What is Dutch bucket hydroponics and what are the benefits of a Dutch bucket growing system? Also known as the Bato bucket system, a Dutch bucket hydroponic garden is a simple, cost-effective hydroponic system in which plants are grown in buckets. Read on to learn more about Dutch buckets for hydroponics.
How A Dutch Garden Growing System Works
A Dutch bucket growing system uses water and space efficiently and typically produces high yields because plants are well-aerated. Although you can use this system for small plants, it is an easy way to manage large, vining plants such as:
A Dutch garden growing system allows you to grow plants in buckets lined up in a row. The systems are flexible and allow you to use one or two buckets, or several. Buckets are generally regular buckets or square containers known as Bato buckets.
Usually, each bucket holds one plant, although smaller plants may be grown two to a bucket. Once a system is established, it can run around the clock with no worries that plants will be dried out or suffocated.
How to Make Dutch Bucket Hydroponics
Dutch bucket growing systems are usually established outdoors or in a greenhouse; however, a Dutch bucket garden can be grown indoors with adequate space and light. An indoor Dutch bucket hydroponic system, which will probably require supplemental lighting, can produce fruits and vegetables year-round.
It’s essential to use growing media that retains water while allowing air to circulate around the roots. Many people use perlite, vermiculite, or coco coir. Nutrient levels must be checked regularly and replenished as needed.
Provide some type of support, as many plants become top heavy. For instance, create a trellis system adjacent to or even above the buckets. Buckets should be spaced to allow at least 4 square feet (0.4 sq. m.) of growing space for each plant.
One benefit of a Dutch bucket hydroponic garden is that plants which develop problems with pests or diseases can easily be removed from the system. Keep in mind, however, that problems spread quickly in a Dutch bucket growing system. It’s also possible for drain lines and connections to clog with minerals if they aren’t cleaned regularly. Clogged systems can cause pumps to fail.