Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just wondering while the temps are still cool what would be an ideal way to raise some seedlings for my system just stocked up!!

Was thinking about a makeshift small hothouse with some seed raising potting mix as I don't think it's warm enough to sow into my ap or is it??

Worm castings are good to get seeds going. And you don't have to wash the castings off.

I chucked any worms I saw when messing with compost when first got system going about 3 weeks ago chucked in seeds then as well and have some germination, probably would have had more but dug up GB to sink GB outlets.
Been pretty warm in Perth lately which must help.

I chucked any worms I saw when messing with compost when first got system going about 3 weeks ago chucked in seeds then as well and have some germination, probably would have had more but dug up GB to sink GB outlets.
Been pretty warm in Perth lately which must help.

Just sow directly into the grow beds...

what about tiny seeds IE: Basil, Thyme, Oregano worried they may just endup in my sump

i put some small Media in the top of one of my beds for small seedlings etc might sow some in there and see how i go

From what ive read, soil temp is the factor to consider and water temp in the fishtank is the same. I sow all cold weather vegies direct but i use a mini seed tray hothouse for my basil, cucumber and tomatoes outside during the day and inside at night. I use a perlite vermiulite mix and water from AP.

how deep are you supposed to sow it? do you follow guidelines for soil or would you plant it a certain distance from the water line?

If you sprinkle enough small seeds some will stick to the media at the right level. Things like bean seeds just poke in far enough so they stay covered and dark, but not into the water level.

Awesome! Thanks Mantis, I guess I was thinking it would be more complicated for some reason.

Same as Mantis... just sow them direct...

for small small seed sow them like we used to do in science class..... get some paper towel dampen it move some grow media aside so its just above the water level and put paper towel down, spread the seeds around on the paper towel cover back over with the gb media and wholla ... the paper towel will break down but not before the plant can get a good hold and not end up down the drain.... better strike rate i havefound as i have wasted heaps of seeds by just sprinkling around....

A good tip for growing basil, it grows easily from a cutting.... also, ppl dont realise most tomatoes are commercially propagated from cuttings, just break off a sappy tip shoot...100-150mm.. easy as and quicker than seed.
Disclaimer: I havent tried it in AP.

I sow into rock wool cubes and the ouch into either my BG's or hydro channels. No in the cooler month I germinate in a small heated propagator.

Same as Mantis. Same as Rup. I sow all of my seeds direct no matter how small. Saves time, effort and germination is always much better. Even in our winter