GroBucket self-watering system - Setup and first impressions

GroBucket self-watering system - Setup and first impressions.
This a complete step-by-step installation of the GroBucket self-watering system into a 5-gallon bucket. I also give first impressions on the design and show how to transplant a plant into the GroBucket. The GroBucket is a wicking system, from GroTech, that works similarly to other sub-irrigated systems like EarthBox, and DIY bucket in bucket designs. The GroBucket is affordable, easy to install, and requires fewer tools and materials than Do-it-yourself builds.
As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commissions from purchases made through the following links:
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GroBucket (10 pack) - amzn.to/3gpsH8C
Mars Hydro TS1000 grow light - amzn.to/3dzjAQw
Mars Hydro grow tent - amzn.to/3sytmqH
AC Infinity Cloudline t4 exhaust - amzn.to/3mZPtFh
Maxibloom nutrients - amzn.to/3ekaDtC
5/16" drill bit - amzn.to/3mZPoRZ
Drill - amzn.to/3tAK3mm
GroTech GroBucket website - grotechgarden.com/

[@CarrieRunnals]

Hey Peter it’s Carrie from GroTech Garden Products. Thanks so much for trying our GroBuckets and sharing your experience. Glad to find your channel🤩

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Carrie! I'm so glad I found your product. I really love the design.

[@KoLuX57]

Thank you for your detailed answer. It helped me a lot

[@barryelizando4597]

Yes, drilling hundreds of holes then making sure to clear the holes drilled takes lots of time. I may have to invest in some of those and wished you earned something of this Peter. Great idea.

[@pepperdactyl]

I think they are totally worth it.

[@MattGarver]

Great product description and presentation, I liked all the camera angles and pros and cons of the product. Excellent how to instructions, which are simple to follow along. Looking forward to seeing your results. Thanks for the review!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Matt!

[@doodahgurlie]

This I like! Especially as I have a tendency to overwater all my plants. I like how well-designed it is and easy it is to set up. And it actually looks nicer than other variations of growing in the 5 gallon buckets!

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching! I agree. It's a very nice design and looks good. Requires minimal effort to set one up.

[@philipsteele1277]

Seems like a great set up Peter. Thanks for the video.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Phillip!

[@povertypat1208]

Thank you for the informative video Peter. Will definitely have to try this for myself.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, poverty Pat.

[@tybo759]

Nice video and thanks for the tips about the buckets.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@lforbes4667]

Great video Peter! I just got mine in the mail. Can't wait to set them up.

[@pepperdactyl]

They work great!

[@shirlella-she-hers7605]

Thanks for the tutorial video! I’m definitely going to give the grobucket kit a try. You made it look so easy.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks! It is super easy. I love using mine.

[@MountainAirOrganicBeds]

Very through instructions. I lost mine and haven’t gotten around to planting because of the heat. Thank you for the video.

[@pepperdactyl]

I'm glad it was helpful! It's a nice system. I still enjoy using mine.

[@livinglifeonlifesterms2450]

Thanks Peter for showing this product. I may actually try this out for my first wicking attempt.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching.

[@PepperBear]

Great video Peter. I have had one outside for close to 3 weeks now and the wicking is working great.

[@pepperdactyl]

Awesome, Aaron! I going to run one side by side with a bucket in bucket setup growing my Olive Rocotos. The third one I'll probably do either a tomato or pepper.

[@timpage5021]

Ordered a 3 pack Wednesday got em Friday. Very nice product . Gonna get the 10 bucket sip system with the floats and the 8 gallon fabric bags that allow the new Growbuddy system insert in the fabric bags. I thought that was what I was getting. Oh well soon as my finances allow imma get em.

[@Robs346]

That’s a pretty setup and can’t wait to see future updates. Recharge is awesome as well..I put together the 12oz can single bucket a couple years ago and learned it needs the lid with holes to be 💯

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Rob!

[@abdallaakoud1166]

Very interesting design and set up. Please let us see the progress and the other two as well. Thanks.

[@pepperdactyl]

Will do. Thanks for watching,

[@williambeckham4656]

I love the water level indicator.

[@pepperdactyl]

I do too! It's very helpful.

[@carolyncollier1589]

Great video Peter! This system looks very interesting ! So far , I’ve just planted in the ground or in regular containers with soil. I may try this!, Thank you! 🙃🔥❣️

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Carolyn!

[@karltite128]

Great demo Peter. Looks to be o.k. product. Thanks.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks!

[@SmokeyJoe613]

This system look pretty cool peter, I seen your video with the 2 buckets and I like this much more, I might try this in the future, I just started a 12 hole moisten land hydro system and I love it , mini version of aero garden.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. I haven't heard about that hydro system. I'll check it out.

[@midwesternhotpeppers6780]

I really like this setup Peter Stanley I'm definitely going to have to try this for myself thanks for sharing :-)

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, for watching!

[@johncassell251]

Awesome, thank you!

[@speedygreen7694]

Cool product at a great price point

[@pepperdactyl]

I think so too!

[@Randy_Smith]

I'm getting ready to look on your channel for your follow-up thoughts on this system. I have 3 of the traditional bucket in bucket self watering setups and can't help but agree with you about how easy this looks. Sure, it might cost a couple of dollars more per planter but the ease of setting this up more than makes up for it. Many thanks for posting such a thorough and concise video.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks. Yes, I love the GroBuckets. I've used built and used several of the bucket in bucket setups. I can literally set one of these up, including drilling the hole, in less than a minute.

[@raymondallen7870]

I'm going to have to check these out

[@pepperdactyl]

So far I like mine a lot.

[@user-ns5pi3qb5p]

if doing a bucket in bucket you dont need a net pot..just drill a 1 inch hole in the centre of your top bucket and some smaller holes surrounding the centre hole .use a 1 to 2 inch filler pipe and drill the overflow hole just below the first bucket and to make a wick just use a microfibre cloth..job done..use a wine cork as a float..

[@jaimezazueta3720]

That's an eser way to wik that method looks pretty cool. And easy.

[@pepperdactyl]

I think so too. Thanks, for watching!

[@mgarwatoski]

I have around a dozen of these systems. The water level indicators that came with mine were corks on sticks that really sucked and didn’t last an entire season. Nice to see they’ve addressed that issue. I think you’ll find that the bucket in bucket will be more productive simply because of getting a full 5gal of soil vs what’s left in the GroBucket system.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks Mark. That's a good point about some of the grow space being used up by the insert. I'm going to grow two same peppers side by side and see how they do. I think in general it should perform well. I've grown some bucket in bucket setups that were 4 gallon size and grew monster plants.

[@mikedisher30]

Awesome post Pete I’m actually considering getting these grobuckets really cool, great video 👍👍🌱🌱

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks, Mike!

[@mikedisher30]

@@pepperdactyl one question, nutrients would you just use master blend full strength if growing tomato’s? Or bring it down to 1000 ppm?

[@pepperdactyl]

@@mikedisher30 I haven't been a big tomato grower in the past, and have never grown them with MasterBlend, except maybe some Cherry tomatoes indoors. I'm planning to use MasterBlend on a White Tomesol tomato in the grobucket. The full strength I use for peppers is usually around 700-800 ppm. I'll probably use the same for the tomato unless I'm seeing some deficiency.

[@mikedisher30]

@@pepperdactyl great good to know 👍👍🌱

[@go-ham1594]

That thing is dope

[@pepperdactyl]

I think so too!

[@minigoldendoodle]

for this 5 gallon bucket, to make an interal plate, I guess we also also can use the "Automotive Bucket Insert Grit Traps" directly. it seems easier.

[@spencerbanks5891]

Looks really good Peter if only it was available in the UK

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. Sorry to hear you can't get them there right now.

[@seankraus5246]

very nice. i have a couple hubords under shop lights. your set up looks great. i tried potatos, no spuds, think my set up was too hot and i fed too late into the plants life.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. These are doing really well for me this year. Right now I'm growing pepper plants and mugwort in the GroBuckets, all are doing great.

[@anarchoplant4949]

I need to upgrade to the new new. Been using their system for years now.

[@pepperdactyl]

That's cool. I didn't know they had a previous model.

[@anarchoplant4949]

@@pepperdactyl Was a Kick Starter campaign. Same set up, just a bit more refined now. I've ha good results from using the inserts.

[@jimholowach457]

Would adding a small air stone be a good idea. And can you grow a pot plant in these buckets

[@thefaeryman]

great video, Dakin recently put out his build, the inverter basket provided air to the roots. best

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks. I hadn't heard of that one, will check it out.

[@PreatorRaszagal]

Hot diggity! That little thing sure seem like a speed grower! Those leaves in just 5 days! Will be interesting to see how it goes. Seems like a smart product that'll make things a whole lot easier. I wonder if they're available in Europe. Need to get my Google-Fu on :)

[@pepperdactyl]

I don't know if they ship to Europe or not. I sent them a question about it. I'll let you know what I find out.

[@PreatorRaszagal]

@@pepperdactyl Thanks! I Couldn't really find anything while googling, so I'd be interested in hearing what they say!

[@moldybread209]

How do I feed liquid nutrients with the gro bucket?

[@KoLuX57]

I have a question, can you use expanded clay instead of earth? and can i use fertilizers for hydroponics?

[@richards2072]

When I packed in the potting mix around the edge, it pushed up the insert so the inserts on the top piece no longer fits down over the bucket.

[@pepperdactyl]

I sounds like you might have packed it too hard, forcing some of the potting mix underneath.

[@kimbieandi]

Peter, do you think this would work with growing potatoes? I have these blue buckets that are slightly tapered with rope handles (actually that yellow plastic type rope) which are 16 1/2" tall, 19" inside diameter at the top, slightly tapering down to the bottom, which I bought for potatoes so there would be more room.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. I'm not sure. I've never grown potatoes. Sorry that's not much help.

[@southerncomfort971]

Hi and Thanks, I live in central Ontario Zone 5b so we get winter and it last about 3 months of cold and snow. My question is what does every one do with there grow buckets in winter? Do you dump the soil? or compost it? I don't dare leave them filled outside as they will freeze and break. I do not have a heated garage, so its in a unheated shed or outside. Would love your thoughts. Thanks.

[@pepperdactyl]

I just dump mine and spray it out.

[@southerncomfort971]

@@pepperdactyl where do you dump it, compost or where?

[@KoLuX57]

Does this hole have to be in the container if we have a water level indicator?

[@pepperdactyl]

I wouldn't advise using it without the hole. If you accidentally overfill, there's not an easy way to get the water back out. It's possible the water level indicator could get stuck, or something could happen to falsely indicate the water level. I wouldn't rely on that. Having the hole there also allows some air to get in which helps the roots. Hope this helps.

[@user-vw4qc4fh6o]

are these good for indoors or lower temperatures when there wont be as much top evaporation and thus wicking?

[@pepperdactyl]

You'll need balance with any grow method, temps, light, humidity, etc... But I've used these indoors in lower temps, and also have overwintered using very similar setups with no issues. I've been growing one pepper plant in my office, which generally stays pretty cool, as I have to wear a jacket sometimes, and it has produced a lot of peppers.

[@juanarroyo465]

Do I fill thr reservoir up with water + top water also? Or only top water for a few days then start the reservoir?

[@pepperdactyl]

I water it in throughly when first setting up the plant, then bottom water only, from the reservoir. If for some reason the top layer dries out before the roots get down low enough, you can top water again, but you shouldn't have to do that for long.

[@vegadog30]

I have mixed feelings about these. I think the 2bucket system might be better then at least if goes anaerobic it’s easier to change out. Also as someone going organic do I have to get fertilizers just for some of these buckets. If I wanted to run hydro/ferts I would but these are somewhere in the middle.

[@pepperdactyl]

Last year I ran this side by side with a 2 bucket system, growing rocotos, and I couldn't tell any difference in the results.

[@leguirerj]

Why can't you moisten the coir or potting mix ahead of time before you put it into the bucket instead of dry. It would pack tightly in the bucket wouldn't it? Also start wicking sooner.

[@pepperdactyl]

It was a little moist to begin with, but that's just how I do it. Do what works best for you.

[@leguirerj]

@@pepperdactyl Thanks

[@littlenugs9942]

Y'all this is a nice little set up but you can do the same thing with 4" of pea stone or river rock and a 1"PVC pipe. $10 usd max. You can't see it it's under the soil. Why do we got to get so fancy?

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. Yes, there are many other options out there with different pros and cons. I encourage folks to use what they prefer, and that works best for them.

[@ballamaniac6984]

how do you add nutrients when u got it filled up already?

[@pepperdactyl]

You just wait until it uses up nutrients that are already there, then you add more.

[@ballamaniac6984]

@@pepperdactyl I'm talking about liquid nutrients , do you add it to the water when you fill it up or add it to the soil directly on top of it already being filled up on the bottom ?

[@pepperdactyl]

When you first set it up, you water from the top once. From then on, you fill the reservoir with nutrients. What I do is mix the hydroponic nutrients with water in a gallon jug. Then I fill the reservoir from the jug of nutrients.

[@mindbreaker2415]

So basically a modified more expensive version of the Dutch Bucket method

[@pepperdactyl]

It's not anything like a dutch bucket.

[@AaronDrake22]

I Use a Normal 5 Gallon Pile like he has but I just Drill a bunch of Holes in it and use it as is this is just a waste of money for these 5 toll on Piles all you need is about 2 or 3 L of water probably every 2nd Day not hard and if you do over do it those holes allow for extra water to leak out from the holes. Yeah this isn't Nessasary just a waste of money

[@CH-xw4fq]

Not $13.00 anymore. Try around $50 bucks now.

[@pepperdactyl]

These are sold in 3 packs. They have gone up a little. Instead of 13, they are 16.66 each now (49.99/3). Still worth it, in my opinion.

[@johncassell251]

Could I grow weed in these peter?

[@pepperdactyl]

Yes, there is a guy on FaceBook doing it successfully. facebook.com/groups/508779706463287/user/100068270250101/

[@NikosDelight]

Growing autoflowers in grow tech bucket liquid or dry nuits ?

[@pepperdactyl]

I've always used liquid nutrients for my peppers, but I've seen others use the dry for things like tomatoes and did fine.