How to Grow Cannabis with Space Buckets?

Do you want to grow cannabis in an affordable, discreet manner? 

There are various ways to do so — from hydroponics to soil to NFT, Ebb and Flow, and other techniques, every grower can find a method that suits him. 

But, what if you were searching for a way that offered stealth? Tons of growers can’t afford to grow many plants, and it’s not even about the budget.

Well, the answer lies in a space bucket. 

Space, what? Indeed, it sounds like an alien ship, but it’s better than most methods you know. 

Simply put, the space bucket method is an ideal micro-growing technique that costs almost nothing and is smaller than a mini-fridge.

Here’s a guide on everything you need to know to grow cannabis using space buckets.

About Space Buckets

Just in case you’re thinking growing plants in space buckets is new, you’ll be surprised to know it’s not. 

Mr. Ekrof, the founder of SpaceBuckets.com, developed this concept around seven years ago. Eager to figure out a way to grow cannabis in his apartment with stealth as his main priority, Ekrof laid the first steps to this beautiful technique. 

Of course, less space and stealth also meant that the lighting would be limited, so he had to find a way to balance everything. As a result, he invented space buckets that not only cost less but also gave decent yields despite limited space and light. 

What is a Space Bucket?

Typically, space buckets are small, self-contained growing environments that offer the perfect conditions to grow small cannabis plants. A typical system includes at least one bucket, a couple of fans, and a lid with LED lights. 

The system combines the essential elements of a large grow room into a self-contained environment. With enough space to grow a small plant, it can also accommodate ventilation fans, grow lights, and a power supply. Here, instead of a room or a tent, you only need a couple of five-gallon buckets!

Advantages of Space Buckets

Space buckets aren’t only small in size, they offer various other advantages. Here are a few of them.

• They won't burn a hole in your pocket

Space buckets are perhaps the cheapest grow systems in the market as you don’t have to invest more than a hundred dollars. A typical hydroponic setup would cost you around a thousand dollars to set up correctly.

In fact, if you have the right supplies around your house, you can make your own system for free. Well, not free, really, but it’s nothing compared to other hydroponic systems. 

• They are stealth grow systems

Unlike other grow systems that are massive, covered in wires and pipes, or make a lot of noise, space buckets are about as discreet as you can get while growing cannabis. 

They require little space — modest space buckets are smaller than a mini-fridge — allowing you to grow cannabis virtually anywhere, like under the kitchen sink or in your closet.

Plus, due to their basic electrical setup, they don’t make a lot of noise, except for a low rumble from the fans, and no light leaks out of the system.

• They give you terrific control

Space buckets are sealed micro-environments for your plant, so you have immense control over how you grow your plant. For example, you can easily control the nutrient solution, light, humidity, temperature, and other factors to grow a plant in your own way.

So, once you get a hang of how it works, you can moderate the system as per your preference and goals.

• They are quite safe for the plant

With a small, sealed space, you don’t have to worry about pests, cockroaches, or house mice damaging your plant. The space bucket is an ideal sterile environment for cannabis plants to grow.

The only downside of using space buckets to grow cannabis is that even a minor mistake can kill your plant. So, you must be very careful and test and try everything before making it your standard process.

Disadvantages of Space Buckets

As always, everything has its own advantages and disadvantages, and space buckets are no exception. However, you'll be pleased to know that space buckets pose very few problems. 

• Offers fewer yields

Now, you already know that you're bound to get fewer yields if you grow cannabis in a small bucket compared to a grow tent. Since space buckets are designed for stealth, you can't expect too many buds; however, you can grow cannabis in bigger buckets if you're not worried about stealth. 

• Good only for small plants

Space buckets aren't meant for big plants. They tend to work only for smaller plants. Typically, leafy greens grow very well in them;  however, cannabis growers can give them a try if it's absolutely impossible to get a grow tent.

• Doesn't contain the aroma

Although space buckets offer a stealthy way of growing marijuana, they don't perform well in the fragrance department. After all, a small bucket can't contain the smell of weed. Therefore, if the heavenly aroma of cannabis wafting in your home is a problem, you'll have to look for other ways to grow weed. 

Guide to Growing Cannabis in Space Buckets

Most growers choose this method because setting it up is quite fun and rewarding. After all, that’s the whole idea behind this concept. So, here’s an easy to follow guide to DIY your space bucket to grow cannabis.

Equipment You Need

• Two plastic buckets (at least 5 gallons)
• One plastic lid for the bucket
• Full-spectrum grow lights (at least 100-200W lights will work)
• Power strip
• Timer
• Four bolts (6mm)
• At least two fans
• Thin rope (2 meters to be on the safe side)
• Silicon sealant
• Glue
• Drilling tools
• Markers
• Duct tape
• Mylar film
• Rotary tool
• Screwdriver

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare your tools and supplies

Get everything ready so you don't have to search for anything in between. 

Prepare the Drip Tray 

1. Take one bucket, measure 8 cm from the bottom, and draw a horizontal line.
2. Cut along the line using the rotary tool.

The drip tray will collect the drained nutrient solution from the space bucket.

Drill 12 Drainage Holes

1. Take the other bucket and drill 12 holes on the bottom.
2. Ensure the holes are evenly distributed.
3. And remove the handle from the bucket.

This bucket will sit atop the drip tray.

Add Bolts and Slots to Lock the Buckets

1. Now, drill four holes 4 cm under the rim of the space bucket.
2. Insert bolts in the holes and tighten using washers and nuts.
3. Place the top bucket on the drip bucket.
4. Mark where the bolts meet the bucket.
5. Use the marker to draw a 4x4 L-shape in the same direction.
6. Using the rotary tool, cut on the L-shaped marker to form 6 mm slots — these slots would act as the lock for the two buckets.
7. Lock the two buckets and lift the top bucket to ensure a secure fit.

Make a Cut Out for the Fan

1. Take the bottom section and mark the fan’s outline on one side.
2. Ensure the outline is 8 cm from the top rim of the bucket.
3. Make mounting holes for the fan using the drill machine.
4. Next, make a cutout for the fan’s output using the rotary tool.
5. Follow the same process to cut out the top section.
6. Now, Install the Fans.
7. Insert the fan into the bottom bucket with the grill on the inside. This fan must blow the air in.
8. Add another fan to the lid of the top section. Ensure this fan blows the air out of the bucket.
9. Tighten the nuts as much as possible.
10. If there are any gaps, you can use a silicone tube to seal them, so no air leaks out.

Add Lights to the Top Section

1. Use the marker to mark mounting holes for the LED light near the top rim of the space bucket.
2. Make openings for the mounts and electric cords using the drill machine.
3. Then, use the Dremel tool to create a larger hole for the fan intake.
4. Mount the LED lights.

Increase Reflectivity Within the Space Bucket

1. Line the inside of the bucket with a mylar film using spray glue to increase reflectivity.
2. Then, use duct tape to cover the outside of the bucket to prevent any light leakage.
3. Cut the mylar and duct tape with the razor blade for the fan cutouts. The reflective lining would improve the light exposure for the plant, ensuring proper buds growth.
4. Next, you need to Seal the Top and Bottom Sections.
5. To create a seal between the two buckets, use duct tape and rope.
6. Apply duct tape over the rope and continue this process until the gap is completely closed and there is no light leakage.
7. Then, lock the two space buckets to check the fitment.

You must now lock the two buckets and test everything. Remember, there should be no light or air leakage.

Place Your Cannabis Plant

1. Once everything is set, you can then add the cannabis seedling.
2. Then, set the timer accordingly and feed and water until harvest.

Space Buckets Recommendations

We have explained the steps in detail, and the entire setup should not take more than a few hours. And you can expect terrific results. You can expect up to 28g of cannabis from a typical space bucket setup.

However, there is no hard and fast rule to make your space bucket setup. Once you get the hang of it, you can switch things up as per your preferences. 

There are a few things you can do to take your space bucket to the next level, too, such as the following:

• If you want to grow multiple plants, you can use storage bins to make large space buckets. Again, follow the same formula but use bins instead of buckets (or anything else!).
• For taller plants, you can use multiple buckets atop each other but ensure you have LED strips on the inside of the buckets for the lower branches. 
• You can turn the system into an automated hydroponic one using drip irrigation.
• To optimize light distribution, you can place LED strips on the sides of the bucket.
• Instead of planting cannabis in the bucket itself, use a separate grow pot so you can easily lift it and keep the space bucket cleaner.
• Keep the plants to a smaller size so that they do not outgrow the space bucket; we recommend using Indica strains as they tend to grow shorter than Sativa or hybrid strains.

Here are a couple of examples of growing cannabis in space buckets:

https://growdiaries.com/diaries/1329

https://growdiaries.com/diaries/12842

Summary: How to Grow Cannabis with Space Buckets

Space buckets are a terrific way to begin your cannabis cultivation journey. All you need is a couple of buckets, basic tools, and a few hours to set up the system. After that, you don’t need to do anything. Just remember to feed the plant regularly and keep the plant size small. 

You can't go wrong with space buckets if you want to grow cannabis buds for personal use. Sure, other systems can give you bigger yields, but you should choose this method if you don’t want to spend a lot of money and are okay with smaller yields.