Dutch Bucket Hydroponics - Tips & Expanding the Reservoir
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- In my current Dutch Bucket setup, I'm using 27 gallon reservoirs. They are matched up with 18-20 plants, not a very good ratio. So I'm having to constantly add water, about 10 gallons each day. I really need a larger reservoir. What I have done is add a 55 gallon plastic drum, connected by plastic tubing, and then hooked to a float valve in the reservoir. What this does is triple my overall capacity, thus enabling me to now put the system on a timer and spend my time doing other things.
Also in this video I talk about using pump filters, using buckets without lids, my results with open-pollinated Big Beef, and some surprising things about Cherokee Purple tomatoes.
My FB page: / mhp.gardener - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Thank you sir. I am truly amazed that so many people have taken an interest in what I do. When I first started this process, I had no idea things would have progressed this far....simply incredible. :)
Me and my wife got into growing Cherokee purples a while back and we absolutely love them. Nothing seems to stop them from producing here in north miss.Beauty is only skin deep, ugly to the bone, but man the flavor of a Cherokee purple runs stem to end.Great post,take care!
Thank you sir. One of the strong points of hydroponics is how adaptable it is to different locations and physical abilities. Once a system gets setup, there isn't a lot of maintenance needed.
This man knows his shit and his greenhouse with tomatos look like it could be the cover of better homes & gardens. Its really a beautiful work of art.Very inspiring and down to earth.
Thanks, I really enjoy gardening and hydroponics. So I try to share the things that I've learned so other people can have the same kind of success.
Can i come learn from u sir ?
Keep making the videos. I have been researching hydroponics in preparation to start my own system. You are correct in pointing out that while there are no end of hydroponics videos, few follow up with results. Your videos have been a gold mine of information on hydroponics from construction to harvest. They have been a blessing, and when I finally start my own hydroponic garden I intend to follow your example, documenting the entire process. Thanks again, and keep 'em coming.
This is by far one of if not the best set up
I agree Jon. The benefits of hybrids make them well worth the money.
My grandson is looking for our little garden. Can not wait for the snow to go. Anxious to try dutch buckets , floating rafts already ate some lettuce from a small indoor setup. Your info is priceless. THANKS
The thing I like best about your videos is how you follow up with the progress. As you said, it allows people to learn from your experience and experimentation. I'll keep checking in, because I hope to have my system built in time for next Spring. Thanks for all the great information.
Definitely. My plan is to get everything completed and then, during the heat of summer, I'll do some disinfecting. I've heard of people steam cleaning their greenhouses. With open windows, and blight so wide spread outside, I don't know what all I can do. But I'll try.
Of all the videos I’ve seen on you tube, yours are the best explained. Great for a beginner how does not understand the slang used. I’m a big fan of yours. I am a disabled Vietnam vet in a wheel chair. God bless you for what you do.
Will see you in the Lords house!
Great video! I agree about the lack of follow ups. Seeing a setup like this so far in a growth cycle was sorely needed. Thanks.
Mhp I created my set up using your methods and have had enormous success after the first run which got eaten by horned catipillars in 3 days they turned 20 plants into stubs , lesson learned i replanted another round and in 7 weeks i was pulling 5 inche diameter beef steak tomatoes off the vines by the armload nearly every day, and now int he middle of floridas cold snaps the yeilds fallen back a bit but there still knocking them out and lord the flavor is just over the top. salt and pepper and its a desert.
Ive been using general hydroponics solution at about 1800 ppm and they seem to like that really well but i dont flip the solution to a bloom solution because i found that doesnt work well being its rare that all the plants will bloom at the same time speacilly when beef steaks are indeterminate vines. but man i sure sure would like to shake your hand for not only inspiring me to grow hydro but for giving me the understanding and basic knowledge to do so successfully. when people ask me how i do it i simply say google mhpgardener cause he is the real deal on doing yourself affordably. god bless you and your family sir.
I'm one of those that didn't do any follow-up videos on my Dutch buckets. Why ~ they were outside and I couldn't keep the reservoir temps down enough to control the process.
Nutrients absorb so differently when temps are to high or too low, not to mention algae/fungus and destructive bacterial growth. Even with a drum buried, the more frequently a person water's, the warmer the water gets from circulating.
You'll love the taste of the Cherokee Purples.
I like the perlite for a couple of reasons. Being easy on tender transplants was one. And being so lightweight when dry was the other. When I get ready to shut it down, I cut off the water and let the plants use up all of the water inside the buckets. Once they've dried out, I take them down. The perlite is dried out by then and easier to clean up.
Well you've talked me into it, Santa Eddie starting the dutch bucket system down in Mississippi, my problem is finding buckets. Thanks Bobby for your great info
It's great how amazingly grown those plants in a simplistic way.I truly adore your tips and tricks over maintaining those plants.
Good question. I put the float valve down low enough to compensate for the backfill, just in case. But the flow rate from the pump far exceeds the drip from the barrel. So once the pump stops, there is a lot of empty space to be filled by the returning water. Soon as I find another plastic barrel, I'll put a float in the other reservoir.
Just wanted to let you know, these videos are awesome and exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate your thoroughness!
I love your videos Bobby! I happened to stumble onto one last year about your Dutch Bucket setup and I have been catching up on all of them. I don't have a green house and live in the northeast so I have been chomping at the bit waiting for this winter to once and for all give up so I can get started on growing outside on my deck! I have been buying all of the parts needed and I am very excited to try your method. Great job!
These are the best videos on the Dutch Bucket style of growing. Thanks...
Your garden looks a heck of a lot better than mine but the way I accommodate having the reservoir higher than the return line is with a sump type pump that has a float switch built into it.
I feed the buckets with a pump inside the 55 gallon barrel and then it returns to a lower reservoir (like the one you have). Then inside that lower reservoir is the sump pump. When the nutrient level gets high enough to trigger the float switch, it pumps it back into the 55 gal drum.
Love your videos.
I'm from Manitoba Canada. I'm setting up a couple of greenhouses for year round vegetables. I have watched a lot of your videos and they are extremely informative. I want to setup the Dutch bucket system like yours among others. Awesome videos.
I love all your information. I am planning to start a vertical hydroponics garden (small), and your experience and comments will be very helpful. I am excited!
Glorian K nice
Hi
You're right about the float valve while the pump is running. If you notice, I have the valve about 4-5 inches below the top of the tote. This gives enough room for the backfill once the pump stops. There's not much you can do in regard to a flow rate from the big tank. It's fairly slow, but sufficient considering the down time between cycles.
You and LDS Prepper are my favorite channels.
You're welcome. I'm glad it's been helpful.
Yes this is helpful thank
you might try a commercial dehumidifier
I've grown Pink Brandywine, and they were very good. The production wasn't great, but the size and quality were excellent. Thanks.
Just a nice tip I want to share with you. I have a worm bed and compost pile starting out back and its mid November in Upstate NY. I needed to get my snowblower up and running and a light bulb went off in my head. After watching countless gardeners toil turning over their compost piles I pulled up the snowblower and threw my compost right into it while running and the tiller part turning... aerates and mixes my manure, compost and leaves all at once! I only have to pick it up once and its DONE!!! I thought that was a good idea! Let me know if you agree for someone on a small scale home garden...
You're certainly correct about placing them in the ground but they were to supplement what I had growing in dirt.
I'm now doing at test with a couple tomato plants. The nutrient solution is pushing root and blossom growth but the lights are for vegetation growth. Guess what, the lighting is winning out. The flower clusters are only 4-6 on my Early Girls but the growth of the plant is solid.
I hope it goes well for you Duane. A lot of people are doing this with much success.
I've learn a lot with your videos, you make it seems so easy and fun! I have a 5 bucket system (RDWC), one Floating Roots, and 2 NFT..... working now trying to insulate better my buckets, and looking for ways to maintain apart the plants leaves from the PVC in the NFT, because it gets so hot, it burns them....
Thank's Bobby!
I remember seeing your setup and the rags for the filter. I think the key to doing this outside is getting an early start. With the ability to pick the buckets up and bring them inside, you could easily set them out 3 weeks earlier than in-ground plants.
You're changing the world with this
I love all of your videos. I'd like to see one on how you build the support for the dutch buckets. I know its not gardening, but I think it would be great for people like me who love your setup!
Thank you. I try to help out as best I can.
Thanks. If I start something in a video, I think it's important to show the end result. That way people don't ending up trying something that I already know will fail.
Thanks Bobby always look foward to your next show.
First off we love your video's! we are saving up 5 gallon buckets so we can try the dutch buckets. I owned and ran green house business for 15 years and this is the first time I could maybe help you. They are right Cherokee purple is one of the best tasting tomatoes I have ever grown but can I suggest a few others that just work wonderful together Great white, purple Cherokee, pink brandywine, and green zebras makes a tomato salad you wouldn't believe. Again we really enjoy your video's
What an interesting and informative presentation?!! I'll be sure to look at your other videos as well as those by the Canadian gentleman Brock. Many blessings.
Thank you for all this great information. Your video was also shared with my son in California where the weather is pretty much mild year round. I learned a lot, especially when you wrapped your buckets to protect and prevent algae from growing inside the buckets. Great video! Ernie from Sarasota Florida
The black plastic really helps when it comes time to clean up. Without the algae, the buckets clean up really quick. Thanks.
Where can I find this type of squared type bucket? Are you using mess bags for all of your buckets? What are you using for your liquid (liquid nutrient commercial or maybe compost tea, worm tea?). Thank you! Great video!
Ernie Yribe ghh,uttnj$&lm(╯﹏╰）@_@_*_66655 (_*_^__^*) 嘻嘻……(*^__^*) 嘻嘻……o_O:'(:-\:-[(╯﹏╰）(╯﹏╰）(╯﹏╰）(╯﹏╰）fo
Ernie Yribe I found mine @ Walmart for $1 in the bakery. They sell me their icing buckets.
Try Kroger. I got mine for free ; )
you could be a tv star, besides informative, you make it very enjoyable to watch !
Yes, the 2 layers of plastic with the inflation blower has worked great. It is definitely better than a single layer.
God bless you. Your explanation loud and clear.
Gardening is always a challenge. Some years are better than others, so it's important to take advantage of the good years. Around here, the rain usually sets in the first week of July, and then the blight goes crazy. Even when I spray, I don't get very good results. It's just something that we have to deal with. Fungalville.... LOL
Hi Bobby! As usual, this video is so helpful! Watching your channel is like signing up for a course.. so informative.
We are now ready to pilot this method in Nigeria, but of course there are many things we cannot find locally (grommets, black plastic cover, grow plugs, etc). Our goal is build it from all locally sourced materials, so we are trying our best and maybe we will put up video responses to let you know how it goes and what we were able to find as alternatives.
Cheers
Angel
We Farm Africa
Best for fungus 100% natural is Bicarb of soda also put some epsom salts in your hydro mix
Give us an update, did you set up a system?
Your videos are great Bobby keep up the good work. I started a hydroponic system this year using all your information and things or turning out great. I am in Arizona high country so things are pretty hot and windy here. Started my system outside until the wind blew everything away then I build a Gaito Green House (thats the name my wife give it because it is bad but it works. Thanks again for all of your information.
Bless You
JR
Thanks. This is really a simple process and produces some nice tomatoes.
Hay Bobby, Yet another great video. It has finally warmed up enough here to start working on the yard/flower beds. Can't wait to plant some veggies. Still another 3 weeks before it is warm enough. Thanks for keeping me motivated.
Greg
thanks for all your hard work and sharing your experiences. i just wanted to share something with you and your viewers. i was at china-mart the other day and and just happened across some 2 gallon white, round buckets for $2.47each, but no lids for them as of yet (they even has some as small as 1 gallon) near the paint supplies. just thought it might be a good starting point for some dutch bucket systems and not too expensive. thx again for all you do.
That is beautiful!!! You are a really good gardener for sure. Tried to grow some vegetables using hydroponics and never works too well.
Hi Bobby, thanks for the time spent in explaining to most interested hydroponics grower in areas of which they have questions. i have few questions in mind to ask.
1, when you have no electricity to power the pump, what do you do at night ? how do you water the plants? and how often ?
2, is it possible to re-use nutrients solution and if how?
3, do you use Carbon dioxide in you greenhouse ?
4, and how did you deal with white flies? if any.
5, and how many fruit per pant were you getting ?
Very informative and down to earth gentleman. Thank you for sharing your own hydroponic system.
Merci
I have my first dutch bucket system up and running, thanks to you.
Thanks John. Sounds like a pretty cool greenhouse. I'm sure the next one will be to the wife's liking. :)
been watchin u for two year u doing a great job I have learn from u alot
The overall length of the vines depends on how long it's been growing and under what conditions. I've seen plenty of people with 25 ft vines, in greenhouses, and outside. Pulling the fruit off prior to being fully ripe will allow you to have more fruit, and longer vines. But I prefer to let the tomatoes get fully ripe first. Some type of hanger system allowing you to drop the plants is a good idea.
mhpgardener ه
It's a good idea to do a full change at least once a month, maybe sooner in very hot weather.
MHP (Supper Gardener)
Keeping the greenhouse pressurized to keep out the pests both legged and non legged. I am using 4 cheep box fans two at each end of the greenhouse. The fans are pumping air through 8 micro furnace filter. I have bug screens at all my vents. The second main reason is cooling, as I here in Florida. Thank for the help.
I cut the black plastic into strips, then carefully wrapped and taped the buckets. Thanks.
Hey Bobby,
Those Cherokee Purple tomatoes... I have been growing them outside for years. They are some of the most delicious tomatoes in the world, in my opinion ( and everyone else I have given tomatoes to). They might not look as pretty as some of the mainstream tomatoes, but they are awesome.
Grown Outside, I have to take them off before they are completely ripe. If I don't, the birds, squirrels, etc. devour them. Take em off a little early and let them ripen dark. A real Treat!
Another excellent video Bobby. We so appreciate you sharing your results and upgrades such as the replenishing tank and float valve. Brock is doing well, thanks for mentioning him. I wrapped four of my Dutch Buckets in kitchen aluminum foil and like the look of them and hope that works out. My next four, I'm going to try black plastic wrap, on the inside of the bucket, Creating Brocks Panda idea with white bucket, black plastic inside? We'll see. Thank you much, happy growing!
What came to my mind was...what if you put something like rock dust, such as Azomite, in the water. It's probably not very soluble, but maybe it would benefit both the plants and people a little more. Have you ever heard of anybody doing anything like this in hydroponics? I want to tell you how much I've enjoyed your videos. They are fantastic. I want to do hydroponics in the worst way, but I'm not in a situation to be able to do that right now, unfortunately.
Search " tomato megabloom".. it's not too uncommon in the larger varieties. All 3 of my CP had megablooms. From everything I've read, you're doing good by spraying the tea. I'm in the process of setting up a 24/7 brewing system where I have compost always available. I don't think it would interfere with the hydro stuff at all. It should be just as, or more beneficial than using it anywhere else.
I having baling twine tied to purlins in the top of the GH. The stems are secured to the twine with trellis clips. It's an easy way to keep things vertical.
I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge to the entire World. Thanks.
I suggest you cut the leaves flush with the stem with a rasorsharp knife. That way you risk less problem with deceases in the V of the stump.
I grew Cherokee Purple for the first time last year, and got those same multiple flowers and compound fruit. That means multiple cores you have to cut out, so I won't be growing them again - I'd rather have nice slicers or easier sauce/chunk tomatoes.
I think I asked about the disease resistance of the de-hybridized Big Beefs.This is why the seed companies are justified in selling hybrid seed - it takes a lot of money to develop that disease resistance and prove it with tests.
The barrel is filled with nutrient water, as if I had filled the reservoir. On the really hot days, it doesn't hurt to add some plain water to the reservoir, to compensate for the rapid transpiration. Yep, gotta be a plastic barrel. And I put 2 coats of Kilz primer on it, as opposed to using straight paint. Brock is a good fella. I think folks will enjoy seeing what he's up to.
I find your information very helpful, thank you for taking the time.
thank you for posting I keep watching God bless
I am up to 30 dutch buckets now in two systems. This system is great, and once set up it not too much work.
I have been using pea gravel since it is heavy and my buckets are outside. Just today I added a bucket with perlite in it. Wow, does that stuff absorb water. It is also fairly heavy once the water has been added. Not as heavy as the gravel, but still quite heavy. I do think that perlite might be better for recent transplants, especially seedlings with limited roots.
excellent fruit, a great example of competent grove
It's definitely blight, some with the very pronounced concentric rings. With a precise fertilizer schedule, there shouldn't be any nutrient issues unless the ph got way out of line. I checked it recently and it was in the 6.5-6.7 range, pretty good. Once it starts to spread, it's hard to get back under control.
Hey Bobby. I have watched this video so many times as I am preparing to install some buckets. Thanks for the great info. I just wanted to say that Cherokee Purple and other heirlooms(according to the mixing instructions on hydro gardens) should be run on a reduced concentrate to avoid the fruit from looking like that. They have two recipes, one for commercial tomatoes(I think Big Beef falls here) and one for heirlooms. I just thought you might want to know.
I just want to thank you for all this videos.
I'm from Argentina.
Like the reservoir set up. Think I might try that
Those pump protector bags are a great idea, will have to check those out or something like them for my pond pumps. That float was a great idea too. I do love those C.P. tomatoes too. Glad you are have good luck with them.
Yes, I tried baking soda, Neem, and Daconil over the last month. Once blight takes hold, it's hard to get rid of.
I don't know if this will work but have you considered spraying worm tea with microbial activity on the leaves to eliminate the leaf blite. Their is a company here in Florida that grows a really good worm tea. I can't think of the name of the company but if your interested I will look the video up and make sure you get it. Thanks for never giving up and continuing to be a pioneer in the hydroponics! I like watching your videos!
Creative wood worker I'm interested in the name of the tea. My email is lindabsmith11@gmail.com. Going to try growing tomatoes and need all.l the help I can get. My very first time at growing veggies but I can grow beautiful flowers!
If you find that worm tea supplier I would be interested since I'm in FL.
you can make your own worm tea, just invest in a worm farm either DIY it or buy one, or even a compost tea using actual tea and coffee grounds..
I have not started my operation yet, but a book by Howard Resh states that tomato growers in British Columbia reduce Fusarium wilt by "intercropping several lettuce plants in each row with the tomatoes. Marigolds might also be able to cut down on nematodes.
There's no soil to be infected
Your videos are consistently outstanding! Thanks for the useful information.
Just to echo what "Ibeaclare" below . . . We appreciate your thorough efforts and delivery. Thanx Again - - - GR
Yes. I had some fungal issues, so I pruned the infected leaves.
I am Montagnard indigenous I love this greenhouse tomatoes look so juicy ready to eat for salad.
Man, this is a very informative and well explained video. You make me want to jump and go set me up some buckets!
Your tomatoes is very empressive nice .Good job....
You're welcome. I hope it works well for you.
I am impressed with the effort you have put into your operation. You obviously love growing things. I am curious as to what you do with all those tomatoes.
I don't have any peppers going right now. But I think they'd be ok using the same nutrients. Peppers will grow much slower than the other plants, especially hot peppers.
I've been using Perlite. It's lightweight and I get it pretty cheap at the local feed store.
So good when speaking of agriculture
I'm seriously thinking about planting corn this week..... thinking really hard on it too. I planted April 13th last year and it made pretty good.
The barrel is an extension of the reservoir, so it gets the full nutrient solution. If you have a good source of water, at a ph of 7, and changing the reservoir every 2 weeks, you shouldn't have to worry about ppm or ph.
OMG I've been watching and am building my first Dutch bucket system right now. Would have been much easier with the right tools though. Still very excited! Thank you SO much for your informative and entertaining videos. Love from Texas!!
Mix one table spoon of baking soda to one gallon of water spay on the leaves top and bottom make sure you spray both sides. That should solve leave blight.
For me, the best tomato is Rutgers. There are a few different versions of it though, both determinate and indeterminate. For just a bunch of 8 oz tomatoes, I'd go with Heinz 1439 or Homestead. But they are determinates. Most of the indeterminates I'm familiar with consistently produce much larger than 8 oz, with the exception of some of the paste tomatoes.
It's 29 degree's in N Alabama , greenhouse holding 50 degrees , thanks for your posts
Thank you. That helped a lot. I had my buckets on 1x8 and they are wobbly. I'm having trouble with the grommets leaking. I'm using the ones from Grainger because my local Lowes and Home Depot do not carry the right size. The half inch PVC is very loose in the grommet.