Wicking for Maximum Benefit

                                                                                             By Marie Montague

 Most of us are aware that wicking consists of three components:  soil, wick, and container.

This allows growers to water their plants just once a week. Gosh, newer pots are neat and clean and provide water as plants need for a week; but, for some of us who are away longer periods, once a week does not work. During the summer, my plants may only be watered every three weeks. Yes, they survive and many bloom all summer. Wish they wouldn’t bloom but they do.

How is this done?

 A light soil is essential. 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite with lime and charcoal is my choice.

 The wick must be heavy enough to absorb water. String, yarn or nylon stockings; whatever your choice might be. The key is the wick must pull up a large amount of water continually. Over the years, I’ve used all three and find that nylon stockings cut 1/4 wide and stretched out work best for me. Try all wicking materials until you are comfortable with one. A large standard requires a larger wick than minis or semi-miniatures.

 The container must be large enough to hold sufficient water for three weeks. My experience is that smaller pots require 3 inches of water; and larger, standards, 4 inches or more. Trailers are never a problem as the pots sit directly on large, plastic containers filled with over 3 inches of water.

 Recently after away for 3 1/2 weeks, noticed that only problem I had was with large standards. Hate to do this, but will have to go back to Cool Whip containers and fill to the top with water. That’s the only way that I can assure they won’t dry out. They are ugly, unstable and you have to be careful to insert the wick through the top so it doesn’t touch the side. I’ve used in the past and know this will work – ugly as they are.

 In addition, I top water all my plants and then fill containers right to the top to connect with wicks. Turning lights down helps as well as stopping my fertilizer plan during the hottest months.

 I have found through the years, that plants for sale that contain a good part perlite and light wicks dry out within 2-3 days. Heavy soil and wicks can last a good week without water.

 As with all new techniques, try on a few plants to see if it works for you.