As climate conditions continue to shift and water becomes more precious, community gardeners across Australia are searching for smarter, more sustainable ways to care for their growing spaces. The challenge is not just about nurturing plants, but doing so with limited time, changing rosters, and unpredictable weather.
One solution that is gaining ground in community gardening circles is wicking. It’s simple, water-wise, and surprisingly versatile. And despite what some might assume, it’s not limited to high-tech beds or expensive new systems.
Let’s explore what wicking really is, how it works, and why it could make a meaningful difference in your community garden.
What Is Wicking?
Wicking is a method of watering that mimics how water moves naturally underground. Instead of applying water from above, where it often evaporates or runs off before reaching plant roots, water is stored in a reservoir beneath the soil.
From there, moisture is drawn upwards through a wicking medium, such as perlite, gravel or coarse sand. The water is pulled up into the root zone gradually, as the plants need it, using a process called capillary action.
The result is consistent, controlled moisture without overwatering or water loss, creating a stable environment for plant growth.
Why Wicking Works So Well in Community Gardens
Community gardens are powered by people. They’re collaborative spaces, often maintained by volunteers who juggle their passion for growing with work, family, and everyday life. With fluctuating rosters and often limited access to water, keeping plants thriving can be a real challenge.
Wicking systems help ease the pressure.
Less Frequent Watering
Wicking beds hold a reservoir of water that can last for two to four weeks, depending on rainfall and plant demand. This drastically reduces how often the beds need to be topped up, making it easier to manage watering schedules and avoid dry spells during busy periods or school holidays.
Healthier, Stronger Plants
Consistent moisture promotes deeper root systems, fewer stress-related diseases, and better resilience in extreme weather. The dry surface layer of soil also reduces fungal outbreaks and discourages weeds, which means less work and better outcomes.
Significant Water Savings
Compared to conventional overhead watering, wicking systems can use up to 80 percent less water. This is ideal for areas with restrictions or limited water access and supports broader sustainability goals across the gardening community.
Can Wicking Be Used in Existing Garden Beds?
Yes, and this is where many people are surprised. Wicking systems don’t need to be installed from scratch or limited to purpose-built beds. In fact, modular wicking cells like those developed by WaterUps can be fitted into almost any setup.
You can convert existing timber, corrugated iron or stone beds. Older pots, planters, bathtubs and troughs can all be retrofitted. You can even install wicking systems directly into open ground using pond liner or similar materials to create a reservoir beneath the soil.
This level of flexibility allows community gardeners to start small or scale up depending on the space, budget and needs of their group.
Who Is Already Using Wicking?
Wicking systems are now being used in a wide range of settings. Across Australia, community gardens, schools, aged care homes and local councils have embraced wicking as part of their long-term strategy for sustainable growing.
In many of these gardens, WaterUps systems have been used to reduce maintenance demands, improve crop yield, and support seasonal growing without daily watering. The technology is modular, Australian-made, and designed for real-world conditions.
CGA Members Save 20 Percent on WaterUps Products
WaterUps is a proud partner of Community Gardens Australia and offers CGA members an exclusive 20 percent discount on all wicking products, including raised beds, retrofit kits and modular wicking cells.
To access your discount:
Log in to your CGA account online and visit the Member Discount Codes page
Use the WaterUps code at checkout on www.waterups.com.au
This offer is a practical way to help your community garden grow more sustainably and efficiently.Wicking offers community gardeners a low-maintenance, water-saving alternative to traditional watering methods. Whether you’re planning a new garden bed or looking to upgrade an existing space, it provides an effective way to support plant health while reducing reliance on rosters and rainfall.
More than anything, wicking allows you to focus less on watering and more on what community gardens are all about. Connection, learning, shared harvests, and growing together.
If your garden is ready for a simple, sustainable upgrade, now is a great time to give wicking a go.
