Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

ryan, what kind of time frame from seed to harvest on the lettuce? and do you think the roots would be ok as not to clog a 4" pipe on continuos flow? great system and pic's your are truly blessed with a "fishy thumb"

Thanks guys

BW- That lettuce took 3 weeks until the first harvest, then I harvested every 2 weeks until I completely harvested the plants. This is a bit different then planting single lettuce heads because I used loose leaf lettuces, mesculin mixes and chard which can be cut back like grass, and will then grow back out. It takes a lot more seed but I was getting rid of some old seed packs and rather then throw them away I figured I would do this. The reason it takes 3 weeks vs. 6-8 is because you are basically harvesting baby leaves but they are so dense that you get a lot or weight per ft^2.

You shouldnt have any problems growing lettuces in 4" pvc, been there, done that, no probelmo (unless you grow some monster freak lettuce).

Firstly let me just say awsome productivity, secondly how do you know when to pick the Kohl Rabi and what do yuo do with it?

Mine a getting big but this is the first time I have grown it and I don't really know what to do with it so any recipies would be appreciated

Simo, Beth has some good ideas on green smoothies. Check out her thread here.

Love the framework for the peas, is it PVC?
What are the cross pieces made from Ryan?

Lookin good Ryan.

-Ryan #3

Hi Ryan3. You two related?

Work together. Just so happens we are both named Ryan, and we have another Ryan in a different department.

-Ryan #3

good lord i hope its not my brother inlaw ryan...wait that bum has never had a job

Hey Simo, thanks man. What size will probably depend on the variety. These are Early White Vienna and they usually get to be the size of a baseball before you harvest. I grew one earlier this year that was 4" in diameter and it still tasted good. If they get too big they are supposed to get a bit woody but ive never been able to hold out that long! I usually peel them, slice them down the middle into 2, then thin slice both of the halfs. From there, I put them in a pan thats been pre heated with olive oil. I season them with Sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and italian seasoning (dried basil, parsley, rosemary, marjoram and oregano). Cook them until they are golden brown and eat um up!

Faye- Yes, it is 1/2" pvc with 1/8" nylon rope as the cross supports. I just drill hols at even increments in the pipe and then thread the nylon rope through and tie it off at the end (makes it alot easier then tying single pieces because they never stay tot). That trellis is almost through yr 2 and still holding strong.

Ryan- Cyber stalking now are we? lol good to see you on here buddy

Harvested another 15lbs of chard this weekend and completely filled a 1gal ziplock with snow peas over the last week. Im out of trellis so I don't know if they are gonna try to get up to the roof of my house or what! Crazyness. Cauilflower is now forming small heads so should have some of that ready in a couple more weeks. Im going to start some new, fun, wierd stuff this week and will be planting it out in a few when I harvest the peas, cauli's, brussles and some other stuff.

Dang, I must have been late planting my broccoli. Your stuff is looking really good there ryan. Definitely a green thumb happening.

Chilidude has a kickin Cauli recipe. Wife likes your system. Neat and tidy, she says.

Glad you guys like it

I told me neighbors im going to start charging them admission

At least your neighbors like it. I've got neighbors around here that keep complaining to code enforcement because they think growing veggies is some how a danger to public safety.