Students Build Wicking Beds for the Baldivis Community Garden

Recently, some of our Adolescent Program students have been working on an exciting sustainability project at the Baldivis Community Garden by building wicking beds from recycled IBC containers.

The students used empty IBC containers cut in half to create raised garden beds. Each bed includes a water reservoir at the bottom, covered with weed matting to prevent sand from clogging the reservoir. A layer of white sand acts as a wick, drawing water upwards through capillary action into the soil above.

This clever design allows water stored in the reservoir to gradually move into the soil, keeping plants consistently moist while reducing water waste. Wicking beds are an excellent solution for growing healthy plants in Western Australia's climate.

The project gave students hands-on experience with sustainable gardening practices, recycling materials, and understanding how water moves through soil. It was a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the local community while learning valuable environmental skills.

We look forward to seeing the garden flourish!