Here is yet another creative idea about sub-irrigated planters (SIPs) from YouTube. In this case, the grower is using SIPs made from recycled utility buckets. The clever modification is the addition of holes drilled in the sides to make a vertical garden a la African sack gardens.
Note also that he uses a fabric wick rather than a wicking container. It is not well known that many commercial SIP type planters use nylon or polyester fabric wicking. This is particularly true of those made in Europe.
Although not shown in the video the designer of the planter suggests stacking them 2 or 3 high. These are very exciting ideas well worth further exploration and testing. Imagine coupling this vertical garden idea with Larry Hall's rain gutter SIP system. Perhaps we can get Larry to test one or two of these planters.
via www.youtube.com
Now that you have the basics of this system by watching the first two videos I share with you my "ultimate container". I don't know of a better container to produce more food in less space than this ultimate container. Due to many reasons including the variations of plants, the density of planting and the ability to stack these containers make them the ultimate container for container gardening. Imagine being able to grow forty plants in a one foot area!
The combination of rain gutter and the "ultimate container" definitely get's the mind turning. As far as fabric wick verus wicking container - has anyone seen whether there are distinct advantages either way? If the fabric wick produces the same results then it seems like it may be more convenient in some ways.
Posted by: GutterGrower | February 23, 2012 at 05:24 PM