Expert Carpenters in North Vancouver, BC

No. But if vermiculite is available to you, it does make an excellent wicking material to install in your GardenWells, as it's highly absorbent, inert, and doesn't decompose over time. With all that being said, filling your GardenWells with a container blend soil will work just fine, and you'll be self-watering no problem. Vermiculate is preferable but not necessary.

Fertilizing is best done by amending your soil with nutrient rich organic compost after every crop. Once you're done harvesting, amend your soil with compost to bring the volume of soil back up to the top of your garden. If you're diligent in your amending, you should be able to limit the amount of additional fertilization required. However, if you have over planting, or growing heavy feeders, you can consider using an organic liquid fertilizer or compost tea to boost your garden at key points like flowering or the beginning of fruit set.

The ideal garden location is a combination of sun exposure and convenience. Ideally, the more sun the better! But you also want your veggie garden in a place you can harvest from everyday or at least 2-3 times per week.