Dutch Bucket Hydroponics - Tips & Expanding the Reservoir 

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. :)

Your video is my first exposure to hydroponics - you definitely know your stuff! Impressive system and your tomatoes look amazing! Can't wait til mine grow! Would you suggest pruning all tomato foliage so it is off the ground as a preventative measure in my backyard garden? Thanks. CaliKim

Olá queria muito aprender esse método

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.

I ate the big CP today. Ya'll were right, it's a good eating mater. ;)

I've heard of using a 50/50 mix of the two. If you do try 100% vermiculite, I think the very coarse size would be best.

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.

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!

I did 2 radio shows explaining the differences. Check out prepperbroadcasting (dot) com , click show schedule, scroll down to Tuesday, my show is Preparing to Provide. The archived shows are at the bottom of the page. I covered everything you're asking about.

The reservoir level has to be BELOW the level of the buckets. To use a 55 gal barrel exclusively would require digging a hole deep enough to bury 75% of the barrel. Plus, it would be a lot more difficult to clean out than the smaller tote. It does make sense to have a larger reservoir from the beginning, but digging a deep hole in hard clay is not so easy.

Good question... the fertilizers that I use do indeed have the micro nutrients in them. Now, my question.... if you're growing in the soil.... how can you insure that your plants are getting all of the minerals that are needed to keep humans healthy? There is a tremendous variation in soil from one location to another. Some soil is good, some is very poor and nutrient deficient. Truthfully, there are no guarantees either way. But we do the best we can. I hope that helps.

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.

Just thinking.... I wonder if you could put a bypass valve in the return line, and close it just before heavy rains? Then, if the buckets received a lot of excess water, the rain water would just run out onto the ground, as opposed to back into the reservoir. I'll be putting something outside soon, so I'll be dealing with the same issues.

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.

Our next 10 days is showing lows only in the 40's, so things are looking better. I'm working the ground some, but still not keen on much planting. The soil is still too cold. But little by little, we'll get there. ;)

The strainer bags do a much better job than the built-in strainers in the pump casing. It'll help prolong the life of the pump too. I'm looking forward to eating a CP, I want to see what the fuss is all about. ;)

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

If you have the lid net pots that fit the buckets, they should be ok. I haven't tried them, but I do have a few 6 inch net pots that go on 5 gal buckets.

I go ahead and pour it in the bucket, then run water thru it. Preferrably outside cuz the dust gets all over the place.

24 inches or more is better. To get 2 vines, simple keep one sucker and the main stem. Cut or pinch the rest of the suckers off.

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.

Most people don't have a greenhouse. So as a follow-up to what I've been doing, I want to do a setup outside and show how I would handle dealing with wind and rain. It's a totally different situation from growing inside. I'm still not sure how I'll set it up, but I'll come up with something that can be duplicated.

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.

Blight is a big problem for me each year. That's why I never have Spring tomatoes keep producing into the fall. By mid-July, blight has wiped them out. I don't like it, but I'm getting used to it. Thanks. :)

The plastic barrel is for the regular nutrient solution. Basically, it's like having a 70 gallon reservoir. That way I don't have to refill it every day.

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 ate a couple of them for dinner. Just sliced up with some salt.... pretty darn good. And I don't know how you'd eat one anyways, with you wearing that gas mask. ;) LOL

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.

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.

I've done the weave a few times, and really do not like it. The plants get too big and the strings can't hold them up. Outside, I prefer to put them in cages. Inside, suspended twine is much easier to work with.

I had a little bit of algae in the bottom of the buckets after the last run. So I wrapped the buckets with black plastic.

Thanks. For the support, do you mean the platform the buckets are sitting on, or the overhead part with the strings? The platform is just 2x4 lumber, with 2x10's on top. And the strings are tied to the purlins in the top of the greenhouse.

I've been using Perlite. It's lightweight and I get it pretty cheap at the local feed store.

LOL... I ate that one today. It was ugly...but good eating.

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.

I don't use a dripper. The line going into each bucket is wide open. I've tested the flow from one end to the other, and it was fairly consistent.

I've grown Pink Brandywine, and they were very good. The production wasn't great, but the size and quality were excellent. Thanks.

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.

You're welcome. I'm glad it's been helpful.

I'm not sure, but it seems to me that if you're maintaining a constant 2# psi that you have a 100% sealed up greenhouse. That alone should keep the pests out.

I made that clothesline like trellis last year, and it worked ok. I had the posts anchored, the wires tightened, and it still sagged from the weight of the tomatoes. I'm thinking light poles and steel cable this time. LOL

I wish you were a Kenya you Could be a billionaire tomatoes is Order of daily recipe.Most growing area are.Subukia,Rimuruti,kimana,gilgil,Solai kilemba,Mwea gathigiriri.

The specific variety might have something to do with it. Also, you may not be getting good pollination. The Cal Mag is good, if you need calcium and magnesium in your water. That would depend on which nutrients you were using.

I cut the black plastic into strips, then carefully wrapped and taped the buckets. Thanks.

I can think of two options.. maybe try trapping and relocating them... or get some cats. I know they can be quite a problem.

The fungal problems are not easy to deal with. Once they set in, it's hard to stop them.

No, I don't have a cooler. With temps near 100 in the GH..... I'll have some work to do.

Yes sir, the drum has the full nutrient solution. My wife doesn't like the acid, so I usually grow Jubilees for her. Maybe the CP's will win me some bonus points. :)

The ones on the platform are from suckers. That was my original setup from last year. The new setup had everything grown from seed.

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.

As long as you keep the light out, that's what counts. Although keeping them looking purty ain't a bad idea either. ;)

Not yet. Once it begins to spread rapidly, it is really hard to deal with. I'll do my best.

I haven't seen any specific chart or guidelines. I had a 264 gph running 15 buckets and it worked fine.

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.

I used a brush and put 3 coats of Kilz primer on it. I haven't added a true paint topcoat to it yet.

I should give you now subscribe but I'm so sorry for late....

Yes, I tried baking soda, Neem, and Daconil over the last month. Once blight takes hold, it's hard to get rid of.

If you search "float valve" in the box above, there are quite a few videos showing the installation. It also depends on the type of valve that you use as to what fittings you need. If you don't get an answer, let me know.

Depending on the size of the plant and the weather, about 2-3 quarts a day.

The valve is to maintain the level in the reservoir. Putting it in the drum wouldn't work.

I agree Jon. The benefits of hybrids make them well worth the money.

I have heard of using peroxide, but I don't have any experience with it.

It's a good idea to do a full change at least once a month, maybe sooner in very hot weather.

I'm using 4 gallon buckets, but anything from 3 to 5 gal will work. The plants can grow very tall if the conditions are good. 20-25 feet is certainly possible.

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.

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.

I hope it goes well for you Duane. A lot of people are doing this with much success.

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.

I hope it goes well for you. If you have any problems, let me know. Thanks.

Thanks for sharing. I wonder how it will work in the tropical weather of Cartagena, Colombia. Should be similar to doing it in Florida.

Possibly..or Morgan County Seeds. .. I order from both places.

I haven't done it, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Thanks John. Sounds like a pretty cool greenhouse. I'm sure the next one will be to the wife's liking. :)

Un gran proyecto lastima la barrera idiomatica, amen que mis oidos no estan adaptados al ingles, felicitaciones man,vel video es tan bueno que capte lo primordial, pero podrias explicar un poco lo relacionado al sustrato que usas, si usas abono para hidroponia, si el riego es permanente o intermitente, gracias por compartir tus experiencias.

शेतकर् याना फसविनारे परीनाम चा फायदा आम्हाला कीती व्यापार + सरकार

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

In this setup, they only get watered during the day.

thank you for posting I keep watching God bless

Yes, all tomato leaves that are in contact with the ground should be removed. 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.

We eat some, and give a lot of them away.

Especially in mid-summer, the plants will go thru a lot of water. Doubling the size of the reservoir will keep you from having to constantly refill the reservoir.

Yes, it requires a lot more work and attention. And trying to supply the necessary nutrients for so many tomatoes would not be easy.

I'm using straight perlite, nothing else.

Thanks. This is really a simple process and produces some nice tomatoes.

Thank you.

Yes, the 2 layers of plastic with the inflation blower has worked great. It is definitely better than a single layer.

Your videos are very nice, thank you so much for learning so many things from you. #Habibbabu

I like your performance really I had never seen like you, I should thank full. But what is the inside of box look like white?

Especially things like aphids and slugs.

Thank you for the great video. Do you have fresh water in the 55 gallon drum or it is water with the fertilizer? Do you change the water from time to time in the reservoir?

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.

Absolutely LOVE your videos. I followed your lead on how to set up the buckets. I have 7 so far and they are outside. My question is how often do I change out my water? Keep the videos coming. Thank you.

LOL.... sounds like things are going very well.

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

Hi, I just love your teaching, I am starting 20 Dutch Bucket And I don’t know what size water pump I need, please help Thank you

Only when it gets too hot or cold.

Can't wait to see how big that tomato gets and tastes! Brock Rocks! He did a video about using the float valve to add water to his res sometime back as well. It has other benefits you didn't mention but I am sure you aware of such as PH stability. Does your 55 gallon barrel contain straight water or does it contain nutes as well? I might have missed that part. I'm assuming that's a plastic barrel. What type of paint did you use to paint it white? Awersome vid and shoutout bro!

Yes. I had some fungal issues, so I pruned the infected leaves.

Sorry to hear that the blight has gotten to some of your plants....I may have to grow all my tomatoes in buckets this year....Still not dry enough to get into the garden and they are calling for a possible freeze next week?? What a crazy year....those Cherokee Purple are great tomatoes but the first year I grew them I thought I had some bad seed or something...they are not the prettiest but they are mighty tasty.....;-)....Have a great day Bobby....Thanks....