NEED IDEAS 4 INCREASING EarthBUCKET Water Reservoir Capacity

I planted four homemade EarthBUCKETS yesterday! They look great, and hopefully, will enhance production, just like the regular EBs. My only concern is the water reservoir is not as deep as I'd hope it would be -- looks like about a gallon of water reserve. I could put something in the bottom bucket to raise the inner bucket and increase the holding capacity. But, I can't figure out what that "something" would be that would not take up the volume capacity.

It would need to be porous so water would flow through it and maintain the volume capacity; it would also need to hold the weight of the soil bucket sitting on top of it. Once the soil bucket is lifted higher, I could increase the water reservoir capacity. Any design ideas would be much appreciated...

Gymgirl
Those 5 gallon bucket grow boxes are going to be my winter project. What I plan to do is use an inexpensive irrigation timer and run the ¼” tubes to each bucket. I should be able to set the timer to come on about three times a day to keep everything topped off. If the water runs a little too long it will just flush out through the drain hole. This may not be economical for just 4 buckets but if you plan to add more, then it becomes practical.
Oldude

How about a milk crate? They are a sturdy plastic, are full of holes so they won't displace too much water and they come in small sizes that would fit in the buckets. I used to use them to raise up water plants to the proper height.

ARDESIA!

I think you win the design contest! Now. Where do I find sturdy milk crates that will fit the 5-gallon bucket and hold up under the weight of the soil bucket?

OLDUDE!
You're getting honorable mention here, cause that drip system idea rocks, too! But, my DH wouldn't go for me running water all day...And, with the bucket raise higher, I'll be able to fill my reservoir to accommodate more water staying IN the bucket.

NOW. Someone tell me what to use to plug up the hole I made, since I'll need to raise it now. I was thinking of plugging it up with a wad of chewing gum, and then patching it over with that white medical adhesive tape (it's waterproof).

Duct tape?

silicone caulk

Oledude,
Here's the design I used: for my EarthBUCKETS. And, I made the whole thing in about 30 minutes, with NO help from the DH! Just make sure you have all your different size hole bits nearby, your lids, and the fill tubes cut before you start. I used 1" PVC pipe. Also, test your buckets inside each other. I found that not all mine fit at the same depth. Some left a lot of space for the cup to hang down in to the water reservoir. Others had the cup resting on the very bottom of the reservoir bucket and sticking out at the top. Just do a trial run on your paired buckets to determine which bucket fits best with which other bcket.

Linda

http://www.dougs.org/doug/modules.php?set_albumName=Garden01&id=Dscn0149a&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

This message was edited Mar 25, 2008 11:26 PM

Gymgirl
If you put something in the water storage area to lift the inner bucket, won’t that create a problem between the buckets? I mean the higher you raise the top bucket the bigger becomes the gap to seal between the two buckets.
Also I am thinking that you would need to extend the length of the wick, to take advantage of the new water depth. With the wick at the same depth below the inner bucket, the wicking could stop with water still remaining in the reservoir.
Hopefully I am following what your are trying to achieve and not confusing things.
Oldude

Oldude,
That's something to consider...thanks for pointing it out. I'll be home tomorrow and will look into it. Thanks.

On another note...

I might actually get to start a new Forum! "Gardening Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!" But, you know Dave and the admins watch the thread to see how much interest there is before they'll launch a new site. So, I'm asking your support to 1) vote for the new forum and 2) spread the word in the forums you visit regularly and encourage others to vote, too!

Here's the link to the original thread: [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]

Thanks a bunch, guys!

Linda

Linda, your link didn't work.

Drill four 3/8" holes around your bucket at the height you want. Insert a 16 penny nail or screw into each hole. These will support your inner bucket at the proper height and also serve as drains when needed.