What is a Wicking Bed?

A wicking bed is a type of self-watering garden bed that draws water up from below, helping plants stay hydrated for longer without the need for constant watering. The term "wicking" comes from the way liquids move upward through tiny spaces—just like how a candle wick draws up kerosene to keep the flame burning.

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Wicking beds work in the same way. At the base of the bed, there’s a water reservoir. Special perlite “wicks” sit in this water and pull it upward into the soil using capillary action. The water moves through the soil to a height of about 35cm, where plant roots can absorb it. This keeps the soil moist from the bottom up, supporting healthy, strong plant growth.

Wicking is not a new idea—it’s been happening in nature since the first rivers formed. In fact, archaeologists have found evidence of capillary irrigation being used over 2,500 years ago near Old Jerusalem. In 1909, Popular Mechanics mentioned a “self-watering flower box,” and by 1917, a similar system was patented in the U.S.

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Around the world, these systems are often called “sub-irrigated planters” or SIPs. In New Zealand, we call them wicking beds. Wicking is a form of sub-irrigation, alongside other methods like ebb-and-flow systems or capillary mats—but wicking is one of the most effective and versatile options. It works well for home gardens, commercial landscaping, and even civil planting projects, and is great for growing both edible and ornamental plants.

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As water becomes more precious due to changing climates and tougher growing conditions, wicking beds offer a smart, water-efficient solution. Thanks to built-in overflow systems, they also prevent soil from becoming too soggy, making them ideal for a wide range of growing environments.

Why use a Wicking Bed?

Wicking beds take the stress out of watering. Instead of guessing when and how much to water, the system delivers moisture directly to your plants from below—right where they need it.

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Plants in a wicking bed can go for up to four weeks or more without extra watering. Compare that to traditional surface watering, which often needs to be done every day, especially in hot or windy weather. Keeping up with that can feel like a full-time job!

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Most people simply don’t have the time to water daily, and when life gets busy, the garden is often the first thing to suffer. Automatic systems like drippers or sprinklers can help, but they often waste water and still need regular upkeep.

Wicking beds are a smart, low-maintenance solution. They save time, reduce water use, and help keep your garden thriving—even when you’re not around.