Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I come from a hydroponics background but dont have any experience with aquaponics. In some of the pics that i see, people are transplanting plants from small soil pots to their GB. Is it better to go from an inert starter plug like rapid rooters or rockwool or is soil ok?

Also i am trying to grow trees so their seeds are fairly large, about the size of a peanut. Any tips on transplanting something like that or what to start it in?

I think members here use a few different methods for new seeds/seedlings. Some sow directly into GB's, some start off in pots or propagators etc. Theres no right or wrong really.

How would you sow directly into the grow bed if you are using clay pellets or gravel? just put the seed in there? would the soil have any adverse effects on the system?

Yea, you can sow seeds directly into the media. If you are transplanting from soil it pays to wash the soil from the roots then dip in a seaweed solution then replant in the media.

the soil is normally removed before putting into the clay. IMO if possible, its better to sow direct into clay.

In aquaponics is gravel or clay preferred? I am assuming clay.

I'm going to use gravel for my tree blue barrels just because its heavier and will help to stabilize the tree. for all other veggies I prefer clay, though that's cos its easier to work with mostly (lighter, rounder). From what I've heard most plants will do well in either, other than root crops that may struggle in heavy , sharp gravel.

Hmmm, I always transplant by placing seedling, soil and all, straight into the growbed.
If I knew you get paid for washing it first...

I have river gravel as media,this ranges considerably in size from maybe 1/8 th up to 3/4 inch,transplanting seedlings has at my first attempt been better than direct seeding,transplanting seemed to have had a stronger start,then slow on transplanting,direct have grown quicker but dont look as strong. Iam going to try out starting in coconut choir,using pond water as its first soak and watering. Still early days though.

Thanks for all the input everyone . I think i am going to try and germinate them in some peat moss plugs and see how that goes. I am growing Moringa, which is a plant that all you auzzies should be growing because it is one of the most nutritious plant on earth!!!! Check it out. Its grows best in tropical climates/warm climates. but it has a big seed which makes them take pretty long to germinate.

There are many, many threads on Moringa. Mine did not survive the winter...

Did you have them in a greenhouse? Way to rep so cal i grew up in national city. how did you plant yours?

Welcome! Fellow Hydroponics geek here.

I sow seeds directly into both my hydroton beds and pea gravel. I would avoid rockwool, the constant saturation will cause stem rot. I've transplanted from soil and just washed it before planting into the bed, it's a small amount of shock but I haven't lost a plant from it yet and it provides boosts for the growing seasons. I've yet to try coco seedlings transplanted directly into the beds but that's not a bad idea, just a bit of carbon.

what water cycle do you use if you sow directly in the bed? also how deep and what kind of plants?

try some radishes for success they come up real quick.
I use timed flood and also constant flood at times.
The seed doesn't have to be submerged - condensation and wicking will allow it to germinate without washing too deep.