SOLAR POWERED GROW BUCKET
Selecting 5 Gallon Grow Bucket
Consideration of the suitability of the plastic for growing vegetables is important when either using a recycled or a purchased bucket. Using food grade plastic ensures that no harmful chemicals will leach into the solution during the growth process. The Food Grade Plastic Type graphic shows which plastics are recommended and which ones are not.
It is important that the container be completely opaque. Even though this food grade quality bucket appeared opaque, some light was permeating the bucket. The result is algae growth. While algae is not harmful, it does compete for the nutrients in the bucket.
Looking for a solution? Turn an old pair of jeans into a cover for your solar grow bucket! Better than throwing them away and further burdening the landfills.
This video shows the set up of the solar bucket in a garden setting. The solar panel is placed at roughly a 45 degree angle to the sun. The trickiest part in this set up is to get the silicon hose attached to the motor port. Zip ties can be used to secure the hose to the outlet. Best to plant the net pot into the hydroton pebbles after the silicon tubing has been secured and the pump action is evident. Place the exposed tubing end point near the center of the bucket within the plant's/or plants root zone. Then put the net pot/s in the hydroton clay pellet medium. A variety of vegetable plants can be grown in this set up. Refer to the following document regarding planting dates in the Central Florida area: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021
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