Living in the cold Canadian climate, I was so pleased to learn from you this winter. Greens have been outrageously expensive this year. Thanks to you, I have had an ongoing supply of lettuce and bok choi all winter. Your channel is awesome. Thanks again.
fellow Canuck here - good to see people taking the time to reap a harvest in their own homes, as it's absolutely do-able with consistent care! greetings from MB
@@KeepOnGrowin Ok but all of my Herbs are small potted plants in dirt that I bought at Lowe's. I see your are only roots and no dirt at all 🤷. So do I not use any dirt at all in these buckets? Do I have to remove and wash all of the dirt off the roots before I can put them in the holes of the bicket
For other potential places to get cheap buckets I would recommend reaching out to your local bakeries. They go through a ton of 4-5 gallon buckets for frosting and pie filling.
I get 3-4 gallon buckets from the bakery department of my local grocery store for free. I’ve been using them to collect sap for maple syrup. Looks like I’ve got a new project!
I tried those containers from the 1.25 store and it got brittle and broke. I hope it works 4 you. I have been doing hydro for 30 years. As a single mother it helped the grochery bills. Now my 20 year old does it. Love your channel. Thanks for the insperation. I'm trying to show my apartment dweler feiends that a padio works too, but now the apartments are revolting on what you can put on your padio. So, I used a beach mat to make the buckets look a bit like "nice planters". Where there is a will theres a way!! Thanks!!
@@jetah Or Paint them with Walmart EXTERIOR Latex Paint? Make sure to Clean the Buckets with Vinegar first ... Or Spray Paint would work... (Expensive)...
I’m homeschooling my teen and garden the traditional way and have decided to expand on that by trying hydroponic gardening. She loves cooking so this is just another great way for her to learn how to grow some of her own food. Small tip regarding the buckets. Reach out to any small bakeries in your area. They toss them out by the dozen on a weekly basis. Friends of mine own one and were happy to gift my daughter buckets to get started.
Was researching vertical garden towers and was freaking out about the $700 and up price tag 😬 (and that's usd) then I stumbled upon your channel. This stuff resonates with me, to reuse, recycle and eliminate waste. I love it. I'm growing seeds using the wet paper towel method and in the meantime collecting all the components I need, for free or at a bargain. Atm I've only paid for the hydroponic nutrient, pool noodle and seeds. Love love loving this, regards from Sydney Australia
as a fellow sydneysider, super excited to follow this with some good ol' handy pails as every other tutorial i've seen uses PVC piping which is SUPER expensive here right now - we're in this together!!
I've heard of this system but just as you've said, the inexperience and learning process has not exactly promoted enough confidence to venture away from soil planting. I want to learn this system and am incouraged by your logic. Your my kind of people Mike, good job. ;-)
I got my dirty little paws on an AeroGarden last year (my in laws bought it, used it for a year then put it in the garage where I liberated it) and I am SOLD on hydro! Seeing you do this makes me wonder what else I can do! I've been a gardner most of my life - started young with the "garden" (it was a small farm is what it was) when we were kids in Texas - and I've been wanting to expand into hydro outside as well so I can grow my greens inside and the flowering plants outside since it gets too warm to be able to grow greens outside. THIS? This is something I can do without having to deal with huge beds or tilling or trying to figure out how to deal with giant pots! I now have ideas on how to get my maters out from the front yard and into a side yard or on the back porch so I can plant flowers and stuff in the front. THANK YOU so much, Mike. This was the first video I've seen of yours and you've gained a follower! The only question I have is how do you keep the water from getting too hot in the summer sun? Tennessee can get SUPER hot and I don't want to boil my plant's roots.
I'd cut the buckets in half and use the bottom half as you do, then cover with the lid. Index each bucket in the stack so holes are alternating. Doubles food density. Will alter the possible thermal mass of having two-ish instead of four-ish gallons of water.
im actually surprised Walmart would do that considering they sell buckets in hardware for way more than anyone should pay for a bucket & lid. I mean i get why they do it and not completely shocked, im just more surprised they dont force them to go into recycling and claim its for safety/legal reasons.. ya know like locking up dumpsters so people cant dive for thrown out food.
I believe what you’re doing is a word changing experience. It’s not rocket science and when we share our experiences we can literally feed the world. Start by feeding your family and friends and grow from here. I’m sure plenty of supermarkets would buy good produce thus paying for everything that you need. I’m definitely going to start a farm using this system and baring in mind climate change and it’s effects on food availability and costs. It’s a very exciting time for those people who are prepared to do some work or hire someone to help. Good luck everyone 🤞🏼❤
I think what would be good to do is merge the two ideas, do 3 of the firehouse buckets, and then a 4th one with the mesh basket on top! Then you can use all the space while also being able to stack them still. Just started following you recently and can’t wait to start my garden soon, I basically grew up with my grandmas garden and love having gardens ❤️ brings me home
I've started using the Polyethylene Pipe Insulation tubes since I had a half dozen left over from a job around the house. I looked it up and everything I read said it's safe around food. So, I began using them in my Kratky downspouts. I use a pair of scissors to cut 3/4" long pieces of the insulation foam tube made for 1/2" pvc pipe. Cheap and easy, like pool noodles. I prefer using 1" holes in my downspouts as it gives a better seal and less chance for the foam to get knocked out. I use the pool noodles on things that are gonna get large diameter before harvest. Works great on the smallest jars, tupperware, leftover containers, and even the plastic tubs that lettuce and spinach and such comes in from the store (note... must cut the holes daintily! LOL).
I LOVE your Analogy of starting with the easy math before the higher level math! Totally speaks to me! Ive been wanting to plant things for years and this video was actually something i felt i could do.! I am definitely going to do this. Thank you.
I live in a very small apartment, and I am trying this method with large foldgers coffee cans. Have three holes in each and I place a grow light over it. I am putting strawberries in one, pepper plants in another and lettuce. I hope it works.
@@TheMartiniDiva Yes, I put three holes in each and stacked two coffee cans. I also used a clamp lamp and put a grow bulb in it and placed it over the cans, It is working out well. I really like using the grow bulbs in regular lamps.
This was an ingenious idea you are super talented. I went to both my local Firehouse subs and bought out other buckets and made myself three towers three buckets high and they perform well and now my grandpa has one that three buckets high and all my friends built three towers three buckets high because of how easy it is you are amazing thank you for teaching me this!!
7:16 $1.25 store 😆 I say the same thing! I greatly appreciate you sharing these economical hands-off kratky ideas, it helps families like mine to eat healthy but we are verypoor, so this helps tremendously & is very appreciated!
Just a update>>> This system is awesome for me and my temporary living arrangement. I have 3 5gal, and 2 3.5 gal. I was able to get a early start here in Alaska. I have them set in a window with afternoon sunlight, on a waist-high dresser. I bought a air pump with 4 ports because of the visit to a hydroponic store for the grow mix. Over paid them, but i also got a ppm meter and a Ph kit. I am learning. The plants love this! Unfortunately my cat does too. If these end up outside I will be worrying about moose. This was such a God-lead mission I can not say thank you enough!
Great, economical idea. You are the man. For those who worry about algae and the plastic getting brittle, I just cut up a cheap black plastic rubbish bag to size, and tape it on the outside of my white containers- it does the job cheaply. Thanks for sharing and keep up the awesome work. All the best. God Bless.
This is great! I live in NYC but I love gardening and food is expensive so this gives me loads of options for indoor gardening. Thanks. And gardening should be taught in schools 😂
Found you a couple months ago. Just started my own tower this last weekend and everything is so happy and growing upwards. Thank you so much for sharing your information. I know I'm new to it but my daughter in her early 20's is wanting to learn how to grow her own food too. I picked this video to post on because this was the one I found you in. Can't wait to show you some of my results as days come. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.
Thank you!! It's true I would of never considered this method of growing food. If you didn't make it simple to do with less money! I could never understand the ph and all of the technical stuff. It was just too delicate process. With you taking a more simple, less expensive path. Makes it possible and achievable. Thank You many blessings! 🙏 For actually helping us out here to take care of our families and Grow 🪴😁☺️🙏🙏🙏
I've been experimentering with different nutritional solutions. I've had basically no luck whatsoever with the store bought specifically meant for hydroponic growing but, last year I took a LARGISH fish tank, bought about 20 fish, type mostly "goldfish" that "poop" a lot. Rigged up a fish tank water pump that took water from the fish tank, up to the top growing rain gutter like strukturs that held the plants. I didn't put the tube with the water from the fish tank near the bottom of the rain gutters but, about half way up the side of each gutter, since I didn't want the gutters/plants to ever be without water, if for whatever reason the pump would stop working, power go out etc. Connected the gutter with plants with a hose to the first top one and gravity made the water flow down through the gutter/plants below and so on until I reached the fish tank again and the water went back into the tank. I also put a few "floating" small plants on the surface of the fish tank and the fish loved swimming through the long roots and ate all the "nutrients" from whatever was in the water that rotated through the system. I realized soon that I really didn't have to feed fish food that much to the fish in the tank but, still did since I figured that whatever they didn't eat, would go through the plants in the gutters and provide extra nutrients to them. It worked better than I had ever dreamed of. Will be doing the same this year too, with an added system. I had NO filter in the fish tank to remove dirt/poop/impurities, as those somehow disappeared when having gone through the "filter" of the roots of the plants.
I have to thank you. I really needed to hear some of what you've shared in videos this morning, spiritually. I'm so glad I found your video's again. I have been trying to teach myself (container) gardening in south TX. I've had some success, but don't have the time required or $ to waste. I'm determined to try this. I just have to find nutrients that aren't hundreds per month! I've been fighting fear w/ all the things going on in the world & your words lifted stress in a way that I truly needed somehow..again thank you. Be well.
Good video! Will check out your others. I am 78 and I can still handle a drill. Was going to invest in a shelving and lights system for growing inside. But this would be good for winter and summer. I have been learning to grow a garden outside for the past few years. Just 10 x 10 but I have been more successful the more I try.
I did this with my pathos vines in my house I painted the bucket to look nice and fit the colors of my room. Its beautiful. I stacked the up and now I have a vine towee in my house.
I have been doing small hydroponic units indoors since last fall. Having fresh greens and herbs on hand all the time has been lovely. Seeing this video, I am now excited that I can set something up on the patio this summer. *puts pool noodles on the shopping list*
You can go to any dry cleaners or laundry mat and ask for empty 5 gallons buckets of laundry detergent. I got 28 buckets with lids for $56 . $2 per unit with lids tax free. Hope this helps.
You could drill a 1/4” hole at the level you want your water to stop at and it will run out if overfilled. Much like a GroBucket system is designed. Really cool ideas. I’m going to try some similar this year. Thank you.
You inspire and create an online experience where you wanna learn more and try. Thats my experience since finding your channel today. Gotta feeling you gonna change our families self sufficiency world. Thank you for inspiring us 😃 😊 even us over the other side of the pond 🇬🇧
Nice to have options! Clever idea, I like this one and also the individual jugs. The jugs allow a complete harvest and replant as needed for continual production. The towers are perfect for outdoors in tight spaces.
Man this is awesome, I can't wait to try it! Here in Hawaii, a lot of the soil is sapped of nutrients from decades of mass monocrop farming, so this is a promising solution to supplement sustainable local agriculture efforts on the islands! Thanks for the great video🤙
Aloha. I am on the Kona side. How has your garden tower done? We just finished an extensive renovation and ready to refocus on growing food. We wanted to try this tower method that Mike created. Can I ask where you got your containers from? Did you run across any issues? Mahalo nui.
Everytime I watch your videos I'm inspired. Still 5ft of snow up here, but downspouts I bought from you are wonderful til we can grow volume outside. Can't wait to try out this bucket system. Thank you💖
I believe what you’re doing is a word changing experience. It’s not rocket science and when we share our experiences we can literally feed the world. Start by feeding your family and friends and grow from here. I’m sure plenty of supermarkets would buy good produce thus paying for everything that you need. I’m definitely going to start a farm using this system and baring in mind climate change and it’s effects on food availability and costs. It’s a very exciting time for those people who are prepared to do some work or hire someone to help. Good luck everyone
My wife wanted to know if the pool noodles makeup or chemicals that were used to make the food grown in them safe to eat. I did a hybrid tower using cut down buckets, a wheeled grow base and pump. To make it look like the one you can buy for 1200 cdn. My cost was about 200. I like the simplicity of yours. Please let me know on the pool noodle question. Love your simple and effective methods. Keep up the great work and paying it forward approach
Well, they know these are made for kids and they will put it in their mouths. Also, the pool noodle just holds the plant, It is not a grow medium like rockwool. It's kind of like a plastic nursery pot holding your plant.
Ok, you’re literally talking directly to me right now. I just did a search on this idea cause it’s always something I wanted to try. Yep, I wanna grow tomatoes but I don’t want another tried out and failed hobby so I hear what you’re telling me. FOLLOW THE STEPS. I get it, I need to learn first. I’m going to check out this course you mentioned. Im willing to try the slower but learned path. I think my hesitancy to try has been because I don’t believe I can and when I fail, I won’t want to do it anymore. I’m moving in a few weeks to an active volcano and you really cannot garden in-ground there. Even raised beds are hard for most plants that didn’t evolve in that environment or aren’t pioneer plants. The ecosystem is still in its infancy (only 700,000 years old and still growing). I’m hoping vertical will be successful. Precipitation average is 17 days a month, every month, and high is 70+ and low is 50+ (+/- 5 degrees winter to summer). 4000 feet elevation. Lots of sulfur in the air. 1.4 miles from an open pit of lava. Think vertical growing will be a thing I can do?
Update: on lesson one and you mention this Kratky method and it’s from UH. How cool that I found this video and course. I’m a biology teacher on Maui moving to Kilauea on the Big Island in 3 weeks to teach over there and I just happened to find this video which lead to the course. 😊 I’m excited to learn this method!
I just got some of these buckets and I am so excited to try this. I am one of the kindergarten kratky people. Just getting my feet wet. I sooo love your channel.
Thanks so much for this video. I can't believe how well this worked with some buttercrunch lettuce starts I got at the store. I think for my version 2.0 buckets I'm going to use a 1-1/4" hole to do easy transfers from my AeroGarden. I bought easily removable lids because I like to view the root growth and it's an easy refill method (I know I probably shouldn't for light/algae reasons, but I can't help it). I need to figure out an easy way to detach/reattach the handle so I have an easy way to lift the bucket occasionally, but it not be in the way of the plants when not in use.
Thanks much Jason! I appreciate it. I actually prop my handle up a little with a 4" to 6" piece of pool noodle . It holds it above the plants and is still in place if I need it. Works well so far, lol.
@@blessisrael6455 I keep it simple. I transfer them as soon as they have a decent root system that will reach the nutrients. I don't adjust the nutrients at any point.
One idea I just had while watching the video could be using a piece of siphon hose with 2 very very close size holes (and pvc glue). This way out the bottom going up an back in near the top. That would give you a visual indicator of water level. And of course spray the whole thing with UV protection or keep it out of sunlight if at all possible.
Oh, I just found your channel; I grow a lot of things but never tried this. With everything going on in the world, We would rather grow everything we can, than buy at a store.
I found out where I’m at the best time to get firehouse buckets is right when they open. We even called in a lunch order one time and asked them if they had any buckets and they added the one they had left to our pickup!
I work at a cupcake shop in Lake Mary, Florida. We give buttercream buckets with lids away. We are happy to give them to anyone who needs them. Maybe other bakeries would do the same. I work at Smallcakes Lake Mary.
I love it, great idea! The only thing I would be scared of is that it falls over during heavy winds, especially when the buckets are getting lighter over time. Some setup with a float valve could maybe prevent it because then the buckets can be kept full and heavy. But maybe a wind protected area also works. Thanks for sharing those great ideas!
If you use clear or translucent containers check out using black men's socks to cover the container as long as you can get them around it. They are easy to pull down to check the water level, are washable, and you don't have to paint them. If you don't mind me providing the UA-camr I saw this on let me know and I will edit the comment. Thanks
Dude, have not started the clip yet.. am 27 seconds in and just wanted to expres.. Wow, that is such a good well thought out intro, if you do your own editing.. mad respect.
Think a flyscreen tape would work good too to prevent bugs getting in. Also perhaps a reflective surface on the wall of the side not getting sun...not sure I'm getting a holeozer yet but looks cool
I am learning so much from your channel and excited to experiment with it, thank so much. Waiting for my supplies to arrive. The weather still cold here in NY so starting indoor first, hopefully, by spring/summer time I can have some confident to grow plants successfully 🙏🙏. By nature I am a brown thumb person and wasted lots of money 💰😢
This seems like it would work well with succession planting. Plant one bucket. As the water level drops, place that (now lighter) bucket on top of a newly planted bucket. Then later stack those two buckets on top of another. Finally, as the top bucket is harvested, you clean it up and replant that bucket, moving it to the bottom.
The problem with those buckets is that they're food grade, and they break down in the sun, they only last a couple of Years yet the other buckets are construction buckets and lasts. A very long time, that's been my experience. But this method you're using is awesome
just a thought if nobody else has mentioned it... you could put that black grow basket in the top bucket for a plant you want to grow a loittle bigger or that bushes out, maybe even a vine that could hang over the sides... Though might need to stay on top o fthe vines and keep them vining around something other than your plants in the side holes.
I love this idea. Definitely will use this technique. It’ll keep me from digging up my beautiful backyard. Keep teaching us these useful survival skills!
I was already planning on doing an above the ground summer garden. Already ordered the containers. I’m going to try and incorporate one tower and see how it goes.
I like this. I'm definitely going to try doing this. As you said at the end of the video, this method makes hydroponics very accessible to starters. like me :)
If you buy fish that eats alga you won’t have a problem. My daughter like buying small fish & watching them grow. We started at 3 inches; it was 6 inches.
So this summer I built my first hydroponic stack of three buckets. My tomatoes have done very well. But there are two aspects I did not expect: (1) the tomatoes consume a LOT of water which means to be truly economical, I'm thinking one would need to capture rain water and (2) the stacks are the perfect habitat for growing your own army of mosquitoes, and I welcome any ideas on handling this.
I'm inspired by what you are doing!!! Just wanted to share a cheaper way to get buckets--I went to bakeries and got there icing buckets with lids for free!!!! I went to price chopper and hyvee--they just throw them away.😊
My local Food Lion has a cake decorator. Their icing comes in 5 Gallon, and 2.5 Gallon food grade buckets with lids. Once used these are usually just thrown away so I ask the cake decorator to save me some and get them for free. They do require me to wash the icing out of them but that’s easy enough. I would imagine other stores would be an option as well.
I thought it would be too complicated. But when I grew lettuce, basil, watercress and radishes in empty Folgers Instant containers with 3 inch net cups filled with clay pebbles using simple MaxiGro powder I started growing this way ALL year. Last year a bad freeze got my outdoor garden here in Louisiana (got down to zero with 50 mph gusts) but I had dozens of plants growing inside. I don`t go to stores because I`m in a camper in the boondocks with no car. So if I want fresh vegetables, greens, fruit, or anything else I have to produce it.
My sister got two bunches of green onions for me yesterday. I`m sticking them in the garden outside. You never know how long they`ll grow and keep providing green tops and when they bloom you get thousands of seeds. I planted leeks a few weeks ago. Never tried those. I ordered a package of dry green peas and they`re coming up. I planted dry black eyed peas last year to help build my soil. I usually cook the young green pods. I hate shelling those kind. I`m planting purple hull peas for shelling. I paid 14 dollars last year for less than 30 purple hull pea seeds. I only shelled about a quart and saved the rest for seeds. @@KeepOnGrowin
Wow! Those are cool. I'm concerned about plastic leaching into the plants though. A vertical system with wood &/or galvanized metal would be great & most likely esthetically pleasing....and much more difficult. 😎🤠 Make it a great day!
I love this idea! There's just one thing about it I wouldn't do (to each our own though): those pool noodles are not made of food safe materials. So, I'm wondering if I could cut a smaller hole, then heat a pipe and use it to mold the opening so it will fit a basket, instead? I think it's probably worth experimenting with, because, like I said, this is an awesome idea!!
Are you on my other channel @makingmoneyoldschool ? I have a video showing how to personalize it if you like. You may already know how to edit though. If you need help, reach out.
On the supposed algae problem: I too have not had troubles with opaque containers. There is some algae, but it's not an obnoxious amount. And it doesn't seem to harm the overall growth of the plant. I suppose if you were to use a clear container, then the algae might grow too fast and create a problem. Otherwise, it's just not that big of a deal when growing greens. I prefer a darker or solid color to blockout nearly all the sunlight. But truth be told, that's not always easy to get with salvaging containers from food stuffs, friends, etc. And I prefer to do this hobby CHEAPLY, but without having my outside hydroponics look like a trash dump either. Spray paint is nearly 8 dollars a can and it doesn't go that far. I'm just not going to worry about the small amount of algae in opaque containers when it doesn't significantly impede the greens growing.
Right on, I agree. My wife is going to paint a few for those that are interested but most of mine will stay the same. I have a lot of the foil bubble wrap insulation, I might put it on but don't know if I will blind the neighbors, lol.
Matchstick blinds with the wide edge dowd so it wraps. The home Depot cut the one I got there so I could wrap the balcony railing to block sun and protect the plants
Living in the cold Canadian climate, I was so pleased to learn from you this winter. Greens have been outrageously expensive this year. Thanks to you, I have had an ongoing supply of lettuce and bok choi all winter. Your channel is awesome. Thanks again.
Thank you! This makes me extremely happy.
fellow Canuck here - good to see people taking the time to reap a harvest in their own homes, as it's absolutely do-able with consistent care! greetings from MB
Love it!!!!!!!!❤❤❤
@@KeepOnGrowin what are the yellow plugs the roots are growing out of. Did I miss a video?
@@KeepOnGrowin Ok but all of my Herbs are small potted plants in dirt that I bought at Lowe's. I see your are only roots and no dirt at all 🤷. So do I not use any dirt at all in these buckets? Do I have to remove and wash all of the dirt off the roots before I can put them in the holes of the bicket
For other potential places to get cheap buckets I would recommend reaching out to your local bakeries. They go through a ton of 4-5 gallon buckets for frosting and pie filling.
Also, donut shops
Greek restaurants, yoghurt buckets
OK thanks I'll look into that!😊✌️
I get 3-4 gallon buckets from the bakery department of my local grocery store for free. I’ve been using them to collect sap for maple syrup. Looks like I’ve got a new project!
burger restaurants get pickles in 5 gallon buckets
A gardener's best friend, teaching us to keep it simple, cheap and easy. Thank you.
I tried those containers from the 1.25 store and it got brittle and broke. I hope it works 4 you. I have been doing hydro for 30 years. As a single mother it helped the grochery bills. Now my 20 year old does it. Love your channel. Thanks for the insperation. I'm trying to show my apartment dweler feiends that a padio works too, but now the apartments are revolting on what you can put on your padio. So, I used a beach mat to make the buckets look a bit like "nice planters". Where there is a will theres a way!! Thanks!!
Awesome! Keep up the great work!
Thank YOU for sharing this post...
"YOU GO GIRL"... So Proud of YOU
You could also paint designs on them, if you have the time and inclination
it could be expensive but vinyl could be attached to the buckets to color them.
@@jetah
Or Paint them with Walmart EXTERIOR Latex Paint? Make sure to Clean the Buckets with Vinegar first ...
Or Spray Paint would work... (Expensive)...
Absolute game changer method of growing plants. The option to grow vertically off-grid is absolutely insane.
I’m homeschooling my teen and garden the traditional way and have decided to expand on that by trying hydroponic gardening. She loves cooking so this is just another great way for her to learn how to grow some of her own food. Small tip regarding the buckets. Reach out to any small bakeries in your area. They toss them out by the dozen on a weekly basis. Friends of mine own one and were happy to gift my daughter buckets to get started.
Was researching vertical garden towers and was freaking out about the $700 and up price tag 😬 (and that's usd) then I stumbled upon your channel. This stuff resonates with me, to reuse, recycle and eliminate waste. I love it. I'm growing seeds using the wet paper towel method and in the meantime collecting all the components I need, for free or at a bargain. Atm I've only paid for the hydroponic nutrient, pool noodle and seeds. Love love loving this, regards from Sydney Australia
Kindred spirits!
Yes! Agree ! Fantastic!
as a fellow sydneysider, super excited to follow this with some good ol' handy pails as every other tutorial i've seen uses PVC piping which is SUPER expensive here right now - we're in this together!!
I've heard of this system but just as you've said, the inexperience and learning process has not exactly promoted enough confidence to venture away from soil planting. I want to learn this system and am incouraged by your logic. Your my kind of people Mike, good job. ;-)
I got my dirty little paws on an AeroGarden last year (my in laws bought it, used it for a year then put it in the garage where I liberated it) and I am SOLD on hydro! Seeing you do this makes me wonder what else I can do! I've been a gardner most of my life - started young with the "garden" (it was a small farm is what it was) when we were kids in Texas - and I've been wanting to expand into hydro outside as well so I can grow my greens inside and the flowering plants outside since it gets too warm to be able to grow greens outside.
THIS? This is something I can do without having to deal with huge beds or tilling or trying to figure out how to deal with giant pots! I now have ideas on how to get my maters out from the front yard and into a side yard or on the back porch so I can plant flowers and stuff in the front.
THANK YOU so much, Mike. This was the first video I've seen of yours and you've gained a follower!
The only question I have is how do you keep the water from getting too hot in the summer sun? Tennessee can get SUPER hot and I don't want to boil my plant's roots.
Finally someone who is spreading some good karma without doing so for profit or reward. Thank you! Very informative.
I'd cut the buckets in half and use the bottom half as you do, then cover with the lid. Index each bucket in the stack so holes are alternating. Doubles food density. Will alter the possible thermal mass of having two-ish instead of four-ish gallons of water.
Do it and show me.
Some Walmart bakeries will sell you their used icing buckets with lids for next to nothing!
Thanks, I will have to check!
im actually surprised Walmart would do that considering they sell buckets in hardware for way more than anyone should pay for a bucket & lid.
I mean i get why they do it and not completely shocked, im just more surprised they dont force them to go into recycling and claim its for safety/legal reasons.. ya know like locking up dumpsters so people cant dive for thrown out food.
@@razoredgechris They just sold me some for $1 this morning!
We have a store bakery here that will give them to you for free.
Its just the workers making a side buck
I believe what you’re doing is a word changing experience. It’s not rocket science and when we share our experiences we can literally feed the world.
Start by feeding your family and friends and grow from here. I’m sure plenty of supermarkets would buy good produce thus paying for everything that you need. I’m definitely going to start a farm using this system and baring in mind climate change and it’s effects on food availability and costs. It’s a very exciting time for those people who are prepared to do some work or hire someone to help. Good luck everyone 🤞🏼❤
I think what would be good to do is merge the two ideas, do 3 of the firehouse buckets, and then a 4th one with the mesh basket on top! Then you can use all the space while also being able to stack them still. Just started following you recently and can’t wait to start my garden soon, I basically grew up with my grandmas garden and love having gardens ❤️ brings me home
I've started using the Polyethylene Pipe Insulation tubes since I had a half dozen left over from a job around the house. I looked it up and everything I read said it's safe around food. So, I began using them in my Kratky downspouts. I use a pair of scissors to cut 3/4" long pieces of the insulation foam tube made for 1/2" pvc pipe. Cheap and easy, like pool noodles. I prefer using 1" holes in my downspouts as it gives a better seal and less chance for the foam to get knocked out. I use the pool noodles on things that are gonna get large diameter before harvest. Works great on the smallest jars, tupperware, leftover containers, and even the plastic tubs that lettuce and spinach and such comes in from the store (note... must cut the holes daintily! LOL).
I LOVE your Analogy of starting with the easy math before the higher level math! Totally speaks to me! Ive been wanting to plant things for years and this video was actually something i felt i could do.! I am definitely going to do this. Thank you.
I live in a very small apartment, and I am trying this method with large foldgers coffee cans. Have three holes in each and I place a grow light over it. I am putting strawberries in one, pepper plants in another and lettuce. I hope it works.
So instead of holes in the lid you put 3 or so on the side just below the lid lip?
The large coffee canisters I assume?
@@TheMartiniDiva Yes, I put three holes in each and stacked two coffee cans. I also used a clamp lamp and put a grow bulb in it and placed it over the cans, It is working out well. I really like using the grow bulbs in regular lamps.
@@mariacastro-xk6jx Hey, how's it going with your system? Is it working?
@@lfpurpose yes it is working out, pepper plants are doing well
This was an ingenious idea you are super talented. I went to both my local Firehouse subs and bought out other buckets and made myself three towers three buckets high and they perform well and now my grandpa has one that three buckets high and all my friends built three towers three buckets high because of how easy it is you are amazing thank you for teaching me this!!
Cool! Wait till you see the tomatoes!
7:16 $1.25 store 😆 I say the same thing! I greatly appreciate you sharing these economical hands-off kratky ideas, it helps families like mine to eat healthy but we are verypoor, so this helps tremendously & is very appreciated!
Just a update>>> This system is awesome for me and my temporary living arrangement. I have 3 5gal, and 2 3.5 gal. I was able to get a early start here in Alaska. I have them set in a window with afternoon sunlight, on a waist-high dresser. I bought a air pump with 4 ports because of the visit to a hydroponic store for the grow mix. Over paid them, but i also got a ppm meter and a Ph kit. I am learning. The plants love this! Unfortunately my cat does too. If these end up outside I will be worrying about moose. This was such a God-lead mission I can not say thank you enough!
That's awesome! Things like this make me happy. Keep it up and have fun.
Great, economical idea. You are the man. For those who worry about algae and the plastic getting brittle, I just cut up a cheap black plastic rubbish bag to size, and tape it on the outside of my white containers- it does the job cheaply. Thanks for sharing and keep up the awesome work. All the best. God Bless.
Great tip! They also make food grade bucket liners.
Because of you, I’ve been growing for probably a year now under lights in my pool room and everything‘s been great. Thank you very much.
Awesome Mike, keep up the great work!
This is so genius!! The towers are so expensive and you guys solved it!! Thank you!!
if you have cats you get square buckets with lids when you buy kitty litter
Or the buckets grape juice comes in for wine making,
@Embroiderist the cat litter buckets are probably Not food grade, because it only contains clay kitty litter.😺
This is great! I live in NYC but I love gardening and food is expensive so this gives me loads of options for indoor gardening. Thanks. And gardening should be taught in schools 😂
Found you a couple months ago. Just started my own tower this last weekend and everything is so happy and growing upwards. Thank you so much for sharing your information. I know I'm new to it but my daughter in her early 20's is wanting to learn how to grow her own food too. I picked this video to post on because this was the one I found you in. Can't wait to show you some of my results as days come. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.
Awesome Dave! Can't wait to see!
Thank you!! It's true I would of never considered this method of growing food. If you didn't make it simple to do with less money! I could never understand the ph and all of the technical stuff. It was just too delicate process. With you taking a more simple, less expensive path. Makes it possible and achievable. Thank You many blessings! 🙏 For actually helping us out here to take care of our families and Grow 🪴😁☺️🙏🙏🙏
Thank you and good luck! That's my mission!
@@KeepOnGrowin best of good food for you
I've been experimentering with different nutritional solutions. I've had basically no luck whatsoever with the store bought specifically meant for hydroponic growing but, last year I took a LARGISH fish tank, bought about 20 fish, type mostly "goldfish" that "poop" a lot. Rigged up a fish tank water pump that took water from the fish tank, up to the top growing rain gutter like strukturs that held the plants.
I didn't put the tube with the water from the fish tank near the bottom of the rain gutters but, about half way up the side of each gutter, since I didn't want the gutters/plants to ever be without water, if for whatever reason the pump would stop working, power go out etc. Connected the gutter with plants with a hose to the first top one and gravity made the water flow down through the gutter/plants below and so on until I reached the fish tank again and the water went back into the tank.
I also put a few "floating" small plants on the surface of the fish tank and the fish loved swimming through the long roots and ate all the "nutrients" from whatever was in the water that rotated through the system. I realized soon that I really didn't have to feed fish food that much to the fish in the tank but, still did since I figured that whatever they didn't eat, would go through the plants in the gutters and provide extra nutrients to them.
It worked better than I had ever dreamed of. Will be doing the same this year too, with an added system. I had NO filter in the fish tank to remove dirt/poop/impurities, as those somehow disappeared when having gone through the "filter" of the roots of the plants.
Ingenious! good for you! thx for the share~
I have to thank you. I really needed to hear some of what you've shared in videos this morning, spiritually. I'm so glad I found your video's again. I have been trying to teach myself (container) gardening in south TX. I've had some success, but don't have the time required or $ to waste. I'm determined to try this. I just have to find nutrients that aren't hundreds per month! I've been fighting fear w/ all the things going on in the world & your words lifted stress in a way that I truly needed somehow..again thank you. Be well.
Good video! Will check out your others. I am 78 and I can still handle a drill. Was going to invest in a shelving and lights system for growing inside. But this would be good for winter and summer. I have been learning to grow a garden outside for the past few years. Just 10 x 10 but I have been more successful the more I try.
Awesome!! Keep up the great work!!!
Great video! I like the sentiment too, it’s not about views, it’s about getting people started! Well said!
I think you can go vertical with large terracotta planters too, however you will some kind of stand but water can seep into the next planter.
I did this with my pathos vines in my house I painted the bucket to look nice and fit the colors of my room. Its beautiful. I stacked the up and now I have a vine towee in my house.
Awesome!!!
I have been doing small hydroponic units indoors since last fall. Having fresh greens and herbs on hand all the time has been lovely. Seeing this video, I am now excited that I can set something up on the patio this summer. *puts pool noodles on the shopping list*
That is awesome!
You can go to any dry cleaners or laundry mat and ask for empty 5 gallons buckets of laundry detergent. I got 28 buckets with lids for $56 . $2 per unit with lids tax free. Hope this helps.
You could drill a 1/4” hole at the level you want your water to stop at and it will run out if overfilled. Much like a GroBucket system is designed. Really cool ideas. I’m going to try some similar this year. Thank you.
So smart!
You inspire and create an online experience where you wanna learn more and try. Thats my experience since finding your channel today. Gotta feeling you gonna change our families self sufficiency world. Thank you for inspiring us 😃 😊 even us over the other side of the pond 🇬🇧
This is so awesome. I’ve seen so many with pvc pipe but it’s so complicated. This is great
Appreciate you! Who cares about what the critics say. If they don't like it they don't have to watch the channel. Keep upthe great work.
Hydroponic system seemed expensive with all the equipment and all. You showed us it's not the case. Thank you. ❤
Love This! Never thought hydro could be so simple! Recommending to everyone! 🤔Think I'll add a spigot to empty the higher ones😃
Awesome! Thank you!
Nice to have options! Clever idea, I like this one and also the individual jugs. The jugs allow a complete harvest and replant as needed for continual production. The towers are perfect for outdoors in tight spaces.
Man this is awesome, I can't wait to try it! Here in Hawaii, a lot of the soil is sapped of nutrients from decades of mass monocrop farming, so this is a promising solution to supplement sustainable local agriculture efforts on the islands! Thanks for the great video🤙
Aloha. I am on the Kona side. How has your garden tower done? We just finished an extensive renovation and ready to refocus on growing food. We wanted to try this tower method that Mike created. Can I ask where you got your containers from? Did you run across any issues? Mahalo nui.
Everytime I watch your videos I'm inspired. Still 5ft of snow up here, but downspouts I bought from you are wonderful til we can grow volume outside. Can't wait to try out this bucket system. Thank you💖
Thank you! You have been around a while. I am glad I could help.
Thanks for the insperation. I did hydro this year, some plants came out great and some were ok. It is better for me because I don't have to till.
I believe what you’re doing is a word changing experience. It’s not rocket science and when we share our experiences we can literally feed the world.
Start by feeding your family and friends and grow from here. I’m sure plenty of supermarkets would buy good produce thus paying for everything that you need. I’m definitely going to start a farm using this system and baring in mind climate change and it’s effects on food availability and costs. It’s a very exciting time for those people who are prepared to do some work or hire someone to help. Good luck everyone
My wife wanted to know if the pool noodles makeup or chemicals that were used to make the food grown in them safe to eat. I did a hybrid tower using cut down buckets, a wheeled grow base and pump. To make it look like the one you can buy for 1200 cdn. My cost was about 200. I like the simplicity of yours. Please let me know on the pool noodle question. Love your simple and effective methods. Keep up the great work and paying it forward approach
Well, they know these are made for kids and they will put it in their mouths. Also, the pool noodle just holds the plant, It is not a grow medium like rockwool. It's kind of like a plastic nursery pot holding your plant.
Thank you for this information!!! I’ve wanted to try the vertical gardening but it seemed so expensive. You’ve provided a cost friendly solution!!!
As someone who has a huge supply of buckets and lids from work this diy was meant for me
Ok, you’re literally talking directly to me right now. I just did a search on this idea cause it’s always something I wanted to try. Yep, I wanna grow tomatoes but I don’t want another tried out and failed hobby so I hear what you’re telling me. FOLLOW THE STEPS. I get it, I need to learn first. I’m going to check out this course you mentioned. Im willing to try the slower but learned path.
I think my hesitancy to try has been because I don’t believe I can and when I fail, I won’t want to do it anymore.
I’m moving in a few weeks to an active volcano and you really cannot garden in-ground there. Even raised beds are hard for most plants that didn’t evolve in that environment or aren’t pioneer plants. The ecosystem is still in its infancy (only 700,000 years old and still growing). I’m hoping vertical will be successful. Precipitation average is 17 days a month, every month, and high is 70+ and low is 50+ (+/- 5 degrees winter to summer). 4000 feet elevation. Lots of sulfur in the air. 1.4 miles from an open pit of lava.
Think vertical growing will be a thing I can do?
Update: on lesson one and you mention this Kratky method and it’s from UH.
How cool that I found this video and course. I’m a biology teacher on Maui moving to Kilauea on the Big Island in 3 weeks to teach over there and I just happened to find this video which lead to the course. 😊 I’m excited to learn this method!
Awesome! You really get it! Take your time, have fun and learn along the way. Vertical gardening is a great way to go!
@@paigeherrin29 That's serendipity right there! I love hearing about Hawaii, my mom was born on the Big Island.
I just got some of these buckets and I am so excited to try this. I am one of the kindergarten kratky people. Just getting my feet wet. I sooo love your channel.
Thanks so much for this video. I can't believe how well this worked with some buttercrunch lettuce starts I got at the store. I think for my version 2.0 buckets I'm going to use a 1-1/4" hole to do easy transfers from my AeroGarden. I bought easily removable lids because I like to view the root growth and it's an easy refill method (I know I probably shouldn't for light/algae reasons, but I can't help it). I need to figure out an easy way to detach/reattach the handle so I have an easy way to lift the bucket occasionally, but it not be in the way of the plants when not in use.
Thanks much Jason! I appreciate it. I actually prop my handle up a little with a 4" to 6" piece of pool noodle . It holds it above the plants and is still in place if I need it. Works well so far, lol.
@@blessisrael6455 I keep it simple. I transfer them as soon as they have a decent root system that will reach the nutrients. I don't adjust the nutrients at any point.
One idea I just had while watching the video could be using a piece of siphon hose with 2 very very close size holes (and pvc glue). This way out the bottom going up an back in near the top. That would give you a visual indicator of water level.
And of course spray the whole thing with UV protection or keep it out of sunlight if at all possible.
Oh, I just found your channel; I grow a lot of things but never tried this. With everything going on in the world, We would rather grow everything we can, than buy at a store.
Nice ! Instead of being a jack of all trades ,you are a Master in your Craft ! Great job, and thanks
You could put a right angle plug near the bottom & run clear tubing up the side to make a water-level gage.
I found out where I’m at the best time to get firehouse buckets is right when they open. We even called in a lunch order one time and asked them if they had any buckets and they added the one they had left to our pickup!
I work at a cupcake shop in Lake Mary, Florida. We give buttercream buckets with lids away. We are happy to give them to anyone who needs them. Maybe other bakeries would do the same. I work at Smallcakes Lake Mary.
That is soooo awesome of you guys!
I love it, great idea! The only thing I would be scared of is that it falls over during heavy winds, especially when the buckets are getting lighter over time. Some setup with a float valve could maybe prevent it because then the buckets can be kept full and heavy. But maybe a wind protected area also works.
Thanks for sharing those great ideas!
The idea is to not let it get low. I think I explained that.
If you use clear or translucent containers check out using black men's socks to cover the container as long as you can get them around it. They are easy to pull down to check the water level, are washable, and you don't have to paint them. If you don't mind me providing the UA-camr I saw this on let me know and I will edit the comment. Thanks
Very inspiring. I have a backyard raised bed garden. I don't have anymore space, so this is ideal. Thank you
Dude, have not started the clip yet.. am 27 seconds in and just wanted to expres.. Wow, that is such a good well thought out intro, if you do your own editing.. mad respect.
Love this idea. Outside of drilling holes, and stacking, what else do you do?
Love your attitude !! You definitely encourage and inspire newbies. Thanks ☀️
Think a flyscreen tape would work good too to prevent bugs getting in. Also perhaps a reflective surface on the wall of the side not getting sun...not sure I'm getting a holeozer yet but looks cool
use cotton or gauze if you want to plug the aeration holes, much easier than gluing in a mesh
I am learning so much from your channel and excited to experiment with it, thank so much. Waiting for my supplies to arrive. The weather still cold here in NY so starting indoor first, hopefully, by spring/summer time I can have some confident to grow plants successfully 🙏🙏. By nature I am a brown thumb person and wasted lots of money 💰😢
We will fix that brown thumb, lol, you will be growing plenty!
This seems like it would work well with succession planting. Plant one bucket. As the water level drops, place that (now lighter) bucket on top of a newly planted bucket. Then later stack those two buckets on top of another. Finally, as the top bucket is harvested, you clean it up and replant that bucket, moving it to the bottom.
Right on!
I got free buckets at the local bakery. Good quality. Formerly had butter or frosting in them.
I've been looking int9 this for some time as I live on a 3rd floor in a smallish apartment, I will source some buckets n try this thanks!😁✌️
Awesome!! They "say" that 2023 is going to be "The Year of the Garden"!!
Thanks for all you do for us!! You’re amazing!!
The problem with those buckets is that they're food grade, and they break down in the sun, they only last a couple of Years yet the other buckets are construction buckets and lasts. A very long time, that's been my experience. But this method you're using is awesome
Thanks! I got some from WalMart's deli for $1 with the lid. For a $4 tower, I don't worry about how long it will last.
They're both hdpe, how are construction buckets better?
just a thought if nobody else has mentioned it... you could put that black grow basket in the top bucket for a plant you want to grow a loittle bigger or that bushes out, maybe even a vine that could hang over the sides... Though might need to stay on top o fthe vines and keep them vining around something other than your plants in the side holes.
Yes, you could. Mine are sitting near my roof line and the waterfall would overflow my top bucket.
Strawberries bare root here next week and will put them into the electric grow tower thanks for everything
I love this idea. Definitely will use this technique. It’ll keep me from digging up my beautiful backyard. Keep teaching us these useful survival skills!
I was already planning on doing an above the ground summer garden. Already ordered the containers. I’m going to try and incorporate one tower and see how it goes.
I really want to commercialize my farming with this set-up! Omo! This update mad me makachi!🤝
Genius. Im gonna use this to grow food and flowers
I like this. I'm definitely going to try doing this.
As you said at the end of the video, this method makes hydroponics very accessible to starters. like me :)
Awesome! One of the easiest ways to get into hydroponics.
I am so excited to try this out. I just bought 2 buckets from fire house :) thank you so much for your hacks!
Nice!! Happy gardening!
🎉this is awesome!! I appreciate your attitude and teaching philosophy!!! I can’t wait to get started
Instant subscriber I will be growin’ food but the main reason I looked this up is for my aquarium plants🌱🐠💙🔥
If you buy fish that eats alga you won’t have a problem. My daughter like buying small fish & watching them grow. We started at 3 inches; it was 6 inches.
This is a amazingly simple way to grow, great idea! Looking forward to seeing the results
So excited I just found buckets with lids on offer up for $2 each!!!
So this summer I built my first hydroponic stack of three buckets. My tomatoes have done very well. But there are two aspects I did not expect: (1) the tomatoes consume a LOT of water which means to be truly economical, I'm thinking one would need to capture rain water and (2) the stacks are the perfect habitat for growing your own army of mosquitoes, and I welcome any ideas on handling this.
Cool! Here you go, I believe I talked about that in here: ua-cam.com/video/VPG6dbbn6FU/v-deo.htmlsi=ILpr6fnRJ_nhz55p
I've got lots of space for these! Genius idea!!! Thank you!
I want to see when you do!
You're a good teacher. I appreciate learning from you.
Just found you and am loving the content!! You teach perfectly!!
Thank you very much and welcome!
you're seriously a genius
I'm inspired by what you are doing!!! Just wanted to share a cheaper way to get buckets--I went to bakeries and got there icing buckets with lids for free!!!! I went to price chopper and hyvee--they just throw them away.😊
Some Publix grocery stores will give you their icing buckets free. Lovely of them.
My local Food Lion has a cake decorator. Their icing comes in 5 Gallon, and 2.5 Gallon food grade buckets with lids. Once used these are usually just thrown away so I ask the cake decorator to save me some and get them for free. They do require me to wash the icing out of them but that’s easy enough. I would imagine other stores would be an option as well.
I thought it would be too complicated. But when I grew lettuce, basil, watercress and radishes in empty Folgers Instant containers with 3 inch net cups filled with clay pebbles using simple MaxiGro powder I started growing this way ALL year. Last year a bad freeze got my outdoor garden here in Louisiana (got down to zero with 50 mph gusts) but I had dozens of plants growing inside. I don`t go to stores because I`m in a camper in the boondocks with no car. So if I want fresh vegetables, greens, fruit, or anything else I have to produce it.
That's awesome man! You rock!
My sister got two bunches of green onions for me yesterday. I`m sticking them in the garden outside. You never know how long they`ll grow and keep providing green tops and when they bloom you get thousands of seeds. I planted leeks a few weeks ago. Never tried those. I ordered a package of dry green peas and they`re coming up. I planted dry black eyed peas last year to help build my soil. I usually cook the young green pods. I hate shelling those kind. I`m planting purple hull peas for shelling. I paid 14 dollars last year for less than 30 purple hull pea seeds. I only shelled about a quart and saved the rest for seeds. @@KeepOnGrowin
Wow! Those are cool.
I'm concerned about plastic leaching into the plants though.
A vertical system with wood &/or galvanized metal would be great & most likely esthetically pleasing....and much more difficult. 😎🤠
Make it a great day!
ua-cam.com/video/EVW2U2Z8TG4/v-deo.html
I love this idea! There's just one thing about it I wouldn't do (to each our own though): those pool noodles are not made of food safe materials. So, I'm wondering if I could cut a smaller hole, then heat a pipe and use it to mold the opening so it will fit a basket, instead? I think it's probably worth experimenting with, because, like I said, this is an awesome idea!!
You can experiment and do anything you like. I am just showing the easiest ways to help more people.
I’m just beginning and this video helps…. Thanks!
I love sourcing materials. You give me great ideas !!
Same!!!! You're making me brave enough to try. If i make it ...i wantt to sell the ebook!!! Excited!!!
Are you on my other channel @makingmoneyoldschool ? I have a video showing how to personalize it if you like. You may already know how to edit though. If you need help, reach out.
On the supposed algae problem: I too have not had troubles with opaque containers. There is some algae, but it's not an obnoxious amount. And it doesn't seem to harm the overall growth of the plant.
I suppose if you were to use a clear container, then the algae might grow too fast and create a problem. Otherwise, it's just not that big of a deal when growing greens.
I prefer a darker or solid color to blockout nearly all the sunlight. But truth be told, that's not always easy to get with salvaging containers from food stuffs, friends, etc. And I prefer to do this hobby CHEAPLY, but without having my outside hydroponics look like a trash dump either. Spray paint is nearly 8 dollars a can and it doesn't go that far. I'm just not going to worry about the small amount of algae in opaque containers when it doesn't significantly impede the greens growing.
Right on, I agree. My wife is going to paint a few for those that are interested but most of mine will stay the same. I have a lot of the foil bubble wrap insulation, I might put it on but don't know if I will blind the neighbors, lol.
@@KeepOnGrowin ive used aluminum foil. It's not pretty, but it works and its cheap. Ty
Matchstick blinds with the wide edge dowd so it wraps. The home Depot cut the one I got there so I could wrap the balcony railing to block sun and protect the plants