Wicking beds are a great way to grow herbs and leafy vegetables at home on a balcony or in the yard.They are suitable for schools or community gardens. Wicking beds can save up to 50% of water usage when growing food and are ideal for small scale food production.
The two day workshop will cover what is involved with constructing a wicking bed, materials, soils and how it all works! By the end, participants will have gained an understanding of capillary action, plants most suitable for wicking beds and also hands on skills on building a full sized wicking bed at CERES. This is both a practical and theoretical course, expect to get your hands dirty, use power tools and shovel soil and scoria in the construction process.

Trainer Bio:
Darren is the Excursions Land Programs Coordinator at CERES and has a passion for plants and the way people interact with the natural environment. Coming from a horticulture and geography background, he discovered his passion for education and engaging people through environmental education while working as an educator at La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary and also in his time as an Environmental Programs Assistant at a private college. Darren enjoys volunteering with humanitarian and environmental organisations, participates in community projects and has a keen interest in Permaculture. Outside of CERES he also works as a gardener with the Diggers Club.

What you will learn

How to construct a wicking bed
An understanding of capillary action
Plants most suitable for wicking beds

What you will get

Hands on skills on building a full sized wicking bed at CERES

What to bring

Note pad and pen

What to wear

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes

Appropriate for

Those interested in building their own wicking beds