Summer Proofing Our Gardens - Wicking Bed Workshop Tambellup

Join Southern Dirt for a hands-on, practical workshop series focused on creating waterwise, heat-resilient gardens.

Join Southern Dirt for a hands-on, practical workshop series focused on creating waterwise, heat-resilient gardens that can thrive through hot, dry summers. The beds made during the workshop will be donated to the Tambellup Primary School Veggie Garden.

These workshops will explore simple, effective techniques for growing food and gardens with less water, healthier soils, and smarter plant choices. Together, we’ll put learning into action by building wicking beds on site for the kids at Tambellup Primary School Veggie Garden.

What you’ll learn:

• How to grow productive gardens in hot, dry conditions
• Choosing climate-appropriate and drought-resilient plants
• Improving soil health and moisture retention
• Mulching and water-saving techniques
• How wicking beds work, and how to build one

Why wicking beds?

Wicking beds are self-watering garden beds that store water in a reservoir at the base and draw it up to plant roots through capillary action, which greatly reduces evaporation and water waste. Because moisture comes from below, plants develop deeper, stronger root systems and require less frequent watering, making them ideal for hot, dry conditions. They also reduce nutrient leaching and protect soil structure by avoiding constant surface watering.

Whether you’re a home gardener, beginner, student, or simply curious, you’re warmly invited to be part of this community-led project.

Please bring gardening gloves, closed in shoes and water bottles for the events.

Optional: Shovel and wheelbarrow if possible

🌱 Come learn, build, and grow together.

📅 Workshop Dates & Sessions:

Saturday 7 March - 9am - 12noon
Learning + Building
A hands-on workshop focused on summer-proofing gardens, drought-resilient growing, cost-effective garden treatments and constructing wicking beds that will be donated to the Tambellup Primary School.

This project is supported by the Great Southern Development Commission, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.”