Hello, Permaculture Pioneers,
In our desert landscapes, every drop of water is precious. Today, we delve into a gardening solution that aligns with the ethos of permaculture, embodying the principles of caring for the earth and using resources wisely: the Wicking Bed.
What are Wicking Beds? Wicking beds are an efficient watering system designed to capitalize on the natural process of capillary action, where water is drawn up from a reservoir below, much like how nature wicks moisture from the deep to nourish the surface soil. This ingenious approach allows plants to draw moisture as needed, reducing water loss due to evaporation or runoff.
Building Your Own Wicking Bed Creating a wicking bed is an easy weekend project that pays off in long-term water savings. You will need a waterproof container or garden bed, a layer of gravel or stones, a permeable separator such as landscape fabric, soil, and a PVC pipe for filling the reservoir.
Here’s a basic step-by-step guide:
- Start by placing your reservoir layer (gravel or stones) in the bottom of your container.
- Install your water fill pipe at one end of the bed, ensuring it reaches down to the reservoir layer.
- Lay your permeable separator over the stones, preventing soil from washing into the reservoir.
- Fill the bed with a quality soil mix, rich in organic matter.
- Plant as you usually would, then water the top soil for the first few weeks until plant roots grow long enough to reach the water below.
Edible and Medicinal Plants for Wicking Beds Wicking beds are ideal for a variety of edible and medicinal plants that thrive in our Arizona Zone 9b climate. For your edible garden, consider perennials like artichoke and Swiss chard, and annuals such as tomatoes, lettuce, and basil. Medicinal plants like echinacea and milk thistle will also flourish in a wicking bed setup.
Maintenance of a Wicking Bed Maintenance is a breeze with wicking beds. Simply refill the reservoir using the water fill pipe when it’s empty, typically every 2-3 weeks in summer or even less frequently in cooler months. Add compost or organic matter to the top layer occasionally to replenish nutrients.
Benefits to Soil Health Beyond water efficiency, wicking beds promote healthier, more fertile soils. By maintaining constant moisture levels, they foster the growth of beneficial microorganisms, improving soil structure and fertility over time. This enhances plant health and resilience, fostering a vibrant, productive garden.
Wicking beds perfectly encapsulate the permaculture principle of “working with, rather than against nature.” By mimicking natural processes, we can cultivate lush, abundant gardens even in arid conditions. Now, it’s your turn to embrace this water-wise method and create a garden that truly thrives.
As always, may your gardens flourish and your harvests be bountiful. “Live Your LYF FREE and keep on growing.”
Yours in Permaculture, Justin Haddad