Wicking beds are raised beds with a pond of water stored at the bottom. Water “wicks” upward from the pond into the soil above to about a height of 11 inches. This means water never touches the surface, and so water doesn’t evaporate nearly as fast. The result is a water efficient bed. This video explains it.
According to “Evaluating the Efficiency of Wicking Bed Irrigation Systems for Small-Scale Urban Agriculture” , wicking beds save water and grow vegetables larger than conventional watering. It is a great place to start in order to build your garden and grow your own food in a water efficient way. To get started faster, purchase the Wicking Bed building guide below. It contains details that will help you in the construction of your wicking bed.
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Wicking Bed Building Guide$10.00
Too difficult?
If you live between San Diego and Irvine, perhaps I can build them for you. Send a contact and let’s work out the details.
Too expensive?
Take a look at this upcoming cost minimizing design for a wicking bed.