Wick System
2:30 pm in Seeking Advice by schoolgardener
I am working with 3rd-5th graders on growing plants hydroponically in their classrooms. Before attempting the full windowfarm structure, I worked with my students to build individual hydroponic systems using the hand-pump and water-wicking system. While the hand-pumps we built seem to be working, our yarn-wicks are not wicking any water up…
Any suggestions on materials (other than yarn) that works well for a wick system?
Hi there,
It might be that your yarn is some kind of synthetic material… when we built the single-cell hydroponic kits, we used wool yarn… I think it’s critical to use natural fibers, and it might be that wool is really the best one. Not sure though.
Good luck!
If you go to a hydroponics shop, they sell wicking material. They are usually cut into strips already and will cost about $1 for a pack of 10. I use them for a wick system myself and have had great success.