Hempy Bucket Method - GreenPassion.org - Dedicated to Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Education

The HSIC · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 08:55 AM

The biggest benefit of this method is.......it's free!

To make a hempy bucket is simple, all you need to do is this:

Get a bucket.

The size of the bucket can vary from 1gal(4lt) to 5gal(20lt).

The preferred size is a 2.5gl bucket, which can yeild up to 14oz depending on the strain and Pheno.

Drill a drain hole in the side of the bucket about 2 inches from the bottom.

The drain hole should be 7/16".

The grow medium is perlite/vermiculite.

3 parts perlite to 1 part vermiculite.

You can use volcanic rocks but the perlite/vermiculite is the preferred method.

Once you have your seedling sprouted fill the bucket with plain water every day until the tap root has reached the standing water that always remains in the bottom of the bucket. this will take about 10-14 days after the bean sprouts, in a 2.5 gl bucket.

Once you see three sets of leaves, water with 1/2 strength nutrient solution. This will be about 14 days after you bean has sprouted.

Completely fill the Hempy Bucket with plain water, every two days.

Use water that has been open overnight to allow the chlorine to escape, unless you can afford to buy filtered or distilled water.. Do not adjust the plain water for ph.

Put 2gls of water in a 2.5gl bucket, and let stand overnight. Add the nutrient solution to this water bucket and then adjust the ph to 6.0 For best results use an accurate ph meter and follow the nutes mfg reccomended amounts very carefully. Use precise measuring devices to make your nute solution.

Fill the Hempy Bucket with 2 gls of nutes you mixed, once a week, unless the plant shows sign of needing more.

Feeding twice a week with 1/2 strenght nutes is a better idea than feeding full strenght nute once a week.

The strenght of your nutes depends on several factors such as how much light you have, humidity, CO2, strain your growing.

One drawback is having to hand water every 2 days, of course you could get an irrigation system set up for your buckets.

The biggest drawback to me, is the runoff.

Got a spare bathroom, grow your Hempy Bucket in the bathtub.

Basements sometimes have drains.

Or you could get a bucket for your bucket and dump that in your bathtub every other day.

Be sure and show us your Hempy Bucket grow.

#2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 01:11 PM

i do all hempy mostly....its very effective....anybody have any questions on it lemme know...peace

green_nobody · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 05:51 PM

what happened to all those pics you made of that grow a few month back? don't tell me you didn't kept any copy at all video

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2stoned

i do all hempy mostly....its very effective....anybody have any questions on it lemme know...peace

how about you either make some grow journal then as a guideline or if you have so already pass the link here well visible so everyone finds it:winK:

Hobo · #4 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 03:42 AM

thanks video nice post

snickelfritz · #5 (**permalink**) 08-29-2008, 11:29 PM

Hope you find this useful!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrgreenjeans

If you want to do Hydro than this system is the easiest one out there in my opinion.
To start out you need a bucket to grow in. (The bucket needs to be black or you need to make sure NO light passes through it so you don't have any algae and slime problems where the roots will be in the bottom of the bucket. If you need to wrap the bucket in duck tape, or paint the outside of the bucket. ) The bucket can be from a 1 gallon bucket to a 5 gallon bucket. That is what most people use…
You will need a couple of tools for this part, Take a drill and a 1 inch drill bit and drill a hole 2 inches from the bottom of the bucket. ( a smaller bucket , say 1 gallon you may want to place the hole about 1.5 inches from the bottom) See picture

Next, you take a piece of vinyl screening and cut out a piece of screen to be glued inside of the bucket. See pictures

The next thing I do is take some PVC glue used for plastic plumbing, and apply some around the hole on the inside of the bucket and then some on the edges of the screen, and then glue it in place. See pictures
Note: Some plastics the glue will not stick to so you may need to use something like Gorrila Glue etc etc etc...

This is the finished Hempy bucket. You fill the bucket with a mix 1 part vermiculite and 3 parts perlite and water as you would soil. Remember that the water sitting in the bottom is a reservoir that holds the Nutrients and water. you should only have to water about every 3 days. I plant either clones or seeds started in a starter plug. The plants get there water and nutrients from the reservoir in the bottom of the pot. Only water till water starts to come out of the hole that you installed, The hole is for the excess run off, then you stop watering.
I use a pan under the bucket or you could place them on flood table of some sorts that all the run off can drain into.
Remember if you are growing using the Hempy method, as with any grow method that it's always better to start out with less Nutes than to much so as not to burn your plants and build up to what the plant likes....
Happy Growing

Here is a picture of some Bubblelicious I grew Hempy style. You will also notice the hole in the bottom of the pot...the final product growing Hempy!!!

sinspy · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 10:42 PM

Can you reuse the vermiculite and perlite more than once ?

greenvulpine · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 12:16 AM

I’ve grown different kinds of vegetables with this method, not cannabis yet, and didn’t know they where called hempy buckets. I’d fill the bottom half with lava rocks and the top half with soilless mix.
Thanks for the info, good post.
gv

traceydm · #8 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 06:58 AM

wow cool.....i know JG does hempy buckets....i'm gonna go that way next time....if there is a next time LOL!!!!

LeCreuset · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinspy

Can you reuse the vermiculite and perlite more than once ?

sinspy I dont use the vermiculite anymore. Just straight Perlite. Yes you can reuse it. Rinse well and repeat, I actually get better results (less transplant shock, faster inital growth etc) the older it is.

The vermiculite tends to just get mushy and shitty looking.

Vincent_Gallo · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeCreuset

sinspy I dont use the vermiculite anymore. Just straight Perlite. Yes you can reuse it. Rinse well and repeat, I actually get better results (less transplant shock, faster inital growth etc) the older it is.

The vermiculite tends to just get mushy and shitty looking.

Hi

People say that it is a bad idea to use just perlite, that it often cuases issues with the roots, can you show pictures?

JointGirl · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:01 AM

I use 3/4 Perlite with 1/4 Vermiculite. There is NO NEED to add the screen to your hole on the bottom of bucket. Your hole is about the size of a pencil, and I never had any problems with the mix falling out- water drains fine.

I couldnt have re-used my mix as it was nothing but a bucket of roots when I was finished. The roots just grew into the mix and it wouldve been IMPOSSIBLE to pull all the roots out of my mix?

I purchased 2 HUGE bags of Perlite & Vermiculite from a local garden shop. Lowes/Home depot has small bags (About 4$ @) My big bags were $20, and will make probably 15 buckets. (I will STILL have some vermiculite left after this, and will only have to purchase another perlite next time)

The recommended bucket size is between 2-3 gallon size (Standard mop bucket) This is equivalent to a 5 Gallon bucket of soil, so you can get MORE buckets into your space. I know someone who flowers using a coffee can as their bucket (and they get great yields) The mix is SOOO LIGHT Compared to soil! For us girly girls, this can mean ALOT when we are the ones moving them around! Hempy Buckets are also WAY MORE FORGIVING than soil. If a problem arises, it can be fixed in a day or 2. Its impossible to over-feed em (You can feed em too often, but never over feed em) Hand feeding/watering every other day is only of the only things ppl don't like. I dont mind it every other day?

There is a line of Nutes, General Hydroponic, that automatically adjust the PH of your water to aprox 6.0-6.2- The recommended PH for Hempys. So it can eliminate the need to constantly monitor/check PH & PPM. This would be a good choice for beginners and this method can ALMOST be fool-proof! I use Fox Farm Nutes right now and they work AWSOME! I still have to adjust the PH with these, but they can be used in Hydro or soil- Just diff amounts in the mix. THIS WOULD BE GOOD FOR ANYONE WANTING TO COMPARE THE 2 (Hempys, and Soil) I can assure you this... YOU WILL PROBALLY SAY BYE BYE TO SOIL FOREVER!

Hempy Buckets got their name from a Guy Named Hempy who brought this method to light on another site. He had got the info from an old High Times Magazine. This method was printed in the 80's, but with indoor hydro set-ups just taking off- These buckets were over looked. The ease of use, and NO MOVING PARTS, keeps professional hydro growers guessing how it works. They cant believe the end results are comparable with their fancy hydro set-ups? The Hempy Bucket is actually a Passive Hydro Set-up (IRB- Internal Reservoir Bucket) It mimics the earth with its water table. Once the roots hit that bottom reservoir- the growth EXPLODES and keeps on going!

I bought a DWC Hydro Set-up for Hubs for Christmas last year. Before we ever filled it with water, I learned of the hempy buckets. Hubs thought I was silly for wanting to grow in a mop bucket instead of the system I purchased. He said NO_WAY maybe after we get a few done, you can try, but for now- Go with what WE KNOW will work. So I put my foot down (Actually I snuck while he was at work) and I filled our cab with hempy buckets! He was only upset for a day, as they started exploding RIGHT AWAY! WE STILL HAVE NEVER PUT WATER IN THE DWC!

HEMPYS FOREVER!

Happy Hempy'in
JointGirl

JointGirl · #12 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 05:44 PM

Here is what a total NEWB, Virgin Grow looks like with Hempy Buckets!

MEET THE FAMILY! Pict 1

The biggest bucket size was 5 gallon. (Orange bucket in middle) You really DON'T need a bucket this size- it was over kill.

The next biggest bucket I used was 4 Gallon trash can for the Super Silver! Lets see a monster like THAT come from 4 Gallons of soil! Pict 2

The average size bucket is a 2 gallon mop bucket. Even my 2 gallon mop buckets yielded GREAT! I havent seen too many pictures of yields this big coming from 2 Gallons of dirt! I could be wrong... But Ive been searching! Pict 3

Happy Hempy'in
JointGirl

traceydm · #13 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 04:34 PM

OMG!!! i am soooo doing this next time JG!!! way ta go girl!!!

Airperuvian · #14 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:57 AM

I am completly new to this and ive only been smoking and finally decided to grow to get the satisfaction out of that instead of just smoking others bud. However im still having trouble understanding the hempy bucket style. I think ive gotten down the basics of how much soil, light and watering but i still dont get the nutrients part. What kind of nutrients should i use to just get reg buds and how much should i use/buy for the duration of the process

JointGirl · #15 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airperuvian

I am completly new to this and ive only been smoking and finally decided to grow to get the satisfaction out of that instead of just smoking others bud. However im still having trouble understanding the hempy bucket style. I think ive gotten down the basics of how much soil, light and watering but i still dont get the nutrients part. What kind of nutrients should i use to just get reg buds and how much should i use/buy for the duration of the process

First, THERE IS NO SOIL in a Hempy Bucket. Its a mix of Perlite & Vermiculite (3:1) available at local stores in garden dept.

I use the Fox Farm Trio Set (Grow Big, Big Bloom & Tiger Bloom) High Tech Garden Supply I only purchased 1 3Pack (quart size $48.95) for first grow, and still had some left over after harvest. I use the soil formula as it comes with a schedule for hydro also.

You will either feed or water ever other day. I do 2 feedings, then a water so its like Feed (skip a day) Feed (skip a day) Water (skip a day) Feed CONT. You can start off light with the nutes then bump it up to full strength. These buckets and most strains can handle full strength from early on, and will start impressing you right away! You just feed em till it starts draining out your hole. No set amount, just depends on the size of your bucket and res to how much she will need. Its so simple- You just follow the dosing instructions on the schedule, and start off easy.

Happy Hempy'in
JointGirl

The Alchemist · #16 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 02:13 AM

JointGirl,

Those ladies in the Hempy Buckets are outstanding! The one looks so massive like it will fall over any time now!

The Alchemist

Airperuvian · #17 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 03:15 AM

Alright that makes it a lot simpler. Thanks so much hopefully i can grow my first plant

traceydm · #18 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 06:46 AM

hey JG!!

i gotta question......do you start from seed in the bucket or do you start in soil and then transfer?

JointGirl · #19 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:59 AM

Hey tracey.

You can start your seed in soil, as long as it is a very small amount (just enough to bust your seeds) Then you can transfer it into the buckets. You dont want tooo much soil in this mix as it holds alot more water/food than the perlite. The soil doesnt let the food all drain to the bottom resavoir, and can throw your bucket out of wack. I do know of a few ppl though that use a small amount in a small cup, and add it to the bucket during transfer. I actually had a clone given to me in soil. I took the plant out of the bucket, and dipped the roots into water. washing them off. I got as much of the dirt off as possible and put her into the hempy bucket. She never showed any stress from the transfer, and just took off!

You can also use rockwool cubes to start your seeds. http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=GMRWAO36
You would probally have to order these online or get em at your local hydro shop.

**You can sprout your seeds in those Jiffy Pucks (Thats what I use)
https://www.debnroo.com/Jiffy_7_Seed_Starting_Pellets_Multi_Packs_P2122.ht ml?r=gp
You should be able to find em locally at your garden center or Lowes/Home Depot Home improvement stores. They are SUPER EASY to use. Just wet the puck, it expands and plumps up, add your seed and stick a dome on it. Within 2 days your sprouts are standing tall. another day or 2 you will see tap root, and transfer entire puck into the bucket. I also have used these to start my clones in! 100% success rate so far (with seeds AND Clones) Just clip your clone, dip in powder/gel, and stick into the puck! In about 6-8 days, the roots are hanging and looking GREAT, ready for the bucket!

Heres a bit of info on em'...

When soaked in water, these Jiffy pellets expand to significantly to 1.25" dia x 1.25" tall when fully expanded, creating an all-in-one seed starting system.
Jiffy 7 peat pellets are rapidly becoming the #1 choice of gardeners everywhere.
Jiffy pellets are the all natural approach to plant propagation. They come pre-formed and ready for planting, simply expand with water.
Jiffy peat pellets are the ideal choice for indoors seed starting. The soft walled pellets allow plant roots to naturally air prune as they emerge through the pellet.
Jiffy 7 peat pellets are a consistent seed starting medium that is optimized for propagation and root development.

Hope this Helps Tracey!

Happy Hempy'in,
JointGirl

LeCreuset · #20 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent_Gallo

Hi
People say that it is a bad idea to use just perlite, that it often cuases issues with the roots, can you show pictures?

Sorry no pics right now. Next round I will snap some photos for you. I have a 4'x4' tub, that I fill with somewhere around 8 cu feet of perlite.

one hole 2inches up from the bottom. I spray the whole bucket down with water until it comes out the overflow hole. Pop in 30 clones (5 rows of 6)
veg for a week, switch to flower.

I never had any root problems not using vermiculite The first time I did this the vermiculite wound up turning into a brown sludge on the bottom of the bucket.