Dutch Bato Technique & Why We Love It

While there are many hydro set-ups to choose from, the dutch bato system offers a level of affordability, sustainability AND versatility that others cannot, making it a great choice for new and experienced growers alike.

dutch bucket hydro systems have become increasingly popular in the horticultural space over the last few years because of their simplicity – not only are they great for home growers, but for commercial growers as well.

If you are wondering whether the dutch bato system is right for you, keep reading for a rundown of how a bato system works and what you can do with it!

Bato buckets or dutch buckets can be used for both hydroponics and aquaponics, although hydroponic applications are more popular.

These systems are made up of a series of small, square pots filled with hydroponic media like expanded clay. Buckets are arranged in rows, each equipped with one irrigation line and one drainage line making this a closed-loop system.

Unlike an open system (run to waste), a closed-loop system (recirculating) does not dump leftover nutrient after each watering cycle. Instead, nutrient is recirculated back into the grower’s reservoir to be reused. Nutrients and additives contain chemical ingredients that can harm our delicate ecosystem. If you can, a recirculating system is recommended.

Moreover, recirculating hydroponic systems conserve massive amounts of water. In Australia, where our dry season extends longer each year, water conservation is essential. The dutch bato system saves up to 10x the water you would use in traditional gardening, making growing your own produce more accessible and environmentally friendly than ever.

Sustainability isn’t the only benefit hydro growers using bato buckets are privy to – this growing method boasts other advantages as well. Perhaps the most notable of these benefits stem from versatility.

Although hydro growers can grow a wide variety of crops, most hydroponic systems are designed for smaller plants like herbs, lettuce and Asian greens.

Dutch bato systems are one exception here and allow gardeners to grow larger produce types. Vining produce like capsicum, tomato and eggplant do especially well in dutch buckets. At Hydroponic Xpress, we are currently growing all three of these produce types in our own hothouse (as we have been for years) with fantastic results.

Outside of versatility and sustainability, dutch bucket systems also feature scalability. If you’re just starting out with hydroponics, you can begin with a small 1-2 pot bato system, adding more and more buckets as you work your way into a larger garden.

No doubt about it, dutch bucket systems are the way forward in terms of sustainable horticulture – most farmers supplying your local Woolies store are already using this revolutionary technique.

Whether you are an experienced horticulturalist or an avid home gardener, it pays to have a basic understanding of the different hydro setups on the market. We use a variety of techniques in store but love the dutch bato technique for its simplicity and versatility.

Before selecting your hydroponic system, take care to research the alternatives available to you.  If you’re uncertain about anything, come in-store and ask us, our friendly staff are always happy to help.

We hope this newsletter was helpful and as always, happy growing!