DIY Sub-Irrigated Container

I am very much impressed with this project!  And decided to use this approach for my next container.  No, I did not buy it new, rather "used" which is much much more affordable.  So here it is with 3" corrugated perforated drain pipe - 10' piece cut to fit the 36" container.

From what I can tell the key to success is the soil mix:

The basic idea here is that you're constructing a mix that will effectively wick moisture to a vertical height of at least 14" (peat moss). However, that same mix must be porous so as to provide proper aeration to plant roots (perlite). Also you should have enough drainage for rain water to escape down into the water reservoir.

So, to recap, the bottom layer covering the drain tubes should be composed of:

• 1/3 coarse perlite
• 1/3 coarse vermiculite
• 1/3 peat moss

The growing media should NOT contain any rock, clay, sand, topsoil or compost.  Approved growing media.  Known to work:

• 2 cu ft Miracle-Gro Moisture Control
• 2 gal coarse perlite
• 2 gal coarse vermiculite
• 5 gal pine bark (1/4" - 1/2" fine)
• 3 cups earthworm castings

Top mix fertilizers:

• 3 cup dolomitic lime
• 1 cup tomato tone
• 1 cup bio-tone
• 3 tbs blood meal
• 3 tbs bone meal

I have yet to try this.....