Two plants is the comfortable number for a 5-gallon bucket in a Kratky setup. Three or four will fit in the lid, but you will be topping up constantly once they fruit.
Why Two
Two things limit the number: lid space and solution volume. A standard bucket lid is about a foot across, which gives two plants room for their leaves and fruit without crowding. Two plants also share the solution at more than two gallons each, comfortably above the one gallon per plant we treat as a working minimum.
When You Can Fit More
Three or four plants in one bucket can work if you are happy to check the level every day or two in warm weather. The trade-offs are faster swings in nutrient strength and pH, leaves that shade each other and poorer airflow, which encourages mold on the fruit.
Cutting the Lid
- Use 3 inch net cups, and cut each hole slightly smaller than the rim so the cup hangs from the lid.
- Keep the holes well in from the edge so the lid stays strong.
- Space the cups as far apart as the lid allows.
- Add a small extra hole with a plug or cap if you want to check the level and top up without lifting the lid.
Choosing the Bucket
Pick a food-grade bucket in an opaque color. White and other light colors stay cooler in the sun than black, but thin white plastic can let light through. If you can see a glow through the wall when you hold it up to the sun, wrap or paint the outside.
Related guide: Guide to Kratky strawberry containers.
