Hempy bucket

In this chapter, we are going to prepare a single Hempy bucket. A Hempy bucket is a simple non-transparent bucket with a hole in its side, filled with perlite and coconut coir soil mix. It functions as a passive hydroponics setup by retaining water at the bottom 5 cm / 2 inch section containing pure perlite. We are essentially tricking our plant into thinking it found a natural water pocket at the bottom of the bucket.

Preparing the bucket

The best thing about a Hempy bucket is its simplicity. You only need a bucket, a barrel connector, a strain to keep the perlite from flowing out the drain hole, and rubber tubing to route the overflow into a waste reservoir. Make sure to get a non-transparent 20L / 5 gallon bucket as light would induce algae growth in the water, leading to root rot.

First, install the barrel connector by drilling a drain hole on the bucket 5 cm / 2 inches from the bottom. The hole should be 26 mm / 1 -1/16” diameter to fit a 3/4" male thread. After drilling the hole install the barrel connector with the 3/4" thread facing outwards, placing a rubber seal both on the outside and inside. Tighten the lock nut until the rubber seals press firmly against the bucket sides.

Note: The barrel connector on the photos is a bit different than the one in the item list above. It has a 3/4" male thread on the inside too and needs a converter to attach the 1/2" strainer. The item list contains a barrel connector where the strainer can be directly threaded in, without an extra converter.

At this point, it's best to do a water leak test. It is better to find out the connection leaks now than when the soil is already added to the bucket. Install the washing machine hose on the bulkhead fitting facing upwards, so it will not allow water to flow out. Fill the bucket 10 cm / 4 inches high with water and leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes. There should be no sign of water leakage on the outside. In case of a leak tighten the lock nut more, or apply silicone sealant caulk under the rubber seals.

If there are no leaks the Hempy bucket is ready. Thread the 1/2" strainer into the barrel connector from the inside and attach the washing machine hose with its 90-degree connector facing down.

Irrigation mounting points

If you decide to install the automatic irrigation system as well, you will need to drill two additional holes at the top rim of the bucket. These holes will have zip-ties routed through them to secure the hose splitter for the drip stakes.

Move on to the Grow medium chapter to prepare the coco coir - perlite mix that goes into the Hempy bucket.