Wicking Bucket Containers - Budget Built for patio container gardening

Small scale wicking container gardens built with 5 gallon buckets, using 1 gallon milk jugs, and pvc pipe. Filled with potting mix and soil additives. Used for fall crop planting in zone 9A.
All containers built from items laying around the house and buckets that were given to me, that would have otherwise been thrown out.
Easy to build and you will achieve much better results as compared to the more traditional potting plant pots.
Watch and see for yourself ..... Subscribe and follow the channel and watch these plants grow.
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Sustane 4-6-4 - www.amazon.com/Sustane-46420l...
Sea Mineral - www.amazon.com/SEA-90-Organic...
10-10-10 - www.amazon.com/Lebanon-Seaboa...
Organic Plantone - www.amazon.com/Espoma-Plant-t...
Potting Mix - www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-VB...

[@ashlyerosario5395]

You are the only who explained it so clearly and without all the talking 😂😂😂😂😂

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you. Happy I could help. Much appreciate the watch and comment. Happy Growing

[@BugRod64]

thanks for the video. putting a cap on the tubes, will also stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the bucket

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Yep. You are very correct. Since I use pipe I have laying around or left over. It’s often various sizes. So I cut 20oz bottles in half and put over the ends. Works great. Thanks for watching. Happy Growing.

[@BugRod64]

@@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead what is your thoughts on using 2 liter soda bottles?

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

For a 2 liter bottle. Only difference I would do is put drain hole at 6” instead of 5”. To leave less air space and allow for more water retention, as your container volume is now less.

[@cristina4436]

I think you can use mosquito bits to avoid that issue

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

@@cristina4436 I've seen some folks using them to keep mosquitos out and prevent them from laying eggs. Definitely an option.

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

Thank you for sparing us the long intro. That alone is worth visiting your channel.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated.

[@debodeeful]

To keep mosquitos from going in the drain hole, I used the green scrub pads for six, and cut a piece if and stick it in hole, over watering can go through, but skeeter could not get in and lay eggs. Window flex screen can be used to cover top of PVC pipe, and I just used a silicone rubber band to secure, so I did not have a skeeter hotel going in and out. Water can be poured in, skeeter stayed out.😊

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesome ideas. Sounds like those ideas would work great. Thanks for sharing.

[@evarogers8775]

I'm going to keep it simple and just drop a plastic solo cup over each pipe .

[@robertawestbrooks9531]

Great ideas, thanks 4sharing 😂❤❤❤❤

[@BSDCandMore]

I’ve watched A LOT of these self watering DIY videos….. and this is, by far, the best! Off I go!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Happy to help. Thank you for watching and commenting. Good luck on your new endeavor and happy growing to you.

[@JRNurse2013]

This is the best video for wicking tubs I’ve seen yet! I love it when people teach so that things are duplicatable. Thank you!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for the kind words. That’s the hope. That anyone who watches this can be successful utilizing this method. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@RajaN-zk9rn]

PLASTIC IS INJURIOS TO HEALTH.... ALREADY MICRO PLASTICS ENTERED IN OUR BODY BLOOD WITH THIS PROCESS ONE OF REASON ...ALERT ALL PEOPLE SAVE NEXT GEN

[@jillbruce3624]

Awesome and easy enough for elderly gardeners.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy to help.

[@scottlindsay856]

Also I appreciate the attention to detail. It helps when you give all the steps and don't leaving things out assuming we will figure it out! So helpful your a good man.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for watching and commenting. My bucket vegetables did so much better this year as compared to my in ground vegetables. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how only watering and fertilizing down the tube increases the plants growth. Happy Growing.

[@jeremiah6462]

​@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead So, I've watched many hours of growing tips. I see your video, and I am confused about what the benefit is here for this. Can you help me understand? Why not just cap the end of the PVC and drill holes in that? Then you can skip the jug. I am asking as a total novice. I don't understand the benefits of the jug, or any of this.

[@roxannrousealvarado4645]

Will this method work for sugar baby 🍉?

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

@@jeremiah6462 not sure why I’m just seeing this comment now. Sorry for the delay. The jug acts as a reservoir of both water and air. At differing times. And both are beneficial to the plant. The method you speak of can work. But the water volume won’t be large enough to distribute water across the potting mix to intact the wicking process and the pipe won’t contain a large enough surface area of air to allow for air pruning. Which prevents the plant from becoming root bound. Additionally the large volume of water the jug can hold. Results in less time and need for you to go out and water the plant. Hope that helps and makes sense. Happy Growing

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

@@roxannrousealvarado4645 yes. Would just need a space for the watermelon to vine. Sorry for the delay in responding. I never got notified on this threads comments. Happy Growing

[@julijulibobooli]

I am so glad that I stumbled across your video! I am growing food on my balcony and this method looks great for us!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

I’m glad you found it as well. This method will be perfect for a balcony. Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@darlenecoplin5657]

I just ran across his video too. I also am limited to a patio..hope it works. Good luck😅

[@schnder1]

Excellent instructions (I appreciated that you sacrificied a milk jug to thoroughly show every detail). Thank you so much!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

I appreciate the watch and comments. I’m a visual learner. And I find so many videos lose me when I’m not certain what they are talking about. Happy Growing

[@reversiontothemean6129]

As someone who is about the delve into some gardening for the first time soon, this seems like the perfect set up for me to be able to learn a little about different plants without killing them. Even though I do not eat vegetables or fruit, the family will be appreciative of some homegrown stuff. Really appreciate the video.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Happy to help …. You’ll be surprised on what some folks are willing to try when they watch it grow themselves. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@jamesshaw3850]

I found your channel today 3/21/2023. From buffalo NY and this is exactly what I wanted to do. Thank you for being informative on your process. Home depot here I come right now. Many blessings to you and your family brother.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for commenting and watching. Very kind words. Happy Growing.

[@theresadevore9312]

I just found this channel, I'm from Springville.

[@goteamtortoise3205]

SO much easier than all the other methods I’ve seen. And your instructional style is very clear. I subscribed and will be checking out all your stuff!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you very much. I truly appreciate it all. The kind words, the watch, and the sub. Happy growing.

[@cclothier2172]

Thank you for easy way to do wicking buckets, I've been watching so many of them. Your by far is the easiest and best way to do them. Thank you.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and the awesome comment. Happy Growing

[@sjtube6198]

I found your description on the process easy to follow

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you. Happy to hear that my message came across well. Much appreciated. Happy Growing

[@barbaraniemeyer1706]

I’m a city person so I’m very grateful for your instruction. ❤

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

You are very welcome. Happy I could help. Happy Growing

[@cynthiamoore4327]

This was so simple, I just made three of them and planted tomatoes in them and we'll be sharing video with family meeting

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@jeanhansen3488]

Awesome video… clear, concise. Great job showing what you’re talking about. Not too much Chatterchatterchatter. If you are not a teacher…. You SHOULD be! Thank you 😊

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you …. Very kind words. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@glrtpnc6838]

Absolutely brilliant, no waste of dollars and recycling plastic! I liked your presentation and detailed instructions I hit the subscribe button after watching😊. Be blessed with a good growing season!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for watching, commenting, and subscribing. Much appreciated. Happy Growing

[@MO-he1gi]

Excellent instruction! Using the cloth mesh gets mighty expensive, and time consuming. You've given an excellent, more effective substitute! Thank you!!!! Two suggestions: Immediately before planting root-bound plants, dip the root ball in a bucket of water to remove the soil; the end product is bare roots. Then splay the roots out over a mound of dirt you've created inside the planting hole. Using this method of planting allows the roots to more quickly take hold of the nutrients you've added to the soil, and gives the plant a real good start. The second suggestion: Figure out a way to catch the overflow water! It contains nutrients that have washed out during the over-watering. That water can then be used to water other plants or put back on top of the soil in the same bucket.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for watching and commenting. The kind words are truly appreciated. I also appreciate the suggestions. I’ve done some bare root transplants before. And have done well with them - definitely agree with you on this method. And I also agree on catching the overflow/excess water if possible. I have some buckets set up on cinder blocks with landscape timber crosses. And I’ve caught the water below and used it before. Definitely a means of saving money and collecting the precious fertile water that would be otherwise lost. Thanks again. Happy Growing.

[@ritahopple6360]

We’re going to make and plant today! Your video is the best. Clear, simple and basic. Plus you show results. It works! Thanks.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you very much for the kind words. The watch. And the comment. Truly appreciated. Happy Growing.

[@lanettelawrence6308]

I knew there were easier ways setup the buckets than what I’ve seen from several other KZbinrs.

[@elisabethloxley6124]

I’ve never seen this method before. Excellent idea. I will give it a try. Many thanks

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Happy to help. Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@StephStruble]

Lettuce is a "heavy feeder!". I love your set up here and may I say, you are a wonderful teacher. You made sure we could see what you were doing and you were very precise on measurements and other information! Excellent job, subbed your channel!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for watching, commenting, and the sub. Much appreciated. Happy Growing

[@tjduprey]

Not for nothing, but a lot of us are "just trying to hold it all together" Thanks for the helpful video!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@toniafolven]

Grocery store bakeries have food grade buckets that had icing in them. I have asked the baker for some with lids,which i have used for food storage as well. Ask and ye shall receive.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Great way to be resourceful. Those buckets sound perfect. It’s amazing what one persons trash can be converted to. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@user-el3uh1vt7g]

You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate every step instead of just talking about how to do it.. Thank you once again!!!!!😊😊😊

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you very much. I truly appreciate the kind words. Thanks again for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@carmenmarshall5787]

You’re obviously a scientist of some kind, which is great because all the details matter if you want results rather than “hit and miss”. I’m going to use some of your techniques, putting buckets up on something to avoid bending. Thank you!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for the kind words. Details definitely matter. Glad I could help. Happy Growing

[@libertykatrkm]

Nice. You saved my buckets for re purposing a real garden this year! ❤🎉

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Happy to help. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy growing.

[@nataliehowe6213]

Best video on a wicking pot ever. My other ones didn’t work and now I know why. Can’t wait to make some new ones! Thanks 😊

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you. Happy I could help. Happy Growing

[@Still-Learning]

Place a wine cork onto a 1/8" dowel, drop the dowel down into the pvc pipe with the cork in the gallon jug...drill a hole in the pvc cap to allow the dowel poke through... place green, yellow, and red tape on the dowel...the cork will lower with the water, indicating the water level by the color of the tape sticking out of the pvc cap. Green at the cap = good to go Yellow at the cap = getting close Red at the cap = time to water

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Yep. I’ve seen that done before. Great way to monitor water level when the containers aren’t opaque like these. These containers show immediately when water is getting low. In south Louisiana. I also rather cover the tubes to keep mosquitos out. And just water more frequently to ensure I’m maintaining the water level. Thanks for watching and commenting. You have me thinking of a hybrid cap that still allows the dowel indicator to show. Happy Growing

[@lettybromenschenkel5807]

I have been bucket growing, this is the best idea for the wicking buckets. I had been using water drainage tubes covered with cloth. this is a better system anxious to get my growing tubs repurposed with this wicking system thank you. also>>> tip for you or others... save the old socks.. if you over cut the hole for the water tube... =cut a hole in socks and slip it around the water tube and it will filter out the soil if you make a cutting mistake...

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I use the French drains with landscape fabric on my large tubs. They work great as well. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@aikenmandlbaur644]

Thanks bro, never heard of wicking for some reason. Love finding these smaller authentic channels. Great tutorial!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. You’ll be amazed by the results and less maintenance required. Happy Growing

[@christiandeininger1790]

Thanks mate that's a way better system than I've seen on other KZbin channels that didn't do so well. I'm definitely doing your system. Thanks again mate from Australia. 👍 22:59

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

You are very welcome. Happy to help. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@char8a291]

I’ve watched several wicking videos and your was the first that made the most sense to me. Thanks so much!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesome to hear .... I really tried to show the final product with the cut away jug for demonstration. Appreciate the comment and the watch. Happy Growing

[@char8a291]

@@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead you’re a natural teacher and it shows. I have several collard green plants to plant as soon as our rain in Tx slows down.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you Char 8a. The rain is here as well in South Louisiana. Ready for it to slow and maybe even stop for a bit.

[@dianneblackman]

So so simple... don't know why other videos make this so complicated. I've wanted to try the wicking bucket method for years but it always seemed like too much work. Will definitely do it now. Thank you.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad to be of help. Happy Growing

[@goldenmare2594]

Yes...this is so simple but effective...so glad i found this...my last experience with bucket growing didnt go so well..we had a VERY wet spring then many dry months..thank you for sharing your knowledge..i am now hun more buckets

[@goldenmare2594]

One inch pvc can work (use what ya can get..especially when free) as well as not a 45 angle but not flat on bottom..

[@goldenmare2594]

A used dryer sheet could be used to cover drain hole too

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

@@goldenmare2594 literally anything you have available can work. As long as it holds up and gets the job done. I have some with real small pvc. Just take a little longer to fill up with water. Thanks for commenting.

[@byDsign]

Back in 2006, I bootlegged the *Earthboxes* using 18 gal Rubbermaid tubs. Thought that was so clever back then. Your method is way easier and cheaper. Thanks for sharing! ✅

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

I’ve done the same thing and those rubber made tubs didn’t last longer than a year in the the Louisiana heat and humidity. These buckets will last 5+ years without fail. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@byDsign]

@@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead .... I'm in South Florida so I know about heat n' humidity! 👀

[@byDsign]

_New subbie!_ 😊

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

@@byDsign thank you 😊

[@OfftoShambala]

If you are talking about those storage bins… they are worth it but if anyone reading this wants to use those… get the black HDx type containers (w red and yellow lids)

[@florence775]

I can’t tell you just how helpful this demo was. Some make it sooooo complicated, but this was very easy to understand. Thank you so much.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesome to hear. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@florence775]

@@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead I get my machine today! 6/15/23

[@GinaKayLandis]

Best description of how to plant in the buckets. Subscribed!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Much appreciated. Thank you. Happy Growing

[@kittyskid1]

You demonstrated and explained this so well. Thank you.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for watching and commenting

[@agmood]

Thanks for posting this - like others have said, it's much simpler than some of the other methods out there. Trying two tomato plants in buckets this year and so far the watering system is working really well. (Also nice that they're portable because we just got an unexpected cold snap)

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

That’s my favorite feature. Can move the plants where they need to be, when they need to be. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SpYucaipaSoCal]

I have a hard time with one tomato in a 5 gallon bucket unless it’s a dwarf variety

[@VNGardener79]

❤❤❤ Your knowledge took a long time to acquire, with a lot of trial and error. I sincerely thank you for your generosity in sharing your growing knowledge it's priceless to us all. It's good to see you looking better

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Such a kind and thoughtful comment. Much appreciated.

[@scottlindsay856]

I AGREE 100%

[@AmandaRussell-it5ln]

Awesome video! I have been watching a lot of these and yours was the best!!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

🫶🏼 much appreciated. Happy Growing

[@melanieromero1342]

Great tips for container gardening.

[@wingsandbeaksbirder2312]

You, sir, are an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing your expertise.😊

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@helensmith9265]

I love this idea & you’re very thorough. I like that u show us close up of what you’re doing. I may have to try this, thanks for sharing this with us gardeners! 22:59

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for the comment. I think you’ll be very impressed by this method. Thanks for watching. Happy Growing

[@aimeehartness9362]

Most potting mixes have a full fertilizer package already, meaning they’re ready to plant with all of the ingredients the plant needs. There is massive damage to soil and water from fertilizers and other chemicals that we are adding to our environment and unfortunately a lot of that is coming from gardeners that just don’t know what the plants need and what is already in soil, potting mixes, etc. This is not a criticism. Just please read the packages of the products that you are using so that we can all reduce our personal damage on the environment. Most of us are novices and I think that’s great!! This video is awesome. We just all must take responsibility to inform ourselves. Truth is, I’ve almost never used additive fertilizers before I started hobby gardening and Mother Nature provided and continues to provide without my help!!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and the great comment. No criticism inferred. I agree it is everyone’s job to do our best for our native soils. The potting mixes I’m using here all have published npk values of very negligible amounts 0.4-0.5-0.4 respectively. So all less than 1. That being said, the bioavailability of these nutrients are not readily available on day one of plant placement. So substituting with a water soluble fertilizer or more readily available and easily broken down formulation is required to bridge the gap. The other ingredients such as the sustain are long length slow release fertilizer. So they take longer to be used. In a more controlled manner. Adding the additions I’ve shown helps to ensure enough food for the plants for the duration of their lifespan. And optimizes the amounts to promote the max growth possible during the growth period. Hope that helps. Thank you.

[@jjteacher7482]

Over fertilizing is a problem, especially with the huge and corporate farms. For containers, the soil the plant can pull from is limited; they can't send out roots to find what they need. Plus, water will overflow the drain holes and washing away the needed fertilizer. Be careful, but consider who is really doing the overfertilizing/harming the enviroment.

[@Deauxneal]

We are in South Louisiana too. Houma. This is our first year to do container planting since the 2022 garden disaster. Having to change everything we knew about planting. Thank you for sharing your wicking methods.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

No problem neighbor. Good luck this upcoming year. The beauty of this method is that you can move these plants to shelter if need be. Happy Growing. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@augeniasestokaite4674]

U r doing a blessing on everyone who sees and hears your simple, direct instructions-am in Ct-am still waiting for the “final” winter storm!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

We are getting down to freezing or at least very near tonight. Moved all bucket plants inside. The beauty of the method. Praying it’s the last time. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jlm1965]

Great watering technique! I’m definitely going to now use it on all my pots THANK YOU !!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@wj1915]

He’s such a good plant daddy 🥰

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@saras7635]

excellent info! thank you for all your explanations and showing the difference between all the persimmon seeds ..... THANK YOU. blessings to you and your family!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching. Happy Growing

[@ginnyday9224]

Perfect how you show every detail love this idea thank you for sharing this video with us ❤️

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated.

[@elsiepowers9787]

Good morning from Schulenburg, Texas 😊 I just started following you today 11/29/22 this is one of the video tutorials I've ever seen. We have Planet vegetables in buckets like that and bigger, but didn't use the gallon jug and PVC pipe I thought about the PVC pipe but my husband wouldn't let me do it but I see how you done it and can't wait to try it thank you so much for sharing your ideas ♥

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and subscribing. Happy Growing.

[@melaniehippolyte3536]

Love it's simplicity 🎉

[@inspired9239]

This is great! Thank you so much. I'm a beginner in the learning phase needing all the help I can get. As a beginner, thought I'd start with container gardening first to prove if I can even do this or not. The only thing I would want to add is the copper to 10X my efforts for plumper fruits and vegetables. For those interested, it's called eletroculture gardening.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

I’ve read a lot about electro culture. I’ve never done it myself. But plan to look more into in here in the near future. This bucket method will inspire you for sure. It’s definitely an ideal growing method. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

This method is truly genius!! A great way to grow in a small space. Thanks for a GREAT idea and video!!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you very much for the kind words. And thank you for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@Tinkerbell31326]

I am in a new home in SC. water table is high so I have to do raised beds. The cost is prohibitive right now. I love this idea. Very economical. Thank you for sharing. I am saving this video to watch again and again to make notes. I am a new subbie.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for the sub, watch, and comment. Enjoy your new grow method. Happy Growing

[@handlewithcare999]

Another reason to cap the water tube is to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs down in there. I would also add a saucer underneath to catch the nutrients in the water overflow. Nicely done. I suppose that if all your produce was in a wicking container like this you could take time out for a vacation without worrying about them all shriveling up on you. You might even squeeze 2 jugs inside the bucket for longer times between fill-ups.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Yep …. In south Louisiana those mosquitos try to lay eggs in there. So I keep them covered. Recently I’ve added a drip system to my big whisking containers. And it’s literally hands off growing. I spot check drippers from time to time to ensure they are flowing. But it’s awesome. And in this extreme heat, those plants hadn’t missed a beat compared to others. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@handlewithcare999]

I would like to see a photo of your combo system.@@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead

[@HollyOak]

This is a great idea, the soil can be amended to what the plant likes and not affect other plants. I like this.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

You are spot on. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@dawnarmstrong4441]

Its clear that you really love your plants. Thank you for sharing that info.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@hespectmma]

When you said, "The tighter, the better, but at the same time it's gotta go in" I felt that 😂 jk love this method. Definitely going to try it for my container garden this year 😎👍👍

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Bahahahaha. Didn’t realize I even said that 🫣. Some of that true personality coming through. Glad you enjoyed and found it useful. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@tinykitchenbigflavor7142]

Ok, so I’m going to start gathering my buckets, for this spring. I normally get mine from Costco/Sams/and Walmart from the bakery department, they use to give them for free now they charge $2.00 which is awesome!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Can’t beat that price. I’ve seen them at big box retailers for up to $8. With a little searching. Can always find a better deal. Great find. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@ameliammartin]

I just put together my first container with a patio tomato. I have three more buckets that I will put together tomorrow. This is perfect for me. The only place on our property is on the side of the building of our apartment complex. The landlord said as long as they are portable, I can do whatever I want.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesomeness. Happy to help. Can’t wait to hear about your bountiful harvest. Enjoy. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@cindyholloway8269]

This is a great idea, I use a cpap and go through 2 jugs of distilled water a month, I have been saving them for gardening, initially for a greenhouse effect and now for this. Thanks for sharing.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesome way to be resourceful. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@rosaparra506]

Very well explained! I’m a beginner so this helps a bunch! Thanks for sharing

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy to help.

[@carolkennedy516]

Love it. Can’t wait to make mine for my garden. Good idea having the bottles over the pipe ends. We have bad mosquitoes here.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Happy to help. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@lanettelawrence6308]

Great job and great idea for container gardening.

[@glort4671]

This is the best and easiest wicking tubs I have seen. Thank u for helping us out. Will definitely try this.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@drwandarobinsonlee4141]

I love this and hope to use this wicking idea in the spring.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesome. Spring is my favorite time to use them. No worrying if you’re over or under watering. The plants simply take what they need. Happy Growing. Thanks for watching.

[@lindaharbison9616]

Stumbled across your video getting ready for tomato season in Illinois. Your video makes it super easy to follow. Thank you! Did buckets last year with just holes in the bottom with trays underneath. Not great results. Obtained free larger animal feed plastic containers this year and will try this method. Can’t wait!!!!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for commenting and watching. I too use the large protein tubs used to feed cattle. I use a slightly different method with French drain and landscape fabric. But the jugs work as well. Same premise. Good luck this spring. Happy Growing.

[@MrAloha999]

Amazing...I love videos like this that show step by step...but also show the process works 100%

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@SherieVu]

First time seeing you, and I could instantly identify your accent. I'm Louisiana native, living in South Georgia. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Good ole southern accent. It’s definitely identifiable. Happy Growing

[@jogriffiths4797]

Fantastic! I’ve changed to wicking beds, and wanted an easy and cheap way for additional plants. The only caution I’d add is that of course you can’t talk on camera with a mask, but after contracting legionnaires disease from potting mix a couple of years ago, it’s worth reminding folk to mask up when handling potting mix.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Good tip. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@bbulliard]

Also wear gloves cause of skin diseases

[@larryturfus5897]

Wow, I HOPE you are Healthy and thank you for the heads up!!! I never heard of that until you spoke up so Many THANKS Friend!!!

[@loverlyme]

I was worried too when I saw all that dust flying around when various products were added to the potting mix. Many bacteria can lay in the dirt without us ever knowing it (including tetanus). It's okay to get the loose soil on your skin but if you breathe it into your lungs you can be in real trouble. Always wear a mask and gloves when dealing with soil and additives. Better to be over-cautious than to endure the woes that might arise.

[@fancythat5136]

I was unaware that can happen! Thanks for the heads up.

[@lindag9975]

Thanks! I found this video several months ago and I have 2 of these buckets working in my garden now. Only problem was that the PV pipe cutting tool I bought didn't work too well. But I was still able to cut a PV pipe in half, at an angle. Plants are doing well.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for the feed back. Glad the plants are doing well. Happy Growing

[@fredyates3061]

I hope Byron runs for President, one day!

[@user-ls4nt3rr6h]

I like this method of growing in the food grade buckets. It also makes it easier for one to move them around. I like that it is impossible to over water, because I am not quite sure when to stop and when they don't need any more water. I am going to be going to my local grocery store bakery other place that have these buckets. Thank you for sharing.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. This is by far one of my favorite ways to grow. Happy Growing.

[@enrman]

Cool ! - just one note regarding persimmons, I planted Japanese persimmon years back and the roots propagated all over the backyard with new trees coming up from them. So I cut down and use all kinds of poison trying to kill them and just keep coming back all over the place. Also, each of the fruits (which we got a lot) has like 10 seeds in it and I have been picking all of them to try years to keep them from germinating. Lesson Learned, !!! Stay away from Japanese persimmon if you are in North TX!!!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for the heads up .... These will stay in containers for a bit. Happy Growing

[@Olivia-ix6gu]

Unless you love persimmons ❤️. Good to know they grow like crazy in that area.

[@shellievidrine7437]

Thanks for the info because I just ordered a couple small trees lol

[@carolinehatley3783]

I have my buckets ready for this Spring in NH.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesome .... Happy Growing

[@SowViableGardens]

Very thorough explanation. I’m using your video for our school garden this weekend to teach our students. Thank you greatly 💚💚

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

So very awesome. Thanks for sharing that information with me. Im very humbled by knowing I'll help educate future gardeners. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@susanwakefield7858]

Very enjoyable video with excellent info that is easy to understand. You are a great and eloquent teacher. Thank you.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you very much for the kind words. Happy to help and share this idea with everyone. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@doeroftheword262]

I have a large backyard, yet do a lot of planting (flowers and shrubs) in pots. This would be a great way to modify my pots, most of which are PVC type, so that when me and the hubby go away for the weekend, we don't come back to wilted plants. It also saves watering and doing the drip system. i.m.o. Great tutorial 😃

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

I have a drip system on some of my larger pots. It’s literally a zero work system except for fertilizing. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@veronicanoll7793]

When I go away for a week, I set my pots into about 6” high plastic or rubber bins from tractor supply, depending on height of pots, then fill with water before leaving. If it rains, the bins fill again. Semi shade while you’re gone if it’s really a hot and dry place. Berry bushes love sitting in water it seems. I’ve got small pecan trees I’m growing for 2 years now and they sit in water while outside. I’ll bring them inside for one more year and plant out next spring . Hopefully all goes well. Good luck in your back yard !

[@michaelreed-tm8kl]

I just watched your video for the first time - I'm hooked! The buckets are ideal for apartment settings. Growing up with a backyard garden in the 'burbs, I've been scratching my head for ideas on growing veggies in the city around my ranch style apartment. I will be following and watching. MReed, Dayton Ohio

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you MReed. Much appreciated. I think you’ll enjoy the method and the results. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@michaelreed-tm8kl]

@@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead my tech savviness is rudimentary at best, but please tell me how to watch more of your videos, what social media platforms are you connected with?

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

@@michaelreed-tm8kl thanks for inquiring. Currently I’m only on KZbin. The channel is relatively new. Only a few months. But I plan to do a facebook page in the very near future and possibly Instagram as well. I’ll keep you updated. For now, subscribing and hitting the notification bell on KZbin will keep you up to date here. Thank you for the support.

[@beverlypatterson2550]

Wonderful video 😊. The entire presentation was easy to follow and understand. Your voice and verbal communication were excellent. Thank you! ❤😂🎉

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you for such kind words. Appreciate you watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@debbyc1026]

I love using this method but i took one extra step. I bought pool noodles and cut slices to fit the tube exactly. When its got plenty of water you will see the noodle floats. When no pool noodle is showing you need to water now!!! A friend buys 1 gallon buckets from Shipley Donuts for 1.50 each. They use a lot of icing and lid is included

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I’ve done the wine corks and stick method, marked the stick with markers to tell the level of water in the jug - which likely works just like the pool noodle. But with these particular buckets in this video, you can see the water level with the naked eye through the opaque bucket side. Any method to stay on the top of the watering is ideal and key. Happy Growing

[@fallmax]

Wow just saw you and I will be following you great information and explaining… I am new to Al this gardening thank you so much great information…

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. More to come. Happy Growing

[@FreebornLivingWoman]

Absolutely fascinating. Thank you 🙏💖🙏

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy Growing.

[@terusberkreasi]

thank you for sharing your amazing video, i love the way you create wicking bucket containers.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238]

Thanks Dude......this is the right scale for Container Farming. I can grow stuff even in Winter, Zone 5 here, but I have 2 Greenhouses. I container garden now, but this is next level! You Rock Dude.....thanks for the Share!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for the awesome comment. Happy to help. Enjoy your new found container gardening method.

[@sylvialewis4772]

Try using a soldering iron to do the holes& top cut. Safer & stronger.

[@Krusht2000]

or heat up a screw driver and push it through the bucket.

[@fancythat5136]

We have used these for years, growing peppers and Hybrid tomatoes. The original buckets were called earth buckets from a gentleman who lives at 8000 ft elevation in Co. He grows his food under lights in his basement. His buckets used 2 buckets with drain holes, using a Solo Cup at the bottom of the first bucket packed with soil, like a wick. The excess water drains from the first bucket. Love your idea too!!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. There are many variations of this method. But the premise is still the same. And I’m sure his results were great too. Wicking tubs and buckets are so convenient. It’s my favorite type of grow container

[@javier0304]

It reminds me of the old Larry Hall rain gutter grow system. I stoped growing in them buckets only because I became a hoarder of buckets. I sure miss Larry Hall from Brainerd Minnesota RIP 🙏

[@emiranda333]

Thank You so much for sharring may you and all your love ones be bless in many ways always. 🙏🏼

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you very much and thanks for watching and commenting

[@emiranda333]

Thank You for putting up your plant projects for us all to watch. And your welcome regarding the comments.

[@johnruffaner3586]

Very nice video, great attention to detail!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for commenting and watching. Happy Growing

[@bobbywelch6035]

Going to try this next year with a few dwarf fruit trees

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Works great for fruit trees. I have multiple fig trees and blackberry bushes in a larger version using cattle feed tubs. Plan to do a video soon if I can find more tubs. Happy Growing.

[@laaffitout]

Thank you for sharing your expertise. Very well explained. I have contemplated container gardening in these buckets, now actually have the buckets, so am going to give it a try!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Great to hear. And thank you for the kind words. Container gardening really lets you have control over numerous variables that can ultimately better the plants growth and production. I think you will enjoy this method and the product that results. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing

[@jackieburnett6881]

I loved your video! I personally liked the way you went step by step explaining was little thing. Definitely worth trying to make it!!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thank you very much. I tried to explain it the best way I could for the most comprehensive understanding. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheProCut17]

Definitely gonna make some of these, thanks

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

You wont be disappointed. Happy Growing

[@shellievidrine7437]

Gonna give thos a try this spring!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

You won’t be disappointed. I’m thankful for the ease of moving them for protection during the recent freeze. Happy Growing.

[@Mona-fd5kf]

i like your wicking bucket setup. Thanks for sharing and easy to follow instructions. I'll be putting wicking buckets together like this tomorrow.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy Growing. I think you will enjoy.

[@Itried20takennames]

Great video, and thanks for showing the comparison in growth rates….cool and cheap.

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Randy_Smith]

I have a couple of different self watering bucket setups that I use and I'm looking forward to seeing how things progress with your gallon jug system. I have some that are the bucket inside a bucket type and I also have some of the GroBucket inserts. One thing that I noticed that is the same for any container setup is how much a thick layer of mulch helps. I used 2-3 inches of chopped straw on top of all my containers this past year and I was really surprised at how much less frequently my containers needed water. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Awesome to hear .... some of the earth boxes and emsco planters I use have covers to help retain moisture much like your mulch is doing. I have wicking tubs with blackberries in them and I always keep a good layer of mulch on them. It definitely helps. Happy growing and thanks for commenting and watching.

[@angelxoxo1010]

What kind of soil are you using?

[@Randy_Smith]

@@angelxoxo1010 I make a mix of about 75-80 percent sifted and pre-moistened peat and make up the rest with perlite and vermiculate. I add fertilizer based on what I'm growing. The mixture of peat, perlite and vermiculate wicks really well. I tried using a mix with compost before and it didn't wick as well and I had issues with roots rotting

[@A.L.B.O.E.SouthernHomestead]

Any loose potting mix will work. But not potting soil. The potting mix has to have a high peat content.

[@friscogirl5400]

Yes I kept waiting to see what kind of mulch he put on top to keep soil from getting on bottom leaves and washing in the rain. Pine straw will work also to help keep moisture in and rain from splashing. Great video! I will have to try putting the gallon jug in there with the holes for watering. I have seen soda bottles in upside down to save on potting mix.