I really enjoyed this video and how you did the troubleshooting on video. I also got an answer to my question regarding how to support the base so as not to crush the yogurt tubs I plan on using for the air pocket containers.
Great invention. I saw a modified version a lady did with less screws. I actually like yours as it looks like it will last several seasons. I’m going to try this out.
Very informative! This kind of collapse right here is exactly why I decided to go with a separate, buried "cistern chamber" (basically, a perforated, upside down container with a filler pipe) on my wicking tub, instead of an Earthbox-style false bottom like that. Water is dense and even the lightest, fluffiest potting mix can get VERY heavy when saturated with it. Even with the added screws on the later versions, that flimsy plastic could still collapse. I'm surprised this one lasted 4 years before it failed.
The next problem will be algae growing inside your white transparent tubs/buckets! Solve: paint black. Then, paint white on top of the black. Black so that your tubs do not promote algae growth, then white over the top to reflect rather than absorb heat--if you are in a place that gets too hot in the Growing Season. Some of the gardening tubs sold are either dark green or blue or black. As long as they are not transparent, you probably won't have an algae problem inside the tub.
At 5:04, why are you screwing into the center of one of the pipes? I thought the concept was to screw it the other way around to support the barrier from falling in.
You are right, the screws would probably offer more support if screwed from the inside out. I think he did it from the outside because it was easier with the screw gun. You'll notice he just barely put the screw into the pipe, leaving as much as possible hanging out to support the lid.
...why did you choose to NOT fill the 'water chamber' with gravel or sand as the 'Primary Wicking Media' ? A level bed of gravel/sand covered with weed-cloth/floating cover would negate the need for exacting cutting of a rigid 'deck" (with just 2 large water 'ports'?) supported by circumferential screws/bolts. Your design will be lghter for moveability -- but tub flex makes it more likely that the 'deck' would slip off of a support screw or two...
As you stated, the tub would be extremely heavy and basically unmovable. It would probably be harder to tell when additional water was needed. Interesting idea though.
Having soil sitting in water 24/7 doesn’t cause root rot? How is having two wicking tubes filled with soil any different than having all of the soil down in the entire water chamber?
I wondered the same thing when the concept was introduced to me but it seems to work. Having the air space between the water reservoir and the main soil compartment is important. Otherwise, you are correct, the roots would definitely rot.
I really enjoyed this video and how you did the troubleshooting on video. I also got an answer to my question regarding how to support the base so as not to crush the yogurt tubs I plan on using for the air pocket containers.
Glad it helped
Great invention. I saw a modified version a lady did with less screws. I actually like yours as it looks like it will last several seasons.
I’m going to try this out.
Great bucket design. Glad to find the site, Now I will be looking for suitable buckets like this for the spring!
I have a few large square buckets from buying kitty litter. I think I'll give those a try.
Very informative! This kind of collapse right here is exactly why I decided to go with a separate, buried "cistern chamber" (basically, a perforated, upside down container with a filler pipe) on my wicking tub, instead of an Earthbox-style false bottom like that. Water is dense and even the lightest, fluffiest potting mix can get VERY heavy when saturated with it. Even with the added screws on the later versions, that flimsy plastic could still collapse. I'm surprised this one lasted 4 years before it failed.
I like to add a water soluble fertilizer every couple weeks
Nice find guys. A lesson for us all to build things sturdy.
Thank you so much for this video , love the step by step how to , great job !
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Interesting video. I'm going to gently suggest either no music or less distracting music.
Noted!
Hmmm....didn't find the music distracting at all. I was paying keen attention to what S. was sayin', I guess.
Lose the music please. Can't hear their words
Genius. I like the upcycling of other household items.
This is why I always use two contains rather than a single container with split layer - makes accessing the reservoir so much easier.
Good point. Thanks
I like this design.
Thank you. It has worked well for us
Ok im so excited to make these. Lol. Thanks!
Your videos are so good they are worth enduring the background music. But if you lost the music I would be really happy.
I have got the message about my background music and will stop using it. 😃 Unfortunately there’s no way to remove it from my current videos. 😔
Interesting ❤
Love this video
Thank you
Does the row cover act as a wick in addition to keeping the soil out of the reservoir?
I'm really enjoying your videos!
I never thought of it that way but it probably does. Glad you're enjoying them.
Thanks for the insightful video! Do you water with just plain water or nutrient water?
The next problem will be algae growing inside your white transparent tubs/buckets! Solve: paint black. Then, paint white on top of the black. Black so that your tubs do not promote algae growth, then white over the top to reflect rather than absorb heat--if you are in a place that gets too hot in the Growing Season. Some of the gardening tubs sold are either dark green or blue or black. As long as they are not transparent, you probably won't have an algae problem inside the tub.
Yes I definitely have an algae problem. Thanks for the tip
Isn't algae beneficial
I just used a cat litter jug. I actually have same tub.
At 5:04, why are you screwing into the center of one of the pipes? I thought the concept was to screw it the other way around to support the barrier from falling in.
You are right, the screws would probably offer more support if screwed from the inside out. I think he did it from the outside because it was easier with the screw gun. You'll notice he just barely put the screw into the pipe, leaving as much as possible hanging out to support the lid.
@@shortseasongarden Ah, got it, now I understand.
How successful is this method?
This particular tub was one of the first we made. Overall, we have very good luck with our tubs.
...why did you choose to NOT fill the 'water chamber' with gravel or sand as the 'Primary Wicking Media' ? A level bed of gravel/sand covered with weed-cloth/floating cover would negate the need for exacting cutting of a rigid 'deck" (with just 2 large water 'ports'?) supported by circumferential screws/bolts.
Your design will be lghter for moveability -- but tub flex makes it more likely that the 'deck' would slip off of a support screw or two...
As you stated, the tub would be extremely heavy and basically unmovable. It would probably be harder to tell when additional water was needed. Interesting idea though.
Having soil sitting in water 24/7 doesn’t cause root rot? How is having two wicking tubes filled with soil any different than having all of the soil down in the entire water chamber?
I wondered the same thing when the concept was introduced to me but it seems to work. Having the air space between the water reservoir and the main soil compartment is important. Otherwise, you are correct, the roots would definitely rot.
Like
that soil quality looks terrible ... you need much better soil with better organics to wick properly.
Promo*SM 🤤