Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
How to Use Wicks to Water Plants
How to Use Wicks to Water Plants. Water wicks are cotton or nylon braided threads that look much like shoelaces. One end of the wick goes into the soil, and the other end goes into a container of water. The plants pull water from the container and into the soil as they need it by a method called capillary action, so your plants won't be overwatered...
Water wicks are cotton or nylon braided threads that look much like shoelaces. One end of the wick goes into the soil, and the other end goes into a container of water. The plants pull water from the container and into the soil as they need it by a method called capillary action, so your plants won't be overwatered or underwatered. Many gardeners use them on a full-time basis, while others use them only while on vacation or away from their gardens or houseplants.
Things You'll Need
Watering wicks or fabric to make your own wicks
Clean water container
Pencil or chopstick
Place a clean container filled with water next to your plant. If your water has a high chemical or chlorine content, let the container sit overnight to allow some of the chemicals to dissipate. This prevents chemical burn at your plant's roots. You can use one container of water to supply multiple plants or one smaller container per plant. This will depend on the placement of your pots and available room in your home.
Measure a length of wick long enough to reach the bottom of the water container and halfway into the soil of the pot. Soak your wicks in water to make them begin wicking right away. User a pencil or chopstick to make a hole for your wick. Do this carefully to avoid damage to your plant's root system.
Place one end of the wick into the premade hole, and pat the soil to make sure it is buried well and in good contact with the surrounding soil. Put the other end of the wick into the container of water.
Watch the plants and the watering container over the next few days to get a feel for how much your plants are drinking in a day. Check the soil to make sure it's moist and that the plants are wicking the water into the pots. If they aren't, check that the wick is well planted into the soil, or replace it.
Clean and refill your water containers often to avoid pests and algae. When it comes time to fertilize your plants, simply dilute your fertilizer into the water, and the plants will wick it into their soil.
Tips & Warnings
Make your own wicks by braiding cotton and nylon yarn or string together. Replace them at the first sign of rotting or molding to avoid rotting your plant's roots or soil.
Consider the individual needs of each plant when fertilizing.
