No Hype Guide to Build a Grow Tower for $10
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- Save hundreds by building your own vertical hydroponic grow system. No soil, no weeding, no tilling. With a few buckets and some nutrients, gardening has never been easier. Better yet, it only takes a fraction of the water that a traditional garden does.
Self watering adapters available here: mikevanduzee.e...
or on Amazon: Mason Jar Adapter amzn.to/3VGJJDD
Soda Pop Bottle Adapter amzn.to/4az4NQG
Nutrients that I use: amzn.to/3JbKk8N
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Masterblend for Europe: hydroponicseur...
Today we're going to talk about easy and affordable gardening, growing vertical. And we're going to do that with my power towers. Now, ironically, this one doesn't have power, but my first ones did. And in the near future, I'm going to build some that have a fountain pump and it recirculates the water and that.
But to get started, I just want to do these simple ones. They're off grid, no power. And, this is basically for beginners, all the new people, and so everyone can get started. Because this is one of the simplest ways I've found to grow food, and it works for a lot of different things, and it's really easy to set up, and it's really easy to maintain.
Now, if you've got six, eight hundred, a thousand dollars to go out and buy the commercial units, that's cool. Uh, they work good, they're readily available, they're easy to put together, and they grow lots of food. But me, myself, I don't want to spend that much money when I know I can do it myself. So it doesn't matter what you do, as long as you're growing your own food.
Now, this is going to be more of a quick start guide. So all the new people can get up to speed and everybody can get out there and get a couple of these towers built and get started growing your own food. Because once you get into the system that I'm going to teach you as far as growing microgreens and baby greens and bigger leafy greens and that, once you get doing that over and over, you're going to get hooked.
And then once you do that, you're going to be looking for more containers and more stuff to build towers out of. So if you're new and you need more detailed instructions on each one of these subjects, I'll be making future videos about it. And if you're not into plastic, you want more non plastic hydroponics, I've got a playlist for that too.
But right here, this is to get everybody up to speed to learn how to put one of these towers together. Now, I love using the five gallon bucket. You don't have to use 5 gallon, you can use 3 gallon, 1 gallon, whatever. That's, it's so versatile, that's what makes it amazing. But, I like the 5 gallon because it's a size that you can handle.
You put 3 1/2 gallons in, it only comes over to a little over 25 pounds. So, it's not that hard to lift up and stack on top of each other. And the added volume that can fit in there, as opposed to like a smaller, cracky container. Makes the water stay cool longer. It's like, if you have a glass of water, and you set it in the sun, something this small heats up really fast, right?
But then the swimming pool takes a lot longer for it to heat up. So, same concept, you've got more liquid, and it's gonna take longer to heat up, and it's gonna keep your roots happier. That's why I like doing it in the morning sun. where it gets a lot of sun in the morning and as it gets hotter in the afternoon you give it shade and That way that added volume will keep it cool in the morning And then when it starts to get hot make sure you got it shaded a little bit So basically you get the buckets and the reason why I went with the buckets too is there's a couple of reasons It doesn't matter what comes in a bucket.
They were designed to stack If restaurants were ordering a bunch of frosting or mayo or pickles or whatever, or, you know, painters and drywall compound everything, these buckets were designed so they could stack up in warehouses. So now we want to take some containers and stack them up. This is the perfect thing.
It was meant to be filled up and stacked so high. Now I want to stack it to heaven. I go three, maybe four at the most with mine, but they'll at least get up that high and not be any problem because that's what they were made for. Now you get the buckets. There's only a couple of things you have to do is drill a couple of holes and it gets you a couple of things to hold your plants.
I’m very thankful for this video so Thank you very, very much!
We have a new grand baby due in July, that’s the height of our garden season… I was at a loss as what to do about not being able to be home to water the garden…
But it’s vital that we grow as much food as possible this year! This solves every problem for me!! I really am so grateful.
❤️💕🙏🏼
So glad you mentioned, in the buckets w/out a pump you do not have to get all the soil off the roots. Had to do this with a pump style and what a PIB it was! Thank you!
You are the change SIR.
Here's another idea concerning the buckets. I make homemade wine. The juice buckets come in food grade 6 gallon buckets. Go to a winery and/or ask someone that makes their own wine if they would sell them.
Cool! Thanks!
BTW, i have used cat litter buckets in a similar method, just a hole in the lid. They are square, stackable, hold 4 gallons and free since i have a cat.
Your channel made me enthusiastic to try these grow towers in a Finnish environment, our summer is short so i want to try to make as many crops as I can, in this short time.
This summer will be the test one, so i'll know what to do next time and i'm also planning to continue this indoors in the winter.
Thanks for the useful tips and info 😊
@@kayah005 how went it?
Wow I am excited to try your method!!! Thanks for putting all this out there!
Thank you so much for all this information. I am just starting out with hydroponics this summer! I can use all the help I can get. This is just fascinating!
I found I don't like the bucket towers. Requires too much of my attention to keep plants in stable position.
Found hydro baskets that fit 5 gal buckets @ local hydroponic store. Best for tomatoes, eggplants and peppers.
Growing hydro allows me to grow soilless year round!
I really want to build your bucket tower next, but just finished a 30 gallon storage container build with 8 floating half pool noodles with 8 slits in each. I didn't have starts so I cut paper towel strips, folded them in half, sprinkled seeds at the top and folded the half on top and squeezed into the pool noodle slits. Hopefully those work as wicks and the seeds germinate. Thanks for the idea. ❤
I'm so thankful for you Mike not just in learning me because I get to teach others when I become knowledgeable ...Thank you
Thank you too! Doing my best!
Yes more vids on the finer points. Just started 2 buckets dealing with bugs bit of alge and securement, would be super helpful. Thanks so much for this idea. Genius and easy.
Came across your channel, and i was looking for something like this. Im starting today. Also, if you have snails or slug problems, a thin copper ribbon around the bucket will deter them
I’m very interested in this. I’m a new gardener (this is my second season!) and this looks like a lot of fun! The buckets sound very accessible and I saw good grade buckets at Walmart for 3.50-4 dollars last night so I’m going to get 2 and start there. My only concern is I like tomatoes and peppers so I wonder what to do as they grow bigger because I have to get stakes for them in my regular potted garden I’m sure this is answered/shown on your channel somewhere so I will start looking. Thanks for this information sir, your a legend.
Always stopped because of having to measure to get the solution right. Adding just one out I’ll give it another try. Ty❤
There are some water pipe insulation that is foam and could be used like the pool noodles.
Just made my first 6 hole bucket using these this because I had it in my garage. First try at tomatoes!
I have to try this.
Great vid 😊
Thanks from the UK 🇬🇧 that helps
Hi! Just built a couple of power towers and the start of my passive or any kind of hydroponic growing journey. Got some plants in and learning as I go. Your channel has helped transform my mindset and appreciate it 🙏
Sir, I have come to know about Bio-cement and process of making it from Bacillus Subtilis, which is also an organic fungicide used in farming. Biocement has self-healing properties. So, I think, instead of using bucket tower for kratky, can we make a tower structure from stone tiles and biocement concrete mixure?
That would be cool. I am giving thought to towers with more natural materials myself.
You can also use a diluted compost or Vermicompost tea if you make your own compost or vermicompost. That way, you don't have to spend hard earned money on nutrients.
Go for it. My experience is it always goes bad fast.
I'm wondering how I can buy one of those self watering gadgets for growing the micro greens
mikevanduzee.etsy.com
@@KeepOnGrowin Awesome. Thanks 👍
If I may ask, how would you recommend seed starting for this process?
could u show how u build your bowl micro greens self watering systems please
Here you go,
ruclips.net/p/PLk4IGbDM3vfpeW526tzOQLWDaT754xB2A&si=Fhw1-nzS-8jB301N
Hi Mike, loving your videos. I want to do Kratky where you 'set and forget' and use enough nutrient up front that you don't need to top up. I can only find info on how many litres/ or gallons of nutrient solution you need per plant for lettuce. Do you have videos or knowledge that can give a guide of how many litres you need to grow other leafy veg in kratky (swiss chard, silverbeet, spinach, bok choy, etc). I'm sure 'it depends' but would love to know what you've found in your experience...
only works with fast growing leafy greens like lettuce. If they have a longer growing season, they will need to be refilled.
Would a solar pump be easy to added?
Can this method with the bucket be used inside and be just as successful with growing food? Asking for those of use that don't have a yard or balcony or porch. 🤔
Yes, many are doing it now. I have a Facebook group and people help each other out and show what they are doing. Many are indoor growers.
@@KeepOnGrowinthank you. Is your Facebook group also named "KeepOnGrowin?"
You might want to paint the red Firehouse buckets white or put a white paper collar or aluminum foil around them to reduce heating of the solution.
thank you
Or, dig a hole if you can and inset the buckets in it. Should keep the solution cooler.
Do you change water? What to do with leftover solution? Is it ok to water other plants (with soil)? Is it ok to reuse it? Thank! I love your channel.
Thanks! I do not change.
Awesome thanks ❤
I live in Québec Canada... where do you get bulk microgreen seeds ? ????
My plants are yellowing with Master blend, what could i be doing wrong?
Usually yellowing is a pH issue. Most leafy greens grown hydroponically are happy between 5.0-6.0. Lower or higher and you can experience nutrient lockout.
Other factors can be water temperature, or simply too few nutrients in the solution
@@deOideDrecksau I followed master blend instructions. How do I change ph ?
@@ssjronin3972 I’ve never used that product before, but it should be as easy as using some sort of pH strip/probe in your solution to determine the pH, and adjust from there using a pH down (acid) buffer or pH up (base) buffer. Most likely the solution is too alkaline if you are using tap water, in which case you’ll need to bring the pH down with an acid (citric or phosphoric acids work well for this).
@@ssjronin3972 I replied earlier but my response disappeared.
I have never used master blend product, but for most hydroponic nutrient solutions it should be as simple as testing the pH with a probe or test strips. From there you adjust accordingly with a pH up (base) or pH down (acid).
Where are all these seeds coming from??? No links in description.
www.pntra.com/t/SENITklPRk5DSEdOSU9GQ0dLSUdOSw
Professor been away for awhile. What’s the consensus on the Master Blend 20-20-20 1 step hydroponic nutrient mix? I would mainly be using for tomatoes & lettuce. I’ve been using the regular Master Blend 3 part mix. Thanks, Dave in PA
I did not care for it. Back to the basics.
@@KeepOnGrowin Thank you, glad I already ordered a 5lb kit of regular Masterblend. Should be here by the 23rd.
@@cruikshank It was worth a try, worked ok on leafy greens but not as good.
I have no shade available in my space. Does that mean I can't do the buckets?
You might be able to use a shade cloth attached to some kind of structure that will keep them cooler from afternoon sun.
I think Mike used reflective mylar around his buckets once. It reflects the sunlight and keeps the water cooler.
I have the same problem. My water temp is 75 and higher. How can I reduce it. I have shade cloth, fans, I put the buckets on a scaffolding and roll them in and out. Should I use a tank and start a pump to circulate the water. Help.
@@CharlesCorte-g6o I think the mylar around the buckets would help heaps. Combine with a shade cloth and that should be a big help. Avoid powered stuff if you can. Best-
What is the outside temperature is your grow area? Can I use a mister and fans?
High in the 90s F
Hype, means a lot of fast talking..
This video was nothing BUT a lot of fast talking…. Like spending 5 minutes talking about a simple foam Collar!!!!
Better title would be, “All Hype “Guide” to Build a Grow Bucket for $10”
Folks, save yourselves 10 minutes..
Hype does not mean fast talking. It's ok if you do not understand. This has helped many, many people. Thanks for your opinion, grain of salt.
Great video Mike. I especially needed help with nutrient levels as I livin in a hot climate. I planted 6 cucumbers in a 17 gallon tub and in hindsight that was wayyyyy too many as I was adding nutrients 2x per week. Gets very expensive using General Hydropinics liquid 3-part Maxi Grow. I think im going to change to Master Blend. Thank you for all you do for this community.
Thank you for sharing great ways to help us grow our own food!❤️
I bought food grade buckets and lids at a farm store for just a little bit of more money, mabbe two to three dollars so if you are just getting started it's not two expensive.
Nice!!
This will be my second growing season following you. Thanks for all the help!
Excellent information, Mike! I’m going to send this to my husband so we can build these.
I’m still having problems with the peppers dropping their blooms and my tomatoes well not bloom. Why?
Heat and/or chemical imbalance. FYI, municipal water has chlorine in it.
If you add a teaspoon of borax it will remove the chlorine and fluoride and give plants a little boron.
Thank you for keeping it simple and affordable.
Always had a huge garden in the dirt, but have severe arthritis now.
Missing my garden, hopefully this is the answer❤
how do you trellis tomatoes when then get heavy? ❤
Thank you Mike. Cheers.
Thank You so much for sharing your knowledge of growing food!!! I am overwhelmed with gophers, moles, female, 75 & disabled - - & this bucket information is a great!! idea for me!!! You are a great teacher!
I am an older adult and unable to grow in ground gardens. I will try this method and possibly do a couple of indoor buckets with grow lights for winter also. Thank you.
@KeepOnGrowin can you speak to this method and water temperature. I am in texas and want to do this outside patio in full sun.
Do you have a video on how to take tomatoes or other starts from soil to Kratky hydroponics! I seem to be having problems doing this. Do I need to start with a diluted solution?
thank you for sharing this ❤you are my gardening kratky inspiration 🌍aloha from big island 🏝️
Had too much coffee so here it goes. 😂
On the 3 bucket tower, drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket to snuggly fit a 3/4 PVC. Cut the PVC so it sticks up to where your max water level is. Secure the PVC by hot glue & or silicone or something better.
Repeat for the second bucket, but make offsetting. Creating a waterfall effect.
3rd bucket, place a PVC coming out of the side at your max fill level. Place catch bucket under drain.
Fill from top, until water spills over & fills buckets underneath. Leaks may be an issue. Filling would be easier.
Lol, thanks. Too much work.
So do we have to worry about algae in the buckets? I live in Georgia and it gets hot and humid here in zone 8B.. Also, do you have to check the water level every day? Great videos! Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge!😊
Thank you, here you go: ruclips.net/video/VPG6dbbn6FU/видео.html .
I live in north Florida so yeah, I know you can do it.
you ever try to find/use a solar fountain or air pump?? adds to the cost but might have some benefits.
Yes, you can. My back yard is completely shaded though, I would have to run wires to my roof.
I was thinking of a pvc pipe setup, install a bunch on a wall horizontally on top of each other and then connect them in an S pattern with little vertical tubes, but the little tubes don't just reach the bottom of the pipes, they stick out about halfway into the pipes. That way only when you fill the top pipe more than halfway the solution will start flowing down the tube to the bottom pipe and the process will repeat itself until all pipes are halfway filled, like a domino cascading effect.
Is there a video on what nutrients are best or how to mix nutrients? I am going to start building some buckets towers and want to get growing.
ruclips.net/video/SaN6Dlf2hCg/видео.html
Do you have a post on microgreens? I've not done those. Any guidance specific to tomatoes? Excellent work, as always.
Thank you.
Awesome words of widsom, simplicity, tons of ideas, thank you. Cheers from Mexico.
Glad it was helpful!