It was interesting to see this capillary liner on the Garden.com website. It is sold as a replacement part for their "self-watering" patio planters. I'm guessing that the flap in the center is meant to be poked up through a drain hole.
I use polyester batting (or felt) material instead of capillary matting. It is one of the easiest ways to make sub-irrigated planters (SIPs). I call them aquapads.
Use Pellon Thermolam Plus - No. TP970 or equivalent. Here's a spec sheet thanks to Tamra Van at Pellon (tamra.van [AT] pellonusa.com).(toll free) 877-817-0944 ShopPellon.com
Buy a bolt or a yard but buy some.
All container plant growers should have some of this material. It has excellent capillarity and is sustainable. Simply wash it in a diluted bleach solution. I do it all the time.
Photos of more ways to use it are on the way. Stay tuned.
via www.garden.com
Capillary Liner for Self Watering Baskets
Conserves Water
Replacement capillary liner for use with the Self Watering Hanging Basket and the Self Watering Patio Planters. Available in 12" or 14"
Will this thermolam wick nutrients? Thanks, your site is amazing.
Posted by: jason | February 12, 2011 at 07:49 PM
It will most definitely wick *water soluble* nutrients Jason. Note that hydroponicists refer to the water as nutrient solution. Go for it!
Posted by: Greenscaper | February 13, 2011 at 09:18 AM
i'd use the flap for a wick to allow for draining of the perched water table and for wicking up water when the media dries
Posted by: john | July 23, 2011 at 11:11 PM