Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Got home 4 new good quality grape plants. Soil or AP gravel grow beds - which is good for them? Has anyone tried?

I'd suggest soil... given the time to grow... and recurring seasonal growth...

Use your grow beds and NFT for shorter term once only harvest rotational crops...

Have you tried growing Grapes in AP gravel grow beds? Do you have some pictures? Any difference noticed in fruit size or quality?

No I haven't grown grapes in a gravel grow bed...

But I think others have... perhaps try using the search function...

I have a grape vine in my gravel grow bed - I've noticed it needs flood and drain - CF seemed to stunt its growth

Any fruiting issues noted, vk? I am thinking of experimenting with 2 of them in gravel flood and drain beds and 2 directly into soil with Aquaponics Mix powdered fertilizer and fish water. I am planting them today.

I'm with Rupe on this one, I'd use the gravel grow beds for short term/seasonal crops and try wicking beds for the grapes... or, given the fact grape vines will live for decades (even centuries) I'd be tempted to put them in the ground and simply water them with water/sediment from swirl filters etc.

if the grape roots are anything like they are in the ground you may end up with a GB full of root in a few years - if putting them in a GB give them one all to themselves!

Perfect. I am going by the soil route + AP water/mix for the grapes. Thanks everyone.

Having made your decision NA I will point out that quite a few people are planting large long lived plants in there GBs. In particular fruit trees have been much discussed. Some have had good results others not so good.

Tx for your input, Stuart. I read somewhere in forums that AP is good only for Bonzai trees... Have you come across someone with very good results with AP trees other than papaya? I grow papayas using AP Mix water with too good result.

Its not something that interested me terribly but I'm pretty sure someone one the forum has had some good successes. Bananas were another large plant that someone had grown well.

I have a feeling Jamie grew some fairly big plants (?grapes) in her system.

Personally I would go with the majority on this one; with the size of your system and your intent (BTW I agree with Rupert on the fish stocking levels) putting a grapevine/s is not a good idea, from memory they can use Ammonia (don't quote me on this) but you need fast production on the plant side.

If you want to make a change in your area prove you can do it successfully; ie don't overdo the test with modifications.

I will look at Jamies system.

Well said.. "If you want to make a change in your area, prove you can do it successfully." I agree, seeing is believing.

Overdo the test with modifications - I did not get this. Sleepe, can you elaborate on this please?

Grapes do grow in gravel grow beds
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=663&start=2025
had one crop then I sold the place 6 months later the whole thing was shut down all dead