Hot Melbourne summers can dry out a garden bed in a day. A wicking bed fixes that by storing water in the bottom of the bed, where the roots can draw it up as they need it.
How a wicking bed works
- The bed sits on a sealed base, so water can't drain away.
- A layer of gravel or scoria at the bottom holds a reservoir of water.
- A layer of geotextile fabric separates the water from the soil above.
- Soil on top draws water up, like a sponge, keeping roots moist.
- An overflow pipe lets out extra water so the soil never gets waterlogged.
What you need from us
- A garden bed in any shape. Rounded square and round beds both work well.
- A sealed base to match: bases for beds under 900mm wide, bases for beds over 900mm wide or round bed bases.
- The wicking bed kit: a 15mm overflow pipe, PVC angle and riser pipe. It's free when you order a sealed base.
You'll add your own gravel, fabric and soil when you set it up.
Why go wicking?
- Water less often, sometimes only once a week in summer.
- Less water wasted to run-off and evaporation.
- Plants get steady moisture, which means fewer stressed or bitter veggies.
Sealed or unsealed?
Only choose a sealed base if you're building a wicking bed. For a normal bed, an unsealed base is better because it lets water drain into the ground below.
Plan your bed with Find My Bed, then add a sealed base and the free kit to your cart.