Wicking Containers - Part 3

For larger Self watering wicking containers, I used the bottom half of IBCs (shuttles, totes, pods) for this project, as they have a tap at the bottom which would allow me to drain the reservoir if needed.

Again, I recommend painting the outside of these containers with an exterior paint to increase the life span and stop the plastic becoming brittle.

I took the plastic insert out of the metal cage, measured half way (600mm) and using a jig saw, cut it in half. I then painted the outside with an external paint to increase the life of the container and to reduce algae growth in the water reservoir at the base. I used a disc saw to cut the frame in half, and painted the cut end to prevent rusting.  I used a 200L blue container as a water tank, and initially used a cheap storage container with a float switch to regulate the water level in my wicking containers. I later changed this to using a small plastic garbage bin with a small stock float switch which was UV resistant and helped reduce algae growth in the water.

    

To create the water reservoir at the base of each wicking container I used 90mm pipe, however you could use large stone chips. The reservoir in the base needs to be about 100mm deep.

I then used three layers of chicken wire on top of weed mat to create a barrier between the growing medium and the water below.

In top of this I used about 50mm of coir to act as the wick, to suck the water from below up into the growing medium.

You need about 300 to 400mm of growing medium for your plants. I made this medium from compost, soil and coir. Each time I change the plants, I recharge the medium with a bag of compost and poo. I also inoculated each container with compost worms.

Then mulch and plant

 

Your linked containers need to be level with each other, as the containers are linked together. The position of your float switch in the small container will dictate the level of water in your wicking containers, so you will need to sort this level out either before you fill your container with your growing medium or latterly be raising or lowering your float switch container. Consider whether you are going to use rigid or flexible tubing between your containers. I used flexible to cope with movement of the tubing due to seasonal temperature changes (also charging German Shepherds).

    

Upright supports can be attached to the metal cage.  You can add shade to your wicking beds to help protect from the harsh sun in the summer or frosts in the winter.