Experimental Design

Colander Design using One Bucket

4 Easy Steps to Build
1. Drill four holes 3 1/2" to 4" from the base of the bucket. Drill bit size: 1/4" to 1/2". You want to get water and air in, and excess water out.

2. Go to a discount store and buy the "Sterilite 12" (actually 11 3/4") plastic colanders for about $1.50 each.

3. Cut the 3/4" protruding handle off the colander.

Optional: If you want to use a watering pipe to get water into the reservoir, as opposed to using our automatic watering system design, then with a utility knife, cut off 3 of the plastic strips in the second row from the top of the colander. The watering pipe will go into this hole.

4. Firmly push the colander into the 5 gallon bucket until it reaches the bottom.

You're done! Just fill with your potting mix and plant.

Advantages: Cheap, Quick & Easy! $4.00 to $5.00 US each. Only one bucket is used and your time spent drilling holes is reduced by 90%. It takes less than 5 minutes to build a bucket.

The colander provides a huge wicking area. Because it is 4 3/8" tall it provides an approximate 1" "air gap" for the roots.

Automatic Watering: Run the 1/4" tube into one of the overflow/air holes.