Dutch Bucket Hydroponic Tomatoes - Lessons Learned and a New Crop

It's time to start a new crop of hydroponic tomatoes in the dutch buckets. But first, I need to look back at what was learned from the last crop. I noticed a bit of algae in the bottom of the buckets, so I now have them covered with black plastic. The paint strainers are fine to use again. The perlite is being re-used and is showing no signs of problems.
I give tips about where to get buckets and the grommets, and show my newest system. All together, I have 40 tomatoes going in 3 different systems, and working just great. If you have questions about what fertilizer I use, all of the answers are in the following video : • Hydroponic Fertilizer ... Dutch bucket hydroponics is not the least bit complicated. So if you're struggling with growing tomatoes, don't have a garden, or just don't have much time, give it a try. I think you'll like the results.
/ mhp.gardener

[@budmag10]

Your videos are awesome! I have been watching a lot of vids on hydroponics and aquaponics, and so far yours are the clearest and most instructional that I have seen. It gives me more confidence to start and the Dutch method is exactly what I need for my environment.Thanks for taking the time and energy to produce this.

[@kalnmark6747]

I'm not sure but ,if anyone else wants to discover commercial aquaponics books try Proutklarton Surviving Instruction Plan (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my neighbor got amazing success with it.

[@mhpgardener]

I've been very impressed with this system right from the very start. My initial test was successful and I've just kept it going.

[@juanperezsanta3056]

Regards!!! Could you recommend a product to solve the problem of mites and viruses in tomatoes and peppers?

[@MohanSingh-xi2hz]

हिंदी हिंदी में सुनाएं

[@firozosman]

@@MohanSingh-xi2hz lol. Aap galti se yahan aaye, kya? Ya to phir yeh aap ka joke tha? Anyway, mazaa aa gaya hindi mey comment padd kar. 😆😆😆

[@laypyu]

@@firozosman 😂😂😂

[@peelmeone]

Bobby, your service to humanity with the videos is absolutely priceless. Everything you post is a blessing to all of us.

[@charlesharris1771]

You make some of the most instructive videos on youtube man. Thank you.

[@mhpgardener]

I'm seeing a reduction in the size of the fruit in this 3rd Gen crop, so I'll be doing new seedlings for the Fall.

[@paintham9430]

Glad you noticed the effects of heterosis. AKA "hybrid vigor". Three generations is about the limit for most I've found.

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Paul, I was really hesitant myself when I first started. The commercial operations sometimes make it look pretty complicated. But once I got my feet wet, I found out that it was quite a simple process. I really enjoy the hydro setups. Thanks.

[@SamSam-jr5qu]

The six year old child in me understands every instruction you gave. You are a superb teacher. Keep it up

[@ivettesayshi8423]

I have watched this same video over five times. Actually, the same goes for all the Dutch bucket videos. They’re my favorite. I never get bored of them. Thank you for making such detailed videos. I really appreciate all the work that went into them. PS...I’m really glad to see you’re back. 😄 May God bless you and your family.

[@tomdieck4667]

You have educated me and inspired me to become more self sufficient. I was wondering what size pipe you use for the drain? I'm giving hydroponics a try on a small city lot. I beleive the yield vs the space required is the answer to my prayers. Trying lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers on hydro systems. Hoping to be able to move to a more private remote location with more land where I can actually put up a green house and go on a bigger scale to help others and be better prepared for myself and my family. God bless you my friend you are an inspiration. Keep the videos coming I learn so much and so have my friends that i have turned on to your site

[@mhpgardener]

This will work anywhere that has decent temperatures. The plants will react to heat and humidity just like they would if grown in-ground.

[@truthbetold2611]

Is it weird to miss a KZbinr I've never met in person? I sure miss you Bobby. You started my awakenings as far as growing living food. It's a brand new world with what you've shared with us. Thank you and blessings to your family and in all you do : )

[@tonypark6840]

Couldn’t agree with you more. I was just telling my wife I wish he’d come back with some kind of content. I’d watch him sit and talk about almost anything.

[@dontarguewithfools]

Man I can't tell you how helpful your videos are. This is my first year growing vegetables. Started with 2 containers. Now I have 14 containers, 4x8 raised bed and studying to start my first greenhouse.

[@JQPOINT]

what an excellent teacher..Thank you very much

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I use a water soluble 4-18-38, mixed with Calcium Nitrate and Epsom Salt.

[@MarcellaSmithVegan]

So cool, I would be in heaven with that greenhouse! Thank you for the advice!

[@scarecrowgrows2055]

finally made your dutch bucket! Works great, thanks for the hundreds of useful tips

[@mhpgardener]

Since I'm always around, I do it manually. Once the weather breaks, I'll have an addition to the reservoir, and I'll get everything automated. I prefer the digital timers cuz the manual ones that I've used have a tendency to stick.

[@missyt3017]

Your videos are very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@LaurenTurtles]

I HAVE BEEN GROWING TOMATOES ALL MY LIFE AND I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM THIS MAN

[@michaelhemgesberg6827]

I've been gardening all my life. I'm so excited to try this this spring. I'll have a rototiller for sale in the fall if I am successful. No more weeding or daily watering. Your videos are great. All of them !!! Michigan growing seasons are much shorter but I know I can do this. Thank You and keep up the good work.

[@JohnHenryReaves]

Out of all of the how to videos here on KZbin, I got the most out of yours.

[@goldytazar]

I would like to do it on my porch, thank you!!

[@JohnHenryReaves]

Goldy Tazar I went to Wal-mart today, they have bags of peralite with Miraclegrow in the mix for around $6 a bag, and that is about all other than the plants but they did have aquarium pumps and bubblers for aeration. But you should check Harbor Freight, they also have green house kits and other things.

[@goldytazar]

Thank you John Henry for the information. Stay cool this summer and enjoy it the fruit of your labor.!!

[@Quinnlawl]

they are of higher quality than many of my horticulture professors

[@diosdadosierra3291]

John Henry Reaventar

[@melvinrochelle5014]

Hey man used your information on mixing and grams my two cucumber plants are growing so fast each plants has produce over 10 to 15 cucumber you are the man.

[@asimzia9588]

Melvin Rochelle

[@causanow6946]

What nutrition do I need to use and amount to be mixed in the water for cucumbers

[@thomasackerman3995]

@@causanow6946 he has a link below the description at the top to a video for that

[@mhpgardener]

LOL... I think we all have those memories. As they say " I ain't young as I used to be" ! Thanks.

[@MagicMikeified]

I've watched countless "educational" vids about hydro-growing. I've been hesitant to start because I kept hearing different methods. Seeing your results, in a video that want unbearably dull, has provided me with the piece of direction I was needing. Thank you for stepping outside of your comfort zone :)

[@GlobalTubeTruth]

Most people don't know Frank Zappa had a twin brother that went into the tomato growing business. lol

[@homefarmideas]

Love your videos my friend:) Have you thought about putting red wigglers into your buckets so they can clean up any dead roots? Once you pull your plants I am thinking you can just bypass cleaning them out and just replace the lost perlite from the roots taking perlite with them when they are removed.

[@homefarmideas]

By the way mhpgardener, God Bless you my friend:)

[@Bifforamma]

The perlight will cut the little worms up. It will scrape the hide off your helpers as well as fungus gnats, aphids, pupa and larva. Great stuff to top dress soil with about 2-3 inches and walla; bye, bye bugs.

[@ivangiraldez8015]

Thanks for this awesome video information. I’m just getting started for the first time with a greenhouse project and I wanna is the Dutch Bucket System for my tomatoes. Please continue putting out that valuable information for us newbies!!

[@jdjz62]

Great series of videos. I'm really enjoying them. I greatly appreciate your knowledge, experience and honesty. Thank you so very much for taking the time to make and share!

[@Fusion008a]

You can go through Lowe's to get products from Grainger, there is a slight markup from Grainger cost, but nowhere near the cost of shipping, and it comes directly to you via mail, look into it.

[@rlau8808]

L8tr

[@grandmastermicochero]

can you share what type of tomatoes you grow and what do you use to keep white flys and aphids away? thanks enjoy your vids!

[@MrDjRinzo]

watched your videos and made a whole system around the beginning of this year and it has been a major sucess

[@usernamegoeshere999]

Man, you need a TV show. The information is fantastic, comprehensive, and delivered in such a way that it remains entertaining while still thick on the information. I'm sketching out a small indoor hydroponic setup modeled after yours for lettuce for the coming winter months. Keep the videos coming!

[@thorgecko707]

Hey Bobby, I've been watching your videos since day one and was wondering if you'll be doing an update or if you're even growing at this scale anymore? I hope you're doing great and happy with whatever you are doing these days.

[@MungoidHen]

wow great, u have a really personable easy way about your attitude with this stuff. yes its also good to learn all these great ideas too. peace on u brother green fingers.

[@bradmetcalf5333]

That's because he's southern :)

[@MungoidHen]

YES. I expect that is 100% True. I am SOUTHERN too. From Southern England.

[@Menelyagor12]

MungoidHen yeh cause there are no ugly or mean people from the south.

[@bradmetcalf5333]

GglePlus Sux there are plenty of you mean people from the south. But there are no Yankees with a charming demeanor about them

[@MungoidHen]

You're all Great . I love you all.

[@martylynchian8628]

Thank you for talking about parts used to make this. So many youtubers have these setup but never talk about what parts they use or how to get them.

[@fatrack500]

MHP, your videos rock, some of the best on KZbin. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences.... respect!

[@chandra0102]

mhpgardener: I have been trying to learn hydroponics gardening during these winter months on youtube, so as to be ready to start building a dutch bucket system as soon as the weather allows. Yours are by far the most useful and helpful instructional videos on this subject. You have that helpful tone in your videos that makes them most interesting and admirable. I intend in setup a 10-bucket system in my backyard this spring and have been collecting all the supplies that I would need. One question I have is about fertilizers. Instead of spending lot of money on General Hydroponics Flora series, I was wondering if, for growing tomatoes, I can start with Miracle Grow and modify it by adding a few additional items like Calcium, Magnesium, etc. to make it suitable for hydroponic tomatoes. Also, what if anything would I need to add to Miracle Grow for green leafy crops like herbs, lettuces, chard, etc. I would greatly appreciate any ideas, suggestions regarding this. Many thanks for taking the time to make and post these excellent instructional videos to help others.

[@stwrthnn]

Yes, Miracle Grow will work but may lack the trace minerals and nutrients for good hydroponic results. Miracle Grow is to supplement growing in soil.

[@markw3598]

Be careful which Miracle Grow you use, some is for plant growth only, some is to produce more 'crops'!

[@maheep15july]

@ Chandra how's it going bro? have you started ? Are you from India too ?

[@bramhallhomesteadtexas1179]

what are you calling a sucker? can you make a video showing exactly what you mean? I guess I could research it my self but at the moment you are my gardening mentor.

[@rillianuk2345]

Clones.

[@markw3598]

YEAH, THAT really cleared it up!!! SHRE!!

[@adventureaisle]

Another huge fan here! I've watched these videos of yours over and over and will be using the information not only for our own family (seriously thinking of moving so we can have a greenhouse like yours), but also for our local elementary school. I've watched so many other presentations and yours are among the finest! Thanks so very much!

[@PangeaDesignGroup]

First off thank you for owning a tripod! Your videos are great. They are concise and informative. I'll keep my eye out for more. Cheers

[@pattirudge1592]

Zyponic

[@RampagingRn]

I"m just getting started in hydroponic gardening. I've watched alot of youtube videos on NTS systems but your videos are hands down the best. I was curious if your selling your produce and if so do you have any suggestions on marketing to local restaurants/businesses? Thanks in advance for any advice! Keep up the great work with videos!

[@reinux]

Wow, that's awesome. Are you selling to farm markets?

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks, I'm glad they've been helpful.

[@mhpgardener]

An aphid on the lens? Hmmm.... I told them to stay out of the picture. :)

[@begingardener275]

mphgardener: DO YOU HAVE ANY UPDATED VIDEO ON Dutch Bucket Hydroponic Tomatoes FOR 2020 ?

[@boricua2538]

2022 videos please !!!!

[@mhpgardener]

That's a great idea getting the kids involved. Gardening skills will be something that they can use the rest of their lives.

[@OptimusAndroid26]

I really appreciate the time and energy you put into making these videos and sharing this information for free. Thank you.

[@jetle25]

great videos on a homemade hydroponic. How did you wrap the buckets so well with black plastic?

[@mhpgardener]

jetle25 I just took my time and wrapped them like I would a Christmas present, nice and neat.

[@jetle25]

You must give really nice Christmas presents. Thanks

[@StudentEternal]

mhpgardener Wrapped looks so much better than spray painted, thanks for the good idea.

[@scotthenderson3360]

mhpgardener , tomatoes are expensive at the grocery store,have you sold any of them to a supermarket,or supermarkets yet.Elementary kid,Peace,Out, & GOD BLESS YOU, & YOUR FAMILY.P.S.I DON'T KNOW WHAT STATE THAT YOU ARE AT,MAYBE WE COULD SELL SOME TO SOME STORES.I GUESS that YOU PROBABLY ALREADY have found your buyers,or keep the tomatoes for your FAMILY.IF NOT,COMMENT BACK, & MAYBE WE COULD HELP EACH OTHER.Scott

[@scotthenderson3360]

mhpgardener , Regardless,it was an entertaining video.GOD BLESS.SCOTT

[@Douglas-pk4og]

What do you do about pollination. Bees or hand?

[@markw3598]

I use hand myself! Wait, what?? Oh you mean for the plants!!!

[@fgerhartofsa]

Tomatoes are self pollinating. A slight wind is all it takes.

[@dr123hall]

The very best of simple hydro growing ... from planning to harvest! Really impressed with the info and the video content. Thanks Mike!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Mike, I'm just a regular country boy sharing what I do.... and having fun with the process.

[@PeteCorp]

You're awesome.

[@Chass0715]

My hat is off to this guy. I casually purchased a few tomato plants recently and started getting really excited as I began to see some real yield. I stumbled upon this video while looking to find out what suckers are and what I should do with them. After watching these vids, my wife and I are now going to build a nice dutch bucket propagation system. We're not as advanced, so we're going with the Batos at first. That said, if everything works out, we will be moving to this guys strategy.

[@mhpgardener]

You're welcome. It's nice to know the videos are helpful.

[@biostokfoliage7063]

Great tips you have... will definitely make used some of your bucket idea for my hydroponics system. Thanks again.

[@m42069583]

I like how you explain things to the point without much unnecessary chatter. Great video

[@Stohz]

I love this time of year. Weather starts getting warmer, and its gardening time again!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks, I'm hearing from a lot of people who are having quite a bit of success. It's a simple system that works very well.

[@mikejones1615]

Bobby how many tomatoes can you get from a celebrity tomato plant using your 3 gallon dutch bucket.

[@ianplyer]

Great innovation, looking forward to adding this to our aquaponic farm soon. The green house plastic install worked wonderfully!

[@CapnKew]

You are a champ, thanks for the time and effort to show off your system and crop. This is surgical.

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you. It's a neat way to grow, something I really enjoy.

[@mhpgardener]

Cool. I'm glad the videos have been helpful. If you're just getting started, and the seedlings are growing well...you're off to a fast start.

[@WinstonMLewis]

I am from the Caribbean and have been watching your videos for a while now and very impressed with your success. Your explanations are very simple and straight forward, Keep up the good work i am loving it.

[@guyosburn8858]

Your Dutch bucket videos are about 10 years old as II view them. I would like to commend you, however, on your excellent presentation and straightforward instructions. I have viewed two of your Dutch bucket videos over the past year and this spring. I will be building my own system. With the information you have laid out I am very confident I’m going to have a great crop of tomatoes. I’ll be doing beef steak tomatoes, as well as Cherokee purple. Thank you once again for your excellent presentation and straightforward instructions. These videos give great confidence to the beginner. God bless !

[@mhpgardener]

I started my tomato seeds today for what I'll be growing outside. I'm not rushing things like I did last year. Older and wiser. :)

[@MsWindyhill]

Hey Bobby, 6 yrs ago when the 1st winter storm was bearing down on me I gathered the tomatos from my 1 cherry-roma plant. I broke the top off and put it in my basket. I cut it up into 5 stems when i got in the house and planted them in red cups. I have taken cuttings every year since and added an early girl 2 years ago. Also I have used the blue Walmart bags instead of the paint strainer. Getting good results. Thanks for your teaching lessons have learned so much from you. Thanks.

[@evilroyslade2491]

Eight years later and it's still great and informative, Thanks

[@stanleyolson3228]

With all the fallout from Fukushima, I am giving up on the soil garden. So far my well water is good and I am excited about growing in a lean-to this summer while building a bigger structure for a green house. You and your videos have given me confidence that I will be able to feed my family and friends something that will not make us all sick.

[@myonlyteam]

Thanks for all the hard work and sharing all the useful information with us! Keep up the good work and love to watch your videos!

[@b.walker5955]

The internet tomato council decided to serve me this content today...March 2021. Growing tomatoes like apple trees or grape vines totally envious! Really Enjoyed the tips and encouragement! Thank you!

[@Skellyrm]

I look for your New videos everyday!!! I can only plant in soil but I look forward to the day I can move beyond the city slicker limit's to plant some serious crops, and build a Greenhouse to grow in other formats. Until that time, my poor little Garden is doing much better thanks to the good Advice. Thank you Bobby, and Lord willing, more videos will come!

[@MasterSauceMuslim]

I have been watching your videos for weeks now and have just started a garden of my own thanks to your videos. I plan to post my progress on my channel but so far my seedlings are growing well. Keeping making vids.

[@kerrystewart2857]

This might be one of your best yet! you filled in alot of questions I had on your system.Thank you. keep them coming!

[@ladyb003]

Bobby, you explain things so clearly that even I can understand it...lol. Thanks for doing what you do and teach us what you know. Take care.

[@mhpgardener]

I hope it works well for you. I recommend building a small setup, as a test to work out any problems. Then step it up if needed. It's a system that works very good.

[@HouseDadLife]

Such a great video, still here years later!

[@lyquach1149]

I'm very proud of you. Everything you do is make so sense.thank for all your hot works day and night.

[@keller2664156]

You should awarded for your additives. Thanks for all of your great videos

[@leighatkins22]

Hint: Get your root balls & paint strainer bags & put them all in fine mesh laundry bags. Then fill up your washing machine to maximum with nothing but fresh water when the missus isn't looking & put all your laundry bags in for a cycle. Then hang them on the line to dry. When you open them up, the root balls will have been relieved of most of their vermiculite which will still be in the bag (if the mesh was fine & tough enough) & the paint strainer bags should be substantially cleaner but these may be better on a gentler cycle. I use the washing machine for a surprising variety of things from shoving combs & brushes in with a wash, or filling the machine on low with just fresh water, lining the bottom with clean towels & dirty potatoes if I have a large quantity that need cleaning for a large dish (do this on gentle cycle). This also works well on a large crop of carrots after harvest before bringing them inside for processing - it saves a LOT more water than doing it all by hand & it does a heaps better job as well. Once you open your mind to this, a surprising quantity of things can be cleaned quicker & easier with less water, you may have to clean the machine itself more often with machine cleaners but the advantages far outweigh this :-)

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you. I still feel like I have room for improvement, so I'll keep working at it.

[@Windragon76]

This is a very clever way to grow plants of any variety. The greenhouse they are in helps as well since, to a degree, it can be temperature controlled. If you live in uncertain or harsh weather conditions (desert), this could definitely be a benefit. I like it.

[@21beachhead]

The setup looks so neat which is intriguing as well. Simple and effective. Cool that the crop is all from sucker clones.

[@M0D0C42]

Your skill, determination and hard work blows me away. And no detail left undone, right down to the reservoir with a cup holder. (lol)

[@mtbotteE85]

I absolutely love this system. I have had a 7 bucket system running now for 4 days and the plants have nearly doubled in size. One of my plants is a clone and it is lagging behind, but showing growth also. I will keep adding buckets as time permits and hopefully get to 40-50 this year. Next year there will be no dirt tomatoes, only dutch buckets.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks.... I dont have 12 inches of fall until the reservoir is almost empty. I'll keep this in mind when I get ready to build another setup.

[@globalgyro]

I have learned more on your hydroponic video than all I have watched. I highly recommend your KZbin channel. Thanks again Bruce

[@user-yr3gw8it2t]

+Bruce Acree hello ,you can ask me. because I am 农业工程师。

[@vancecombs2483]

I always love that I learn something knew with each video I watch of yiurs! Thank uou!

[@mhpgardener]

You're welcome, and thank you too.

[@mhpgardener]

You're welcome.. I hope it helps. Thanks.

[@tappakeggaday1]

I've watched several of your videos and don't for the life of me know why I haven't subscribed. I really enjoy your videos

[@mtbotteE85]

Great video. Just made my first dutch buckets today. I have three that I am manually operating until I get the drain pipe and drip hoses in place. I am already impressed.

[@user-zx7ts9fz7l]

Thank you my dear professor ... Please provide a statement of the type and proportion of the nutritious solution according to the growth stages of the tomato plant

[@mr1enrollment]

Just wanted to thank you, I am to begin a DB Hydro system this season, (2015). It will be small, just 3-4 buckets, and outside. You have filled in some question I've had with your videos. They are much appreciated. D

[@mygtr2021]

Keep up the great vids. Always inspires me to play on my hydro system. When people complement my system, I tell them to watch ur channel. Keep the great vids coming.

[@rlqsanto3801]

I'm from the pacific island where the weather is very humid and hot and i've been trying to plant tomatoes and potatoes. I seem to have a bit of a hard time growing potatoes but tomatoes are growing fine. Only problem are the bugs eating up the leafs. I really like your setup. The area around my house is very rocky and hard to dig up. I will try your setups. Thanks for this awesome vid. 👍🤙

[@firozosman]

7 Years on, and this is still a fantastic video. Thank you Sir. Regards from the other side of the globe : the beautiful Kingdom of Bahrain 🇧🇭!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Winston. I'll do my best.

[@mhpgardener]

Tomatoes are almost self pollinating. The flowers contain both male and female parts. All that is required is some type of vibration for the pollen to drop down onto the stigma to complete the pollination process. This vibration or motion is most often done by wind. In a greenhouse, it helps to use a cordless toothbrush to vibrate the clusters, or simply shake the plants. Bees do help, but they are not a necessity.

[@buynsell365]

Great Video !!!! Very informative. I really, really like the way you have this setup. Thanks for sharing.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Tomas, I appreciate that sir.