To be honest I like wicking better than Hydroponics. As it makes people really interact with the more natural way of things, Hydroponics can be fun and great but also very costly. I think you're also missing out on some of the natural bacteria and everything that's actually in soil in the network that it makes. There is something called broad forking that people now due to break up their ground so it doesn't disturb so much of the bacterial Network that has been made like tilling does. Anyway while I like wicking I wouldn't say it is the best way to water plants or not the only Surefire way. I very much believe in the Japanese bonsai tree raising method of the water Thrice: once for the soil, once for the roots, and once for the leaves. I also think the natural cycle is going dry for a little spell is also healthy every now and then for plants. Not dry enough to hurt them but dry enough to be like oh you miss dinner one night.
Thanks for the showcase! It was _wicked!_ 😑 Now to take action on at least *one* of them. Early may, soil and air temperature are warming up to reasonable numbers, must not waste time hemming and hawing! 🤝
Even better with the soda/pop bottles. Cut the bottom part at a height so the inverted top comes down to the bottom. Put small holes in the sides, all round the inverted part and just fill with soil, no need for a wick as the soil will wick. Put a small hole in the side with a straw for filling.
Hi Simple Tek/Scott, Subscriber 990 here. I like these list videos you have been doing, but how's the progress going on your own system? I hope you have updates soon. Cheers, Bill
try adding 20% perlight to your soil - mix it in - you can buy perlight fairly cheap at any garden centre in a big bag. It will absorb the water much better - and use a wicking rope from the water to the soil area. I hope that helps - good luck and have fun!
I think sacrificing one of these (ibc) totes for an outdoor bed is a waste of it. I could see a benefit to using it indoors though. Food grade 5 gallon buckets are my go to at the moment.
found you through r/SelfSufficiency, subscribed! are there any resources on how these plastic wicking setups degrade over time? i've had bad luck with photodegradation. eta: high plains zone 5b, 300+ days of sun a year, so that's part of it 😄
I didn't even know this existed, and now I'm filled with ideas. Thanks!
Thank you for the kind words!
Love to hear your comments on if you use or plan to use Wicking Pots!
;)
To be honest I like wicking better than Hydroponics. As it makes people really interact with the more natural way of things, Hydroponics can be fun and great but also very costly. I think you're also missing out on some of the natural bacteria and everything that's actually in soil in the network that it makes. There is something called broad forking that people now due to break up their ground so it doesn't disturb so much of the bacterial Network that has been made like tilling does. Anyway while I like wicking I wouldn't say it is the best way to water plants or not the only Surefire way. I very much believe in the Japanese bonsai tree raising method of the water Thrice: once for the soil, once for the roots, and once for the leaves. I also think the natural cycle is going dry for a little spell is also healthy every now and then for plants. Not dry enough to hurt them but dry enough to be like oh you miss dinner one night.
great comment!
A wick system can be hydroponic. Rockwool makes the best wick. Peat moss makes a good wick too.
Thanks for the showcase! It was _wicked!_ 😑
Now to take action on at least *one* of them. Early may, soil and air temperature are warming up to reasonable numbers, must not waste time hemming and hawing!
🤝
Thank you for the kind words!
I think I am gonna get some cups today. That will be awesome for propagating.
;). Glad I gave you an idea!
Great video. Been watching gardening with Leon, finally went to Kingston Ok to meet him. Great guy. Hope to meet Daniel someday
Sooo Jealous - Leon is a legend!!!!!! Thank you for the comment!
Live in north Texas with black clay. Wicking tubs are it
Awesome! Thank You!
Thank you for the kind words
Even better with the soda/pop bottles. Cut the bottom part at a height so the inverted top comes down to the bottom. Put small holes in the sides, all round the inverted part and just fill with soil, no need for a wick as the soil will wick. Put a small hole in the side with a straw for filling.
Hi Simple Tek/Scott,
Subscriber 990 here. I like these list videos you have been doing, but how's the progress going on your own system?
I hope you have updates soon. Cheers,
Bill
Happy to see you still around! As things start to unfreeze here you'll see some updates! Thank you for the comment!
Little mineral oil would help with seperation. Added benefit as a mosquito deterrence.
nice
I tried to make a self wicking pot. The soil wouldnt wick any moisture. Do you need a particular type of soil?
try adding 20% perlight to your soil - mix it in - you can buy perlight fairly cheap at any garden centre in a big bag. It will absorb the water much better - and use a wicking rope from the water to the soil area. I hope that helps - good luck and have fun!
I like it
;)
I think sacrificing one of these (ibc) totes for an outdoor bed is a waste of it. I could see a benefit to using it indoors though. Food grade 5 gallon buckets are my go to at the moment.
all depends on your circumstance and what's available to you where you live
A hair pin should be good for those pop bottles.
great idea
found you through r/SelfSufficiency, subscribed!
are there any resources on how these plastic wicking setups degrade over time? i've had bad luck with photodegradation.
eta: high plains zone 5b, 300+ days of sun a year, so that's part of it 😄
Welcome!!!!! I've just started using them so I can't tell you long term answers. curious which size pots are you referring to?
Paint them or cover them.
Ibc and barrels eventually degrade
Water from above... No need to separate the soda jug.
i suppose.....
I like the bottles. You will get algae problems though.
the bottles come apart easily for cleaning but. agree - you need no light transfer.
ok now ..
Pick 1 or 2 methods and try building them.. is a 5gal bucket better than a few 2L bottles for 2 or 3 plants left alone for a week..
good idea