Dutch Bucket Hydroponics - Tips & Expanding the Reservoir

In my current Dutch Bucket setup, I'm using 27 gallon reservoirs. They are matched up with 18-20 plants, not a very good ratio. So I'm having to constantly add water, about 10 gallons each day. I really need a larger reservoir. What I have done is add a 55 gallon plastic drum, connected by plastic tubing, and then hooked to a float valve in the reservoir. What this does is triple my overall capacity, thus enabling me to now put the system on a timer and spend my time doing other things.
Also in this video I talk about using pump filters, using buckets without lids, my results with open-pollinated Big Beef, and some surprising things about Cherokee Purple tomatoes.
My FB page: / mhp.gardener

[@mhpgardener]

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. :)

[@sergarrick]

Great video! I agree about the lack of follow ups. Seeing a setup like this so far in a growth cycle was sorely needed. Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

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.

[@IndependentWisdom]

It's great how amazingly grown those plants in a simplistic way.I truly adore your tips and tricks over maintaining those plants.

[@williammulneaux155]

Keep making the videos. I have been researching hydroponics in preparation to start my own system. You are correct in pointing out that while there are no end of hydroponics videos, few follow up with results. Your videos have been a gold mine of information on hydroponics from construction to harvest. They have been a blessing, and when I finally start my own hydroponic garden I intend to follow your example, documenting the entire process. Thanks again, and keep 'em coming.

[@1new-man]

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!

[@dkean4]

These are the best videos on the Dutch Bucket style of growing. Thanks...

[@chris432t6]

This man knows his shit and his greenhouse with tomatos look like it could be the cover of better homes & gardens. Its really a beautiful work of art.Very inspiring and down to earth.

[@denniel9276]

Just wanted to let you know, these videos are awesome and exactly what I was looking for. Appreciate your thoroughness!

[@MrThehbus]

thank you for posting I keep watching God bless

[@ibeaclare]

Your hard work on putting on these videos is much appreciated. I have enjoyed them and receive a lot of good and usefull information to help me in my aquahonics , I hope you keep them coming..thank you

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@mustakahmed9312]

Yes this is helpful thank

[@crowned.king.immortal]

you might try a commercial dehumidifier

[@chriskulpa213]

I love your videos Bobby! I happened to stumble onto one last year about your Dutch Bucket setup and I have been catching up on all of them. I don't have a green house and live in the northeast so I have been chomping at the bit waiting for this winter to once and for all give up so I can get started on growing outside on my deck! I have been buying all of the parts needed and I am very excited to try your method. Great job!

[@dangdang8106]

This is by far one of if not the best set up

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@bradhiebert6403]

I'm from Manitoba Canada. I'm setting up a couple of greenhouses for year round vegetables. I have watched a lot of your videos and they are extremely informative. I want to setup the Dutch bucket system like yours among others. Awesome videos.

[@omarrosario1489]

I truly appreciate you sharing your knowledge to the entire World. Thanks.

[@OverGrowTheUk]

thanks bobby your videos have really helped me with all the hydroponics :)

[@racingsons]

My grandson is looking for our little garden. Can not wait for the snow to go. Anxious to try dutch buckets , floating rafts already ate some lettuce from a small indoor setup. Your info is priceless. THANKS

[@melvinrochelle5014]

been watchin u for two year u doing a great job I have learn from u alot

[@mindy2215]

That is beautiful!!! You are a really good gardener for sure. Tried to grow some vegetables using hydroponics and never works too well.

[@ralphgauer263]

Your videos are consistently outstanding! Thanks for the useful information.

[@DuyNguyen-bd9vn]

Very informative and down to earth gentleman. Thank you for sharing your own hydroponic system.

[@andreagosselin700]

Merci

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@mhpgardener]

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.

[@MarcoPolux]

I've learn a lot with your videos, you make it seems so easy and fun! I have a 5 bucket system (RDWC), one Floating Roots, and 2 NFT..... working now trying to insulate better my buckets, and looking for ways to maintain apart the plants leaves from the PVC in the NFT, because it gets so hot, it burns them.... Thank's Bobby!

[@leandrolocani7131]

I just want to thank you for all this videos. I'm from Argentina.

[@kermitbrown8774]

Of all the videos I’ve seen on you tube, yours are the best explained. Great for a beginner how does not understand the slang used. I’m a big fan of yours. I am a disabled Vietnam vet in a wheel chair. God bless you for what you do. Will see you in the Lords house!

[@eddiemcdaniel9893]

Well you've talked me into it, Santa Eddie starting the dutch bucket system down in Mississippi, my problem is finding buckets. Thanks Bobby for your great info

[@DesertPrince7]

Man, this is a very informative and well explained video. You make me want to jump and go set me up some buckets!

[@Widowmakerproduction]

Hay Bobby, Yet another great video. It has finally warmed up enough here to start working on the yard/flower beds. Can't wait to plant some veggies. Still another 3 weeks before it is warm enough. Thanks for keeping me motivated. Greg

[@mtbotteE85]

I have my first dutch bucket system up and running, thanks to you.

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you. I try to help out as best I can.

[@greenhousegutter]

Thanks Bobby always look foward to your next show.

[@harbourwest]

I love all of your videos. I'd like to see one on how you build the support for the dutch buckets. I know its not gardening, but I think it would be great for people like me who love your setup!

[@Sheila6325]

Oh Wow! I need some of those! Thank you for the tip.

[@akalmorel2723]

you could be a tv star, besides informative, you make it very enjoyable to watch !

[@dennisneezy7311]

You're changing the world with this

[@mstr416]

What a great video, thanks for sharing it! Looking forward to more... From Toronto, Canada

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@Ptreese84]

Just started something like this. Thanks for the videos. Very informative.

[@mhpgardener]

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.

[@abdallahshariff9369]

Can i come learn from u sir ?

[@fireqboom-offical]

excellent fruit, a great example of competent grove

[@ikashibimauler]

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.

[@riatimmermans5177]

Wow amazing tomatoes and set up, thank you for share 🍅🍅🌞😇💙❤💛

[@mygtr2021]

Another great vid!!! thanks for all the video updates.

[@fermorales9087]

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

[@russellbiggerstaff5318]

I find your information very helpful, thank you for taking the time.

[@matthewlottinger]

dude this getting addicting my tomatoes are coming in on my first set of dutch buckets awsome.

[@myway148]

Great Videos ! Lots of great info. Thank you so much for helping us all out !

[@johnrobinson635]

Your videos are great Bobby keep up the good work. I started a hydroponic system this year using all your information and things or turning out great. I am in Arizona high country so things are pretty hot and windy here. Started my system outside until the wind blew everything away then I build a Gaito Green House (thats the name my wife give it because it is bad but it works. Thanks again for all of your information. Bless You JR

[@mhpgardener]

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.

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you. It's nice to be appreciated.

[@limitlesspotential9599]

Looks excellent. Thanks for sharing this

[@FesterWerks]

Great video! I'm starting to document my eventual dutch bucket system as well and much of what you covered in this video are things I had planned for mine. You are very generous with your knowledge and I sure appreciate it. I'll be referencing you in many of my vids. I may need to rethink my reservoir size now... I was going to go with a 27 gallon for 30+ plants... Sounds like I need to double that. Thanks for a great video!

[@loislaney23]

Those pump protector bags are a great idea, will have to check those out or something like them for my pond pumps. That float was a great idea too. I do love those C.P. tomatoes too. Glad you are have good luck with them.

[@mhpgardener]

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.

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@virginialacar3218]

Your tomatoes is very empressive nice .Good job....

[@pierpontscott9026]

Like the reservoir set up. Think I might try that

[@Quietwoods2]

Another excellent video Bobby. We so appreciate you sharing your results and upgrades such as the replenishing tank and float valve. Brock is doing well, thanks for mentioning him. I wrapped four of my Dutch Buckets in kitchen aluminum foil and like the look of them and hope that works out. My next four, I'm going to try black plastic wrap, on the inside of the bucket, Creating Brocks Panda idea with white bucket, black plastic inside? We'll see. Thank you much, happy growing!

[@44137kjcs1]

I really like all of your helpful videos. keep it up!!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I try to have fun with this stuff.

[@tunkara-pu2pu]

God bless you. Your explanation loud and clear.

[@CoachNancee]

OMG I've been watching and am building my first Dutch bucket system right now. Would have been much easier with the right tools though. Still very excited! Thank you SO much for your informative and entertaining videos. Love from Texas!!

[@toddavant5627]

Thanks for all the videos and sharing the knowlege the educational information we all share in invaluable ....Thx

[@berkebunsayur2338]

Wow...I like your tomatoes garden...

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Brendan.

[@mhpgardener]

I'm seriously thinking about planting corn this week..... thinking really hard on it too. I planted April 13th last year and it made pretty good.

[@workingclassBLOOD]

thanks for all your hard work and sharing your experiences. i just wanted to share something with you and your viewers. i was at china-mart the other day and and just happened across some 2 gallon white, round buckets for $2.47each, but no lids for them as of yet (they even has some as small as 1 gallon) near the paint supplies. just thought it might be a good starting point for some dutch bucket systems and not too expensive. thx again for all you do.

[@IREBBLE]

awesome. the tomatoes are really big. thank,s guy for the upload

[@enzed1190]

What an interesting and informative presentation?!! I'll be sure to look at your other videos as well as those by the Canadian gentleman Brock. Many blessings.

[@osariemenlutaotabor6015]

Hi Bobby, thanks for the time spent in explaining to most interested hydroponics grower in areas of which they have questions. i have few questions in mind to ask. 1, when you have no electricity to power the pump, what do you do at night ? how do you water the plants? and how often ? 2, is it possible to re-use nutrients solution and if how? 3, do you use Carbon dioxide in you greenhouse ? 4, and how did you deal with white flies? if any. 5, and how many fruit per pant were you getting ?

[@masteraus66]

Thank you so much makeing these videos you are give me idea to try and know how it works and are also teaching me and my classmates.

[@mhpgardener]

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.

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@blackadee26]

big thank you for all this valuable info

[@missadelaja]

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

[@pehgt5099]

Best for fungus 100% natural is Bicarb of soda also put some epsom salts in your hydro mix

[@Belioyt]

Give us an update, did you set up a system?

[@jesselee121]

You're awesome. I feel so bad about my garden now lol you have sooo much. God bless

[@xenak2041]

I love all your information. I am planning to start a vertical hydroponics garden (small), and your experience and comments will be very helpful. I am excited!

[@maxamaddalmar3256]

Glorian K nice

[@AgricultureAdvisor-lj1tg]

Hi

[@RickMarshallMaps]

Great video full of lots of good information

[@gator70422]

Really like your videos .. You sure know your tomatoes !! Keep up the good work !!

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@ccave717]

You and LDS Prepper are my favorite channels.

[@amathonn]

excellent videos, you're a great teacher.

[@mhpgardener]

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.

[@daveswinfield]

You sir, are a likable gentleman

[@MrDanrn999]

Dam, your plants look great!

[@susanwolding1]

you are awesome! and I am learning a lot! Thank you so much for making a affordable system for my back yard!

[@mhpgardener]

I learned a lot from videos too.

[@MissCharliechop]

thank you for taking the time to make these videos. i appreciate that you are straight with your info., not umming and getting off track. thanks so much for your time =o)

[@user-dh3re3ik4f]

Charlotte

[@eyesdatsee]

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP

[@GuysGreenEmailgmailcom]

Just to echo what "Ibeaclare" below . . . We appreciate your thorough efforts and delivery. Thanx Again - - - GR

[@mhpgardener]

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

[@Sam_Huang87]

Oh wow love your farm

[@Smalley172]

Great vid as usual. Thanks for sharing!

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you Tony.

[@mbv41]

Your garden looks a heck of a lot better than mine but the way I accommodate having the reservoir higher than the return line is with a sump type pump that has a float switch built into it. I feed the buckets with a pump inside the 55 gallon barrel and then it returns to a lower reservoir (like the one you have). Then inside that lower reservoir is the sump pump. When the nutrient level gets high enough to trigger the float switch, it pumps it back into the 55 gal drum. Love your videos.

[@mhpgardener]

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.