Homemade SIP-Bed System

With his Homemade SIP-Bed System, Lexington, OK, homesteader Jason Diehl can be sure his raised-bed vegetables always get the moisture needed. Each of Diehl’s 16-inch-deep wooden SIP-sub-irrigated planter-beds is lined with 15 mil. pond liner and has six lengths of 4-inch-diameter perforated drain tile at the bottom, beneath the soil. An inlet pipe at one end of the bed allows Diehl to hose-fill these tiles, which serve as hidden reservoirs; and an overflow pipe at the other end (positioned just above the tiles) drains away any excess. With this system, he waters only about once a week.

Cost: Nominal

Impairment Category: Back, Lower extremity, Strength/endurance, Upper extremity