Tip: Cutting the fill pipe at an angle to keep the pipe off the bottom will suffice; no holes needed. Tip 2: Making the handles opposite each other (before screwing the buckets together) will help you carry the planter if needed. Thanks for sharing, great job.
He left out one aspect that should have been addressed. You should also paint the bucket portion that is going to hold water. Paint it black this will prevent any ultra violet light from entering water, this will prevent mold and mildew. I would paint the outter lower blue bucket about six inches in height, all the way around the bucket. Using black spray paint. You did a great job sir, it will grow many different varieties of food. I use similar system. I was given 50 five gallon buckets that came from Home Depot! Growing in five gallon buckets is efficient, portable, and convinient!
I've viewed this video 6 x because you explained everything with a visual and a hands-on demonstration from beginning to end. So many videos are good, but required too many parts! Your technique is motivating for those who want to grow fantastic tomatoes with limited space. Now that I've made th list of all needed, Home Depot is next. Thank you for a down-to-earth video that does not intimidate with material overload. I'll let you know how mine turns out.
First of all, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment! Second, thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement! Third, I hope your tomatoes turn out AMAZING!
I agree!! Terrific job kind sir!!! From one old, retired teacher- sir, you made your 6, 8, 10 & 12th grade English, Shop, Art, Technology and every other teacher you ever had proud with how you approached and executed this teaching video. A- (only because you forgot to include links to “wherever” EXACTLY what I need to order up tonight!! 😂 Kinda like watching a puff pastry, pie or bread dough making video except different tools! 😅 less intimidating that way! Now- who can lend me a fancy drill with all those bits & a jig saw??
I used cat liter buckets for my design. Best part is you don't need to use screws to hold the inner bucket up. When slipped together the space between the two is perfect. Instead of perlite I used brown scotchbrites with a dot of hot glue to hold the bits down. When setting water capacity, pour 1-2 gallons in the bottom bucket, use a magic marker to mark the water level, dump and the drill your drain tube.
I'm a dirt farmer and grow in bags. I used 5 gallon buckets for years, and the plants tell you when they want water. Happy Frog potting soil works for me, but I also used MG for years, and they love that as well. All of my water for the plants runs through an RO unit first. I like your attention to detail about making sure all of the soil is thoroughly saturated. Dry spots in soil tend to remain dry for some reason. I like the grow bags because it's impossible to over-water. When a plant is thirsty, it'll droop. Once you get the hang of growing, you just know when it's time to water by sticking your finger into the soil. Easy.
Thanks for your kind words! I’m not real picky when it comes to potting soil brand. One of my favorites is a super cheap off-brand that Lowes carries. I totally agree on the dry spots!
I've watched so many videos on this subject that it'll make your head spin. Yours by far, is the best one I've seen. Angle cutting the fill tube is the only thing I'll add. Well explained especially about the start of saturating the soil. Thank you so much.
New drinking game: take a drink or shot every time he says “bucket”! 😂😂 All jokes aside, I’m saving this video to make a couple of these next year. For a lot of us these items are pretty normal and can be found in our garages and sheds! I’m pretty stoked to give this a try.
Thank you for this and thank you for being straightforward. Sometimes people talk a lot of fluff before they get to the meat of things and that is so annoying to me.
"Self wicking buckets" are awesome. Been using a similar version for 3 years. Found a different design that uses only 1 bucket. Currently over wintering 3 year old pepper plants in my basements. Definitely saves water.
The trip to home depot was fine👍. The staff at homedepot can be retarded. Mission accomplished , minor adjustments. I replaced the drain hole with a plug(so I can transport). Made 2
Put a small cork onto the end of a thin bamboo stick. Before adding water, drop it down the fill tube until it hits the bottom. Now mark a line on the cane at the top of the pipe. Put it to one side. Fill with water. You can put the float you built in from time to time and make sure the mark you made is still above the top of the pipe. I would refill if it`s closer than 1/4 inch.
I built a few of these in the past. I used a small fishing bobber with a few straws attached to make a level indicator to put down the fill tube. You can also daisy chain them and use float valves and such to make watering automatic. Great tutorial!
Ok now Nicodemuscg!! I need to see your video addition to that if it worked. Also, some asked about painting bucket black to keep light out. Good idea, but looks like your set up is already blacked out w/dark blue- right?? Just asking as a brand newbie thinking this through with other comments. Thanks if you can answer. Deb
I am working on making this system at the moment at home. Maybe 5 buckets chained together with a floater and possibly a rain barrel? Any suggestions? 😂
@@HydroHowTo Ok so I built it and added an oil pan under it with a micro switch on a float wired to a solar panel and water pump wich circulates over flow back into the top works great 👍
I've been doing this for several year for my tomatoes and Green Chilies. I use net cups , like in hydrogrowing. 1 1/2 in works great in my top bucket as the transfer cup. I pack it with coco. and then blend in coco with my soil for the bottom 3 to 4 inches. coco is a great wicking medium.
@@closetcleaner there's a company called waterwick if you want to look them up. They specifically only do this and it works great for all kinds of plants.
I paused at five minutes to express my compliments on your method and style of teaching others. It is terrific. (I worked in a corporate environment for years developing adult training courses, and at this point, I could not suggest how this could be improved -- it is that good.)
Thank you so much for the kind words!! This entire channel was built as an experiment related to developing how-to content that actually empowers people to start doing.
half a year later glad to report these do work, cauliflower and broccoli took well to them. only thing i would note for anyone else trying to make them is to keep in mind the height of the net cup you use. you want to make sure it sit flat in the top bucket, and not be pushed up by the bottom bucket. if not the soil seems to over water, become too wet for plants and the leaves turn yellow.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I watched your DIY video 12 times! I made 6 buckets following your easy instructions, and found them to easy to make. I have 6 plants, one for each, and for this first season, I want to have success, then I'll make 6 more next spring. Your instructions were easy to follow!
I would think that some company would have made similar systems. Don't get me wrong, i respect the DIY aproach and i see the benefit of this system. I myself for several reasons just won't do this. So has anyone seen a brand that does this well?
A single bucket works just as well. Just create an overflow hole 4 inches above the bottom and fill those 4-5inches with reusable gravel/clay balls, a hole either side will make sure it handles rain. Fill the remaining with potting mix. This is what they call the 'hempy bucket method'. A tried an true simple method dating back around 20 years.
I use a res bucket and drip on multiple buckets each having a res like these that overflow back to the main res. Ive been growing weed for decades and this is just like nature.
@@HydroHowTo You probably wont "lose 4-5 of growing area in the bucket". As plants do use that area for their 'water roots' instead of the normal aerial roots in soil above.
i think I'm gonna use this to repurpose my old bato buckets. my grommets started to leak around the seal and this would wok beacuse it alread has the drainage hole. plus a still have the net cups. thanks for the upload
I like you're idea of raising the upper bucket and holding it in place with screws to create a larger reservoir, I'm going to give it a try.. I use a 3rd bucket and cut away most of the bottom and use it as a spacer, buckets with an extra large rim are hard to come by. Instead of a paint bucket I use a piece of 3" PVC with an interior test plug (flat) on the bottom, hole saw makes perfect cuts. Also like your idea of using perlite on the bottom of the upper bucket. Think I would prefer coarse perlite but hard to source locally (Amazon $$$$). Thanks for the ideas. I also have a larger 35 gallon version for tomatoes. I might try my hand at a CZcams video to show it. Glad to share if you're interested.
Hey Tom, thanks for the comments! I like the idea of the 3" PVC pipe with the test plug. I ended up buying a huge bag of coarse perlite from my local farm supply center, if you have one nearby that could be an option. I'd love to see that 35 gallon version! You should definitely make a video on it!! What kind of tomatoes do you grow in those big versions?
@@HydroHowTo Overcome by events. The 35 gallon version uses a 5 gallon bucket upside down with a 3-4" hole for a piece of PVC for wicking chamber. I use a 1/2" PVC for the divider that sits on top of the bucket, I have to cut it in half to get in place. I grow Better Boy, trying several different Hoss varieties next spring. If you have a Facebook page or want to share your email I'd be glad to share pics of my planters.
Truly great 👍 video just to add to your green pepper when you are done with the green pepper just cut off at the bottom and cover it with leafs and it will produce more pepper again and again
Thank you for this! I live in a Condo complex that allows me to do what I want in the back yard as long as it stays below the fence, so these will be quite useable for me!
thanks. this was very helpful and now I can grow veggies in the backyard of the apartment I live in. The landlady doesn't want a hose in the back, so I hook it up to my sink on the second floor. its a pain. but this will save time and water...
When I need to put a bunch of small holes in plastics that tend to crack my 1st option over a drill is a fine tip on a soldering iron. So much faster and seems to make the hole area stronger and less chance to split later. Something i do for DIY aquarium/aquaponic filters and pots
@@HydroHowTo if you where to add a mini float valve you could auto feed a bunch via 1 barrel or tank. Add a small air stone in each and maybe get away with 2-3 small guppies for pest control. Just need a sponge in the overflow ;)
Nice job with the video. Some of the other ones on CZcams tend to be a bit long because they didn't edit anything. Yours is nice and concise. Two things I would suggest with the fill tube: Just cut the bottom at a 45. done, the second is to put an offset oil filler funnel on the top of the tube. It makes it easer to fill, when the plant is bigger it's easy to find the filler.
Thanks so much for the kind words! Yes, it can absolutely be tailored to a larger bed. If you search AlboPepper SIP Bed on YT, he has a really good video on making SIP raised garden beds.
Wonderful video, extremely well made & easy to follow, and thanks for repping us bald men. 2 questions: 1. For what size vegetable plants is this size planter suitable / unsuitable? 2. Do you recommend fertilizing into the reservoir with water soluble fertilizer, or into the soil? Thank you!
I've been using this system for years and found that it becomes a mosquito magnet if you don't cover the drain hole with netting. Also, the water reservoir becomes full off manure water if you water from the top instead of filling the reservore directly.
It seems you don't worry about the water level in the bottom bucket is their another way to tell besides dropping plants I'm planning on trying this out wish me good luck
@@alvinbryant8313 I used to put a cork skewered to a long stick and placing it in the inlet pipe to tell water level but drilling a hole on the side of the bucket and attaching a 1/4 hose to it was sufficient to tell it was full. i used the cap from the bic pens to cap the 1/4 hose so the mosquitos don't get in the water resorvor. good luck!
@@alvinbryant8313 Instead of drilliing holes in the small paint bucket, I used a razor to cut 3 slits, works fine as a wick for the top bucket. Also, the Solo cups work just as fine as a wicking medium and way cheaper. I used the cups from Starbucks also for wicking since it is taller (because I used a different top containter instead of the 2 bucket system, so you get more soil)
That is some Great idea you shared my friend. People as you amaze me. This is what makes the net great. Ideas as yours will keep so may of us novice gardeners for screwing Up another year hopes of growing our tomatoes.
Great tutorial! I tried it before, quite the same way (2,5 gallons) and it worked perfekt! The most suprising thing was, when the season was over, I checked the soil and the roots. There Where over 25 worms inside. At my other normal pots i never did this observation. It was an organic grow outside with the same potting Mix in all Pots. So why no worms in the normal bots? My theory is that the constant and right amount of moisture provide a better invironment for the life in the soil. And what can be better than that? The microbiological life in the wormpoo is amazing and you don't habe to add it. I keep on ding this next year to get closer to the lifing soil topic. Thank you!
Thank you Christian! That sounds like a pretty solid theory. The only other thing I would add is that the water reservoir in the bottom provides airflow and natural cooling.
@@HydroHowTo your soil will get better every year if u keep it hydrated all year. Soon you'll have the best in the world. Give it mollases and a dash of coconut water
Great info! Im tired of hand watering early am at mosquito feeding time here in east texas so I will be trying this under my new scorpion diablo grow light this winter and then outside next spring and just maybe by next winter I will still have blood. Its brutal here in the piney woods. Thanks again!
One of the best video's I have ever seen. Excellent narration and presentation, not to mention that your system is very creative and practically genius! Kudos my friend.
Great job sir Super easy and inexpensive as well I did something similar w/ceramic rocks and supplied half a dozen 5 gal buckets and used a small pump for circulation Your much easier method is also very affordable Thanks a ton Sir
@@IntuitiveMatters I came to the idea from dutch bucket ideas I had read about but I'm sure there are videos on 5 gal bucket systems or Dutch buckets by now I did it years ago before CZcams good luck my friend
Beside how to video I've seen during the pandemic, and I've seen A LOT of videos in the last 2 years. Every tool possibly needed is listed and instructions cover every scenario. If I can't build this I need to give it up. Great job.
Cutting the end of the fill port at an angle will give it lots of room flow into the reservoir. Just a helpful concept from another video. Currently putting together ideas from lots of people to try and make some "set and forget" potatoes with a large fill reservoir on a float. I feel like they need a wet/dry cycle to prevent rot through
I’ve been using grobucket systems which is pretty similar but really like the home made version you have highlighted here. Just amazing how well you am grow in these type of setups and the 5gal buckets can be found anywhere really. Thanks for sharing.
Those are slick! I'm adding these to my garden list for next season for sure! What all do you grow in them besides peppers and tomatoes? Would love to see a harvest video!
Thanks Svaren! I think you'll really enjoy them! This year I grew peppers, tomatoes, squash, and zucchini in the buckets. There's really no limit to what you can grow in them. They're deep enough to grow root veggies like carrots and radishes. Also, they're great for growing peas, beans, and any other bushy plants. I don't have much left for a harvest video this season, but I'll keep that in mind for early next season! Thanks so much for your comment, and for checking out the video!
Does this also work with cannabis plants. And the reason I asked is because I was specifically told not to let it sit in water. New to the game learning as I go along
Hey Albert! “Don’t let it sit in water” refers to keeping the soil or plant oversaturated. Using a wicking bucket like this only pulls water as the soil needs it, so it never becomes too wet. The only limitation is the size of the bucket. As long as it’s big enough for what you’re growing, it’ll do great.
Yes it does. I used to have overwatering issues when I first started. This design has cleared that up. Plus I can leave for a couple days and not worry about it. I use one bucket with the lid cut out and pushed down inside. I put an old Tupperware container with holes drilled in it as a spacer in the bottom for the cut lid to rest on. I used to run it with a pump and airstones to aerate the water, but I found that to be unnecessary.
The one problem is that soil leaches into the reservoir through the holes in the cup. I combat this by sliding the cup into the foot of some pantyhose then installing the cup and trim off the excess. Use some fine sandpaper and polish up the hole before installing the cup to avoid snagging the pantyhose.
Hell yeah bud you get a LIKE outa me!! This is dope!! My mom has been texting me all week harassing's me to help her make something for indoor pepper and hot dam YOU GOT PEPPERS here. BRILLIANT
WOW, I just watched this video, it is the first one I have seen on this channel- as a 30 year handy man - This is an excellent video. A great job explaing the simple process for a simple genius idea. Thanks. Really good stuff.
Hello! Im planning on using this system this year and im very excited! I just had a quick question. Would it be smart to drill a few small holes in the side of the bucket where the soil will sit to help with airflow? Or would this not really have any effect? Thank you!
Hi Mitchell, I don’t think that would have much effect, but don’t let me talk you out of experimenting. Give it a try, and let me know how it works. Thank you for reaching out!
Look at Alaska Grow Buckets. These use a colander and a grow bag, like a cloth shopping bag, and have holes in the bucket. This causes air pruning of the roots, resulting in a much better root system. Change the continuous water feature to a fill tube.
Impressive tutorial! Good information explained clearly with fantastic graphics/animation. I constantly struggle to get the graphics right when I'm designing educational materials. Did you design these yourself?
Thank you very much for the video. Such a practical build. I live in Tucson, AZ so it's time to start putting together the garden for the year. Going to start seedlings in about a week here.
Do you feel satisfied with how much air is getting into the root system and how uniformed the water distribution is? Was wondering if that input tube is always above the water line, more air can get in there. Other self watering buckets have that smaller wicking holes and on the side. Let me know and thanks!
I just cut two slits in the bottom bucket and slide in a microfiber towel. that touches the water in the bottom bucket, I would have to lift the first bucket to fill but I grew a whole bucket of basil and I only had to refill it like 3 times. Its much easier to make on a large scale and good for people with out a lot of tools
@softaco3088 well there's no thumbs down any more, comments increase engagement stats and it was sarcastic. I understand sarcasm is hard to perceive through text but I believe in you. You can do it.
Re: All the positive Comments, I endorse. Well presented video. Thanks. I like simple, pragmatic solutions to problems, as this one is. Nicely organized video. I think I will have a few of this design & a few simple "all water" designed systems. Depends on the height of the plant. Greens, as with Romaine lettuce, might do well in all water system. And taller plants, such as tomato vines, etc., may do better with your 2 bucket soil system. Experimenting.🙂Thx. P.S.: I like the bucket equipment for the convenient built in handle for relocating it. Also, adding panty hose as preventive mosquito netting with a wire tie off onto the drain plug is a good addition.
Thank you for such a great idea and great instructions ! I already have a couple of plants that I want to put into one of these!!! Thank God I understood all your instructions so it should be fairly easy to do! From your experience how long do you think the water in the container should last? I know there are many things to consider, I am just wondering if they would be okay for a week or two while on vacation?
I had my best runs in hydro. But not taste. I then went to dirt and had great success with bottom feeding planters from Walmart. Point is. I like the 5 gallon bucket, lol. Great video brother!
If u like Ocean forest from Fox's farms you should try there strawberry fields soil 😮😊🎉mix both together with worm casting like the video I've been using this set up for 2 years now but I've switched over using 3 bucket the center bucket is just a spacer u are only using the top piece this helps you out so no screws are used for the space it's truly working great
About to start my garden and will try this. Only things I can think of is adding a cap to the fill tube and screen over the overfill tube. This would be to keep mosquitoes and the like out.
Tip: Cutting the fill pipe at an angle to keep the pipe off the bottom will suffice; no holes needed. Tip 2: Making the handles opposite each other (before screwing the buckets together) will help you carry the planter if needed. Thanks for sharing, great job.
Great tips, thank you for sharing!
Ah, yes. Opposite handles & angled cut off end. Great tip & advice. Thx.🙂
I think he said to pull up before using screws to hold in place. But I agree cutting at angle will keep up from bottom if 🪣.
Sometime the simplest solution 👍
Thank you for sharing ❤. 5 gallon buckets are so versatile in the garden.
He left out one aspect that should have been addressed. You should also paint the bucket portion that is going to hold water. Paint it black this will prevent any ultra violet light from entering water, this will prevent mold and mildew. I would paint the outter lower blue bucket about six inches in height, all the way around the bucket. Using black spray paint. You did a great job sir, it will grow many different varieties of food. I use similar system. I was given 50 five gallon buckets that came from Home Depot! Growing in five gallon buckets is efficient, portable, and convinient!
Although after painting the buckets black I then paint them to white so the water in the reservoir doesn't get too warm.
I've been using the same unpainted buckets for 5 years. The upper room if the top bucket has become brittle, but that's it.
Aluminin foil works well.
I've viewed this video 6 x because you explained everything with a visual and a hands-on demonstration from beginning to end. So many videos are good, but required too many parts! Your technique is motivating for those who want to grow fantastic tomatoes with limited space. Now that I've made th list of all needed, Home Depot is next. Thank you for a down-to-earth video that does not intimidate with material overload. I'll let you know how mine turns out.
First of all, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment! Second, thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement! Third, I hope your tomatoes turn out AMAZING!
I agree!! Terrific job kind sir!!!
From one old, retired teacher- sir, you made your 6, 8, 10 & 12th grade English, Shop, Art, Technology and every other teacher you ever had proud with how you approached and executed this teaching video.
A- (only because you forgot to include links to “wherever” EXACTLY what I need to order up tonight!! 😂
Kinda like watching a puff pastry, pie or bread dough making video except different tools! 😅 less intimidating that way!
Now- who can lend me a fancy drill with all those bits & a jig saw??
❤️ teachers.
Some are "born" teachers, it's not just a job. You are one of these.
Please continue to teach us!
I agree.
I TRIED to watch another video, it was outrageously complicated. I bailed after 3 minutes.
I used cat liter buckets for my design. Best part is you don't need to use screws to hold the inner bucket up. When slipped together the space between the two is perfect. Instead of perlite I used brown scotchbrites with a dot of hot glue to hold the bits down. When setting water capacity, pour 1-2 gallons in the bottom bucket, use a magic marker to mark the water level, dump and the drill your drain tube.
Litter buckets truly are the best!
for those of us in mosquito territory: you might want to add screens/filters to the pipes to prevent larvae from colonizing the standing water.
I like that idea. I'm in mosquito country in Alabama, but def not as bad as say southern FL.
Panty hose and a rubber band
Or just make a solid cap/plug. Fill and drain don't need to be open unless adding water for 30 seconds
@@cameroncook975 needs to be open when it rains
Or mosquito bits to the water.
I'm a dirt farmer and grow in bags. I used 5 gallon buckets for years, and the plants tell you when they want water. Happy Frog potting soil works for me, but I also used MG for years, and they love that as well. All of my water for the plants runs through an RO unit first. I like your attention to detail about making sure all of the soil is thoroughly saturated. Dry spots in soil tend to remain dry for some reason. I like the grow bags because it's impossible to over-water. When a plant is thirsty, it'll droop. Once you get the hang of growing, you just know when it's time to water by sticking your finger into the soil. Easy.
Thanks for your kind words! I’m not real picky when it comes to potting soil brand. One of my favorites is a super cheap off-brand that Lowes carries. I totally agree on the dry spots!
It helps to use lukewarm water when saturating a dry soil. Cold water tends to bead up rather than absorb and you get those dry spots.
@@guysmiley4830 Good advice. Thx.
You are spot on
After 35 years growing I ended up in fabric bags.started in 5 gallon hydro.
I've watched so many videos on this subject that it'll make your head spin. Yours by far, is the best one I've seen. Angle cutting the
fill tube is the only thing I'll add. Well explained especially about the start of saturating the soil. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the kind words! Glad it was helpful!
New drinking game: take a drink or shot every time he says “bucket”! 😂😂
All jokes aside, I’m saving this video to make a couple of these next year. For a lot of us these items are pretty normal and can be found in our garages and sheds! I’m pretty stoked to give this a try.
🤣 well….someone else already started that game, but there’s always room for more players!
Thank you for this and thank you for being straightforward. Sometimes people talk a lot of fluff before they get to the meat of things and that is so annoying to me.
Thank you! I always try to focus on the useful stuff.
I have watched many diy self watering bucket videos and already built two others but this tutorial is the best in my opinion.
Thanks for the kind words!
"Self wicking buckets" are awesome. Been using a similar version for 3 years. Found a different design that uses only 1 bucket. Currently over wintering 3 year old pepper plants in my basements. Definitely saves water.
Sound like some lucky pepper plants! Thanks for your comment!
What is the one bucket design?
I would like to know as well
Yes what is the bucket design.
How does the 1 bucket design work
I guess I’m going to home depot today. Thank you thank you! Will keep you posted
How did it go?
The trip to home depot was fine👍. The staff at homedepot can be retarded.
Mission accomplished , minor adjustments. I replaced the drain hole with a plug(so I can transport). Made 2
"Self wicking buckets" are awesome. Thanks !
I totally agree! Thanks for watching!
Put a small cork onto the end of a thin bamboo stick. Before adding water, drop it down the fill tube until it hits the bottom. Now mark a line on the cane at the top of the pipe. Put it to one side. Fill with water. You can put the float you built in from time to time and make sure the mark you made is still above the top of the pipe. I would refill if it`s closer than 1/4 inch.
I built a few of these in the past. I used a small fishing bobber with a few straws attached to make a level indicator to put down the fill tube.
You can also daisy chain them and use float valves and such to make watering automatic.
Great tutorial!
RE: Daisy chain with float valve, perfect for me. (I'm forgetful & may not be super attentive.) Thx.🙂
Ok now Nicodemuscg!! I need to see your video addition to that if it worked. Also, some asked about painting bucket black to keep light out. Good idea, but looks like your set up is already blacked out w/dark blue- right?? Just asking as a brand newbie thinking this through with other comments.
Thanks if you can answer.
Deb
I am working on making this system at the moment at home. Maybe 5 buckets chained together with a floater and possibly a rain barrel?
Any suggestions? 😂
Lets give the boys at Global Buckets a shout out. I made their bucket system 10 years ago. It's the same as this. But he gives some excellent tips.
Your a genius Sir! I was wondering how I could automate the monotonous watering regime..thank you so much!
Thank you for the wonderful comment! I didn’t invent it, but it sure does work well.
@@HydroHowTo Ok so I built it and added an oil pan under it with a micro switch on a float wired to a solar panel and water pump wich circulates over flow back into the top works great 👍
Just mix in your amendments so they stay fed, and ph your water at 6.4
This was on my recommended list for some reason but after watching it, I want to try this and grow my mom's favorite flowers
Right on! I hope it helps!
@@HydroHowTo Thank you! I'm going to give it a try!
I've been doing this for several year for my tomatoes and Green Chilies. I use net cups , like in hydrogrowing. 1 1/2 in works great in my top bucket as the transfer cup. I pack it with coco. and then blend in coco with my soil for the bottom 3 to 4 inches. coco is a great wicking medium.
Thanks for your comment. It's good to know that someone has actually validated the idea.
@@closetcleaner there's a company called waterwick if you want to look them up. They specifically only do this and it works great for all kinds of plants.
@@yeetme2065I'll look them up, thank you.
I paused at five minutes to express my compliments on your method and style of teaching others. It is terrific. (I worked in a corporate environment for years developing adult training courses, and at this point, I could not suggest how this could be improved -- it is that good.)
Thank you so much for the kind words!! This entire channel was built as an experiment related to developing how-to content that actually empowers people to start doing.
half a year later glad to report these do work, cauliflower and broccoli took well to them. only thing i would note for anyone else trying to make them is to keep in mind the height of the net cup you use. you want to make sure it sit flat in the top bucket, and not be pushed up by the bottom bucket. if not the soil seems to over water, become too wet for plants and the leaves turn yellow.
Great to hear, and great tips!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I watched your DIY video 12 times! I made 6 buckets following your easy instructions, and found them to easy to make. I have 6 plants, one for each, and for this first season, I want to have success, then I'll make 6 more next spring. Your instructions were easy to follow!
Thank you for watching, and for the kind words! I hope you have a fruitful growing season!
Great video, I've tried bucket gardening in the past, but this is what I was lacking, the self-watering portion. Thank you!
You’re welcome! This method has worked really well for everyone I’ve given buckets to.
I would think that some company would have made similar systems. Don't get me wrong, i respect the DIY aproach and i see the benefit of this system. I myself for several reasons just won't do this. So has anyone seen a brand that does this well?
A single bucket works just as well. Just create an overflow hole 4 inches above the bottom and fill those 4-5inches with reusable gravel/clay balls, a hole either side will make sure it handles rain.
Fill the remaining with potting mix. This is what they call the 'hempy bucket method'. A tried an true simple method dating back around 20 years.
Thanks maximosh! I’ve used that method in the past. The only thing I don’t like is that you lose 4-5 of growing area in the bucket. Thanks again!
I use a res bucket and drip on multiple buckets each having a res like these that overflow back to the main res. Ive been growing weed for decades and this is just like nature.
Wet the soil before you put in container to avoid dry pockets. Or make up bucket days ahead and let water wick up until top is moist.
@@HydroHowTo You probably wont "lose 4-5 of growing area in the bucket". As plants do use that area for their 'water roots' instead of the normal aerial roots in soil above.
@@genocanabicea5779 Interested in the latter to confirm effectiveness. Thanks.
i think I'm gonna use this to repurpose my old bato buckets. my grommets started to leak around the seal and this would wok beacuse it alread has the drainage hole. plus a still have the net cups. thanks for the upload
That sounds like an excellent idea my friend!
I like you're idea of raising the upper bucket and holding it in place with screws to create a larger reservoir, I'm going to give it a try.. I use a 3rd bucket and cut away most of the bottom and use it as a spacer, buckets with an extra large rim are hard to come by. Instead of a paint bucket I use a piece of 3" PVC with an interior test plug (flat) on the bottom, hole saw makes perfect cuts. Also like your idea of using perlite on the bottom of the upper bucket. Think I would prefer coarse perlite but hard to source locally (Amazon $$$$). Thanks for the ideas. I also have a larger 35 gallon version for tomatoes. I might try my hand at a CZcams video to show it. Glad to share if you're interested.
Hey Tom, thanks for the comments! I like the idea of the 3" PVC pipe with the test plug. I ended up buying a huge bag of coarse perlite from my local farm supply center, if you have one nearby that could be an option. I'd love to see that 35 gallon version! You should definitely make a video on it!! What kind of tomatoes do you grow in those big versions?
@@HydroHowTo Overcome by events. The 35 gallon version uses a 5 gallon bucket upside down with a 3-4" hole for a piece of PVC for wicking chamber. I use a 1/2" PVC for the divider that sits on top of the bucket, I have to cut it in half to get in place. I grow Better Boy, trying several different Hoss varieties next spring. If you have a Facebook page or want to share your email I'd be glad to share pics of my planters.
Truly great 👍 video just to add to your green pepper when you are done with the green pepper just cut off at the bottom and cover it with leafs and it will produce more pepper again and again
Thanks Torrence! Yeah that’s one really nice thing about pepper plants for sure!
Thank you for this! I live in a Condo complex that allows me to do what I want in the back yard as long as it stays below the fence, so these will be quite useable for me!
You’re so welcome! I hope they work great for you!
Use landscape paper to line top bucket wicks up better and rocks in the paint mixing buckets
Indeed good job. Lol not many can pull off saying bottom bucket then bottom of top bucket that many times and still sound good
LOL, thanks!
thanks. this was very helpful and now I can grow veggies in the backyard of the apartment I live in. The landlady doesn't want a hose in the back, so I hook it up to my sink on the second floor. its a pain. but this will save time and water...
I hope it works great for you!
Built a few of these for my garden back in the day.... But this one is way more impressive... WAAAAAAAAYYYY more..lol
haha, well thanks! As long as they work, that's what counts!
When I need to put a bunch of small holes in plastics that tend to crack my 1st option over a drill is a fine tip on a soldering iron. So much faster and seems to make the hole area stronger and less chance to split later. Something i do for DIY aquarium/aquaponic filters and pots
Great tip!
@@HydroHowTo if you where to add a mini float valve you could auto feed a bunch via 1 barrel or tank. Add a small air stone in each and maybe get away with 2-3 small guppies for pest control. Just need a sponge in the overflow ;)
Nice job with the video. Some of the other ones on CZcams tend to be a bit long because they didn't edit anything. Yours is nice and concise. Two things I would suggest with the fill tube: Just cut the bottom at a 45. done, the second is to put an offset oil filler funnel on the top of the tube. It makes it easer to fill, when the plant is bigger it's easy to find the filler.
Great ideas! Also, thanks for the kind words!
@@HydroHowTo also can use a household funnel to get the water where it needs to go. just use it when you water, don't leave it on the tube 24/7.
Made these 2 years ago, 5 gal. atop 7 gal. buckets. No PVC, no out spout and no inner wicking bucket, just 12x 3/8" holes to allow evaporation.
This was an awesome how-to for dummies. I'll be making some of these early spring. Thanks!
Thanks so much Ian! Have fun with them, and let me know if you run into any problems!
If you drop a fish tank bubbler in there and double your yield. With oxygenated water. Dark moist warm areas could be a nursery for bacteria.
you wont double your yield with that tiny amount of water..
You could (alternatively) cut the bottom of your fill pipe at 45 degree angle.
Good call!
Awesome video! Thank you!
I imagine this same concept could be tailored to a larger bed that holds multiple plants.
Thanks so much for the kind words! Yes, it can absolutely be tailored to a larger bed. If you search AlboPepper SIP Bed on YT, he has a really good video on making SIP raised garden beds.
This concept has been adapted to IBC totes cut in half.
Wonderful video, extremely well made & easy to follow, and thanks for repping us bald men.
2 questions:
1. For what size vegetable plants is this size planter suitable / unsuitable?
2. Do you recommend fertilizing into the reservoir with water soluble fertilizer, or into the soil?
Thank you!
I've been using this system for years and found that it becomes a mosquito magnet if you don't cover the drain hole with netting. Also, the water reservoir becomes full off manure water if you water from the top instead of filling the reservore directly.
It seems you don't worry about the water level in the bottom bucket is their another way to tell besides dropping plants I'm planning on trying this out wish me good luck
@@alvinbryant8313 I used to put a cork skewered to a long stick and placing it in the inlet pipe to tell water level but drilling a hole on the side of the bucket and attaching a 1/4 hose to it was sufficient to tell it was full. i used the cap from the bic pens to cap the 1/4 hose so the mosquitos don't get in the water resorvor.
good luck!
@@alvinbryant8313 Instead of drilliing holes in the small paint bucket, I used a razor to cut 3 slits, works fine as a wick for the top bucket. Also, the Solo cups work just as fine as a wicking medium and way cheaper. I used the cups from Starbucks also for wicking since it is taller (because I used a different top containter instead of the 2 bucket system, so you get more soil)
That is some Great idea you shared my friend. People as you amaze me. This is what makes the net great. Ideas as yours will keep so may of us novice gardeners for screwing
Up another year hopes of growing our tomatoes.
Thanks for watching!
Thx for the video. Better to use black tube, less light will go inside, also make two curves of the tube it will create a light trap.
It doesn't matter if light gets in the water. There aren't any real vampires.
You have a pleasant reading voice. Being from Oklahoma students would sometimes stop by my door to hear that Okie talk🥴
Thanks! haha, I understand that. One of my good friends is an Okie!
Great tutorial! I tried it before, quite the same way (2,5 gallons) and it worked perfekt!
The most suprising thing was, when the season was over, I checked the soil and the roots. There Where over 25 worms inside. At my other normal pots i never did this observation. It was an organic grow outside with the same potting Mix in all Pots. So why no worms in the normal bots? My theory is that the constant and right amount of moisture provide a better invironment for the life in the soil. And what can be better than that? The microbiological life in the wormpoo is amazing and you don't habe to add it. I keep on ding this next year to get closer to the lifing soil topic.
Thank you!
Thank you Christian!
That sounds like a pretty solid theory. The only other thing I would add is that the water reservoir in the bottom provides airflow and natural cooling.
@@HydroHowTo your soil will get better every year if u keep it hydrated all year. Soon you'll have the best in the world. Give it mollases and a dash of coconut water
Oh look at thes magic seeds I have in my hands oh look at this magical video for them to grow hehe 🌲 💨😎
Grow those trees my friend! Thanks for watching!
Great info! Im tired of hand watering early am at mosquito feeding time here in east texas so I will be trying this under my new scorpion diablo grow light this winter and then outside next spring and just maybe by next winter I will still have blood. Its brutal here in the piney woods. Thanks again!
LOL, I totally get that! They get rough here in Alabama too. I hope the buckets work out great for ya!
Great vid I had some left over hydro inserts with lips and used window screen to line them. It works wonderful thanks....
Thanks! That's a great idea!
One of the best video's I have ever seen. Excellent narration and presentation, not to mention that your system is very creative and practically genius! Kudos my friend.
Thanks so much for the kind words, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for the video! Making my way to Home Depot today. Thank you for downloadable supplies sheet ! Will keep you posted
Great job sir Super easy and inexpensive as well I did something similar w/ceramic rocks and supplied half a dozen 5 gal buckets and used a small pump for circulation Your much easier method is also very affordable Thanks a ton Sir
Thank you for the kind words Michael! I’m glad you found helpful!
Is there a video for this method?
@@IntuitiveMatters I came to the idea from dutch bucket ideas I had read about but I'm sure there are videos on 5 gal bucket systems or Dutch buckets by now I did it years ago before CZcams good luck my friend
Beside how to video I've seen during the pandemic, and I've seen A LOT of videos in the last 2 years. Every tool possibly needed is listed and instructions cover every scenario. If I can't build this I need to give it up. Great job.
Thanks so much for the kind words! I hope the video helps!
Cutting the end of the fill port at an angle will give it lots of room flow into the reservoir.
Just a helpful concept from another video. Currently putting together ideas from lots of people to try and make some "set and forget" potatoes with a large fill reservoir on a float. I feel like they need a wet/dry cycle to prevent rot through
Thanks! I agree, the angled fill port is handy. Interesting! Would love to hear what you come up with!
I add in a 45* elbow an attach clear tube so I can see the water level, add an air stone and things get even better.
Nice!
I'm going to try this on my next outdoor cannabis grow! 💯💪🤘
Let me know how it goes!
@@HydroHowTo will do, thanks for the awesome tutorial!
Glad ya liked it! Thanks for watching!
@mrgreenjeansgenetics
Was it too much water saturating your soil for cannabis?
Nice video!
I always use a little soap water when I’m installing grommets &pvc.
Good call!
I’ve been using grobucket systems which is pretty similar but really like the home made version you have highlighted here. Just amazing how well you am grow in these type of setups and the 5gal buckets can be found anywhere really. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
as soon as we have decriminalized i will have a couple of those on my balcony for sure! great Budget Idea
Thanks for watching!
how long you gonna wait for that?
@@curiousbystander9193 we decriminalized 6 days ago :)
@@korthosen949 we?
Awesome job ! I needed a video like this one very detailed. Thank you so much, and I will be getting my buckets moving now.
Thanks for watching!
I like this. It is very straightforward and not unnecessarily complicated. Thank you
Thank you for the kind words!
This is an awesome idea, I have everything I need in the basement already to make this. Definitely going to make this now.
Fantastic! They’re a lot of fun!
Soak grommet in hot water for a minute it will go in alot easier!! Happy growing!!
Epic knowledge right there! Thanks for sharing!
Those are slick!
I'm adding these to my garden list for next season for sure!
What all do you grow in them besides peppers and tomatoes?
Would love to see a harvest video!
Thanks Svaren!
I think you'll really enjoy them!
This year I grew peppers, tomatoes, squash, and zucchini in the buckets. There's really no limit to what you can grow in them. They're deep enough to grow root veggies like carrots and radishes. Also, they're great for growing peas, beans, and any other bushy plants.
I don't have much left for a harvest video this season, but I'll keep that in mind for early next season! Thanks so much for your comment, and for checking out the video!
@@HydroHowTo RE: Carrots & deep bucket soil: Thx, I'll add root veggies to bucket system.
Nice. I am doing a DWC grow. I have 2 plants in a 6 x 5 tent. They are in week 2 of flower.
That is awesome!
theres a method called "hempy bucket" for growing cannabis thats similar..
Man that would work PERFECTLY for pot. I so want to make one and try growing a pot plant in it
Does this also work with cannabis plants. And the reason I asked is because I was specifically told not to let it sit in water. New to the game learning as I go along
Hey Albert! “Don’t let it sit in water” refers to keeping the soil or plant oversaturated. Using a wicking bucket like this only pulls water as the soil needs it, so it never becomes too wet. The only limitation is the size of the bucket. As long as it’s big enough for what you’re growing, it’ll do great.
Yes it does. I used to have overwatering issues when I first started. This design has cleared that up. Plus I can leave for a couple days and not worry about it. I use one bucket with the lid cut out and pushed down inside. I put an old Tupperware container with holes drilled in it as a spacer in the bottom for the cut lid to rest on. I used to run it with a pump and airstones to aerate the water, but I found that to be unnecessary.
Earth box
@@hashjesus1254 actually its a direct ripoff of "hempy buckets"
Hash Jesus... Hempy bucket... Is an improved ripoff of kratky method
That is one of the best ideas that I've seen so far
Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for watching!
The one problem is that soil leaches into the reservoir through the holes in the cup. I combat this by sliding the cup into the foot of some pantyhose then installing the cup and trim off the excess. Use some fine sandpaper and polish up the hole before installing the cup to avoid snagging the pantyhose.
weed block netting for landscaping.
Hell yeah bud you get a LIKE outa me!! This is dope!! My mom has been texting me all week harassing's me to help her make something for indoor pepper and hot dam YOU GOT PEPPERS here. BRILLIANT
Glad you enjoyed it, and I hope it helps!
super helpful, i cant wait to use it, i hit the like and sub because of how much effort was put into the video (also because it was actually helpful)
Thanks so much! I greatly appreciate it!!
WOW, I just watched this video, it is the first one I have seen on this channel- as a 30 year handy man - This is an excellent video. A great job explaing the simple process for a simple genius idea. Thanks. Really good stuff.
Thank you for the kind words Seth!
Hello! Im planning on using this system this year and im very excited! I just had a quick question. Would it be smart to drill a few small holes in the side of the bucket where the soil will sit to help with airflow? Or would this not really have any effect? Thank you!
Hi Mitchell, I don’t think that would have much effect, but don’t let me talk you out of experimenting. Give it a try, and let me know how it works. Thank you for reaching out!
Look at Alaska Grow Buckets. These use a colander and a grow bag, like a cloth shopping bag, and have holes in the bucket. This causes air pruning of the roots, resulting in a much better root system.
Change the continuous water feature to a fill tube.
Great video! I am trying to build a similar system with a floated chained to several 5 gallon pots.
Impressive tutorial! Good information explained clearly with fantastic graphics/animation.
I constantly struggle to get the graphics right when I'm designing educational materials.
Did you design these yourself?
Thanks so much! That one took me a while.
Was recommended this video, but GLAD i watched it.
Great talker, great organization, and broke it down in the SIMPLEST way.
Thanks!
I really appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
Thank you very much for the video. Such a practical build. I live in Tucson, AZ so it's time to start putting together the garden for the year. Going to start seedlings in about a week here.
Thanks for watching, and I hope your growing season is bountiful!
Do you feel satisfied with how much air is getting into the root system and how uniformed the water distribution is? Was wondering if that input tube is always above the water line, more air can get in there. Other self watering buckets have that smaller wicking holes and on the side. Let me know and thanks!
If you're concerned about uneven spread of water. Coil 3/8-1/2" nylon rope on the bottom.
I just cut two slits in the bottom bucket and slide in a microfiber towel. that touches the water in the bottom bucket, I would have to lift the first bucket to fill but I grew a whole bucket of basil and I only had to refill it like 3 times. Its much easier to make on a large scale and good for people with out a lot of tools
Can I grow weed using this method?🤣
As long as the bucket is big enough to support the root system of the plant, it should work well.
What a video! Absolutely brilliant 🤩. Thank you 🙏🏾. It is going to help us keep our plants alive and happy.
Thanks for watching, and thank you for the kind words as well!
Did it work pics please
Thumbs down. Bucket did not water itself. Misleading title
You are the kind of person they have to write "hot" on coffee cups for.
@@softaco3088 and you must be real fun at parties it was only a joke. Breathe deep and smile. Have a good day
@@user-yy1hw4kv1o Nothing about your comment came off as a joke, but ooookay, buddy.
@softaco3088 well there's no thumbs down any more, comments increase engagement stats and it was sarcastic. I understand sarcasm is hard to perceive through text but I believe in you. You can do it.
@@user-yy1hw4kv1o wow you're a jackass. Lmfao
Re: All the positive Comments, I endorse. Well presented video. Thanks. I like simple, pragmatic solutions to problems, as this one is. Nicely organized video. I think I will have a few of this design & a few simple "all water" designed systems. Depends on the height of the plant. Greens, as with Romaine lettuce, might do well in all water system. And taller plants, such as tomato vines, etc., may do better with your 2 bucket soil system. Experimenting.🙂Thx.
P.S.: I like the bucket equipment for the convenient built in handle for relocating it. Also, adding panty hose as preventive mosquito netting with a wire tie off onto the drain plug is a good addition.
Thanks for the kind words, and I hope your bucket projects turn out awesome! Thanks for watching!
You can get a cheap hole saw bit set and it will make your life so much easier especially if you ever want to dabble in DWC or just drill nice holes.
I completely agree! Well worth the money! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for such a great idea and great instructions ! I already have a couple of plants that I want to put into one of these!!! Thank God I understood all your instructions so it should be fairly easy to do! From your experience how long do you think the water in the container should last? I know there are many things to consider, I am just wondering if they would be okay for a week or two while on vacation?
In the middle of summer in Alabama, these buckets would hold enough water to keep a tomato plant happy for 4-5.
You're proper knowledgeable! Very good video, spoken in a way that's very, very easy to understand with steps laid out perfectly.
Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed!
aka wicking tub, by far the best way to grow anything. excellent results.
Excellent Video!!! I'm gonna make one, or two, or three, who knows??? Thanks for a very understandable presentation.
Thanks for watching!
I had my best runs in hydro.
But not taste.
I then went to dirt and had great success with bottom feeding planters from Walmart.
Point is. I like the 5 gallon bucket, lol.
Great video brother!
I do the same on stopping the nutrients 2 weeks out and doing water only. Definitely have had good results doing that.
If u like Ocean forest from Fox's farms you should try there strawberry fields soil 😮😊🎉mix both together with worm casting like the video I've been using this set up for 2 years now but I've switched over using 3 bucket the center bucket is just a spacer u are only using the top piece this helps you out so no screws are used for the space it's truly working great
Sounds like a great mix!
I'm trying to find ways to keep my buckets hydrated this growing season and this video was very helpful. Thank you.
You’re welcome Bernie! I hope they work out great for ya!
There needs to be a ''bucket'' counter for this video. No but for real, this video is really great
Haha thanks for watching!
have a couple of different types of self watering buckets and can't wait to try this one out!
Great! I hope it works well for ya!!
Fancy and what do you know, I'm not the only one who uses porter cable lol.
Wonder if you could add a thin piece of clear plexiglass to the bottom bucket to make a view port to see water level?
You could, but it’s pretty easy to tell if the bucket needs water with a little tilt.
Great Video! I am wondering how I can incorporate this idea into keeping the soil moisture content for my 2 million worms!
I'd love to know how it works out for ya!
Boy howdy! I'm about to have me a garden!
About to start my garden and will try this. Only things I can think of is adding a cap to the fill tube and screen over the overfill tube. This would be to keep mosquitoes and the like out.
Great ideas!