How to Grow Hydroponic Greenhouse Cucumbers in a Bucket

Make 10 drain holes, using the 1/4-inch drill bit, in the bottom of the bucket. Spread them around to provide drainage to all parts of the bucket.

Pour the clay pebbles into the bucket until it is about three-quarters of the way full. Although other materials can be used to support the cucumber plant, these provide a combination of weight that will hold the bucket steady and enough water retention to keep the roots moist between watering.

Plant the cucumber seedling in the middle of the bucket. Make a hole in the pebbles so that you can place the roots down into the growth media. Cover the roots carefully, being careful not to crush or break them as you work. Do not use a plant with dirt on its roots. If the transplant you are using was started in soil, carefully rinse it to remove all traces of soil before placing it into the hydroponic bucket.

Place the container in a location that gets plenty of light. Cucumbers need full sun, at least six hours per day, but greenhouse cucumbers may scorch if the sun is too hot. Make sure they get some shade in the hottest part of the day or place your bucket inside a greenhouse.

Check the location of the bucket to ensure there is good drainage. This type of hydroponic system uses the nutrient solution only once, and after it passes through the bucket it is allowed to drain into the soil. If your soil won’t be able to absorb the liquid from the bucket, set the container on a bed of gravel that will allow the excess liquid to flow away from the bucket.

Fill the bucket three or four times each day with the hydroponic nutrient solution, which is available from hydroponic supply stores. Stop adding the solution just before the liquid rises to the top of the pellets, so that the upper pellets stay dry. This helps to prevent the growth of algae in your hydroponic bucket.