We love Wicking Beds!
L-R: Katrina Cachia (CEC, Project Officer) with Dr Cally Brennan (Canberra Permaculture Design & Education).
WE’RE INTO WICKING BEDS
We had such a great time in October learning how to create a wicking bed using recycled IBCs*, thanks to Dr Cally Brennan from Canberra Permaculture Design & Education.
“Wicking beds are a great way to grow vegetables in any area with hot, dry summers,” Cally says, “ they work on the same principle as 'self watering’ pots in that they are watered from underneath as well as above.”
Canberra Environment Centre has built two wicking beds at the Gungaderra Community garden so far using upcycled materials – come and see what’s growing next time you come by. Another wicking bed is planned, so keep an eye out for a new Wicking Bed Workshop next year.
* IBCs – intermediate bulk containers – are industrial-grade containers used for transporting various materials. Food-grade IBCs are recommended for when recycling them to grow plants.
MINI WICKING BEDS
We’ve also been creating mini wicking beds to grow our cuttings in. They’re great for starting cuttings as they retain moisture and increase your strike rate. Plus, they’re so easy to make!
Simply:
cut off the top of an empty milk bottle, or other plastic container
place 4cm of coarse river sand/landscaping sand in the bottom
(from your local buy nothing garden group, or your local hardware store)fill the rest with seed raising mix
cut a small drainage hole at the top of the sand layer so your cuttings don’t get waterlogged.
Why not try your hand at striking some cuttings of lavender, rosemary or salvias in your own mini wicking bed?
GET WICKING!
If you’ve been thinking about building your own wicking bed (mini or giant!), now is a great time of year to get organised and make it happen. Despite taking a little bit to set up, it is well worth the effort when you return home from summer holidays to a well hydrated garden. Bliss!
WICKING BED RESOURCES
All about Wicking Beds, with Dr Cally Brennan, Canberra Permaculture Design
City Renewal CBR & Canberra Environment Centre
City Renewal CBR & Canberra Environment Centre
Canberra Environment Centre
These wicking bed resources have been made possible with assistance from the ACT Government under the ACT Community Garden Grants Program.