Been reading a lot about SIP systems lately. These are raised beds that are watered from below and supposedly take a lot less water than regular raised beds. The roots take the water from below as they need it and less water is lost to evaporation than with traditional water from above raised beds. Since I have not had much success in this hot southern climate with plants so far I thought I'd give this a shot. Due to hurricane Irma we had some materials on hand that could be recycled so we didn't have to spend any money on lumber, making this a fairly inexpensive project. I was also happy we could put this material to use rather than it going to a landfill.
Fence panels rescued from the curb after hurricane Irma
2 x4's and 4 x4's left over from a section of our fence that snapped off in the hurricane
3' x 7' x 2' H box. Fence panel also made the bottom, but I didn't get a picture of that
Pond liner stapled at the top
Perforated drain pipe with sock
'soilless' dirt that supposedly will not compact as much and will allow moisture to wick up to the roots more easily
1" fill tube in one end and 1/2" drain tube at the other
12" deep of dirt with extra fence pickets used to finish out the top and provide a spot to lean on and hold tools.
It took about 15 gallons to do the initial fill up. Unfortunately we do not have a hose that can run unsoftened water this far so that was a bucket brigade. According the what I've read this should only need watered once a month or so depending on the weather.
I used cardboard to keep the weeds down, keep the soil cooler and keep neighborhood cats from using this as a litter box. In between I have planted lettuce and spinach. At the far end by the fill tube I put in a pepper plant I had in a pot that was not doing well. We'll see if this can save it. Hopefully we have produce in six weeks or so.