DIY Drought-Tolerant Garden Beds

Weather extremes are becoming more frequent due to the impacts of climate change, with either very dry or unusually wet growing seasons from year to year. This can make growing your own food even more challenging.

Wicking beds are said to use significantly less water than conventional raised beds. They maintain soil moisture consistency which is great for plant health and resilience, with the added bonus is you can head away on holiday and not worry so much about watering the plants! They are also great if you are short on space, allowing plants to be planted closely, or ‘stacked’.

Richard Lee has a background in permaculture design and has installed many wicking beds for clients. He will discuss the theory behind wicking beds, how water is taken up by plants and the benefits for plant health and water conservation.

Wicking beds can be built with many materials, in this case, we are combining new with repurposed ‘waste’ materials for a lower-budget garden bed solution.

This workshop is part theory (powerpoint), part practical. We will get hands-on, building this bed to be used by the community within EcoMatters organic teaching garden.

This event is part of EcoFest 2023, a month-long celebration of our unique environment to inspire sustainable living across Tāmaki Makaurau.

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