Hey folks, I’ve been running a DIY wicking bed setup from IBCs for about two years now in zone 6, and yeah, the “self-watering” hype can feel like false advertising when you’re babysitting the float gauge. On graywater: I’ve used it from veggie rinses and low-sodium plant soaps (like those castile-based ones), but only after running it through a simple sand-charcoal filter. No salt issues yet, but I test the EC monthly-keeps it under 1.5 mS/cm to avoid buildup. Hero move if you’re vigilant, tragedy if you slack.
Mosquitoes? BTi dunks are gold; they’ve zeroed out larvae without harming my earthworms or soil microbes. Just pop one in every couple weeks and call it a day-way better than constant mesh fiddling.
For salt crust: I do a top-flush every 4-6 weeks with rainwater, letting it overflow until the output runs clear. Mulch heavy with straw on top, and it stays chill. Worms? Mine thrive in a buried tube composter at the edge; they wander up to the wicking layer but don’t flood the res-keeps things aerobic.
Cats: Raised gravel border around the bed plus some thorny companion plants (like rue) have kept the neighborhood furballs at bay. No photos handy, but my cherry tomatoes are pumping out smugness this year-hit me with those worm hacks if you’ve got ’em!