Hydroponic Update ~ Dutch Bucket Tomatoes and Kratky Lettuce

It's time for a progress report on the Fall crop of Dutch bucket tomatoes. As I have for a couple years now, I'm growing Big Beef. Things are off to a good start. The first blossoms are starting to set fruit and we should have tomatoes all the way up to Christmas. Looking inside the small greenhouse, the Kratky boxes are doing great. Butterhead lettuce, Romaine, and Tatsoi are looking really good. And the Pak Choi in the floating raft setup is ready to start picking. If you've been having trouble growing leafy vegetables, look into hydroponics. It's a neat way to grow, and very productive.
Explaining Kratky hydroponics: • Off-Grid Hydroponics E...

[@waynehornsby3796]

I know these videos are 9 years old. I watched many videos yeses ago. Still the most helpful videos I’ve ever seen on Hydroponics. Talking to a supplier, they talk over your head and make it complicated. Your explanations are so clear and simple. Much appreciated

[@mhpgardener]

Absolutely ! I never judge anyone for their beliefs. We're all human and need to eat. All I'm trying to do is share how I do things. I hope it helps.

[@Laaurajay61]

Thank you for sharing all you learn with us! U don't know how much we appreciate it! Keep up the good work and let me just say hubby and I agree you would make an excellent teacher!

[@mhpgardener]

With hydroponics, it's amazing just how pretty the plants can get. Thanks.

[@michaelhemgesberg6827]

Great Video. I have watched all your videos several times as to not miss a thing. I am very excited to try this method. Gardening has always been fun but NEVER been easy. Pulling weeds and tilling the soil is for the young and for those with too much time on their hands. As soon as the snow melts I'll be out setting up my new garden. Thank You.

[@CaliKim29]

Great visuals to show the amazing growth in just a few short weeks! Those are the most perfect greens I have ever seen. You're doing an incredible job with your garden, Bobby!

[@alfredjohnson5647]

I love to garden,growing anything is my passion,thanks for the hydroponic information

[@250deanzer]

I am trying Aquaponics this year .And will definitely be trying your dutch bucket tomatoes next season.I would just like to thank you for the time you have taken.To put so much of your time aside to teach us what you have learned.i will keep you informed how it works out for me.God Bless and thank you again.

[@gordoncaldwell5597]

Very informative. It helps to hear from someone with experience and with the smarts to gain from that experience. Before viewing I had my doubts but after seeing this I will definitely consider this method. Thank you.

[@Karl_B]

Impressive looking! I like the look of your set up. There will be some mighty thankful people this fall who will benefit from your harvest. A true blessing!

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Mark, it's all about sharing the info. I learn a lot from youtube and this is my way of paying it forward. I think it's a good deal all around. Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

It really is that easy Rob. So simple that even I can do it !

[@KhangStarr]

Thanks, for sharing. Your lettuce, Pak Choi and Romaine look beautiful!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Susan and I had a lot of fun at the auction. It was certainly an eye opening experience. And they were almost giving the produce away.

[@cristianalpha7257]

I totally agree. My biggest problems before were the balance of nutrients and pest control. You make it very ez to understand and at the same time, gives me the sense that even the best gardener runs into those situations every now and then. So it shows me not to give in and feel disconcerting. Keep up the good work Mhp, you rock!

[@bluecatblu76]

Your channel is the best and most informative. Are you a teacher? If not you should be. I’ve learnt more in just watching a couple of your videos than any others. Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@mhpgardener]

Good to hear that things are going well for you. As the years go by and you learn more, things will become much easier.

[@mhpgardener]

I agree, blessed in so many ways. Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. It's a lot of fun doing the hydroponic stuff.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Considering the high temps in the GH, I'm pleased with how things have grown.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Paul. This hydroponic stuff is a lot of fun.

[@mhpgardener]

I agree...it's hard to beat. I have it at the top of my list.

[@trickyricky61]

Another good one Bobby, your usual best. Thanks.

[@shawhit3462]

Wow, those leafy greens look so good!

[@ransielgalme8097]

outstanding presentation...thank you ...have a blessed thanksgiving

[@metalmennonite9545]

Another awesome video brother! Thanks for taking time out of your day to share your knowledge with the rest of us. Its a real blessing.

[@paulhawkins65]

Awesome big beef setup I see you’ve decided that single stem is the way to go-cant wait to see all those tomatoes later on in the year. As always thanks for sharing you are a true inspiration!

[@aaronsarinana1654]

Very nice garden! Thanks for sharing!

[@honeybacres]

Your hydroponic and kratky stuff has done really for you Bobby. Nice work there.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I enjoy sharing what I do.

[@hdfatboy329]

Thanks for the updates, your videos are great and learning a lot. Keep em coming !!!!

[@mhpgardener]

Thank Kim. Hydroponics is a great way to grow most any kind of leafy greens.

[@waleedmasoud431]

I appreciate every bit of your videos.

[@danieldaniels8200]

One of your best videos that, thanks .going to do loads next year.

[@markwhair]

Bobby, thanks for great information on after the harvest tips. I setup a system in my basement for garden veggies and so far it's doing pretty well. Also setup one for my dad in his greenhouse which was doing well. Thanks for all your great advice and information.

[@cristianalpha7257]

Very inspiring videos. I love all of them and can't wait to get my hydro garden started. It never really worked out for me, but with your help I'm determined to make it this time around. Thx for sharing. God bless

[@PianoYogaWood]

Thank you for the inspiration to get growing! Starting four trays tomorrow.

[@jackbuddha2002]

Thanks for all the tips Bobby!

[@gabisandu]

Bobby, you are the best. Thanks for sharing...

[@AustinFamilyGardeningChannel]

Great job on the video -lots of good tips. I really like the tip about letting the plant dry out before you remove it . Thanks Larry

[@Bigelowbrook]

looking great Bobbie! I planted pac choy for the first time and the caterpillars loved it! the BT helped a lot.

[@BrianSmith1969]

Another great video Bobby. the sheet of paper says it the best. Truly usable information!!! Now to finish my morning coffee, and get out in the soil, and the garden, and do some work. I learned SO much this from your videos, and I am staying positive. I went with Rutgers and Homestead tomatoes, and still have a soil based cherry that is producing. I also learned that I have been being too timid with the fertilizer. My Rutgers in the Kratky tote is growing like crazy, and has blooms.Cya next time

[@newtagwhodis4535]

You’re a genius brother, thank you so much for posting!

[@jamout65]

Bobby, I planted big beef, rutgers, and golden jubilee tomato varieties in my garden this year thanks to you. The production from these three varieties has been awesome. The big beef is truly a great tomato. It tastes great and the plants produce very well. I highly recommend using concrete reinforcement wire and a t-post as tomato cages..............especially for the big beef. They really grow. Thanks for your videos.

[@itsmeme5340]

Your garden is doing great!

[@mhpgardener]

Yes. I use a base 4-18-38 fertilizer, mixed with Calcium Nitrate and Epsom salt. It gives the plants what they need to grow well.

[@jewelhunter1960]

I have been following your videos for some time now. Wish I had you here to help me lol. Very soon I am going to start both systems you use here. I look at you videos over and over again. Thank you so much.

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Lois, Big Beef is popular all over the country. It does great for me. Thank you.

[@mhpgardener]

Now that would be an interesting set up.

[@WayneMeador]

Bobby you continue to amaze me. Well done! Thank you for the wonder Video!

[@mhpgardener]

Cool, I think you'll enjoy hydroponics.

[@ramrajjiwanand1102]

you are truly blessed .. nice work !

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Tony.

[@mhpgardener]

I cooked some Pak Choi last night, it was excellent.

[@MisterSandman009]

Love your videos mate.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. With bad weather like we had in the early Spring, a greenhouse would be a life saver. You can control the growing conditions yourself, leaving nothing to chance. :)

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Rob. Worms are sneaky. One day the plant looks great. The next day it's full of holes. With new growth coming on all the time, it helps to spray once a week to keep up with them.

[@cybereagle01]

Rather belated but do you know if I can use round buckets on the Dutch bucket system? Thats because thats all we get this side of the world.

[@mhpgardener]

For sure, you need the big cages and t-posts....definitely something to keep the cage from rolling over. I've been very impressed with Big Beef, so I keep on growing it. Thanks.

[@mtbotteE85]

Ahhh, those big beef. Hard to beat. A good hardy plant......and oh such great flavor.

[@mhpgardener]

LOL...those instructions are priceless ! Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

I have 2 Kratky boxes outside that I've shown a few times. As long as you keep the rain from pouring in, it works very well. Thanks.

[@bevyh1]

Another great video. Really looking good.

[@sumafow]

Thanks again. Your videos help me a lot to start my own. God bless.

[@loislaney23]

Will have to try that Big Beef tomato next year. That lettuce does look beautiful. So does everything else!!

[@firozosman]

may the almighty bless you sir, with wisdom and His guidance. many thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@mhpgardener]

I had Pak Choi for dinner, it was excellent.

[@mhpgardener]

Yes you can. Just be careful with direct sunlight on one side for too long. The black will heat up quickly.

[@mhpgardener]

Yes sir, I'm in southern Virginia.

[@dibyendumukharjee8822]

Thanks for a wonderful video.

[@2techshop]

Love your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@mhpgardener]

Yes Lisa, you can clone the garden tomatoes just fine. Use whatever method you prefer. Once established, they'll grow like new plants.

[@OneYardRevolution]

Very impressive results, as always!

[@TheModernOffGriders]

I am so amazed with your teaching you are the man great job on every part of your garden thank you for everything thank you share with us god bless you

[@mhpgardener]

Good to hear you got the boss on your side. :)

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you sir.

[@wanto4279]

I would like to experiment this dutch buckets but I will try using potting mix. Thank you for your informative video.

[@buntychea2616]

Great video sir! You're making the agricultural engineering department at Virginia Tech proud! Hokie, Hokie, Hokie Hi!!!!

[@meanevilconservative]

Looking good, Bobby. I might have to take a trip down there soon.

[@mhpgardener]

I tried cleaning with wet roots, and it was a mess. Having them completely dry is the way to go. Thanks Larry.

[@meanshoes]

I'm always blown away by how well everything seems to perform in the kratky setups. I'm going to be heating my GH this year Bobby so I'm looking forward to doing some things I haven't tried :) great video Bobby :) Brock

[@TheProdigalson525]

im a good follower of yours...thanks for the info dude...learning a lot and am planning to start my setup when i come home...God bless

[@Srcuzcatlan]

Thanks for your videos..they're really inspiring.

[@memrah]

totally impressed with it. God bless you man.. i don't think anybody else can be MORE helpful on those subjects.

[@RobsAquaponics]

You make it sound & look all to easy Booby... Great looking crop yet again.. Cheers & have a great one :)

[@geehaw93]

Thanks again for a very inspiring video!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Kevin.

[@theJustinDyechannel]

This is so awesome man, cracked up at the part where you said the plants didn’t seem to be effected by the algae but you’re effected by it 😂

[@thiscrazyfamily3605]

I really like your closing statements. :) Your ideas are great. The items you use are very attainable so it really gives me enthusiasm to try. It feels like I actually have a chance at being successful at it! ha! :D

[@mhpgardener]

Yes, a bug light would probably help. I do have a bug zapper that I've used in the past. I probably should put it back up until the warm weather is done. Thanks.

[@shadowfaxx1]

Wow, you've really inspired me! So glad I stumbled on your channel, subscribed!

[@mhpgardener]

Give hydroponics a try. It's a fun way to grow vegetables.

[@TheBriantoons]

Wow! I do believe you have gotten the golden key. When I grow up I want to be just like you. :)

[@cesargr772]

Great video

[@corneliusaustin]

I took the same setup with 6 buckets on a wooden rack. cut out a hole in the top for a 3 3/4" netpot on top. Clay in the netpots and Perlite in the bottom. It is working well so far for bell peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.

[@No1sF00L]

hahahahah loved how you showed how easy it is to take care of the kratky lettuce!

[@ponicsgardens5996]

Nice work!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Try the Kratky deal, it works very well.

[@RonGordon]

Your the Man so funny about what you have to do to grow. love your video

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you, I sure do try. :)

[@mhpgardener]

We're off to a very good start. The tomatoes should be producing by mid October.

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you.