![]() The bucket does not necessarily have to be black, but most light-colored buckets will let in light, allowing algae to grow in the hydroponic fluid. Make sure the bucket is clean, and hasn’t been used for storing chemicals or paint. Avoid plastics marked #3, #6, or #7, since these are not safe for growing food. Other acceptable plastics are marked #1, #4, or #5. The best plastic to use is HDPE, marked with a #2 on the bottom. These can be found online or at any hydroponics store. I recommend starting with a brand-new black plastic bucket. ![]() ![]() To start with, you will need a container, such as a bucket. The Bucket 3.5 gallon (left) and 5-gallon (right) buckets, plus a plastic lid The plant will probably be ready for harvesting long before this point though. Eventually, the roots will grow all the way to the bottom of the bucket, and the hydroponic fluid will be entirely used up. Over time, the plant utilizes the hydroponic fluid and the leaves grow bigger, while the roots grow deeper into the bucket and the fluid level in the bucket drops. This is a simple method in which plants sit in a bucket of non-circulating hydroponic fluid (a blend of water and fertilizers). We will be focusing on a simpler method of growing called Bucket Hydroponics, also known as Kratky Hydroponics or the Kratky Method. If you’re a large-scale commercial grower, all this work and expense may be worth it, but for the casual home grower just looking to have some fresh lettuce and herbs on hand, there is a much easier way to go. Also, all those pumps and lights require lots of electricity, and the lights get really hot so you need to install ductwork for proper venting of the room and maybe an air conditioner. What do you think of when you hear the the word “hydroponics”? Many people think of elaborate growing systems, with pumps and tubing for fluid circulation and overhead lights to simulate sunlight. Introduction It doesn’t have to be this complicated.
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