This 1½ hour wicking bed workshop will be conducted by Ian Collins from WaterUps®. Wicking technology makes a major contribution to increasing food security, urban temperature and climate management, and sustainable management of our precious water resources.

What you’ll learn

In this wicking bed workshop we will cover the following:

the history of wicking bed technology
the science of capillary action
the role of particle size in capillary rise
issues relevant to the construction of the Reservoir Layer
connecting the Reservoir Layer to the Soil Layer
the importance of aeration in wicking systems
the role of soil structure in wicking beds
overflow pipe positioning and the potential for anaerobic soil problems
constraints on the height of wicking beds
closed system and open system wicking beds
wicking beds and water saving
wicking beds and watering frequency
wicking beds and plant root growth
the commercial application of wicking beds

What you’ll get

Information Pack: Post course notes and resources.
Demonstration: A chance to see a number of wicking bed options available
Knowledge: Access to experts to answer your burning questions.

What to bring

Paper and pen to make notes
Hat and suncream if sunny
Reusable water bottle / coffee cup

Suitable for

All ages.
Beginner to intermediate gardeners.

Workshop facilitator

Ian Collins is a co-founder of WaterUps® . His focus was to build a company that could commercialise the age-old concept of ‘wicking’ and to allow wicking bed technology to be used in commercial, civil, and horticultural environments as well as the home garden. WaterUps® are proud of their track record in using recycled materials and in promoting the water-saving attributes of wicking bed technology.

Pocket City Farms is continuously updating our covid practices to make our workshops and events as safe as possible, following the current guidelines and recommendations.