Blog posts of '2017' 'October'

Aquaponics is a type of Hydroponics where plants are allowed to grow from water instead of ground soil. In this system, the nutrient within the water comes from the fish, making it grow efficiently to produce healthy organic produces.

Have you ever imagined growing your own garden with fresh fruits and vegetables, without having to deal with weeds and pesticides growing around? This is aquaponics for you!

In fact, you will have less to deal with fertilizers, watering, weeding, and so on. When a lot of hard work is involved, gardening tends to become stressful. Thus, it is vital that you consider starting up your own DIY aquaponics garden and enjoying all the benefits it brings to the table. DIY aquaponics is a very simple procedure that will give you the fastest and healthiest veggies you have ever seen. This system of farming is known for its ergonomic and face-lift design. Decorating your home with fruits and veggies beautifies your environment and can enliven a boring garden. It also helps to improve the quality of the air that you breathe in.

Moreover, you do not need to constantly check your crops because they can grow on their own as long as their nutrients are available to nurture them. Another strong point is the application of elevated grow-beds which has been proven to improve harvest and minimize back pain issues in most cases. Consequently, using this system will only require little or no stress incurred to your back.

Owning a DIY aquaponics system can be a wonderful hobby that will provide fresh fruits and veggies on your table. And, if space is not a major concern you would be able to produce enough veggies to feed your family all year round. Most importantly, food produced in DIY aquaponics systems has a remarkable taste. This is because they are grown in a natural and chemical-free environment. The system offers an efficient and practical eco-system that works efficiently and effectively. This eco-system ensures that water is maintained clean all year round.

WHY CONSIDER DIY AQUAPONICS - BENEFITS

1.      Nutrients Within The Water Come From Fish

Typical fish water tends to become dirty only after a week or so, i.e. if there is no pump. And, we know that fish don’t like swimming in their own waste. But, with a DIY aquaponics system, you can solve both problems. In an aquaponics system, the dirty fish water which is full of nutrients is pumped to the plants. Then, the root of the plants will tap the nutrient and cleanse the water before it is returned to the fish tank. This means you don’t have to worry about nutrients for your plants as the fish waste serves as a rich source of nutrients to them.

2.      Easy Recycling

DIY aquaponics uses just _1/10 of the water of a regular garden. Usually, a pump is needed to regularly supply water to your fish pond, but the aquaponics system works like a water pump. Instead of wasting dirty water, the system recycles the nutrients that originate from the fish wastes. The aquaponics system extracts the nutrients to the plants (through the roots) and then pumps back the nourished water up to the plants. The plants' roots act as filters and clean the water before it is pumped back to the fish tank or pond. This recycling conserves water and makes this system of farming is applicable even in the aridest climates where water is scarce.

3.      A Good Source of Income

DIY aquaponics can be a good source of income if you prefer to grow fish and plants from home. If you choose to take this as a hobby or decide to build a lucrative business, then consider this system as one that is worth investing. With DIY aquaponics, you can save a considerable amount of water and energy (let’s say 92% and 83% respectively) for the same amount produced for soil-based crops. Also, when you compare the amount one would spend on fertilizers, you’ll find out that fish food is more affordable.

4.      DIY Aquaponics Won't Cost You a Ton

Do-it-yourself aquaponics system is cheaper than the conventional system. More so, the energy that a DIY aquaponics will consume is quite little, as well.

5.      It is very easy to get started with DIY aquaponics – very little technical skills and knowledge is required.

6.      Aquaponics doesn't require soil. Thus, weeds pose no threat!

7.      The aquaponics system recycles and circulates clean water itself. This means the system requires little cleaning and maintenance.

8.      Natural sources for fish are gradually depleting, which could affect the global food supply. But, with aquaponics organic vegetation and growing fish is more ecological. Also, food grown with this method is way healthier and tastier than the soil-grown crops.

The main benefit to having a DIY aquatic system is that it allows you to grow a lot of plants in a small area. For example, if you grow your own food e.g. tomato, then you will be able to grow a lot of different varieties of tomatoes in a smaller area than you are most likely using at the moment.

NOTE: If you are still contemplating on setting up your DIY aquaponics garden, start now because you are going to save a lot of cash. Creating your own installation and learning a few tricks won’t cost much. You get to help the earth by recycling components and also gain the satisfaction of getting fresh crops at your convenience.

It is also important that you strike a balance with your aquaponics system. If the population of the fish is too many (i.e. too few plants), the plants suffer stunted growth and will not purify the water sufficiently. On the other hand, if the population of the plants is too much (i.e. too few fishes), there would not insufficient nutrients for them. This means the water would end up being polluted and the fish would eventually die.

When you install a new pond, the water you use will be full of nutrients that algae feed on. Exposing the pond to sunshine makes the pond even more susceptible to them, and they will all flock to the feast. Just like plants, algae are living organisms that obtain energy from the sun via photosynthesis that is carried out.

Due to the similarities, it is believed that other kinds of plants evolved from algae. However, the algae don’t have the kind of organs higher plants have. More so, they are quite different in their cellular components. Meaning, algae can either be unicellular or multi-cellular, and they can form in colossal groups and blooms.

Despite the bad reports about algae, there are some benefits they bring to your water garden, such as absorbing ammonia nitrates and phosphates, as well as providing food for fish. Yet, the disadvantages surpass the advantages. These disadvantages include stealing light from aquatic plants, changing the pH levels, exhausting the oxygen from plants, suffocating plants, clogging filters, and making your pond water look dirty and murky.

WHAT CAUSES ALGAE GROWTH?

Algae use photosynthesis technique to convert sunlight energy into chemical energy. Pond algae can be categorized into two, namely:

1.      Green Water

This type of algae is so tiny that they can escape even the best filter or net. They usually need nutrients and sunlight to enhance their growth.

2.      String Algae

This is also known as hair algae. It stretches out as long strands and tends to tangle together.

HOW TO CONTROL POND ALGAE

There are various techniques in which pond algae can be controlled. It is recommended that you combine multiple methods to make combat algae faster and effectively.

1.      Ultra Violet Pond Lighting

This is an effective method of minimizing pond algae. UV rays decelerate plankton development; thus, limiting the growth and strength of the algae.

2.      Water Treatments

For effective results, it is advised to sue different kinds of water treatment. Water treatments can be used even for the most dangerous and stubborn forms of algae, including string algae and water algae. Just make sure you know the right dosage that needs to be applied to treat algae.

3.      Control the Levels of Nutrients

Excess feed given to your fish can increase the growth of pond algae. The food and nutrients deposited at the bottom of your pond enriches the pond, making it good for the algae. Feed your fish with the exact amount of food they require. Do your calculations by carrying out series of experiments.

4.      High Temperatures

During the winter months, ponds are usually free from algae. This is because algae can’t thrive in cold temperatures. The more sun your pond gets, the warmer it becomes, and this rise in temperature is exactly what the algae needs to thrive. Surround your pond with plants and shrubs that will create shade and block sunlight. Always remember that algae like the sun!

5.      Pond Aeration

Quiet water is another major factor causing the growth of algae. When there is a movement in your pond, the movement and growth of algae can be disrupted through the water. You can place waterfalls, pond fountain, aerator or any other features that can aerate the pond and cause movement on the water. In small amount, algae are typical component of the pond, but in large numbers, they can be devastating. In fact, they can damage the ecosystem of the body of water and make the pond’s appearance unattractive.

Other methods involve:

Copper is another effective toxin to algae that has been historically proven.  However as of late, some algae have found a method of adaptation to copper. In fact, copper is also toxic to harmless bacteria.

Add tadpoles and snails to your pond to eat the algae.

Remember to always clean up your pond – a clean pond will house fewer algae. Avoid hazardous chemicals by using a fish pond vacuum to thoroughly clean your pond. Some make use of power washer or a high pressure nozzle for a yearly pond clean-up.

Use a pond skimmer to prevent debris.

Adding rocks to your pond will create a good habitat for nutrient-eating bacteria.

The use of pond treatments is another decent option. However, you have to be very careful since some pond treatments have effects on the plants and fish. When it comes to total destruction of algae in the pond, algaecides are the most effective. However, these chemicals are harmful to the fish, plants, and other harmless creatures in the pond. Hence, when you use algaecides or algae treatments, immediately remove the remains of the affected algae, else they will cause imbalance in the ecosystem of your pond. Beneficial bacteria are still your best bet as they are considerably safer for ponds compared to algaecides. And, where fishes are concerned, they are much safer.

DON'TS IN POND ALGAE CONTROL

1.      Ultraviolet clarifier should only be used to destroy the floating algae if you have zero ammonia. UV clarifier can be harmful to beneficial bacteria.

2.      Do not use algaecide (unless you are ready to remove the deal algae immediately after use) because it can harm the plants and the fish in your pond. Dead algae accumulate and create an organic sludge at the base of the pond.

3.      Do not change your pond or clean it up using tap water. It can destroy the pond’s beneficial bacteria.

4.      Do not change the pond’s water at once; rather, change the water halfway using well water.

Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene (a powerful antioxidant) and some varieties contain high levels Vitamin A and Vitamin C which are both essential in the human diet. Tomatoes can be eaten raw or made into sauces (e.g. tomato puree) and is the basis for many cooking recipes. Soil grown tomatoes are popular but the hydroponic system of growing tomatoes is becoming more popular as people get to understand the huge benefits of this growing system. In addition, the hydroponic system is not a difficult to set up.

Tomatoes are the most widely grown kitchen product by any home gardener. And, there are methods that can help you enjoy this fruit throughout the year. Hydroponic tomatoes can be grown in your limited space apartment. Ideally, hydroponic tomatoes are grown indoors where the growing variables can be closely monitored. If you don’t have a greenhouse you can still grow tomato hydroponically outdoor where there is light. If you are new to this system, I would recommend that you start with a small hydroponics starter kit that uses drip irrigation system

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN GROWING TOMATOES HYDROPONICALLY

The yield of hydroponic tomatoes can be influenced by a number of factors. Hence, it is important to control these factors to get the maximum output. These factors include:

1.      pH

The pH level of the nutrient solution for a tomato plant is from 5.9 to 6.4. The pH level must be maintained to ensure the proper growth. If the pH level decreases, then potassium hydroxide should be used to increase it, and if it is too high, then phosphoric acid should be used to decrease it. The pH level of your nutrient solution needs to be monitored continuously and maintained in the correct range. A pH measuring kit is attached to many started kit to help you measure the Ph level of your nutrient solution accurately.

2.      Light

Tomatoes will need around 16 hours of continuous light when the plants reach full maturity. Artificial halide and fluorescent lights can be used to give the appropriate amount of light. Also, there are many different lights on the market for you to choose from. You are advised to choose the ones that will best fit your hydroponic garden.

3.      Plant Support

If your tomato plants manage to grow taller than 2 feet, then they will need some sort of support. The best way to do this is to suspend a rope/string over your plant and secure it to the stem. Then you wrap the plant around the rope as it grows. By so doing, you will increase your plant size by exposing the leaves to the light source.

4.      Temperature

During the daytime, the ideal temperature for a tomato plant is 18°C - 25°C and is between 12°C to 18°C during the night time.

5.      Pollination

Tomatoes will fail to bear fruits unless self-pollinated. Planting tomatoes indoors mean you can’t rely on natural means to pollinate your flowers; hence, it has to be done by hand. This will require you to be patient until your plant produces flowers before it is ready. A simple method involves gently squeezing the petals together to transfer the pollen. Another popular method is to place an electric toothbrush behind the flower to distribute the pollen.

HOW TO GROW

Growing tomatoes hydroponically doesn’t affect the quality, flavor, and nutritional value of the fruit. In many cases, it can even improve the flavor as the grower is often responsible for the level of nutrient taken by the plants.

The first thing to do is to look for a suitable location for your tomato to be grown. Before planting, it is important to the survival of the tomato crop that you pick a secure location. Try and pick a spot that is deep and also has a healthy layer of topsoil, and is spacious enough for sunlight. Sunlight and soil condition are the two most important factors in growing healthy tomatoes.

It is best to start your tomato crop from seed. This is because if they are bought from the garden, there is more chance that they are susceptible to pest damage in the future. The quality of your tomato plant is highly dependent on the development of the plant’s root i.e. foundation. Without solid roots, plants can't produce their maximum yield and also cannot reach their full potential. Beginners can foster healthy and solid growth by ensuring the plants have enough space to branch out.

The seeds should be placed in Rockwool blocks which have been soaked beforehand and kept covered in a tray in a warm environment 20°C - 25°C until the seeds start to grow. When this happens you can now move them to a light source and remove the lids of the trays. At this stage, they will require a light source for about 12 hours per day. Within two weeks, they will start to develop small leaves. When this happens, the seedlings are ready to be moved to the hydroponic system you have picked.

Also, growers are advised to have basic knowledge of different diseases and treatments so they can know how to save infected plants. Also, putting down a layer of mulch can help in keeping plants warmer and help retain water on the roots longer. These are just a few tips to help you grow tomatoes hydroponically.

Garden placement, pruning, and seed planting are all good tomato growing tips. These tips are important to remember when growing a tomato garden. More so, growing this garden can beautify your backyard and can reduce food expenses as well.

Aeroponics is a gardening system where a container is used to suspend the plants, allowing the roots to hang freely. With this method, the plant receives nutrients through water that is sprayed directly on the plant’s roots other than through the soil. An aeroponics system slows the grower to plant without using soil. This is highly beneficial if you have no soil; aeroponics system allows the plants to grow in the air and exposing the roots to air.

With this type of system, the plants grow and survive on the nutrients that are sprayed on it. It gathers nutrients and produces fruits and vegetables. This system allows the gardener to effectively monitor the plants at each stage of growth and get to know more about the structure of each plant. It is such a great way to have fun with your family.

THE BASIS

Before inception, nature has given us a perfect example aeroponic gardening. One notable example is the many different species of orchids found in tropical rain forests. These orchids grow high in the canopy, without soil. Their roots are in the mist area, and gain nutrients from the water in the air. They grow and thrive hundreds of feet above the ground.

TYPES OF AEROPONICS SYSTEMS

The three types of aeroponics systems include:

1.      Low-pressure Units

These are employed in small home bench gardening because they make use of low-pressure drip style delivery system for nutrient solutions. This unit requires consideration so as to prevent the roots from decaying. This is essential because the contamination of nutrient solution will give rise to harmful bacteria.

2.      High-pressure Units

These are ideal for bigger gardening where high-pressure pumps are used to transport the nutrient solution. These have enhanced nutrient delivery, air purification, and water sterilization.

3.      Commercial Units

These are good for very large crop growing projects. They make use of advanced technology, high-pressure systems, and data collection. They are most extensive and more expensive that the abovementioned systems. They have high tech systems for plant and disease control, including timers, sensors, lighting, and other maintenance system enhancement controls.

HOW TO SET UP

Most people avoid aeroponics gardening systems because they are difficult to set up. This is a common misconception which is incorrect! Setting up an aeroponics gardening system is very easy and can be placed in green houses, backyards or in any location. To begin with, seedlings can be grown in the containers to be large producers of fruits and veggies that can be enjoyed by you and your family.

Aeroponics system requires no medium to supply the nutrient. DIY aeroponics system consists of a reservoir, channels with holes used to hold plants, and lines along the channel. The holes in the channel should be made in every 7 to 8 inches, and the lines about 1 half inch in diameter. The channel is the medium that sprays nutrient from the reservoir to the roots of the plant. The most important of DIY aeroponics systems is pump used to pump nutrients to the roots of the plant.

You see? This is very easy to set up! Setting up this on a small space can produce great yield for you and your entire family to enjoy. It is also a project that will make you and your family work together in unity. For beginners, your backyard is a great place to begin with and you are sure to receive amazing results in no time.

NOTE

Talking about the pump used in aeroponics, a submersible MAG drive pump such as a 250 gallons/hour pump can be used to power a few 360° microjet misters.  Others use an ultrasonic fogger to create the nutrient particle, rather than a pump.

PLANTS THAT CAN BE GROWN IN AEROPONICS

ðHerbs e.g. Mints, skullcap, stinging nettles, ginger and yerba mansa

ðVine plants e.g.  tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, strawberries and watermelons

ðLeafy Green e.g. lettuce

BENEFITS OF GROWING AEROPONICS

1.      Increased Nutrient Levels

Tests show that crops grown aeroponically contain higher nutrients levels than soil-grown crops. This means that fruits and vegetables are healthier and herbs, as well are aromatic. In general, the taste of the produce is improved!

2.      Fun

Gardening with aeroponics is very easy and fun to do. The entire process from planting to harvesting is quite easy. The fruits, herbs, and vegetables grown are free from pests, diseases, and root rot. This system can be grown both indoor and outdoor; maximizing your growing yield. It is a great way to get the family involved in gardening and working together.

3.      Unending Vegetation Season

The conditions to grow plants in aeroponics are stable at all time. This means you can cultivate fruits, herbs, and veggies all year round. That implies as much fresh harvest as can be. In fact, crops can be harvested about 6 times annually, instead of just once or twice.

4.      Little Space

Despite the system used indoors, aeroponics only requires little space. This makes this method of growing plants suitable to urban dwellers.

5.      Clean Gardening

Since the roots of the plants are suspended in the moist air, and nutrients are sprayed frequently on the roots, there is no chance for dirt to spread around. Lack of soil also means no more digging in the earth.

CONCLUSION

Aeroponic plants are suspended over a reservoir within some type of container. And, the use of a pump and sprinkler system is used to spray nutrients to the roots of the plants.

The word Hydroponics in Greek is broken down into “Hydro” which means “water” and “Ponos” which means “labor”. The process is old and has been in existence for hundreds of years. All through the last century, horticulturists and scientists have experimented with different methods of hydroponics. One of them involves growing product in non-arable areas of the world. Back then, hydroponics was also integrated into the space program as hydroponics fit easily into their sustainability plans. The research is still ongoing. From the history of hydroponics farming up to this moment, the progress has being at a fair pace since its inception some seventy years ago. It all started as an academic research and later went on to be used in industry as well as government, and now there are many applications related to hydroponics. The technology used in hydroponics farming is versatile and is also applicable to every country.

Throughout the last century, hydroponics farming has taken some great leaps. During this period, cucumbers were grown under a transparent stone for the Roman Emperor Tiberius and that was the earliest food produced in greenhouses. But, this method was hardly used for the next 1500 years. The first great breakthrough in hydroponics was used during World War II. During this period, troops which were stationed on islands were unable to grow most fresh produce but began to use a scientifically approved form of hydroponics system in order to grow fresh produce to help feed the soldiers. They enjoyed a balanced diet will still station on the island that couldn’t grow plants using traditional methods.

It is said that the history of hydroponics can be traced back to nearly four hundred years. The earliest known publication on hydroponic science (growing plants without using soil) can be found in the archives of the British Library. Hieroglyphic records from Egypt also depict the growing of plants in water. This summarizes why hydroponics is said to have existed for so long. Notwithstanding, much improvement and development have been made over the years.

Greenhouses were used not too often during the 1600's and 1700's. The first greenhouses used glass for a sloped roof, but it was later used for the sides and the roof. The greenhouses were mainly used to grow fruits (such as grapes, strawberries, melons, and peaches) for the wealthy, but ware rarely used to grow veggies. The rich were the only ones who could afford to have fresh fruits every year.

Dating back to 1627, the first known published book titled “Sylva Sylvarum” (written by Sir Francis Bacon) describes the process of growing plants without using soil. Ever since then, Hydroponics has been integrated by so many farmers and it is still widely used today to produce healthy food products.

In 1699, John Woodward carried out his water culture experiments. He found that plants in impure water sources grew better than plants in pure/distilled water. He concluded that the plants that received nutrients from both water and soil grew faster but healthier plants were grown in water that were mixed with soil and then drained. Back then, farmer believed their crops failed in drought conditions because the nutrients was in the water, regardless of the quality of the soil.

In 1842, there was a list of nine elements which was believed to be essential to plant growth. In the years 1859 – 1865, the discoveries of Julius Von Sachs and Wilhelm Knop (German botanists) resulted in a development of the techniques of soilless cultivation.

Between 1925 and 1935, the sand culture was improved by the New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station. They used hydroponics to develop large-scale crop production. In the meantime, the California Agricultural Experimental Station developed the sand culture and water methods for large-scale crop production. After World War II, the southwest United States indicated a lot of interest in gravel culture to grow tomatoes and cucumbers. But due to imperfections, the systems were eventually abandoned.

In the 1920s, the term “Hydroponics” was first used by William Gericke. He grew hydroponic tomatoes that was over 25 feet tall and were known for advancing the use of hydroponics in agribusiness. Not long after this, Dennis Hoagland developed his standard solution which is still used in many modern nutrient mixes. Dennis's Solution was the first to consider micronutrients such as sulfur, iron, and magnesium, essential for healthy growth in small-scale agriculture. Many skeptical farmers did not accept Hydroponics, but it became widely used by amateur gardeners in the 1930s.

Hydroponic farming came of age in the 1990s when many innovations and advances in soil-free growing were accomplished, including aquaponics and aeroponics. Aquaponics combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics by growing fish in a reservoir, creating a symbiotic relationship between the fish and the plants. In aeroponics, a sufficient amount of nutrient solution is sprayed onto roots of plants for vigorous growth.

Commercial cultivators are turning to soilless cultivation (e.g. hydroponics) more and more. This is because hydroponics grows faster and this system gives the farmer control over the growing environment, leading to higher quality harvests. The worry over pests, weed, and soil-based diseases are greatly reduced. For commercial farmers, higher yields and rapid harvests are great reasons to grow hydroponically. The methods used by commercial farmers are now available to the home gardeners.

Nowadays, people have begun to create their own hydroponic systems to grow fresh food for their friends and family. Most teachers have also begun to understand the astounding applications that hydroponics can have in the classroom. Many gardeners have also made their dreams come true by making a living in right from their backyard greenhouse and selling their produce to local markets and restaurants.

The principle of aquaponics is quite simple; it requires you to grow fruits, vegetables, and plants in hydroponic conditions (but without chemicals) by raising fish to provide the nutrients for the plants. With aquaponics, the nutrients provided to the plants are organic and fairly balanced. Sometimes, supplemental nutrients are added to create a fairly balanced environment; however, this can also be resolved by increasing the number of fish or by balancing their diet. The main ingredient you are adding to the system is fish food.

Hydroponics, on the other hand, is a system of growing plants without soil – i.e. it is a soilless way of growing plants. Plants are grown in mediums where a nutrient solution is supplied to the roots of the plants. The roots absorb the nutrient, eliminating the need for soil. To prevent the accumulation of the nutrients, hydroponic systems don’t need to be flushed periodically, even if it is quite easy to do. With hydroponics, you are concerned with just one system.

One of the objectives of aquaponics is the harvesting a pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, and a clean supply of fish (protein). Virtually everybody is affected by the harmful chemicals employed by conventional farmers all over the world. If you want you and your household to feed on chemical-free organic food, then you can achieve this by employing the aquaponics system.

In hydroponics gardening, some plants (e.g. deep-rooted plants) do not benefit as much as thin-rooted plants. For example, bulb rooted plants would benefit less than spider-like roots plants. However, this issue can be resolved if the grower would first grow the bulb rooted plant in a pot to approximately a quarter of an inch. Then, it can be transplanted into the hydroponic garden. Stressful right?

Aquaponics is the natural or organic alternative to hydroponics. This is because the fish wastes in an aquaponics system serve as fertilizer (chemical) in hydroponics. And, fish wastes are full of natural ingredients.

In hydroponics, vegetables grown are often accused of having chemical tastes from chemical fertilizers. Sometimes, this chemical can affect the pH of water, needing water to be flushed frequently. Flushing water often means the excess fertilizer in the system will be disposed of. And, if it is not properly disposed of, it may cause several health hazards to you and the environment.

Aquaponics system combines hydroponics with aquaculture to provide sustainable and healthy solutions to food production in a friendly environment. In aquaculture, fish waste builds up in the water, which tends to increase the toxicity for the fish. This water is drained or flushed into the hydroponic system which is used as the hydroponic growing nutrients by the plants. The refined water is then re-circled back to the aquatic organisms.

Hydroponic gardening relies on the addition of costly chemical nutrients, costing time, money, and effort. And, in order for the nutrients to support and maintain healthy plant growth, they must be added in the right proportion. Occasionally, these chemicals may contribute to the unwanted element of taste which could reduce the quality and natural flavor of the plants compared to organically grown vegetable in an aquaponics system. More so, these chemicals may create different health issues for consumers who are trying to switch from traditionally grown crops to hydroponically grown ones.

WHY AQUAPONICS IS BETTER THAN HYDROPONICS

The first drawback is that nutrients need to be added frequently to sustain the plants in the hydroponics system. More so, the water has to be drained on a daily basis in order to flush out the excess nutrient and make the water stay clean. An aquaponics system may be expanded to support multiple grow beds. Also, additional filtration systems can be added to an existing aquaponics system to flush out excess waste in the water. Plants grown in an aquaponics system are more hygienic than those raised within a hydroponic system. This is because the plants in aquaponics get their nutrients from a natural source (fish wastes), while chemical fertilizers are used within a hydroponics system.

MUTUAL BENEFIT

Both the aquaponics and hydroponics systems can be placed anywhere and start-up costs for both systems are much lower than a regular farm. Placing these systems anywhere means you decide how much space you want to use and the amount of space will determine the food production. To increase your yield, you can decide to grow vertically.

THE VERDICT

As stated earlier, aquaponics combines aquaculture with hydroponics. It combines both systems to provide the grower with a better, healthier, and safer food production. This is simply because the plants get their source of nutrients from a more natural source (fish). The fish waste, which contains ammonia, will be used to enrich the plants. However, if the waste is in excess, it must be removed else it will cause more harm than good. The water containing this fish waste (ammonia) is flushed out into an area where bacteria will act on it and convert it to nitrates and nitrites. This system is easier to maintain as you longer have to feed your plants.

BUT, WHAT IF NEITHER SYSTEM IS SUPERIOR TO THE OTHER - IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES

Fish lovers who are opportune to have a large fish tank to support aquaponics may want to adopt aquaponics system of gardening. This system is known to sustain plant life and fish at the same time. However, if you don’t enjoy fish or you feel the setup might be a little bit complicating, you may want to try the hydroponics system. Aquaponics and hydroponics will grow abundant plant life. The major benefit of aquaponics is that it adds the option of growing fish in your garden.

Home gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies. The tasty fruits and vegetables, as well as the beautiful flowers, are results of your efforts. The resurgence of home gardening could be highly beneficial for farmers who are unable to produce their fruit and vegetables due to financial limitations.

People everywhere are starting their own home gardens and producing fruits and vegetables that are much cheaper and healthier than the produce that can be produced at the grocery store. Beyond doubt, home gardening is enjoyable and profitable! We have depended on factory farms that use pesticides that are linked to illnesses in many countries.

Some of the products we eat, including importing poultry from Thailand are part of the Globalization of agriculture. Although, it may take long before you start harvesting from your home garden with time, you would figure out how to benefit from the bounties of gardening.

First of all, home gardening can be a fun and relaxing activity that helps to take your mind off daily stresses. It is a great way to avoid the environmental damages of fruits, vegetables, and other crops that are available in stores. In fact, having an organic home garden means you have a direct source for healthy fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Here are other benefits of home gardening:

1.      Convenience

If you have a stressful life or job you might benefit from home gardening. How convenient is it to walk around the garden picking up fresh vegetables for dinner. You don’t need to take a trip to the greengrocer or supermarket when all you have to do is to walk outside and pick up whatever you want. The exercise is an extra advantage for you as well. Walking out in nature is a better way to forget about a stressful day. You will get lost in the beauty of nature and relax from the stress of your life. For starters, it is recommended that you start with a small garden so you don’t spend much time and make physical commitment. Home gardening can be a lot cheaper than paying mental health professional, so beware!

2.      Fresh Produce

Making your own fresh product is quite amazing and this is what most people who practice home gardening enjoy. Fruits and vegetables that grown at home will be much fresher than the ones that are shipped, picked, and sold in the store. Tomatoes are the easiest and the most popular produce to grow. Others even grow lettuce, citrus, herbs, zucchini, and berries.

3.      Kids Learn To Love Garden Produce

Studies have shown that children who are privileged to grow up eating backyard produce were twice as likely to eat the daily recommendation (five servings of fruits and vegetables), compared to children who weren’t. Most young children enjoy having a garden because they get to learn and experience how different fruits and vegetables grow.

4.      Growing Green

Home gardening will ensure customers of the quality and freshness of what they are eating. These days, fertilizers and pesticides are overused so it is safe and comfortable to know exactly how your fruits and veggies grow. In addition, a vegetable garden is an incredible way to gain personal satisfaction and responsibility.

5.      Save Money

No matter how small or big your backyard is you can save a lot of cash when you grow some produce. Owing your own garden will definitely reduce your grocery bill. Obviously, this will depend on the amount you grow. Regardless, you will still safe money even when you are starting off. While those people who have a large yard can benefit more from growing enough food to feed their families and save a lot of money on grocery purchases all year round. Those with small plots of land or even a deck or a balcony are not restricted to growing a few vegetables.

6.      Environmental Safety

Owning a home garden mean you will have somewhere to put all your garden waste and kitchen straps without polluting the environment further. Most things that originate from the earth can be returned back to the earth by way of mulching, fertilizer or composting. So your waste is essential for your home garden, and this no longer has to add to the world's problem.

7.      Increase Property Value

A garden design can be considered a future investment. An elegantly designed garden can add glamour to your house and increase its overall value. Besides the monetary value, a well-designed garden can attract buyers to buy your house faster than expected!

These days, there are more people trying out home gardening as it is very interesting and creative. It does not necessarily require a big budget, with just a few dollars, you can turn your backyard into a money making space. If you have the love for gardening, you can turn your passion into a home-based business that will help you financially. A home garden gardener enjoys a lot of benefits; you too can be a partaker of these benefits.

Planting a home garden is a wonderful idea that you can treat yourself to. There’s no place like home, there is no better feeling like walking out your door and strolling through your garden to grab some fresh produce. It's such a joy to see the beauty and the continuation of life. It's also comforting to see what you have labored for, the results of your hard work and of your nurturing.

There are so many gardening tips and this article will just highlight on twelve tips for you to get started. Before you start your own garden, here are some gardening tips that are worth considering:

1.      Plan

To begin with, you need to plan out how you want your garden to be, the product availability, budget, and other factors. Map out a plan for an indoor and outdoor gardening as well. In your plan, add the varieties of grasses, plants, flowers, and trees that will create some beautiful workspaces for your garden. Many people plan their gardens by doing it as it is in the real world; try to learn from the mistakes of others while planning.

Plan out where the flowers and creeping plants will be, are they going to be in the extension of the balcony or where? Adding some creepers close to your window gives some heavenly look. Outdoor gardening ideas require a wider imagination while an indoor gardening idea might require you to scale down your plans and focus on what will work for you in small space.

2.      Budget

Your plan will help you create some gardening ideas on a budget. Carry out an extensive research and analysis on the various tools and accessories that will be needed to execute what is on your plan.

3.      Garden Size

If you plan on having water features and mirrors on a small garden, this won’t work! Make sure you plan based on your garden size. Those days, graph papers and pencils are used to draft plan. Nowadays, technology has taken over! Just make sure you consider space limitations, this will help you make the most of your garden. Your garden size will also determine what sort of things will work in your garden.

4.      Build On a Good Foundation

It is also important that you check the carbon and nitrogen levels in your soil. You want to make sure your garden is built on a good foundation. If you have bad soil, you are advised to start with a square foot garden. You can either buy a plastic or wooden box from gardeners, to begin with. Then, add fresh topsoil and add composed and mulched leaves. This will help enrich the soil, making it ready to start with

5.      Type Of Gardening

The next step is to decide on which kind of gardening – indoor or outdoor gardening. This depends on the kind of apartment you live in. For instance, you cannot have much of free space to plant trees in an apartment style of the house. However, fruits, flowers, and veggies can be grown in a different section, making a small and portable garden.

6.      Type of Plant

You should also consider what sort of plant is best for the area where your garden is situated. Do some research and don’t just buy plants, else you may end up buying the ones that are not suitable for your garden, thus they'll be a waste of cash. You don’t want to waste money on plants, only to discover that the cant survives in your garden. Who does that?

Therefore, it is important to choose the kinds of plants, grasses, and flowers that could possibly grow in your garden after you must have carried out thorough research. Creepers are lovely; they might extend through the windows to the balcony and might add beauty to your interior designing.  Flowers also give your house a stunning look.

While growing various kinds of flowers, grasses will also offer a beautiful workplace at your backyard. You could also grow your own fruit and veggies. In no time, you will taste the difference between your home-made fruits and vegetables and the ones bought from the supermarket. Maybe this will spur you on eating more healthily as well.

7.      Provide Lots of Sunlight

Sunlight is absolutely crucial; it is needed for plants to thrive. Without enough sunlight, you will have a weak and poor garden. However, you must make sure that the plants that are in your garden are able to withstand the amount of sun that you provide. Too much of anything only results in damage and disaster!

8.      Ensure Good Drainage

When planning your garden, you must make sure you make arrangements for a good drainage system otherwise your plants will no thrive. Your gardening experience will also guide you in providing as much water as the plant needs.

9.      Stop Weeds Before They Start

It is important that you stop weed before they start. All you have to do is to dedicate a few hours and days to take care of your garden. Also, try to use natural herbicide of vinegar to ease when you want to weed.

1.                         Right Tools

Using the right tools ensure efficiency! If you don’t know about garden tools, get advice from an experienced gardener on how to go about it. If possible, let him buy the tools for you. This is essential because there are lots of fake tools on the market.

1.                         Involve Your Kids

Do you have kids? Why not get them involved? When planning, prepare a few pots or a patch of garden for your kids to grow their own flowers and plants. Not only will they enjoy planting, they’ll learn a lot about the how these flowers and plants grow.

2.                         Planting Books

No knowledge is wasted! As time goes, there are new innovative techniques on gardening. It is a good idea for you to read as many gardening books as you can lay your hands on. Buy some of your favorite gardener’s books from the garden store and see what you can learn. It can be a little expensive; yet, there is plenty of knowledge waiting to be digested.

I hope you find these tips useful!