How to Build a Dutch Bucket Hydroponic System - Dutch Bucket Hydroponics
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
Dutch bucket hydroponics is a great way to grow large and long-term plants. In this video, I'll show you step-by-step how to build a dutch bucket system.
This system can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you plan to use the system outdoors, it works best in a greenhouse or in an area where rain can’t easily contaminate the system.
If you'd like to know how dutch bucket systems work, scroll down for a brief explanation.
NOTE: In the video, I refer to using 1/2" rubber grommets. I should have said 3/4" inner diameter rubber grommets commonly used for 1/2" PVC pipe. The link below to the grommets are the correct size for this build. If you're buying grommets from another source, you'll want to use 3/4" inner diameter rubber grommets.
🌎 Happy Hydro Farm Website 🌍
happyhydrofarm.com
📖 VIDEO CHAPTERS 📖
00:34 Measurements & Dimensions
01:01 How to Build a Dutch Bucket Stand
01:49 Pipe Clamps
02:08 Dutch Bucket Drain Assembly
03:06 How to Straighten Irrigation Tubing
03:34 How to Install the Feed Line
03:44 How to Make Dutch Buckets
04:38 Painting the Reservoir Lid
04:57 Fitting Feed & Drain Lines to the Reservoir
05:30 Pump Selection
05:49 How to Make Drip Lines
06:04 Adding Drip Lines
06:35 Installing the Aerator
07:02 System Test
07:35 Adding Media
08:08 Adding Bucket Lids
08:34 How Dutch Bucket Hydroponics Works
10:12 Bucket Colors
📃 MATERIAL LISTS 📃
I've broken down the material list into separate sections to make it easier to find specific things. This is simply a list of what I used, feel free to change/adjust to fit your needs!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
🪑 STAND MATERIALS 🪑
2"x4"x8' Pine Board - Qty: 3
2" Wood Screw - Qty: 36
3" Wood Screw - Qty: 4 (optional)
🌊 DRAIN MATERIALS 🌊
1-1/2" Rigid One Hole Conduit Strap - Qty: 2
5' Section 1-1/2" PVC Pipe - Qty: 1
1-1/2" PVC Cap - Qty: 1
1-1/2" PVC Elbow - Qty: 1
🥙 FEED LINE MATERIALS 🥙
1/2" EMT One Hole Conduit Strap - Qty: 2
7' Section 1/2" Irrigation Tubing - Qty: 1
1/4" Irrigation Drip Tubing - Qty: 1 Small Roll
1/4" Irrigation Valve - Qty: 6
1/4" Irrigation Barb Fitting - Qty: 6
1/4" Adjustable Drip Nozzles - Qty: 6 (optional)
1/2" Irrigation End Cap - Qty: 1
1/2" x 1/2" Barbed Hose Adapter - Qty: 1
🌱 DUTCH BUCKET MATERIALS 🌱
5 Gal Bucket - Qty: 3
3/4" ID Rubber Grommet - Qty: 3 - amzn.to/33IQFHz (aff)
3/4" x 3/4" Barbed Elbow - Qty: 3
5' Section 3/4" PEX - Qty: 1
💨 Pumps & Accessories 💨
Active Aqua 250GPH Pump - Qty: 1 - amzn.to/3GzafVh (aff)
Active Aqua 15 l/min Aerator - Qty: 1 - amzn.to/33p5Jdw (aff)
Air Stones - amzn.to/3tuyZKn (aff)
Air Line Tubing - amzn.to/3FAFvSl (aff)
🛠 TOOLS USED 🛠
Miter Saw - amzn.to/327g7pI (aff)
Drill - amzn.to/3A63SX5 (aff)
Hole Saw Kit - amzn.to/33gZxV3 (aff)
Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/33FhD2w (aff)
Deburring Tool - amzn.to/324NpWl (aff)
PVC Pipe Shears - Kobalt Brand from Lowes is my favorite, or amzn.to/33h7Yja (aff)
Tubing Shears - amzn.to/3Fy275Z (aff)
Heat Gun - amzn.to/3IdqUy6 (aff)
Irrigation Tubing Hole Punch - Mister Landscaper All-in-One at Lowes
❓ How Dutch Bucket Hydroponics Works ❓
A Dutch bucket system is a simple recirculating drip irrigation system. A reservoir holds nutrient solution. Inside that reservoir is a pump that’s connected to an irrigation line. When the pump cycles it pushes nutrient solution up into drip or irrigation tubing that flows into the buckets.
The Dutch buckets have a drain positioned about 2” above the bottom of the bucket. When the water level reaches the drain, it flows into a drain pipe and recirculates back into the reservoir. That 2” drain position in the bucket maintains a small reserve of water in every bucket at all times.
Coarse media like perlite works well with this standing reserve of water since it won’t wick up large amounts of moisture. This reserve of water in each bucket also acts as a nice failsafe to keep plants healthy in case of a pump failure.
Пікірлер: 444
I'm not a "gardener", I just like watching videos about hydroponics and similar stuff. You have done such a great job making this video, I can tell it took some time, effort, and care. While I'll probably never do this design, YOU made me want to. Keep up this great content, I know I'll watch your videos 👍
@HydroHowTo
5 күн бұрын
Thanks for the kind words!
I just subscribed to your channel for the "MATERIAL LISTS " that almost every DIY video i watch never has . Thumbs up for the details.
Thank you for making this easy to understand. I need this info for my tiny house build. I want a garden.
I'm a DWC guy setting up my first small dutch bucket system and found this video to be incredibly instructive.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful!
Thanks a TON! You helped me build my first Dutch bucket with the very easy to follow tutorial, parts list, and advice! You make a good tutorial - please keep making them!
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm happy to know that it helped you get started!!!
Yes..I agree with you.. its about improvisation.
Absolutely AWESOME. Thank you very much for your time. Straight to the point and detailed instructions. I am going to build this shortly.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the super kind words! If you run into any issues, let me know!
This is an excellent video! You did a great job of showing each step in detail, including what it looks on the inside, which so many others don't do. Thank you!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the kind words!
I love the Straight to the point, No nonsense method of teaching. Thank You so much! I Now have a plan and I will be off to Lowes and the feed store to get my parts tomorrow!
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Right on! Let me know if you have any questions, always happy to help!
One of the best video's ive seen about diy hydroponics, please keep on doing great video's like this
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you liked the video!
Love this video and this guy. Great quick cinematography through the build, solid building/engineering tips, great debrief at the end, and definitely the hoodie flannel. 🤙
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
I appreciate the kind words! Agreed on the hoodie flannel #musthave
I watched all of your videos and I hope you release more. They have been very useful
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words! I have a few ideas for more
Watching this was so satisfying
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best video I have seen - You are a great teacher !!! thank you for such detailed instructions.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Love the tip about heating the tubing to straighten it out. Well done!
@HydroHowTo
8 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Great video, love the tip on making a straight line on pvc.
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words! haha, yep that little tip def makes life a little easier! Have a great one!
Great video, very concise! Thank you so much, I plan to build my first system in the Spring of 2024 and I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for your help!!
@HydroHowTo
9 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Great Clip Man...A bunch of awesome info in here
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the awesome words of encouragement! I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
10 years ago without pumps in the weed world this pearlite bucket method was called the "Hempy Bucket" method. It works very well and your pumps aren't needing to be running all the time, we never used pumps and watered by hand, only have to top off every other day or so and ph don't matter in the pearlite, it's glorious.
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Yep! It’s one of my favorite methods! Thanks for watching!
@timpage5021
Жыл бұрын
Yep. I’ve ran mine mixed with aquarium gravel in the perlite..
@pothead1751
Жыл бұрын
🤘👌💨💚🌱☕👍
@anatomicallycorrectmuppets8180
Жыл бұрын
@@timpage5021 that’s smart
@ballznallbikboi3924
Жыл бұрын
Ph dont matter hahahaha fukn muppett
This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
@HydroHowTo
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
This has been a fantastic video. I've been nervous just to start. Your calm demeanor and knowledge sold me, I need to stop watching and start doing. That pdf sounds amazing. Subscribed!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and for the kind words! You can do it!!
Very informative and easy to follow. Tremendous work sir. Thank you.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for watching!
Great video. It was the one the best explains the system so I can understand!
@HydroHowTo
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind words, and for watching!
thank you for taking the time and giving this info thank you
@HydroHowTo
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching!
Great video. I actually came here to understand how the dutch bucket system works. I am now a subscriber. Thanks!!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thanks for the kind words, and the sub!
Great video. Most bucket systems use square buckets which are costly. Glad to see the grommets work on round buckets the same. Building a system soon as supplies come in. Thanks.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! It was important to me to make a build showing that you can use simple components like round buckets. The grommets work very well on round buckets. I wish you all the best in your future grows and builds!!!
Definitely would watch it!! I actually used your instructions for the last system i built. Thanks and keep making great vids
@HydroHowTo
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the kind words! Glad I could help ya out!
This is sick, today I learned something new, thanks brotha!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful!
Paint strainer bags... thanks, that is a great tip!!! I always folded and taped in these fabrics from the garden store, your tip will safe me struggle and money.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!
Would love to have a PDF to clarify the design and all parts you’ve used. Great video thanks so much.
That tip to straighten the tube with a dowel. Genius!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Haha thanks!
Thanks for such a detailed materials list.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
I really like this video... Very good step-by-step without getting boring... Really good job! Better than most channels. I'll sub for that..
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Right on, thanks for the kind words and the sun!
IM INTERESTED IN DIMENSIONS LOOKS KILLER!!!
Thanks so much great video
Thank u for this video it really helped me
loved your video and explanation! keep up the good work.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for watching!!!
thanks for the video
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Great video you explain everything so well!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
Loved your presentation quick and informative without a lot of filler. I’ll be a new subscriber. Thanks Dave in PA.
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave!
GREAT JOB. THANK YOU !!!!!
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words! Thanks for watching!
Thank you.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome!
Very sick system! Kudos
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words!
Loved your detailed breakdown. Excellent job sir!
@HydroHowTo
3 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching!
Great, detailed info. I'm looking to upgrade my fittings and connectors and this really helped. Great idea with the dowel to straighten the tubing, that always aggravated the $*$ out of me!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Haha I hear ya. Messy tubing is a pain.
Thanks man. This is great!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for awesome idea's
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
You are so welcome!
Yes would want pdf!! Thank you!
😮 this is awesome ! thank you for the knowledge
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching!
I would love to see more articles on your site. I really enjoyed the layout of your site too, you have talent dude. Keep at it.
@HydroHowTo
9 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! I’m planning to start adding more content to the website and the KZread channel very soon!
Awesome video! I’ve been avoiding making a Dutch bucket system just because I didn’t know what I wanted to do with the stand. Yourmaterial list got me motivated to make it in a day! Thanks!!!
@HydroHowTo
12 күн бұрын
Awesome!
great info
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Tommy!
Cool dude. You said all of the right things, and some people will still look to put holes in what you said.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks my dude! You're totally right, but I'm just out here trying to show people that this stuff doesn't have to be complex. I already know it works, so the naysayers don't bother me.
Ur a great explanation/narriator bro
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you sir, I learned a lot from your video.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome, I’m glad it was helpful!
Don't want to hurry you, but I'm looking forward for new videos! I finally started with your cheat sheet and it is doing rallye fine! Tanks for your inspiration!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the kind words Christian! New videos coming soon.
@christianhinterreiter352
Жыл бұрын
@@HydroHowTo hey whats up?hope you are dringend well?! My hydro cucumbers do 😅
You make excellent videos. I hope you keep it up!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
Great video....
@HydroHowTo
11 ай бұрын
Thanks!
Thank you brother
@HydroHowTo
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
I would love the plans
Great video
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
I'm definitely interested sir.
awesome video!!!!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Luciano!
I've been using a Dutch Bucket system for growing "other plants" for about 2 years - with 35-lb. cat litter pails as the buckets. The flat walls reduce any chance of leaks from the drains. Results have been tremendous!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Those buckets are AWESOME! I love 'em. I have a hard time finding them these days.
@yoopernow
Жыл бұрын
@@HydroHowTo I get mine at Walmart. I don't even like the cat litter much anymore, lol!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
LOL! I’ll be on the lookout now!
@kirkanos3968
10 ай бұрын
Go to you local grocery store very early and chat with someone in the bakery or even deli may be getting ready to recycle them. Even for just holding water i always liked square buckets over round.
@RusticByNature
9 ай бұрын
I live in Alaska. At our trash transfer stations, they sell empties cat litter pails for 50 cents
I’ve been using Pea gravel in an ebb and flow system since the early 80s. It’s so much simpler. It takes up so much less space works so much better I just don’t understand why people went away from something that was so simple and worked so well.
Very cool, I really wanna try this for tomato’s 😎🌱🌱
I’ll take that PDF!
Awesome
@HydroHowTo
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Outstanding video. Thank you! Would definitely be interested in a pdf. Thank you again.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
wonderful video! I would love a list and blueprints!
Yes please for PDF Thank you love you helpful info
Great video! Really enjoying all of the content on the channel as well. I was bouncing between hydroponic systems and I think I’ve settled on the Dutch bucket setup. Growing zucchini/squash year round would be awesome, they can only get so far into an az summer before they inevitably kick the bucket.
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm a dutch bucket fan as well.
@heywoodjablome5630
Жыл бұрын
John, I enjoyed your bucket pun.
I lost it at “peas or beans” 😂
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
😂
You have a good system
@HydroHowTo
9 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Man U just thought me something new thanks great video Amazon has black buckets
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, and for the kind words! Good to know on the buckets!
That's playa shit man, I really appreciate ur video! Thank u for taking time out of ur day to make simple, yet detailed instructions, spoken clearly, your shots angled excellent AND offer online resources for those interested in having the same system or a DIYer for "FREE"
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, and for the kind words. Glad you got some value from it!
Good job, You said something I think is on point. (I did it for u the viewer.) Man that's a great quality to have when making dying vids for ppl. Ur awesome
@HydroHowTo
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching, and for the kind words!
Nice
Love to make this Dutch hydroponic system . Great video. Please sand direction’s
I love hydroponic HIIPPY HAY GROWING!☺😎
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Nice!
Grow tomatos in dutch buckets every year, I use goat panels for the tomato plants to climb on. Awesome video, I wish more people would grow this way saves a ton of water because of the re-circulation. I use the same tote for a water reservoir (27 gallon) so I'm already familiar with the nutrient mix for it. PH up and PH down to keep the PH in range and super system for nitrates mixed with a bit of epsom. I get more tomatoes than we can use out of 4 buckets.
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
That is awesome! I agree, great way to grow tomatoes.
Great video you're very innovative . I would like a of the workflow.
I would love to get a download of that to use in my garden
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Right on! I'm still working on it, but will be sure to let everyone know when it's ready. Thanks!
My wife wants me to build a Dutch Bucket system for her. Happy wife happy life as they say. Did my research online and this is the best easiest system to model that I found. I would appreciate the blueprint also. Thank you
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words! It's a really simple build. I'll work on the blueprints. I've been tied up with other things.
Excellet video, would love to see that PDF
That’s awesome!! I’d love a pdf
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Rebekah! I should have the pdf ready to go by next week. Once it's ready, I'll do a community post letting everyone know. I'll also add a link to the pdf in the description of the video.
Buddy… absolute STUD of a video. Listen to me.. A freakin +++++ dude. There’s literally no area you did not cover! From A to Z. Then at the end of the video you gave your summarization of what the system is and how it works. Dude, you could be a teacher my God. This needs to go down in the Holy Grail of DIY videos. Then the parts list and description.. “Thank you” doesn’t suffice. 😐
@HydroHowTo
4 ай бұрын
Much appreciated! As long as it’s helpful I’m happy!
Thanks for the very informative video. Step by step visual guide was very useful for me.please provide blueprint in pdf.Thank you very much.
Again a great video! Keep on going. Would be great if you share your blueprints with us!
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words Christian! Glad you enjoyed it, and I'll absolutely share the blueprints if there's a demand for them!
@JurassicJenkins
Жыл бұрын
Yes please. Thanks!
❤how cool
@HydroHowTo
7 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
YES YES YES PLZ PUT THE PLANS UP SO WE CSN GET THEM
Would really appreciate a downloadable PDF! Thanks for this video!
Great technique 👌 cheap quick affective I'm gonna try also paint the buckets black first
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good idea!
ha i built these like 6 years ago when growing in az. the added humidity from using coco and perlite helped my room, in az its dry as f. cool to see people using the same idea i did
@StaticSift
Жыл бұрын
even used the same strainer
@StaticSift
Жыл бұрын
make sure to wash the perlite dust in a bucket with a screen to catch it, otherwise you get a clump of the dust at the bottom that sticks to perlite
Great Video . I'm actually going to try two of these in my 4x4. Not for beans though.
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Perfect! I hope the grow goes great!
Hey the pdf would be amazing. Thanks for sharing!
blueprints! :)
@HydroHowTo
2 жыл бұрын
Looking like I'll be making blueprints this week 🤣
Great video ,please I need the video.
I would love to have the PDF. Great tutorial! 👍
I would love a PDF version, sadly I find almost everything DIY and otherwise now is basically "watch my video" only when in reality it's a lot more convenient to read a PDF to follow instructions and plans, I still watch the videos but for reference PDF is king, no Wi-Fi needed. TLDR: videos are a fantastic visual aid, but having a hard copy manual really is more handy. No pun intended lol edit: I forgot to mention, I really appreciate the fact you included chapters in the video and comprehensive part lists!
@HydroHowTo
Жыл бұрын
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I will work on putting the PDF together next week. I've been super busy with other things this season, but I promise I will make that a priority!