Improved: Self-watering SIP Raised Bed (Wicking Planter) Construction Tutorial & Tips

Although I've seen amazing results with my SIP raised bed, is it possible to make it even better? You'll see what happened to my self-watering planter after 9 growing seasons. And I'll show the new tips and tricks for this new and improved system!

00:00 - Why Did I Need to Rebuild My Self-Watering Planter?
01:07 - Breaking Down My Old SIP Bed
01:53 - Where Did These Roots Come From???
02:31 - What Caused My Wicking Bed to Fail?
03:03 - Looking Inside The Drain Pipes After 9 Years
03:37 - Laying the Best Foundation For a Self-watering Planter
04:10 - Selecting the Best Wood for an SIP Raised Bed
04:40 - Upgrading the Overflow Tube for an Improved Seal
05:25 - How to Avoid Mosquitoes in a Wooden Wicking Planter
05:38 - How to Assemble a Self-watering SIP Box
06:04 - The Best Type of Liner for Sub-irrigated PLanter
06:30 - Extra Tips for Applying the Plastic Lining
07:23 - How to Install the Drain Pipe Reservoir
08:16 - Adding Potting Mix & Topping Off the Planter
08:45 - Drain Plugs? How to Empty the SIP Reservoir
09:33 - Lessons Learned After 9 Years
10:32 - How to Learn More About Self-watering SIP Raised Beds

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PRODUCT LINKS:
(# CommissionsEarned)
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Bulkhead Fittings:

Hose-to-Pipe Fittings (extension piece):

1-3/8" Spade Drill Bit:

45 Mil EPDM Liner:

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BREAKING DOWN THE OLD SIP RAISED BED:
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I'm glad to report that even after 9 years, my self-watering planter has still been performing well. All of the inner pieces that make up the SIP were still in good working condition. I could have continued to use it for years if only the wood had remained intact. If you take steps to ensure the longevity of your wooden planter, then you should be able to enjoy a functional self-watering system that will last for years!

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NEW TIPS & TRICKS FOR SUCCESS:
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For this new upgraded SIP, I was able to include several new features that can help the system to work even better. And this will also help the raised bed to hold up for a much longer time. The first step is to set up a better base for the planter. This also makes it impossible for rodents to undermine the SIP. I also show the best kind of lumber to use if your SIP is wooden. I show how to keep the potting soil in check. And even how to avoid concerns over mosquitoes.

#Albopepper #DIY #SelfWatering #WickingBed #Irrigation #RaisedBedGardening #GardenDesign #WaterConservation #UrbanGardening

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[Albopepper]

This playlist explains lots of concepts about SIPs:

PRODUCT LINKS (# CommissionsEarned)

Bulkhead Fittings:

Hose-to-Pipe Fittings (extension piece):

1-3/8" Spade Drill Bit:

45 Mil EPDM Liner:

[rcubb]

In the fall of 2020 I built a sip bed. 3ft by 6ft following your plans. I put it up on legs though. I absolutely love it. By far the best garden bed we have. I have thousands of red wiggler worms in there. Used 45 mil tpo roofing for a liner. Having it up on legs is awesome. No bending over. I closed it in and insulated so that I can put a heat lamp under in the winter. Plastic hoop cover on top . Allows me longer grow season. Doubles as a warm cat house also cause I put a small door. Eastern Oregon high desert. 110 in summer 0 in winter. I water once per week in the heat. Every thing else 2 per day. You have By far the best design sip on YouTube. Thanks so much.

[jamesotto]

Thank you for this! Getting ready to build my first raised bed for this coming season and this is super helpful! As a woodworker, I have to point out: please be careful wearing gloves when operating your miter and table saws — the fabric can get caught in the blade and pull you in, potentially resulting in a very serious injury (this is especially a concern with bulkier/loose fitting gloves).

[celiavasquez]

Would like to see a tour of your father’s garden again. Thanks

[lordsigurdthorolf]

73 year young Dave from Phoenix AZ zone 10. Note: If you have plants that fill the whole bin it is best to have the fill pipe on the same side as the drain tube so you can see when it is full. I prefer the fill pipe in the front corner and the drain in the back. I also like my drain pipe at the BOTTOM and a 90* fitting outside with the riser up long enough to reach your MAX fill level that way if you need to drain it you just turn it down.

[ibiubu]

I did multiple storage bins using your method. Great results out on my dock out over the river. I also used 2x6 material to make big rectangles with pond liner to hold a few inches of water. Then put in 15 gallon grow bags in that pond. So the grow bags sitting in water have outperformed the SIP storage tubs. All used homemade potting mix with your recipe

[jeffsullivan]

I've been watching SIP videos for years (even saw your original on this build) and this is the first one that has shown what can and will happen in the bed. I was very curious about the soil in the tubes and happy to see there is no problem. Fortunately all of my SIPs are IBCs so I haven't had to deal with the rot issues. I have every almost.type of bed you can think of (being a YouTube addict) but the SIPs are the most carefree and consistant IMO. Absolutely the best way to irrigate.

[dac]

Nice video! You’re becoming a new favorite garden channel. Couple of comments:
1) not so sure a wicking mix is needed in bottom layer but clearly not hurting! I need to go watch your playlist.
2) I think any direct contact with plastic will promote rot especially since wood breathes. Building trade seems to have a variety of wicking or moisture/vapor shedding liners designed for between waterproof building layer and siding or between concrete basement walls and external insulation/soil for just that reason. I don’t know what it’s called but might be worth a look and it may let one get away with using thinner lumber.

[seanspence]

We just finished building our second 15' *4' can't wait to see all the veggies it will yield this year! The 10'*4' one were built a few years ago worked great!

[jmreg]

Thank you for the time and efforts you put into your videos. I've just built (4) 8x3 SIPS using your guidance. I used longer bulkheads, but everything is the same. I look forward to successful vegetable gardening. God bless.

[kmoney]

I followed your tutorial for the SIP here in West Texas and it’s been absolutely amazing so far! Only a couple growing seasons deep, but it’s a game changer here where the summer temperatures are constantly about 110°.

[MattGarver]

Great tips Al! A nice SIP bed would be perfect for a lot of gardeners, who just want a small space to have a kitchen garden of fresh food. Low maintenance and long lasting, it eliminates the heavy lifting of container gardens.

[MikeKincaid]

Awesome presentation! I learned a ton. Thanks!

[johnjss]

What is is plastic you used around the edge? (above the 45 mil EPDM liner)

[auptyk]

I commented on the first video before noticing this one, my question though is: why manure based compost is something to avoid? Thanks. Great Videos.

[davenooner]

Great informative video sir!!! Nice to see what happens over time and why we have troubles on occasion. Good choices to fix those troubling problems. Real good video!

[MegaMarlynx]

I made a big wicking bed 3 m by 1.5 m a number of years ago modifying your plans a bit. It is sitting on the ground (not below ground level). The only thing I have to do sometimes is top up the "soil" and it is still going strong! Thanks.

[TheUniverse]

Another great video! I feel like you are doing some of the best hard garden videos on youtube. Very good content thanks for sharing.

[JustSumGuy]

I think my next SIP's Im going to use some IBC's.

[abbiehlavacek]

Great video, we are going to use this as a guide. What is the blue plastic liner that you are using?