WATER RESERVOIRS AND WICKING

Water wicking is great for plants for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that water is delivered directly to the roots, where it is most needed, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of over or under watering. This is especially important for plants that are sensitive to changes in moisture levels.

Secondly, water wicking systems are very efficient in their use of water, as the water is delivered directly to the roots and there is no wastage through runoff or evaporation. This makes water wicking a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for watering plants.

Finally, water wicking systems are easy to set up and maintain, and can be used in a variety of settings, from indoor plants to outdoor gardens. They can also be used in areas where water availability is limited, helping to conserve water resources while still ensuring that plants receive the water they need to thrive.

All our planters, garden and turf trays contain water reservoirs and wicking.  We use either our own or our partner's WaterUp's wicking systems.  We also retrofit out other manufactured planters with reservoirs and wicking systems.

How it works

Wicking irrigation uses capillary action (which is the ability of a liquid to flow through narrow spaces without external forces) to draw water from a concealed reservoir beneath the soil directly into the plant’s root zone. This is done by using a porous material, such as a fabric, perlite or soil. This delivers consistent moisture without waterlogging, avoiding the peaks and troughs common with surface watering.

By keeping roots evenly hydrated, watering frequency drops dramatically – from daily or weekly to fortnightly or beyond – depending on climate and plant choice. Rainwater is captured within the planter, reducing irrigation demand and cutting labour hours for watering by up to 80%. Plant losses from drought stress are significantly reduced.

With the soil surface staying relatively dry, evaporation is minimised, nutrient leaching is prevented, and weed growth is suppressed. The result? Fewer maintenance visits, lower water use, reduced plant replacement costs – and consistently healthy, resilient landscapes.

Wicking isn’t just good horticulture – it’s smart asset management.

Our process

Water Reservoir

We create a water reservoir by either water proofing the planter or inserting a reservoir membrane.  We create a reservoir of at least 130mm that will supply enough water to plants for approximately 8 days in our Street Planters and 3 weeks in our Large and Tree Planters in summer months or indoors. 

We also have put wicking into our Hanging baskets, Garden Trays and Concrete barrier planters as well as all our Parklet planters

Wicking Bed

The wicking bed has two purposes.  To provide a structural platform for the soil and plants to sit above the water reservoir on and secondly to support the wicking socks.  The wicking bed also has infill pipes that:

• Allow water refill
• Allow airflow above the water in the reservoir to prevent the water from becoming anaerobic.

Planters with plumbed in watering

Planters can be plumbed in and we use smart sensors that record water usage and soil moister that also activate solenoids when reservoirs need replenishing . This is a great set and forget system that turns reactive maintenance into proactive maintenance.

Soil.

We use a speciality soil mix in our planters that is high in sand content with equal organic and inorganic ingredients.  We have tested this mix extensively and has the benefit of slow releasing minerals, non-slumping, wicks well and  has a level of organic matter to improve nutrient levels.