Access to fresh produce and sustainable gardening practices is a growing concern in many rural and small-town communities. In addition to challenges like poor soil quality and limited water access, many residents face space constraints that make traditional in-ground gardening difficult or impossible. Raised wicking beds and raised wicking containers offer a compact, water-efficient, and low-maintenance solution that can be implemented in small yards, patios, or community spaces.

To address this need, ANR/4-H Extension Agent Kristen Stumbo hosted a Raised Wicking Bed Workshop. The event provided participants with step-by-step instruction on how to build and maintain a raised wicking bed, including materials selection, soil layering, water reservoir setup, and planting techniques. Participants also explored the pros and cons of using self-wicking systems, gaining a balanced understanding of their benefits and limitations. A live comparison between plants growing in a traditional raised bed and those in a raised wicking bed allowed participants to see firsthand the differences in plant health and water retention. As an added bonus, each participant received a complete raised wicking container kit, ready to be used at home to start their own water-efficient garden. 

The workshop was held at the Magoffin County Extension Office, allowing for real-time demonstration, hands-on learning, and meaningful discussion among a total of 24 participants, including:

• 8 men and 16 women
• Participants included two 4-H youth

This diverse group worked together to build raised wicking beds, share gardening experiences, and take home their own ready-to-use kits.

Several adult participants expressed plans to implement wicking beds in their home gardens or community spaces, inspired by the simplicity and effectiveness of the system. A highlight of the workshop was seeing the example raised wicking bed located at the Extension office, which gave participants a clear, real-world demonstration of the system’s benefits and performance. During the workshop, we emphasized that “your imagination is your limit”—participants were encouraged to use materials they already had at home to create self-wicking containers, helping reduce the initial cost of building. This creative, resourceful approach empowered attendees to take what they learned and apply it in practical, affordable ways, supporting long-term sustainability and food security in their communities.