DIY raised wicking garden bed (old watertank) (forum)

starling starts with ...
I'm planning on making a raised garden bed from an old tin water tank. It's going to be semicircular. maybe I'll make two depending on how much grief the first one gives me. Here's what I'm starting with (Ignore the axe holes, I was too lazy to make the trip to bunnings for the right grinder discs and had to finish cutting it in half with an axe. Not exactly elegant, but hey, it got the job done).

Going to install an irrigation pipe with overflow for the wicking, with some old car tyre used as binding. Jagged edges are uber dangerous.



Not really sure how to fill the bed (what soil/base to use and how to build it up) so any tips would helpful.

thanks
s

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Time: 17th August 2013 10:44am

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Original Post was last edited: 17th August 2013 10:56am
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KathK says...
I have three tanks that I use for growing strawberries & vegies in & filled them with everything I could find,(leaves/lawn clippings/horse manure/small branches/prunings etc) saving the best compost for the top 30 cms.
DEFINITELY put something on the top rim-yesterday I tripped & landed on my palm on the tank-my tank is nowhere near as jagged as yours & I got a nice cut across my hand. Nothing like potting mix & compost in a fresh cut!
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Time: 30th August 2013 3:51pm

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About the Author KathK
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Julie says...
starling, if you have any old garden hose, slit it all along one side and slide onto your sharp edges.

Black poly irrigation pipe works well too.

Had a second look - it may be a bit too jagged for that treatment.



Time: 30th August 2013 6:16pm

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Original Post was last edited: 30th August 2013 6:19pm

About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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starling says...
Julie,

Scrapped the idea TBH--the tank was so large, I had to cut it in half (otherwise, would have been too hard to work around). After cutting it in half, I realised how much of a palaver it would be adding sheeting to the open end. Would have required tools I don't have (my riveter decided to disassemble itself recently etc).

So I canned it, and am now making one out of an old aluminium boat. Still fairly deep, but a little more accessible, and all I had to do was knock the seats out and drill some holes. I'm thinking of attaching handles and a couple of trolley wheels (not shopping trolley wheels, hehe) wheels, that way I might be able move it from spot to spot depending based on light and wind conditions at different times of the year.

Also, it will make an interesting feature, methinks.

cheers
s

Time: 30th August 2013 7:30pm

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Original Post was last edited: 30th August 2013 7:38pm
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