Wicking Beds - What is Best for Filling the Reservoir?

by Meg
(Bullsbrook, WA, Australia)

I've been searching the web about wicking beds trying to find out what is best for filling the water reservoir. Twist and tear and boogie woogie I'm confused! Some advocate bluemetal, some sifted soil, others woodchips...

So I've set up an experiment to try out 4 different fills comprising sand, gravel, and/or loam. Here's what it looks like at 3 hours. Will monitor over the next few days and share with you.