Aquaponics

Aquaponics uses water and fish to grow garden plants. Yes, by using fish to fertilize your garden that grows in water instead of dirt, you can grow some very healthy plants.

Aquaponics uses fish to fertilize your garden that is grown in water.

Aquaponics - 3/31-4/6/2025

Monday, March 31, 2025

The fog is thick this morning! This is our chicken coops and sheds and the field behind.

Fog over the fence from my greenhouse and plants.

Good morning. The whole place is foggy outside. It looks really cool. It is 71° and will soon shoot up to 90° today.

Fog in the orchard...

Aren't the bluebonnets gorgeous? They are really popping now that we have had a nice amount of rain.

We had several visitors today and only two customers who actually bought some seeds. I spent most of the day doing orders. The mailman took three very full bags of orders with him.

At the end of the day, Matt and I went to the pond and cleaned the pump. It was full of leaves that blew in from the windy weather last week so the water was barely running. Unfortunately, the filter also needs to be cleaned. Matt said he will do that tomorrow.

Then he went out back to collect eggs. Instead of going to the chickens first, he went over to the goats.

Meanwhile, I was changing clothes because a lot of nasty fish goop flew up on me from the pond.

All of a sudden, I got a text from Matt saying that Alice had two babies. I finished cleaning up and ran out there. Here is what I saw!

Alice had two babies out in the goat play yard late this afternoon. They were already clean and dry so they had to be around for at least an hour before we found them.

Here they are and guess what? They are both girls!!! I am beyond excited!

They are so tiny. George and Gracie are four weeks old today and they are so big compared to these newest babies.

Alice cleaned them up before we got out there so they were dry. I looked and they are both girls! They were walking around a bit and then they would lie down.

Their legs are still a bit wobbly but they kept getting up and walking.

They both curled up to sleep and George and Gracie kept jumping off of the platform, barely missing the babies.

We finally carried the new babies into the shelter for Alice to keep them safe for their first night. Alice, Trixie, George, and Gracie soon followed.

Now I have to come up with two girl names from the 1950s as we have a theme going. I figured that Alice would have a boy and a girl and I was going to name them Jack Benny and Mary Livingston but this changes everything. We had two rescue dogs that we got back in 2011 and I named them Lucy and Ethel. I think I will probably use Lucy and Ethel again but I will think on it some more first.

To celebrate, I made shrimp and grits for dinner tonight.

Aquaponics

This is a commercial type aquaponics set up. No one would have such a big system in a backyard.

Hey there, fellow gardener! Ever thought about diving into the fascinating world of aquaponics? It's a fantastic way to grow your own veggies, and it's a lot simpler than you might think. Let's explore this amazing gardening technique together.

So, what exactly is aquaponics? Simply put, it's a magical blend of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). You're essentially creating a mini-ecosystem where fish and plants work together in perfect harmony.

How does it work? The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants, in turn, clean the water for the fish. It's a win-win! This closed-loop system means less water usage and no need for synthetic fertilizers.

Intrigued? You should be! Let's dive into how you can set up your own aquaponics system.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

David left early this morning for a doctor's appointment to get his medications fixed. I stayed here and went out to pick some asparagus. There isn't much left and I found some picked and left on the ground in the asparagus beds. That made me mad.

For the past few weeks, David has been allowing people to come in and pick all they want for free. They are picking parts of of the stalks and leaving the rest in the ground and dropping the good spears on the ground. I do not understand. Anyway, I picked whatever there was and then I went to visit the goats.

The little ones were out of the shelter behind this platform that the big goats jump up on.

Here is a closeup of the new babies this morning.

As I approached, I saw all of the goats except for the newest babies. I finally found them behind the play platform sleeping together. They are so tiny and cute.

After that, I went to work and started filling orders. We had no visitors or customers today at all.

Matt cleaned out the filter and pumps on the pond but something is still not right. David said he will go out there in the morning with Matt and see if he can figure out the problem. There is always something going on here...

Throughout the morning, I called two different specialists to get some help with a problem. Neither office would answer. Finally, at 2pm, one of the offices answered but said she could not hear me and hung up on me. I went outside and stood next to the dumpster so she could hear me. There, I had to tell all of my business to her outside so everyone could hear me. She had a cancellation so she can get me in tomorrow.

I spent the rest of the day closing orders until about 3pm. Then I pulled this morning's orders. It was a busy day.

At 4pm, my PCP's office called wanting to know why I want to see the specialist. To be fair, I mentioned the problem to him when I saw him last month. My plan does not require a referral but they are requiring one. How ridiculous. Anyway, I am supposed to go in the morning tomorrow...

We had pork chops, fries, and asparagus this evening. It was so good.

Aquaponics

This is an artist's rendering of growing vegetables in the backyard, watering them with fish waste.

Aquaponics combines raising fish (aquaculture) with soilless plant growing (hydroponics). It mimics a natural ecosystem where fish waste fertilizes plants, and plants purify the water for the fish.

So what exactly will I need to do this?

You'll need a few key components: a fish tank, a grow bed, a water pump, and some plumbing. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds!

The fish tank is where your finned friends will live. The grow bed is where your plants will grow, usually filled with gravel or clay pebbles. The water pump circulates the water between the tank and the grow bed.

How do I know what kind of fish to buy and what kind of seeds to plant?

Tilapia is a popular choice for aquaponics because they're hardy and grow quickly. But you can also use other fish like trout or goldfish.

For plants, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach thrive in aquaponic systems. You can also grow tomatoes, peppers, and even strawberries!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Here is our first Scarlet Runner bean coming up!

Good morning. We are up early because I have a doctor appointment this morning. It is 73° here. That is way too warm for such an early morning. Sky is overcast but no rain is forecast for today. Some of the things I planted about ten days ago are starting to come up. That is exciting.

We left for Pleasanton and found the doctor's office early. The place was packed with patients. I filled out the new patient paperwork and finally got into a room. The doctor was very nice and I explained the situation. He gave me a painful injection. We will see in about a week or so if it worked. If not, tests and surgery...Fun times..

For quite some time, my hand has been going numb. I finally found a doctor who would try something. He confirmed that it is carpal tunnel syndrome. He gave me an injection in the middle of my wrist that sent painful fireworks shooting through my fingers. Then my hand went totally numb for about four hours.

I cannot use it for at least two days. As it began to wake up, I iced i and then put it in a brace.

The bandaid shows where the injection was.

The comfy brace is pretty good.

Aquaponics

A large backyard setup of aquaponics is depicted.

Okay, how do I set it all up?

First, set up your fish tank and fill it with water. Then, set up your grow bed and connect it to the fish tank with plumbing. Install the water pump to circulate the water.

Don't add the fish yet!!!

First, you will need to add a dechlorinator into the water. If you don't the chlorine in the water will kill your fish.

Before adding fish, you need to "cycle" your system. This means establishing beneficial bacteria that convert fish waste into plant food. This process usually takes a few weeks.

Add some sort of ammonia, such as a liquid ammonia solution or decaying fish food, to your water. You will need to get a water testing kit and test the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

As the ammonia levels begin to rise, beneficial bacteria will turn the ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. When the levels of ammonia and nitrite are close to zero, and there is nitrate in the water, the cycling is done and you can add your fish.

Start with a small number and gradually increase as your system matures. Then, plant your seedlings in the grow bed.

Regularly monitor your water quality, feed your fish, and prune your plants. With a little care, your aquaponic garden will thrive!

Thursday, April 3, 2025

My roses are blooming away!

Today, I worked with one hand on everything I did. That was fun. I accomplished a lot and even went out and got some orders done.

I watered plants, did dishes, laundry, fed the dogs, pulled some orders, and made an egg casserole for breakfast. Everything took quite a while.

Matt finally found the problem with the pond filter and got it cleaned out. It is now gushing out like it should!

The baby goats are fine. It was miserably humid today.

Aquaponics

Here is a smaller aquaponics unit with a garden.

Now, let's talk about the amazing benefits of aquaponics.

It's incredibly water-efficient, using much less water than traditional gardening. You're essentially growing food in water, which is a game-changer in drier climates. This aligns perfectly with the concept of "growing food in water."

No need for soil! This eliminates weeding and soilborne diseases. Plus, you can set up an aquaponic system almost anywhere, even in urban environments.

You're also growing food with fish! This means you have a source of fresh fish and vegetables. If you plan on eating your fish, don't use goldfish. Use an edible fish. Talk about a sustainable food system! This concept is often referred to as "growing food with fish."

Aquaponics produces faster growth rates than traditional gardening. This is because the plants have constant access to nutrients from the fish waste.

No need for synthetic fertilizers! The fish waste provides all the nutrients your plants need, making your food healthier and more environmentally friendly.

Now, let's address a common question: how is aquaponics different from hydroponics and which is better?

While both methods grow plants without soil, aquaponics uses fish waste as fertilizer, while hydroponics relies on synthetic nutrients. Many consider aquaponics more sustainable and natural.

Thinking about giving aquaponics a try? Here's what you'll need:

* A fish tank
* A grow bed
* A water pump
* Plumbing
* Fish
* Plants
* Growing medium (gravel or clay pebbles)

Friday, April 4, 2025

Good morning. My right hand is still not normal but it feels different. I am still not using it much as it has not been 48 hours yet since the injection. It is 77° this morning and overcast. I have 16 dozen eggs to be purchased if you plan on coming to the farm and you need eggs.

This has been a very slow spring season. I get that Americans have less money because they are spending more to buy food due to ridiculous prices at the grocery store. Remember that the food you grow from our Non-GMO, heirloom seeds will taste better and are healthier than any of the chemical-filled, pre-packaged, overpriced foods you get from the grocery store. It's all about the seeds and ours are good.

We had a few visitors and one paying customer. A group of three came in asking all sorts of questions and looking around. Then they left. Why do folks enjoy wasting our time? They said they drove in from Hondo in two different cars but didn't spend a dime. Why would someone drive all that way for no reason other than to interview me about my products? I find that weird. They could have found the answers to all of their questions on our websites.

My sister advised me that my mother went to the ER with a numb left arm early this morning. They admitted her late tonight and think it might be a stroke.

I walked around looking at the beds where I planted and almost everything has started to come up. I don't see any ground cherries coming up. My guess is that the ground has not been warm enough. I just saw that the ground should be between 75 and 80 degrees.

Around 6:30pm, Matt came in and made us all smash burgers which we enjoyed. We watched a movie and I fell asleep on the couch which was nice. It was a tough day.

Aquaponics

Another large setup that is not feasible for a backyard garden but you get the idea.

Aquaponics is a fantastic way to grow your own food sustainably. It's a rewarding experience that connects you with nature and provides you with fresh, healthy produce.

So, are you ready to dive in? Give aquaponics a try and discover the joys of growing food with fish! You'll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Let's recap the key benefits of aquaponics: water efficiency, no soil needed, grows food with fish, faster growth rates, and no synthetic fertilizers.

Aquaponics offers a unique and sustainable approach to gardening. It's a rewarding experience that allows you to grow your own food while minimizing your environmental impact.

If you're looking for a new gardening adventure, aquaponics is definitely worth exploring. It's a fun and educational way to connect with nature and produce your own food.

We had friends in San Antonio who grew gardens using aquaponics but we have not done it ourselves. Maybe one day we will give it a try.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

It feels cool out and is 61°, windy, and very overcast. We were supposed to get rain at 3am but we did not. David just told me that Matt is coming in this morning so that is good. I don't know that I can feed all of the animals alone with my arm right now.

We have a lot of new seeds in and orders are beginning to come in for them.

We opened the store at the usual time. We had two moms bring their kids for a little while and that was it. I find it strange since it is spring and the day is cool and sunny. The gates are now closed and I will try to enjoy my one afternoon off for the week (I didn't get to after all.) It is 73° and the low tonight will be 45°.

Sometime during the day, somewhere on the property, a set of keys was lost. Matt and I spent about three hours from 4pm until 7pm searching all over the property for them. We searched in all of the buildings, the parking lot, the pond, the back, the animal pens, over and over to no avail. I personally walked for miles searching the place over and over, even using a metal detector after a while. We were completely unsuccessful. We gave up a little after 7pm.

We watched a silly movie as we ate ridiculously expensive brisket sandwiches from a new guy at Farm to Familia who charged $13 a piece for soggy bread sandwiches that came with two pickles and a bit of onion, but no barbecue sauce and no sides. I never would have spent that much but David sent Matt down to get them. Never again.

The wind blew in the cold front all afternoon and evening. I woke up all night long thinking about the keys and how we would never see them again.

Sunset this evening. When I took this, I was so close to the keys and had no clue.

Aquaponics

Here is a small sized aquaponics unit.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your aquaponic journey today!

Remember, aquaponics is more than just a gardening method; it's a sustainable lifestyle choice.

Embrace the power of aquaponics and experience the joy of growing your own food in a way that benefits both you and the environment.

Growing food with fish is a truly rewarding experience. You'll be amazed at how much you can grow in a relatively small space.

Growing food in water is a game-changer, especially in areas with limited water resources. Aquaponics makes it possible to grow fresh produce even in arid climates.

Aquaponics is a fantastic option for gardeners who are looking for a sustainable and efficient way to grow their own food.

With aquaponics, you can enjoy fresh, healthy produce year-round. It's a great way to supplement your diet with nutritious vegetables and fish.

Aquaponics is a fascinating blend of science and nature. It's a rewarding hobby that can also provide you with a sustainable source of food.

Sunday, April 6, 2025

We have 2 thornless rosebushes in the parking lot and they are now in full bloom.

It was 48° this morning and I woke up at 4:30am. I tried to go back to sleep. Sometime after 6am, I finally fell asleep, dreaming of something to do with meat. I woke up at 6:27am and got up. It was so cold.

Around 8am, Matt came back over and he took care of the animals. I went out and turned all of the lights off and fed the fish. I began looking for the keys again in every building and all over the parking lot and the garden beds. Matt was out back. I decided to join him and walked over by my rose garden. Just before the driveway, I saw something and thought, "that cannot be the keys." But it was them. I picked them up in the cold wind and ran inside to call Matt. I left my phone on the charger.

Then I thanked the Lord and got ready for church. There were quite a few people missing this morning. After church, we came home and had some leftovers.

It is now 2pm and my sister just texted that my mother just walked in the house. They discharged her on new medication and she has to see a new specialist. It was the beginning of a stroke.

Holidays

The stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty!

Easter is on Sunday, April 20th. We always take off for Easter weekend so we will be closed on Good Friday, the 18th, Saturday the 19th, and, of course, Easter Sunday, the 20th.

Aquaponics

This unit looks good except that tomatoes should not be down in the water with the fish. AI images aren't always the best.

So, are you ready to take the plunge into the world of aquaponics? It's an adventure you won't regret!

Remember, aquaponics offers a sustainable solution for growing food in a world facing increasing environmental challenges.

By embracing aquaponics, you're not just growing food; you're contributing to a healthier planet.

Start your aquaponic garden today and experience the satisfaction of growing your own food in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Growing food with fish and growing food in water are two key concepts that make aquaponics a truly innovative and sustainable gardening method.

Aquaponics empowers you to take control of your food supply and create a more sustainable lifestyle.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of aquaponics and discover the amazing benefits for yourself!

***Before starting this journey, make sure you purchase a guide book with more specific details of how to set everything up and maintain your aquaponics properly. I am sure that you will find a good one on Amazon. They have just about everything.

Return from Aquaponics to Our Sixth Year

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