to come back and say they were a MASSIVE success. We had a very hot summer and a major drought and still, those tanks only needed topping off once a week and the plants grew like crazy. Tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, herbs - we had a bit of everything in them. The same plants in other containers needed way more water and didn't grow nearly as much. This year we want to add at least one more tank and add another every year after. I had all the neighbors asking about my lush garden in the middle of the drought and 100* weeks.

[@RockingCHomestead]

That is awesome. We love the self watering beds.

[@FunHealthTeather]

This sounds great! I am wondering what to do in the winter when the water in the bottom freezes. Any ideas?

[@Mrs_Homemaker]

@@FunHealthTeather I unplug the bottom (they have a drainage hole) and then leave the plug out over the winter. I cover the top of mine with a tarp and bungee in on so it doesn't fill with snow, just so I don't end up with very wet and frozen soil.

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Very interesting. Thanks Lance 👍

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you sir!

[@oceaniccurrents]

Awesome! You just saved me a bunch of money! I was going to buy a “made” self watering raised bed, so glad I saw this. Thank you! Going to get this set up!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Glad I could help!

[@MaximusPham]

great build guys, I picked up 3 6x2x2 tanks and hope to get my garden prepped this weekend; keep up the good work!

[@RockingCHomestead]

That is awesome! I hope they work for you. We love ours.

[@lindaa1148]

We just set up 2 of the wicking beds after watching this video. I'm so excited to try them with my peppers!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Awesome! Please let us know how they do!

[@hiroyopoetker]

greatness!!!!!

[@larrystone5749]

Great video enjoyed thaks for sharing Be safe God Bless

[@RockingCHomestead]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Gettingstartedonhomesteading]

Awesome job!!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you sir!

[@raterus]

I did this exact setup a few years ago, it works amazingly well. You can temporarily attach upright supports for supporting tomatoes/beans/etc. by using two long pieces of wood with a cross bar at the top attached to each of the long ends. I used ratchet straps to clamp it around the trough. Once the season is over, they easily are detached.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Great tip! We love them and will add more as time goes on.

[@Citystead]

Wicking tubs are pretty sweet, I seen some in action last year

[@RockingCHomestead]

They work really well!

[@bubblestoby4145]

Thanks for sharing

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@Northstarunlimited56]

Forgot to hit comment before moving to your next video....basically I had a couple of questions but I won't bother you with them. Bottom line I think this is one of the very best videos on making a self watering tub! Thanks

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! You can ask all the questions you want! We like the interaction!

[@GiacomoCalabrese]

I used your same set up but I run my pipes going towards the short length of the sides. I use 4 pieces 2 ft each. I put the drain hole and water pipe near the center of the unit. The main reason I placed the pipe the other direction was the extra space on each side for more wicking in my hotter arid NV desert climate. Other than that. I really like this SIP system.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Great tip!

[@debbieflores7256]

Hi Lance and Marci! I love this idea!!! Lance, you are looking thinner. You OK? You look great!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you Deb! I have lost a few pounds, we are trying to eat right and stay active! Thanks for watching.

[@KimJimenez]

Thanks!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you so much.

[@cakesmasher487]

I followed your instructions but instead of drilling a hole in the side. I pulled the drain plug and put in a nylon threaded elbow with about 4 inches of clear tube pointing up. This way I know the water level too.

[@RockingCHomestead]

That is a really good idea. I may have to still that on any new builds.

[@barbaravanerp4598]

Great idea!

[@safary582]

I am sorry I don’t understand your solution. I wonder what it looks like

[@marcelosantana9311]

Good idea to see if is low in water but still need a drain if is outside.

[@heidiweinert3260]

brilliant

[@trylliumt5441]

Great video! This is something I've been thinking of using for a raised bed. You have such a neat garden arrangement - thanks for sharing!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! We are trying to build it for the long haul and think of how we would want to garden when we get older. Standing up gardening is the only way to go.

[@FunnyFarmHomestead]

Super cool idea!! Thx

[@RockingCHomestead]

Glad you like it! Are you going to try one?

[@FunnyFarmHomestead]

@@RockingCHomestead yes!!

[@OurTreasuredHome]

Hello this is awesome. I am looking forward to having one of these one day. I have to small right now but one day I am going to have ones like the ones you have so that I can have a bigger garden. Thank you for the tips and showing us how to do these tubs. God bless stay safe and have a wonderful day

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! Hope you can get one soon!

[@OurTreasuredHome]

@@RockingCHomestead you are welcome 😁🐔💜💙👍❤🐔🐔

[@herb-n-buckethomestead5874]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Your welcome Susan! Thanks for watching.

[@jamesorr1200]

This is the best video on making this type of bed I’ve seen. An acquaintance made a number of these years ago. It’s always seemed interesting to me, but I’ve never really understood how to put them together.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! They really do work well.

[@tinalehman4591]

If u get a wooden dowel and stick a cork on one end. with colored tape on other end to filled water mark and one at very low add water mark . Place cork side in pvc it will help tell u watering needs

[@RockingCHomestead]

Great idea. I will have to test that out. This summer I have been filling them up daily or ever other day. Just been so hot this year, with very little rain. Our next vlog episode will be on our watering routine.

[@tinalehman4591]

I am going to try the fishing long bobbers that I have the dowels fit them nice

[@Lisa-on2cz]

Fabulously informative and helpful video, thank you. I'm assembling the materials now. Question: irrigation pipe holes face up, correct?

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you and great to hear! You will love it! Doesn't matter on the irrigation pipe. There are holes all around it.

[@Sandyman406]

Great build! What was the exact name of the wicking cloth you used? Thanks!

[@FunHealthTeather]

This sounds great! I am wondering what to do in the winter when the water in the bottom freezes. Any ideas?

[@RockingCHomestead]

We just live it there and stop watering them as we pull plants our and close the down. You could drain it, if you bin has a drain plug, cover and you should be good. We have really never had issues with them during winter. Keep watching, we will have some more videos coming out regarding them.

[@gaylordbayer2636]

Thanks for the video, just wondering how much supper soil I would need for a 6ft by 2 ft galvanized tub for my raised bed. This is a new project for me.

[@RockingCHomestead]

I would say no more than 1 full set up. Maybe could get it done with about 2/3 of one. Just depends on how you have it set up.

[@shingj4007]

Thank you, this is a very smart way to do this. Is there a way to know when to replenish water?

[@RockingCHomestead]

We normally just fill up until they spill out every other day or so. Last year when it got really hot and really dry, and the plants were super huge. We watered every day.

[@JoeBoppyBop]

Man! Ive been looking at so many videos on self watering raised beds. I have to say, yours seems the best. I live in TN and in the mid and late summer, the heat just slams my tomato plants. I’m going to try this method next spring. One question, what is the medium for wicking the water into the soil above?

[@RockingCHomestead]

We have a super soil mix that we make. We have several videos showing how we make it.

[@esantone0398]

thanks for the video. can this concept convert to a stone raised bed garden? i think drilling overflow holes in the stone will be a pain but doable. how high did you say the drain hole should be from the bottom?

[@RockingCHomestead]

Yes and no, It will work, but you will need to keep the water in, and in most cases the stone or mortar is not water proof. I have seen where folks have lined their garden beds with some sort of plastic sheeting to keep water in. Our setup has about 1 inch of air in the tube. So we have a 6 inch pipe and we made the drain hole at 5 inchs.

[@mariafreytag5673]

How do the plants get to the water with that fabric in between?

[@dottyberendes5533]

Do you have to drill the hole if the galvanized tub has a drain spout?

[@isaacpagan2110]

Enjoy your videos. Learning as much as I can. I like to get the 2x2x4 galvanized Stock Tanks. Where do you get yours at and what is the approximate cost? Also do they rust in time? Thanks.

[@RockingCHomestead]

We normally get our stock tanks at Atwoods Or Tractor Supply . When we 1st started they were around $90.00, but the last time we purchased them, they were up to around $125.00. That is when we can find them. All of the Farm stores are having supply chain issues. We have had 1 in operations for 3 growing season and no signs of Rust. However, I have seen old rusty stock takes, So I am for sure they will rust at some point, but they are holding up really well. If I had to start my garden over. I would consider just the stock takes. We love them that much. They are a gardeners super weapon.

[@michelleneo1186]

since the roots are growing into the soil towards the water reservoir, do you need to extract the roots (previous planting season) before you start growing another plant ? I have a wicking pot, and I usually emptied the soil, clean it up, and then put the soil back. please advice

[@Valdal98]

What is the brand of raised bed you have in the background? The rectangular ones?

[@jonathanlee2775]

new to gardening and using raised garden beds - just bought 4 and getting ready to set them up. However this is the first time I have seen someone use this type of a system. All of the other videos and posts I've seen or read show people drilling drainage holes in the bottom of the tank so water can drain out after you water it like you normally would on the surface. Can someone explain the pros / cons of each. I want to make sure I set these up the correct way before I start drilling holes in the tanks. THANKS

[@RockingCHomestead]

If you are just going to use them as beds and not self watering beds is the main difference. How we set these up, is so we only need to water once or twice a week and water is stored in the bottom of the container. This really allows the plant to thrive. The roots, have plenty of fresh water, and air to keep down root rot.

[@Marygold25]

Hi, great video. I have a question. I have a large horse troth like this and it already has a drainage hole. Should I just go ahead and use that. It is on the backside of the troth to one side. Thanks.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Hello! It depends on where the drainage hole is located on the trough. Check out our video of "Top 3 Questions" about our self-watering tubs for the reason we drill holes in the tubs even though they already have drainage holes. Thanks for watching!

[@BeckyMontgomery-ib3zf]

Can you use 4 inch perforated pipe? All of the box doors sell the 6 inch in 100 foot rolls

[@TheRealDrCube]

Not sure how often you still check the comments, but I have a quick question. I am looking into building these for my garden. You mentioned that you pulled your plants out of your planter from the year before, would you suggest that’s every season you pull whatever plants you have in the planters and sort of rework the soil or can they be left in there for multiple seasons? Thanks! Awesome video btw, very helpful.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Yes, we pull our plants and rework the soil. We are going to test the soil this year and see if we need to add anything. We will post a video about the testing process and results. We are going to test all of our beds this fall.

[@dhosekowski1391]

Great video! Just got done completing my own. One thing I missed or just am not understanding is how is the water getting to the soil if there is a barrier? I take it that it works, I just can’t wrap my head around how.

[@RockingCHomestead]

There is dirt that will touch the barrier and the water. The water will travel through the barrier up through the dirt. However, they do work. I hope it works out for you! We love them.

[@hollygolightly8048]

Thanks for asking that question. I was wondering the exact same thing.

[@frednobles2485]

Does the water go into all the pipes you have in there or is that just to take up space

[@HOOD2GOOD]

Is the dirt going over the sides of the tube to the bottom? Thank you.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Yes, we are shooting for about 20% of the dirt in the water, but tubes protected by the barrier.

[@mikep7821]

I noticed that you cut the 6”perforated irrigation pipe into lengths that fit into the trough. Is there an advantage to doing this vs. snaking the tubing along the bottom of the trough in one long piece? (Note my 2 galvanized tubs are over 5 and 6 feet long)

[@dawncooper4739]

Great video! Where did you find the 6" tube? I couldn't find it last yr.

[@RockingCHomestead]

I found it at Lowe’s. I had to buy the 100 foot roll! A little too much but we will use it. They did have some 20 and 50 feet rolls, just not in stock!

[@dawncooper4739]

@@RockingCHomestead Thanks, That is where we looked for it. Maybe next time.

[@markopalikko6986]

Great video! Question: how does the soil wick up the water if there is an inch between the soil and the water?

[@RockingCHomestead]

Good question! You typically don't have 100% of the dirt above the waterline. You will have about 80%. The 20% will allow the water to wick up soil.

[@markopalikko6986]

@@RockingCHomestead thank you!

[@stevevee4483]

How long between waterings with this system? Thank you!

[@RockingCHomestead]

It depends on the size of plants, how many plants you have in the bed, plus the temperature and humidity, but right now, we are filling ours up every 5 days or so. It has been in the mid to upper 90s and our plants are getting pretty large. When the plants are small, I like to water the top to make sure the plants with small root bases get enough water.

[@user-xw2rf3zj8g]

Do the holes in the perforated piping go facing down or facing up?

[@RockingCHomestead]

It shouldn’t matter.

[@Cindy-bc7re]

My 8 galvanized tubs are two feet tall. I could not find 6-inch perforated tubes, so I need to use 4-inch perforated tubes. This will leave a lot of room to fill with soil. I wonder if I should fill some of the bottom of the tubs with twigs, branches, leaves, food scrapes, grass clippings, etc. Filling these tubs will require a ton of soil and it seems that the roots of my vegetables won't go down that far. Secondly, I have two drills and neither of them is able to drill a hole through the galvanized tubs. They just slide around on the metal. Is there a certain type of drill or drill head that I need to buy? Please reply so I can proceed on this great concept before summer is over.

[@dotycascio5961]

Cant find black kow manure. Any substitutions. Thanks.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Not that I know of. Have you been able to find it. I always had good luck at Lowes.

[@amyleblanc2648]

When can I schedule a delivery of a tomato tub? I’ll pay 😍. Love your big sister.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Do you have a sunny spot to grow tomatoes? I recommend growing determinate tomatoes in these tubs, if they are going to be freestanding.

[@amyleblanc2648]

Rocking C Homestead yes in the back yard on the south side of the house. Determinate would be great, I don’t need climbers.

[@kimhenderson6994]

My troughs are rusting. What can I do?

[@jasontillman6523]

As the troughs you're using are quite deep, would the water below wick up to plants with shallow root systems?

[@RockingCHomestead]

if it has really shallow, you could have trouble. We have about 12 - 18 of soil. When we had zero rain and 100+ degree days this past summer, we watered the top on top of filling the bottom reservoir.

[@jean-francoisbeaulieu3475]

This is amazing thanks so much! Is it possible to use the drain plug already there instead of drilling a hole?

[@RockingCHomestead]

I have heard from someone that uses the drain plug, but with an added piece of PVC to bring the water level dump to the height you need. The drain hole needs to be high enough to get the right amount of water in the tub.

[@jean-francoisbeaulieu3475]

@@RockingCHomestead Great thanks a lot!!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Your Welcome!

[@TheFootbaldd]

I fully threaded a section of 3/4" npt to screw through the drain bung. On the inside of the tank I threaded on a 3/4"-1.5" adapter. On the big end I brazed a screen to keep it from clogging with debris. On the outside I installed a T. On one end of the T I installed a valve so that I can bottom blow down the tank or drain it for winter. You can always crack open the valve to check if you need to water. On the other end I have a 90 to orient upwards to set the drain height for the overflow. Essentially you can use that to adjust where your keep your level at. I also have my fill standpipe capped so that no one decides to throw stuff down into it.

[@jean-francoisbeaulieu3475]

@@TheFootbaldd Great thanks!

[@maninair3342]

Great video and something I want to build soon. I have a question though - I noticed that you have 3 pieces of the irrigation pipe but they don't seem to be connected to each other. Is there a reason the pieces are not connected?

[@RockingCHomestead]

Great question. With the fabric in place holding the dirt back they don't need to be connected. It is really hard to bend the 6 inch pipe around in the space if you leave it all connected. That is why we cut ours. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@chendong2197]

@@RockingCHomestead So the other shorter one just work as a space filler that the dirt is leveled under the fabric?

[@tauqirchaudhry2876]

I did not get this. When you put a cloth in between the tubes and dirt, how will the water come in touch with the dirt

[@LionelJohnston]

What did you do for the drain hole? Does water just leak out at that point or do you have a hose with some sort of fitting?

[@RockingCHomestead]

On the drain hole I created it will just drain if gets that full. We always want to have at least an inch of air in the system.

[@elizabethbradley5098]

Great job! Can you tell me how many feet you used of the 6" irrigation pipe you need to put in bottom? Also, do you remember how many feet you used of the 4" from the 1st tub you made? 6" is not easy to find in a store. Thx

[@RockingCHomestead]

I will have to measure it. I cannot remember. I think it was about 4 feet per tub, and the old one I will have to measure for sure. I think I used two sections. You don't want it to cover the entire bottom, you do want a little area where the fabric is touching water, with soil on top of that.

[@elizabethbradley5098]

@@RockingCHomestead my best guess on the 6" was about 10 or 11 ft total (4' across the middle of tub and a 3' piece on each size of the 4') and almost double that for the 4" because it wandered around the tub more due to smaller size. I do appreciate any feedback. Also, right now TSC has the 4x2x2 water trough on sale for $74+ tax until June some time.

[@richardeickenhorst1377]

I really need some help. I can't seem to find that tubing any where. 4" or 6". Any ideas 💡

[@theresakay1006]

Great video! I live in northern Utah, so we get freezing temps in the winter. Do I need to do anything to prep the bed for winter?

[@RockingCHomestead]

I am not for sure. We had some pretty cold temps here in Oklahoma this year and ours were not damaged.

[@vickybryan4526]

Will it work in the shorter tub?

[@RockingCHomestead]

I think it will, you just may have to watch out for they types of plant you are putting in them. Carrots may not work.

[@user-lt3jn4co3w]

would the 4" perforated irrigation pipe work? can we double stack the 4" pipe if we don't have th 6" size pipe?

[@RockingCHomestead]

I think that would work, just make sure you drill your drain hole where you will have an inch of air space.

[@giancac9977]

Hello and thanks for the video! Where did you buy the galvanized large tub? I can’t seem to find any that big! Thanks!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Thank you! We purchased them from a company called Atwood's. It is similar to Tractor Supply Company, Rural King, and Bernard's, etc... These are the 2x4 size. They even come in a 2x4 small, 2x4 Medium, and 2x4 large. Not a huge difference in them, but they are manufactured to fit within each other. I guess for shipping and storage of trough.

[@giancac9977]

Rocking C Homestead thanks! I am getting into gardening but I also work a bunch and it’s hard to remember to water the garden later at night. I appreciate the info!

[@RockingCHomestead]

Your welcome! We understand, one of the reasons we are going to a irrigation system for the main beds. Not only is it just hard to remember, but it is the time spent watering the garden.

[@giancac9977]

Rocking C Homestead very true!

[@tammydepew5236]

Did you put soil around the pipes before putting the fabric down?

[@RockingCHomestead]

No, there is about 20% of the dirt under the water line. There is fabric between the dirt and pipes.

[@paulfromcda8440]

i don't understand the concept of watering the bottom and covering with plastic. How do the plants get watered? And usually i have seen the holes drilled through the bottom with fabric over that so the soil doesn't get moldy. The idea of filling the bottom with perforated pipe is good for the soil to drain through but only if there are escapes holes in the bottom. Look forward to your response. thanks

[@RockingCHomestead]

Only about 80% of the dirt is not touching water. The rest is touching water and allowing the water to wick up the dirt. It works, and works well.

[@jennamccleery2393]

Also, there is an overflow hole in the side so too much water doesn’t happen.

[@TrevynPaige]

I'm assuming I can use 4" perforated pipe in lieu of 6"? I can't seem to get 6" anywhere around here, but 4" is everywhere.

[@RockingCHomestead]

Yes, you can. You will need to drill the hole lower on the container and will have less water in the reservoir.

[@kathyprice5118]

What happens in the winter when the water freezes at the bottom in our area?

[@RockingCHomestead]

We have not had any issues with it.

[@djkilpatrick5256]

If you put the plastic bad down over the water, then the soil on top of the plastic cover, how do the plants get to the water?

[@RockingCHomestead]

The soil in some areas goes down below the waterline which caused it to wick up the soil. Plus the plastic is woven so there is plenty of area for the water to get through.

[@hdd5198]

Ok, couple questions. Do you push the fabric down between the pipes, or just lay on top? Do the roots go down through the fabric after the water? Would it help to put gravel in the bottom? Thanks

[@RockingCHomestead]

You kind of push some of the fabric down between the pipes or at least on the edegs. Yes the roots will go through the frabric and get to the water as well as take it from the water wicking up. I dont know if gravel would help or not. We have never tried that before.

[@elskbrev]

Gravel would do nothing but take up space that would otherwise be filled with water. Six inch pipe gives you a tremendous reservoir. Sand or coir is used in a different wicking bed design (not Leon Sloan's). You can learn about what mediums wick best here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWXEg4CelN6Fh80

[@tjk9722]

How long between watering? Thanks

[@RockingCHomestead]

It really depends. Once you have full grown plants in the heat of the Summer, we watered them at least once a week. However, it really depends on the size of the plants, temp in your area, etc... They hold a lot of water and our plants flourished. We are adding more this year.

[@jessicacelente6251]

I did 7 of these this year! Thanks for posting the video...what size are your containers? Mine were pretty pricey at $92 a pop 4 foot long 12 inches deep. I could only get my hands on 4 inch piping. Watched all of Leon's videos and also Arms Family Homestead too you guys are all awesome!!! I couldn't get my tubs shipped from anyone except Amazon...and since I live an hour away from my nearest Tractor Supply, I ordered them off Amazon. I am hoping to plant a bunch of tomatoes...

[@RockingCHomestead]

We got 2x2x4 tubes. However, we have learned that there is a slight variance in the sizes of the 2x2x4. There is a regular, medium and small. Not a huge difference, but there is some. I am sure they are manufactured that way so they can ship sitting inside of each other. The 6 inch pipe was not easy to find and when I did, I had to buy a 100 foot roll of it. Are you planing on growing determinate tomatoes or indeterminate tomatoes? If they are indeterminate you will need to find a way to trellis or stake them up. We had to improvise some pretty crazy support systems for ours last year. Good luck on the tomatoes. We cannot wait for fresh tomatoes.

[@bpatt1]

How did the 4 inch tubing work out? It is much easier to find the 4 inch for sure!

[@maxinelinley1450]

Can do it step by step or the black pipes is it got cut all round the pipe

[@RockingCHomestead]

Not sure what the question is that you are asking.

[@patrickhayes3099]

Did the tub not have a threaded bung? I'da run line out & up to the spill line.

[@RockingCHomestead]

It does, but it is not tall enough. It needs to be several inches higher on the tub.

[@patrickhayes3099]

@@RockingCHomestead use bung, exit tub, elbow up to the height you need. Height adjustable depending on evapotranspiration rate.... done in 20 minutes. You could even do another video & use bung and test performance of each in a summary.

[@MrJoeliban]

Looks great!! We are really wanting to do this here in Los Angeles. What is the purpose of the fabric?

[@RockingCHomestead]

The fabric is to keep the dirt out of the irrigation tubes. I would highly recommend it!

[@honeytoone8610]

We have tons of black molasses tubs. Are they okay? Will they get too hot here in South Texas?

[@RockingCHomestead]

Yes, they will work. The person I took the idea from uses all kinds of molasses tubs, red, blue and I think I have seen black also. I don't think you will have any issues.

[@robertbenedict4651]

I have used those molasses tubs before and I paint the exterior with white roofing paint. Works great , soil does not over heat and dry out.

[@catsknit23]

You said your cloth is plastic; wouldn't that prevent the water from wicking up into the soil? Or are you talking about something more like woven landscape fabric?

[@RockingCHomestead]

It is landscape fabric. Not for sure what kind of synthetic frantic it is made of. It is for sure not solid plastic, like a trash bag.

[@jennisonamission1786]

What size tubs

[@RockingCHomestead]

We use the 2 foot by 4 foot by 2 foot tall.

[@lynnwinnie5621]

Question: I purchased a 3ft x 8 ft trough to make this planter. Should I cover the entire bottom with the 6in. perforated pipe? I'm thinking that would be 6 pieces of pipe at 8 ft. each. Also, how does the water wick up through the landscape fabric?

[@RockingCHomestead]

You need to cover about 80% of the bottom with perforated pipe. There will be dirt in and around the piping, that is what causes the water to wick up. You just need to make sure that the pipes are completely covered by the cloth so the dirt doesn't clog up the pipes. You want to keep the pipes as clear as possible.

[@lynnwinnie5621]

@@RockingCHomestead Thank you for your reply. I really enjoyed the video. What is the soil mixture you use? I couldn't find the clip with that info.

[@RockingCHomestead]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5-Tdmlvl8lrebs

[@lynnwinnie5621]

@@RockingCHomestead Thank your for taking the time to reply. I really enjoy the videos. Can't wait to start growing in my new wicking bed.

[@RockingCHomestead]

@@lynnwinnie5621 awesome! Hoping for the best!

[@charmagyneakram628]

what was your soil mixture?

[@RockingCHomestead]

We mix our own Super Soil receipe. We will have a video coming out soon with it or you can go back and watch one of our old ones. Same receipe.

[@savannahrei8674]

I understand galvanized for no rot but doesn’t the sun heat that up so much that the water just evaporates quickly?

[@RockingCHomestead]

We really havent had that issue. Our garden is in direct sunlight and they have worked great!

[@quaysha1]

Is there a way to tell exactly when you need to water them?

[@RockingCHomestead]

I think the best way to check is with a stick. Similar to an oil dip stick.

[@quaysha1]

@@RockingCHomestead thank you for responding.. im a first time gardener and i had moderate success with my small garden this summer. Im planning on adding more raised beds and didn't want to spend next spring and summer without having a better gardening schedule than i did this year and this concept you came up with is going to make things wayyyyy easier for me, thank you again 😊.

[@dallywilliams6606]

Hi what is the size of the tank?

[@RockingCHomestead]

It is a 2x4 tank. We will have another video coming out soon.

[@mdsloads]

On a wet year those will flood out with a closed bottom

[@jaskeda]

We don’t need fabric cloth. But cover the end tubes

[@RockingCHomestead]

I just follow the process that I learned with.

[@MrBigj1961]

how is water absorbed in soil if water is covered by the fabric

[@RockingCHomestead]

The water seeps through the fabric and soaks the soil. Some soil is below the 5 inch line in the tub.

[@MrBigj1961]

@@RockingCHomestead We tried it with a couple of wash tubs my wife picked up. So far so good the soil is staying moist and the plants are doing well even after a hot day in the sun they dont seem to wilt. I admit to being a little skeptical but its working so far. I fill the tubs about every two days. Thanks for the videos

[@cynthianelson6167]

How often do you water?

[@RockingCHomestead]

At least once a week, It really depends on the plants in the tubs, and how hot it has been. Sometimes we water them twice. I try and fertilize them every other week.

[@sandywellesley5570]

@@RockingCHomestead how do you know when to water?

[@keansalzer8364]

What do you do about algae build-up?

[@RockingCHomestead]

We have not really seen a buildup of algae.

[@bradsneckner6129]

I'm not sure how this works practically... The plants I planted are dying, presumably because the water down in the pipes below the planter paper is below the level of the roots. How do the roots get below the paper to reach the water? Or am I just an idiot? Haha

[@RockingCHomestead]

You are not an idiot. it will take several weeks for the plants and roots to get big enough to drink from the bottom. I always water from the top for the 1st month or so. It really depends on if the water reservoir is emptying.

[@advancetopayday]

Could put a pipe sleeve over the pipe vs the large sheet of fabric

[@RockingCHomestead]

I don't see why you couldn't, the main thing is to keep the dirt out and keep the air chamber open.

[@bitcoinkang]

didn't need to drill a hole. the tank clearly had a drain plug at the same height lol

[@RockingCHomestead]

The Drain plug is a little lower than the hole I wanted. But I have seen people use the drain plug.