Do you like them BIG?

*Building a Wick System: An Easy Way to Grow*

This excerpt from my new book “Ask Ed: Marijuana Success” hones in on one
of my favorite ways to grow cannabis at home with a wick system.

The wick container system is an easy way to garden because it’s
self-watering and removes the uncertainty of when to water. It requires far
less care than hand watering, and it’s simple, fast to assemble, and
inexpensive to set up. The wick system is based on capillary action. One
example of this is a tissue drawing up water from a puddle. The system we
set up works on the same principle. Instead of tissue, we use braided nylon
rope.
[image: The wick system can support large plants.]

The wick system can support large plants.

*Equipment Needed to Build a Wick System *
Starting from the bottom, we need a tray that’s at least three inches deep
and wide enough to support the plant container. The wider the container,
the deeper the tray should be. For instance, with a 6-foot container, I use
a 10-inch-deep tray, but with small containers, the tray is only 3–5 inches
deep.
[image: Holes were drilled in the trays for the wicks.]

Holes were drilled in the trays for the wicks.

Next, we need some blocks to hold the container a few inches above the
tray. Some possibilities are 2′ × 4′ or 4′ × 4′ boards, Styrofoam blocks,
or an inverted plastic tray. The container is next. Select the same size
container that you would normally use. I’ve used this system with four-inch
containers and eight-foot-wide soft containers.
[image: Pallets were used to support the tray above water.]

Pallets were used to support the tray above water.

Next is the wick. Nylon braided rope draws up water very well. These wicks
last for a long time. I’ve used some more than 10 years. Select the wick
size. The larger the container, the thicker the wick should be. A small
container needs only a ¼-inch wick, while a large container, which is
deeper than the small, can use wicks up to ¾ inches. Wider containers
should have more wicks, so water is drawn across the entire bottom of the
container by the wicks.
Next, the planting mix goes into the container. Once the water is drawn up
the wick to the bottom of the soil level, the soil starts wicking it up
vertically 8–10 inches. Many mixes are able to draw the moisture up, so try
your favorite first. You probably have already seen the soil mix wicking
when you watered a plant and excess water dripped into the tray below. A
while later, the water disappeared as it was pulled up into the planting
mix. The wick system works in the same way.
[image: Container ready for potting mix.]

Container ready for potting mix.

*Installation*
Place the wood or plastic supports in the tray. Measure and cut the wick.
It should start at the bottom of the tray, go through the drain hole in the
container and stretch across the container bottom to the drainage hole on
the other side and down to the bottom of the tray. The rope tends to fray
at the ends. To prevent this, before you cut, use two twist ties, one for
each end of the rope, to hold it in place. If the container is wide, use
two wicks, one in each set of two opposite holes. You may have to drill
holes in wider containers, such as kiddie pools or wide trays. Figure that
each wick drop covers about two square feet. Fill the container with a
planting mix. Plant the plant or seeds.
[image: Complete systems: tray, blocks, container, wick, planting mix.]

Complete systems: tray, blocks, container, wick, planting mix.

*Maintenance*
To start, add water to the container until it starts to drip into the
tray. Fill the tray with water. Refill the tray as it loses water. You can
also water the container from the top once in a while. The planting mix
absorbs water from the wick automatically as the plant uses it.
[image: The system was automated using a reservoir and a flush valve.]

The system was automated using a reservoir and a flush valve.

*Options *
This system can be automated. By placing a reservoir above the container
level and placing a flush valve in the tray, the water level can be
maintained for a longer time. A number of trays can be connected to a
reservoir so the whole garden is irrigated just by filling the reservoir.
The advantage of this system is that each tray receives water only as it
needs it.

And there you have it- an easy, inexpensive but really effective way to set
up your garden. Give it a try.
Ed Rosenthal
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*Father’s day is coming up June 21 *

If your dad’s an OG this might be the perfect time to update his grow
manual…and if he’s not, it’s still a good time to own a grow manual.
The purpose of my books has always been to show how to grow high-quality
grass easily and cheaply no matter where you live.
[image: Support a local bookstore and pick up a copy or, for a more
personal touch for dad, order from my website directly by June 15th and
receive an autographed copy. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook]

Support a local bookstore and pick up a copy or, for a more personal touch
for dad, order from my website directly by June 15th and receive an
autographed copy.

*Follow me on **Instagram** and **Facebook*