Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I have been looking into getting into this ap thingy for a bit and have a probably really silly ? but here goes anyway...... Do you have to grow seedlings first to plant in the gravel?? My way of thinking if you drop a seed in gravel and send water through it will wash away???
Anyhoo, I havent actually got a set up yet but have well and truly got bitten by the bug and have big plans. Finally got the wife into it as well which is a very important step when trying to take over our outdoor area....... I would like to actually see one set up so if theres anybody in the Newcastle area who would like to edumacate a novice I would be very grateful........

You can just throw the seeds in the gravel. Fine seeds can be started and transplanted.
Welcome.

Put fine seeds in a bit of paper towel, or cotton wool - then plant them.

Even really small seeds dont wash far though. I direct sow brocoli into gravel and hydroton without any problems.

Welcome to the addiction.
If you look at the beginning of a lot of members threads you will see silly mistakes. Many if not most of us made them. Check out members systems and look see what the more experienced people are doing. Lots of people plant seeds right in the gravel I start in peat and transplant in. Gives the little worms something to start in also.
Tell us what you have in mind!

Gday all, I know you guys love photos. Here are my novice attempts to show all my space and thoughts through photos...... lets see if they work..... By the way these are only thoughts, if anyone has a better use of space or ideas feel free to educate me....

If you put seeds right where water flows, obviously they will get moved, but if you plant where the water simply rises and drops it will probably be fine. Depends some on size of gravel, probably, but I tossed lettuce, radish, onion, kale, and celery seed into 1/2" (13mm) gravel and it worked fine, but tomatoes did not (they required seedlings)....

Toss in some radishes (cheap and fast) and lettuce and try it! It sure is nice not to need to carefully water new seed daily or more...