Secret Revealed! The BEST Hydroponic Grow Box That You Can Build from a 5 gallon bucket

[@troyyarbrough]

My cousin and I did something similar a few summers back. (Not garden related) We needed something to keep ice and water cold longer, but the cooler cans were expensive. We put a 3 gallon bucket inside a 5 gallon bucket and used the foam sealer in between the two buckets. We actually made 4 of them because we were working outside in the summer heat and went through GALLONS of water to stay hydrated.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Cool, love the ingenuity!! 😎🌱

[@ronallens6204]

If you already had a cooler, why not tap some holes in it and spray foam inside its walls ?

[@troyyarbrough]

@@ronallens6204 We didn't have a cooler because they were too expensive at the time. We made our own insulated cooler using two buckets and spray foam.

[@pperrinuk]

I grow in the UK where we often have heavy rain (as well as hot days!) -- to stop the rain drowning the plants (it gathers on the top and flows down the hole - so I cut a short bit of drain pipe and hot glue gunned it around the hole like a chimney pot...the rain pools around the top and overflows down the side, not down the hole! I also (from someone elses video) cut chunks out of the lid seals (divide it to 6 and remove alternate sections) so the lid still fits well enough to stay on and mostly seal, but is much, much easier to get off for refilling etc! Love your vids Mike!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks much Paul! Those are some really great tips!!

[@RhinoDNA]

Great idea! Some rain would still fall through the hole, but not NEARLY as much as what would flood into it as it collects on the bucket top! (Now why didn't I think of that! LOL!)

[@Metqa]

Kinda like a little stovepipe ,eh? I like that idea, it may work with my tomato buckets as the get flooded all the time, even though I tried putting sheet plastic rain collars on them. So the pool noodle and plant would block the hole and the height will let it overflow the edge rather than the hole. I'm learning Danish phrases and just learned " du er et Geni" which means you are a genius!

[@tanyapineda7212]

You sir, are the Macgyver of hydroponics!💚

[@leannekenyoung]

That’s so funny that you say that because I’ve described to my hubby about this teacher called Mike VanDuzee that knows everything there is about hydroponics and the containers to grow in!! I’ve said he’s like the MavGyver of hydroponics! So now he will ask me what I’ve learned today from Mike MacGyver. Lol!

[@claudeloi]

I appreciate your unselfishness to share your knowledge without advertising where to promote sell for your projects unlike a few guys who threat people who unmasked their calculated selfish mind to profit. When you claim you are SHARING then do it without holding back, truthfully, uncalculated then it is call SHARING. Others think sharing is calculated advertisement to profit for themselves, they are called HYPOCRITES.

[@ewartgreen76]

I like this system, it’s a wonderful idea that will suit my needs so much. I live in Perth,Western Australian.The Summer temperature are in the mid - 32c to 37c and it’s so hard growing most vegetables at this time of the year.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I have a few videos coming out towards the end of the month to help with the heat that may help you.

[@obilorjim]

This guy thinks! A reasoner. You are very creative (not jumping all over the shops buying everything). I am sure there are many like me saying, 'Thank You'.

[@jentronics3754]

Adding paint helps block the UV light (in sunlight; same light that fades your drapes) from penetrating the plastic and breaking down the polymer bonds and making the bucket brittle. This is why UV resistant plastic contains a dye like the gray electrical pipe. It may develop a whitish powdery coat over time. I cleaned the powder off to make it looked new again. This is where the UV damaged the surface but was unable to damage the interior. Most buckets do not have this protection. In fact I looked at a orange big box store bucket the other day, I could see through the side to make out my hand moving around inside the the side of the bucket. I know that UV will break it down to become too brittle to use.

[@dandeleona4760]

I can concur. But color of the bucket has a lot to do with it. Warm colors - orange, yellow, brown, red, and even green (bc of yellow in it) - degrade faster in sunlight while blues remain stable. It's why tarps are made in that hideous blue. They last longer in prolonged sun exposure.

[@valeriesanchez3074]

Just line it with a trash bag

[@jime8532]

Hi Mike. Interesting idea to insulate for cooler water during the hot weather. I'm also in Fla, ( down in Broward Co) and have been growing SwP in the ground for years for the potatoes but never knew about eating the leaves - mind blown, thanks for that revelation! But, rather than all that work to cut and reform the bucket, I think I'll try digging a hole in the ground and drop the uncut 5gal bucket most of the way down and let the dirt be the insulation. I'll let you know... and thanks immensely for all the information and encouragement you provide. -Jim

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Cool! Great idea Jim. Just make sure everyone knows where it is at so they don't step on it and fall in. Keep me updated.

[@dandeleona4760]

Foam needs oxygen to set up so while the rim is hardened, foam lower down remains liquid. Instead of dowels, try drinking straws for shape and to help oxygen get down there to cure the foam.

[@heathere9240]

I’m so grateful you came into my feed today. Subscribed and binge watching your videos 🙏💚💜💯

[@claudeloi]

I am a practical and lazy DIY guy so I think I can do it with your way but using cooler (used, beat up coolers, food grade ready) maybe some labor and money saving at the end. Just drill a few holes on the top then sunshield it, then you are ready to grow. You need to adjust the high of fertilizer container (inside the cooler) to remain in contact with the roots, raise it or lower it accordingly to the growth of your plants. Happy growing.

[@dustind3502]

Cool idea, I think I will paint the inner bucket black and seal the foam with silicon as I know that type of foam when cut has holes in it that could start collecting moisture and grow stuff. Thanks

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Great points! Good luck and happy gardening!

[@donnybowers7832]

I use one gallon Arizona tea bottles. I cut some for pool noodles (I don't split the noodle. I wrap a strip of sponge around the base of the plant and squeeze it into the hole). I also cut some for yogurt containers which are really easy to make into net pots using a soldering iron. Before I cut the hole for the net pot (or pool noodle) I spray paint the bottle black. Let it dry and then spray paint it white to reflect the heat. I had a lot of 90 plus degree days in a row and my plants didn't wilt. I started out using a black painted bottle and my plants wilted. I may use black painted bottles in the windows of my sun room in the spring and fall (maybe winter too), but in the summer it's paint it black then paint it white. The one gallon size seems to be perfect for lettuce and I would imagine for Pak Choy too. You can adjust the water level in each bottle custom for that plant. I'm planning on putting those bottles in some boxes I have on a table in my sun room window for a small off season Kratky garden. I'll probably supplement with a few hours of artificial light because I only have an east facing window. Square foot Kratky? Hey. You know what we need is a Kratky spread sheet that shows how much water to use (maybe info about light and nutrients etc. too) for each different kind of plant. Square foot gardening has stuff like that, why don't we? I'm fairly new at this, but I will probably start keeping track of stuff like that and maybe some day I'll be able to put together a data sheet for how to grow various plants with Kratky. I've looked around and so far I haven't found anything like that. I think it would be a great service to the Kratky community.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks for all the great info Donny. That would be awesome, let me know how it progresses and if I can help.

[@macrumpton]

maybe silver would reflect even more heat?

[@donnybowers7832]

@@macrumpton Possibly. All I know is that it definitely makes a difference. I've compared the white to the black and there's a huge difference between the temperatures of white and black bottles. And the plants will wilt on a hot day with bright sun shining on a black bottle.

[@suzaygrenis6044]

Local Basha's Bakery (Arizona) goes through hundreds of pounds of frosting for Friday specials on Donuts! Buckets are food grade, with lids and cost $1. They are washed out quite well. The grocery store would rather sell them and lid for a buck. There doesn't seem to be re-cycling up here! If you drove 60 miles ,you could re-cycle. Just thought you might like to know. And thank you for all that you do for us viewers! Suzay

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! I wish i could find a deal like that around here. Thank you, I really appreciate you. 🌱🌱🌱

[@suzaygrenis6044]

@@KeepOnGrowin Can I hit the like button about 10 times? Suzay

[@windyloom2267]

These are awesome. Thank you for the rain gutter systems I won. I grew Pak Choy and started some tomato cuttings in them.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome!!!!

[@pperrinuk]

I grow tomato's 1 plant per 5gallon bucket -- can I ask what nutrient solution do you use? I use master blend (with additives), but think I need to add something to get earlier flowering...

[@windyloom2267]

@@pperrinuk I use masterblend also with calcium sulfate epsome salt.

[@windyloom2267]

@@RhinoDNA for lettuce, cabbage, peppers, bok choy for 5 gallons 10 grams master blend 10 grams calcium nitrite 5 grams epsom salt Tomatoes I use for 5 gallons 12 grams masterblend 12 grams calcium nitrite 6 grams Epsom salt In some places thr ph needs to be adjusted.

[@RhinoDNA]

@@windyloom2267 ...thanks so much!

[@MrsGreycious]

Genius! My husband was literally working on a way to keep the kratky buckets cool during the heat and this is perfect. Love this!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Cool. Took me 7 years to think of it,😂 lol. Glad it helps😎🤘🌱

[@evabird673]

How i thought you were going to do it was to get 2 five gallon buckets and wrap the inside one with that silver bubble wrap cut to fit. But i bet you get a much higher R value with the spray insulation, just a lot messier. Fun to watch, even you can get gunk on your hands, i am not the only one. Eva

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Lol, yep, wear gloves!! 😂

[@macrumpton]

Bubble wrap is a great idea. Now all those bubblewrap Amazon envelopes can have a second life!

[@ronallens6204]

Good idea, but i have just one suggestion... instead of cutting the bucket, there are alot of non-food grade buckets really cheap to be had... why not buy those, cut the bottom off for access, and spray foam in those with the food grade bucket inside ? May not be all the way to the top, but i doubt the 2 or 3 inches at the top will matter if the lid is not insulated

[@leannekenyoung]

That’s is sooo cool!! I must have missed this one, it says it’s a year old! Hhhmmmm🤔 Glad I did find it!❤️👍🏻🇨🇦🥰

[@wesleysmith995]

Take top bucket, cover with wax paper, spray inside of bottom bucket with foam. Use a squeegee to smooth foam on sides of bottom bucket. After, put top bucket with wax paper and insert in to bottom bucket and let foam dry. Then you are done

[@christisstanley2348]

You always amaze me! Absolutely love this as well as you showing exactly how to complete. Lol, aren't you getting tired of pok choy😂😂😂 thank you

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Lol, thanks. Never get tired of it unfortunately, my wife has a histamine intolerance and we may have to stop growing it.

[@davidlangan4902]

Mike, I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for all the effort you put in to educate many of us. QUESTION: instead of all the work to cut a bucket down and then foam it etc., might one just add a cloth (any sort) skirt hanging off the the top edge of the bucket to keep sun off of bucket itself?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yes, there are many ways to do things. This is just one.

[@jeromesassani9537]

Instead of cutting the bucket in half, try putting a styrofoam block from packaging on the bottom with a brick on top and wrap a piece of styrofoam sheet around the outside for further insulation.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That's a cool idea😎🌱

[@Daniel-sj7ou]

Good idea. For those who want to stay food grade, you can probably just fill halfway with clean rock.

[@macrumpton]

I was thinking the same thing. All that fiddley spray foam stuff, when you can get a 2x8x 2" sheet of foam for $18 and have enough for a dozen buckets. You can use a hot wire to cut the foam into thin sheets for the sides.

[@jeromesassani9537]

@@macrumpton That was impressive.

[@macrumpton]

​@@KeepOnGrowin I have made boxes and even kayaks out of coroplast (fluted polypropylene) which might work well too as it has air gaps between the two layers, and PP is one of the safest plastics for food. It is the stuff election and real estate signs are made of and comes in thicknesses up to 10mm for about $25 for an 8'x4' sheet.

[@robinsong7298]

Thank you for the insulation idea great news for me and hot hot hot AZ summers.

[@FastLane1234]

This is absolutely genius! I have about 10 pales that are going to be converted! Great insight and knowledge! Much appreciated for all that you are sharing! I clearly have lots of digging to do on your channel! Was sent your way by Brad at Hidden Harvest!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome 😎🖒🌱Welcome

[@GrowSomethinwithJeff]

They look good Mike, Great tutorial on how to put them together!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks Jeff😎🤘🌱

[@markwoodworth6163]

I found out that the bakery in the local grocery store gets its pastry fillings and frostings in food grade 4 gallon buckets. They just throw away the buckets so they have been more than happy to give them to me for free or for a dollar (if they clean them for me). I don’t know if this would work elsewhere, but here in Juneau, AK where there are no local recyclers it has been a good source. This would be a good possibility for anyone looking for cheap food grade buckets.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That is an excellent tip and could be very helpful for a lot of people! Great job!

[@tomj6266]

Have you measured the temperatures between an insulated and non-insulated bucket to see exactly how much insulating power there is? Just put the two outside for a few hours and measure the temp difference. Would be interesting. Thanks!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yes, I have. Got a video coming. 😎🖒🌱

[@leannekenyoung]

Great idea!!

[@RhinoDNA]

Another great idea, Mike...thanks! I have a question concerning using the bucket handle to move the filled planter. Does the spray foam bind the two pieces together well enough to hold or would the inner bucket fall through? I think I would leave the outer layer white since it would help reflect heat and put a couple of coats of black spray paint on the outside of the inner layer to help safeguard against algae growth.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Good thoughts Sandy. So far mine are holding together. I like the idea of painting the inner bucket. I may try that on my next one.😎🤘🌱

[@cindyharrison4191]

I'm in the UK so does it help with the cold? And can I get the bucket on amazon? Thanks

[@macrumpton]

Have you tried it with just an air gap instead of the foam? maybe just some noodle pieces to keep them centered?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

No, not yet. 😎🌱

[@joetripp123]

If you know you are going to do several of these set them all up and spray foam them all at once. Also check the bottom before you put the foam away and hit any missing areas then. That way you don't have to do 2 rounds of spray foam. The finished bucket looks great though!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@mssavedin92]

thats what I'll be doing

[@natureboy6410]

Hey Mike! This is one heck of a brain storm!!! I've always wanted to try the kratky method, but here in the Mojave, in the southern tip of Nevada, it just gets so darn hot and dry. This just may do the trick!! Protection against the heat, water loss and algae, all in one!!! Quick question Mike. Have you ever tried the JADAM JLF as a natural substitute for your plants nutrients??? The Korean gentleman, that created the system, says it can be used in hydroponics and can even be made to be plant specific. The research that I've done over the last several months looks to be very promising.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yeah, out where you live you may need to put a 3 gallon inside a 5 gallon and get lore insulation. Just a thought. I have not heard of those nutrients, I will look into it. Thanks much.

[@opinionatedtatertot815]

Hi there. Did you have any luck growing in the Mojave using these? I'm in the central valley, not quite as drastic heat as yours but still pretty hot and very dry and looking for ways to grow leafy greens through the summer.

[@scottbrown6438]

If my memory serves me, I used to use PB Blaster to dissolve the fresh foam in the straw of spray foam and your hands if you get it on you.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you, I will look for it.

[@mariacorazonlua2532]

Hi Mike, thanks for the video; it’s a good idea. But I’m an old lady not capable of cutting the pail, can I just put a heavy 7 inch tall jar with a lid and filled with water inside the pail. This way I’ll have the original 5 gallon pail, but would need less nutritious water to fill it up

[@varietasVeritas]

You mite try sheets of mylar tied to the outside of your bucket to reduce the heat on the roots. Use the bags that chips come in for a cheap experiment.👍😎👍

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Cool! I actually have a 10 pack of mylar ponchos.

[@bsjcook]

Look into misting the area that you will spray the foam into ... that acts to speed up the chemical reaction on some spray foams.

[@liamduncan5511]

Seen this two years ago in England I have been following that long

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you Liam!

[@georgelassiter9717]

Auto Zone brand carb cleaner sprayed in tube and nozzle will clean it up in about 30 seconds. Never have a plug, or have to cut the tube again.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Cool, thanks!

[@bh.774]

A couple of drops of acetone will do the same in nozzle and tube.

[@francesmackey5539]

I am excited about this

[@GinaBeana_Tootsie]

Seams easy enough to make I’m DIY friendly that sprayfoam is messy lol 😂 great video Mike thanks for sharing 👍🏼💜

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks Gina, yeah, it can get messy, lol

[@donnybowers7832]

Yes. It is messy. Wear gloves LOL. I've made some real messes with that stuff a few times. It's also hard to get off your hands once it gets on there.

[@GinaBeana_Tootsie]

Donny Bowers thank you so much I will for sure wear gloves

[@muppetarms8406]

Hi Mike great video, a good way to clean the edges of the plastic bucket would be a dull knife blade, run it around at an angle. I worked at an injection molding plastics factory and we used old steak knives ground down to have an edge that would not cut you so if you have a firm butter knife that should work.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

So cool! Thanks much, awesome tip!

[@lexbraugh5454]

Thank you for all the DIY tips and tricks. Great sigh off

[@barbarastefani254]

I need 8 foot racks to hold 75 gallon buckets this will be perfect but I want to plummet so water can be dispersed in each of them for my growth solutions might need your help

[@rgilroy1909]

ive done lots of growing in 5 gal buckets. with and with out water manifolds in the bottom, top drip, just air stones, with and with out stand pipes for flushing the system. i gotta say i've never thought of using an insulated bucket. i'm going to have to give this one a try

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Cool, let me know how it goes😎🖒🌱

[@macrumpton]

I guess you could convert an old beer cooler to an insulated planter.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That's a cool idea!

[@lenasbackyardhomestead9461]

I’m going to try this , I really like this give away I’m able to meet new people

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

I've almost given up on any form of gardening. I have done hydroponics for over 50 years and it's not the growing process that bothers me. It's the damn bugs. I grew everything organic and this year, I fed my entire crop to the grasshoppers of North Texas. By the way, nice t-shirt!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That is quite a problem. I lose a lot to the pests also. Not so bad here but on the ranch I had constant caterpillars and leaf miners.

[@donnybowers7832]

I lose some to pests, but I find I lose quite a bit less of my Kratky stuff than I do in my regular garden. If I put my Kratky setup on a table or bench I seem to get less crop loss to bugs and critters.

[@jamesevans4317]

How do you think tomatoes and peppers would do in these buckets?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Have you seen my new videos, have tomatoes and peppers in them now. I would probably not cut the bucket and try to make it larger.

[@lolodee3528]

I sprayed mine first with black plasti-dip. Then silver coat. I'm hoping to combat wilting of outdoor plants. Just herbs for now in plastic bottle recycled hangers.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I may try that. It was kind of expensive here. Great idea. 😎🖒

[@lolodee3528]

@@KeepOnGrowin I know it’s thin, Mike, but I built up coats-1 clear tote took a whole can..bottles, less..so yes..spendy

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

YOU ROCK!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@jackh9934]

Hi your videos are great easy to understand. you mention using food grade buckets, then you have all the Home Depot orange buckets stacked up and there not food grade. so do you need food grade or not?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

That is an individual choice everyone needs to make for themselves. I am here to help everyone.

[@jackh9934]

@@KeepOnGrowin thanks

[@Badsmama]

You can clean out the spray foam tube after use with carb cleaner

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you!!

[@ChipGM]

Great idea mike. I will try making one soon.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes.

[@mssavedin92]

just wondering if you got some made, how did they turn out?

[@66chevelle_ss]

Love this idea Mike I’ve been using 5 gallon buckets as planting containers. But as winter in the Northeast starts happening I want to move my hydroponics onto my front porch inside with grow lights and this is great for larger plants that won’t fit in my downspout planters. I have one question that I was going to ask you about the downspout planters I made should I Spray paint them black to inhibit algae growth??

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I have not had a problem, I think they are thick enough to block most light. If you do have an algae problem, you can, and topcoat with a light color.

[@jamess1787]

Don't paint the inside, just the outside! Maybe try and figure out where the light is coming in... No algea should be present unless water is exposed to light.

[@66chevelle_ss]

James S Thank you for answering!I haven’t planted them up yet.... I just noticed that everyone that uses the large totes for the hydroponics picks the black plastic ones so I didn’t know if before I set them up I should paint the outside

[@jamess1787]

@@66chevelle_ss paint black, then apply multiple coats of the desired light color you want. If you paint it black and put it in direct sun: might get warm and cause the water to evaporate quick (or stress the plants). Mike's video is amazing, insulating the container to prevent the heat. Brilliant.

[@66chevelle_ss]

James S good idea.... and yes mike is a blessing he shares everything he knows and answers every single question i’ve ever asked. Very grateful for this community of great peeps. Thanks again

[@3110567]

Are you using the buckets instead of the down spouts?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

No, this is just another option for people to try.

[@georgelassiter9717]

Glad I could help. Its nasty stuff to work with.

[@travelnc2g]

What is the limit to the types of vegetables that can grow in this?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yoi can grow a wide variety but leafy greens do best.

[@rickvervoort9536]

Pro tip: use acetone to clean nozzle.

[@brownsugar1958ful]

I'm sorry I didn't know you were insulating this bucket I was just wondering why insulating never mind my remark

[@wesleysmith995]

Also, put a nail in the end of the hose of foam

[@arrzfr]

How have your buckets been holding up over the years? I've found that where I live (lots of sun), any plastics that aren't properly UV stabilized and outdoor rated quickly deteriorate and end up leaving microplastics all over my garden. Had to replace ropes, buckets, tarps... a total mess. Hope you're less affected by that.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

These hold up well. The Dollar Tree green containers break down after a few months in the sun.

[@Ginger_McElfresh_Art]

What do you think about just using one of those cheap old school styrofoam coolers???? That seems like it would be much easier 😃

[@KeepOnGrowin]

You can but it won't last. 😎🖒

[@keri909]

thanks for the safety reminders :)

[@dressydressy6246]

Why not just use foam eskies? Ie the ones used to transport seafood etc.

[@thomaswhelaniii9349]

What seeds do you recommend for planting now Sept 8 2020? I am in South East Texas and we are still in upper 90F?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Hey Thomas, the pak choy is still doing well. You know I grow sweet potatoes for it's leaves, that's doing excellent now. You can grow just about anything to the baby green stage, just plant more and harvest often. As it cools down, you can let the plants mature.🌱🌱🖒

[@gennyt.1306]

I LOVE this idea! Thank you!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks!!😎🖒🌱

[@hooahextreme]

Awesome idea Mike.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Appreciate it!😎🤘🌱

[@gatimcuusturoi7325]

Hi Mike, I want to start hydroponically, but I am in Arizona and it's scorching hot here, we haven't had rain since March, and the temperatures are in the high 100s , like 117-118. Do you think the plants will make it in this container without adding frozen water bottles to keep the temperature down??

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I am not sure, that is about 20F degrees higher than me. I would go larger and more insulated, maybe like a cooler. You can get them at thrift shops sometimes. Are you in my Facebook group, someone in there converted a cooler.

[@philq01]

Great video Mike! Maybe I'll make one with the smaller bucket and cut down the big bucket to try and grow daikon radish...I'll let you know.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome, I love Daikon!!

[@efiedtkou3943]

Mike where can i get to buy your downspouts to grow hydroponics. Please put your link where to purchase from you..

[@KeepOnGrowin]

It is in the description of this video, it says my Etsy shop. 🖒

[@lanniearmstrong8141]

That’s an excellent idea!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks, works well.😎🤘🌱

[@lindaowens2783]

what is the fertalizer do you put in water???

[@KeepOnGrowin]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZKxZ3eim5ebeck

[@loryferrin7797]

Can you grow anything in these hydroponic buckets?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I grow all kinds of leafy greens and herbs. 🌱🌱🌱

[@tanyapineda7212]

We've had good luck with swiss chard, beet greens, cilantro, parsley & red veined sorrel in the down spout planters he makes. All started from microgreen shoots, also peppermint started outside has done amazing in the hydroponic nutrient mix from Mike. I just started some salad greens too & pak choi like he suggests. So far looking great. Hope that's helpful!

[@simonvun4649]

Thank you very much for sharing

[@kristinealbrecht2071]

Wonderful idea! Where do you get your buckets please?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I got these at Lowes.

[@kristinealbrecht2071]

@@KeepOnGrowin Thank you!

[@rockyusa2012]

Cool idea 👏👍

[@KeepOnGrowin]

😎✌ thank you

[@cjmcadams4817]

About how long before you have to add nutrients and more water to these

[@KeepOnGrowin]

If starting with microgreens, about a month.

[@whirlwings]

what if you're an outdoor hydroponic, how do you remove excess rain water?

[@varietasVeritas]

Drill one or two draining holes in the lid

[@brucedunn8433]

how much are you going to ask for these? I like them but have no way to construct my own,

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I am starting at $39 and it comes with pool noodles and enough nutrients to mix up 5 gallons. These are more time consuming to make. 😎🖒🌱

[@keepingupwithlife1991]

I wonder how far into winter you can go with this? We don’t get super cold winter in Atlanta but we do get some freeze.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I remember an occasional snow every so many years up there. Should be a pretty long grow season with this.

[@tanyapineda7212]

Just a heads up about a plant that turned out to be super cold weather hardy... we are in Pa & have had numerous frost & spicy mustard greens started from microgreens still going strong outside. Deer trimmed it the other day lol & it's still growing.

[@barbarastefani254]

That is seven buckets 5 gallons I’m gonna plumb them together like a bucket system to think that’ll work

[@anntumolo9780]

Can a styrofoam box be used to grow

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I have seen lots do it.

[@francesmackey5539]

Where do you find 3.00 food grade buckets?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

They used to be $3, now around $7. Delis and restaurants will sell them cheap or give them to you.

[@francesmackey5539]

Thank you, for being inspirational. I am a novice and you are one of my courses in my UTUBE university. Keep the ideas comming. Especially tower gardening on a budget.

[@benthere8051]

Could you use bubble wrap instead of foam? Great idea, Mike! I really enjoy your channel! Where do I find your variety pack of microgreen seeds?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Not sure about the bubble wrap, would be fun to try. Sorry, I don’t sell them anymore.

[@HappyTailSaver]

Do the plants need extra oxygen added to the water?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

It helps but not necessary.

[@chrislittle4977]

is food grade buckets very important to use

[@KeepOnGrowin]

It depends on if you are concerned about it or not.

[@donnybowers7832]

Some plants may soak up chemicals that might leech into the solution under certain conditions. I plan to only use food grade containers unless I get into a situation where food grade just isn't available. That's not likely to happen though. You can make a Kratky setup out of almost any kind of large beverage bottle. Some people even use small ones.

[@TacklingTheGiants]

Where do you get the food grade buckets?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I got these at Lowe's.

[@tanyapineda7212]

We've gotten some pretty awesome food grade buckets with lids from local bakeries for free too. They have lots from icing & filling but they might be thicker & harder to cut thru. Sturdy tho! And they smell like strawberries sometimes lol.

[@michaela.754]

Why not just put one 5 gallon bucket inside another 5 gallon bucket. Using pool noodle pieces as spacers. And then just filler up with the spray foam in between?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Some plants, like my pak choi, don't have deep root systems and it would waste a lot of nutrients.

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

Doesn't the white bucket let enough light through to cause algae in the water?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I have not had problems yet. Maybe the two layers is thick enough to block most light. You can paint them or wrap them if desired.

[@donnybowers7832]

It seems to me that if it did it would only be the lid that would need paint on these insulated boxes. The insulation on the sides should be plenty to block the light.

[@sampetersson5887]

why saw it in half when you can just grow from the whole bucket?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

To get insulation in. If you slide two whole buckets together, there will be no void for the spray foam.

[@wsround]

Does this little bit of insulation really do any good?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

You see the result. I could not do that before.

[@wsround]

@@KeepOnGrowin I may try it. I live in Florida and I am always looking for new ways to do things but it seemed like a lot of work to go to but I did like your comments about it being a sort of set it and forget it sort of thing. That helps when you are busy and I was thinking in Florida it might benefit from the insulation.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

@@wsround Yes, you got it. It may take a little practice finding the right spot in your yard but when you do, it is magic.

[@donnybowers7832]

@@wsround Just the fact that you're growing in liquid seems to help with a lot of the stresses plants get. As long as your container blocks the light and is a light color on the outside to reflect the heat. This insulated box idea looks like it will be even better. I'll probably try one next summer and if I like the results I may make a few of them. Maybe slightly bigger ones for tomato or pepper plants. I grew some pretty nice cabbages using Kratky this summer. I used an old 40 gallon barrel that looks like it might have been part of an old water softener system. Way too much nutrient solution for two cabbages, but it was a light color, no problems with heat buildup even in the hottest part of the season; and other than a goof I made at the beginning it really was pretty much set it and forget it. Next time I'll probably use something like two 5 to 8 gallon buckets for one cabbage each. Maybe I'll try about 4 cucumber plants in that old 40 gallon setup that I cobbled together. I'm still using the left over nutrients in my dirt garden and my container plants. A lot of those plants are pretty much spent, but who knows the extra nutrients might get me another cuke or another squash before the season ends. LOL

[@barbarastefani254]

That’s something I do

[@kinzababe1]

Are going to make 5 gallon bucks for bigger plants?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Probably not. I would just get a cheap cooler and cut some holes in the top like David Charest did in our Facebook group. 😎🤘🌱

[@donnybowers7832]

@@KeepOnGrowin You have a Facebook group?

[@karenlatham4053]

@@donnybowers7832 Yes there's Facebook group.

[@karenlatham4053]

@@donnybowers7832 I thought there used to be a link to it in the description. As I don't see one you can just search Keep on growing.

[@donnybowers7832]

@@karenlatham4053 Thanks, I searched and found it.

[@DennisChidi]

How can I get the spray foam please...

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Just about any home improvement store in America.

[@DennisChidi]

Oops am in Nigeria...I need that spray foam

[@tanyapineda7212]

Can you get any kind of foam like the pool noodles? Maybe just try it like that.

[@gregeberhardt1711]

Saw a can of that spray foam get pierced in the back of a car (mate moved his seat back onto it) and it expanded in his car to the point the car was a wright off……horrible stuff. Nice idea though!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Wow! That nuts! It is messy stuff.

[@bithagrop2539]

The shirts so ironic. I messed with texas. U did make a mess on a Texas flag shirt 😄

[@KeepOnGrowin]

😂😂

[@milamorsov3640]

You can find styrofoam coolers for free in pharmacy and hospitals. They are throwing away.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks, I did not know that.

[@TruBluHillBilly]

$4 a can for spray foam..... I love the idea m8 but over here in Australia I'm paying $16 a can lol. AND THAT'S THE CHEAP STUFF!

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Woah!!

[@alancarter4270]

112 heat index north Texas

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Wow!!! Hot!!