tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1285774383845516011.post4455467820879432910..comments2023-10-25T07:47:36.190-07:00Comments on Vela Creations: Finished wicking bedsVelaCreationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05222349579954939281noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1285774383845516011.post-51721353942291977872011-04-23T17:35:07.727-07:002011-04-23T17:35:07.727-07:00Wicking beds are planters. The bottom 8" or s...Wicking beds are planters. The bottom 8" or so is encased in a plastic tarp, so water cannot escape and then filled with gravelly sand - this is your water storage. The top 8" or so holds a very rich, highly organic soil that is able to wick the water from the gravel to the plants. You fill up the water storage part via a tube and it is much more efficient on water. The moisture in the soil also helps keeps the plants cooler without leeching off the nutrients that over-watering would do. See this post for more info: http://velacreations.blogspot.com/2011/03/wicking-beds.html<br /><br />As for heater, we put a large compost pile up against the outside of the bedroom walls. As it composted, it heated up and helped warm the walls. It worked great for several weeks, but not as long as we'd hoped - we didn't have enough aeration, I think. The great thing about a well made compost heater is that, unlike solar, it works 24 hours a day. We'll try again next year, hopefully with better results.<br /><br />Thanks for the compliments. Glad you found it interesting.VelaCreationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05222349579954939281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1285774383845516011.post-24839135351072939462011-04-23T16:57:44.563-07:002011-04-23T16:57:44.563-07:00Found your blog recently and it's fascinating!...Found your blog recently and it's fascinating! I'm a bit mystified by this entry though. What are wicking beds? And I know compost generates heat but what do you mean "a winter heater for the bedrooms?" BTW I'm a 62 yo typical American who doesn't even garden, tho my husband grows vegs for us every summer. I find your skills and knowledge awe-inspiring. Good on ya!Anne H.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14951398242908896715noreply@blogger.com