Very adaptable, can be as simple a a container set on a paper towel with the desired vertical distance to a water source.

Hi Dale

What type container are the plants in sitting on the root barrier? What is your capillary mat made of? Holes in the bottom of the containers? How is the wicking action accomplished? Want to try this.

Regular pots with drainage holes in the bottom. Plants are watered first to establish a connection to the mat by cohesion of the water film. Wicking Mat using Polyester Felt Material from a Fabric store works well. As soil drys it pulls the water from the Mat like water rising in a Paper towel. Water tension in the Mat is controlled by the vertical distance of water level to table top. A simple way to try this, place a pot on a paper towel with towel hanging in a basin of water. Just try it with a 6 pack container from a Gardening Store. I am using regular weed block fabric for root barrier. You can skip this ,if you are OK with roots growing into mat a little. Nutrient Solution can be added to water if desired.

also if you are concerned about any build up of salts. You can occasionally top water, or use any leaching techniques on the forum. Rinsing the mat occasionally if needed. Mats can washed by hand, soaked in disinfectant solution (dilute solutions of Bleach, Peroxide, Vinegar, etc) ,rinsed, and air dried. This is good done seasonally ,or if disease is noticed.

Great for starting seeds (especially surface sown), and vacation watering. Self watering seed starting flat is about $20 at Home Depot. Can make your own much cheaper.

Great idea!

Jane