Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Can I have advice on what veges will grow in the tropics - constant 26 to 30 deg C high humidity. Iwould like to try capsicums or tomato.

Various herbs, such as corriander. Supersweet variety of corn, chinese cabbage.

http://www.global-garden.com.au/ggplantguide.htm

http://www.global-garden.com.au/gardenpast.htm

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/magazine/your_climate

I think one of the best ways to decide what you will grow in the grow beds is to look at some of the plants people are growing in the local area.... This will make getting seeds etc very easy, and your then sure that they grow well in those climatic conditions.

Ill those links out johnnie7au I would love to try sweetcorn as the local variety is crappy, dry and not very sweet. Any issue in Aquaponics?
I would imagine they would have huge roots systems.

Earhtbound - the locals are Baliness and as such grow there own veges at very low prices. I was planning to grow western veges may of them are imported.
I had a whole lot of tomato seeds donated to our childrens home where this project will be running. Being a non profit org but the person who was going to bring them thru customs freaked a bit due to the trouble with customs Ozies have been having of late and thought she might get set up so she left them behind.
What about ording from heritage seeds orgs. Any issues with that?

Mate .. get in contact with the Australian Consulate .. or the department of foreign affairs and trade. They should be able to advise regarding getting some items such as seeds etc. in and may be able to help with diplomatic bag service?

Also contact Ausaid who also may be able to advise.

http://www.ausaid.gov.au

Sweetcorn - Supersweet variety, try Yates seeds, see what they can do!
http://www.yates.com.au

They have an export department listed on the site ..


In an aquaculture system I am not sure how they would perform, but I used them on a project in Thialand. Another thing I was advised in Thailand by an agronomist (again- not relating to aquaculture, was asparagus .. a high value crop!)

I guess you got to think of veggies that would perform well, have a good market and are high value. Someone from one of the Uni's or government departments over there dealing with agriculture may be able to advise you on this.

I'd love to see how you go with corn Matt, I haven't had much luck with it in the aquaponic systems, it's pretty much the only plant that hasn't grown well, at least in my attempts... I didn't try it this summer, but I must give it another go next summer...

I'd put the pressure on the seed companies as to whether you can get seed delivered to where you are. Perhaps write a letter to eden seeds, or diggers, stating where you are, asking if they can deliver to you.. I do see what you mean about growing the different veggies....

I don't think asparagus would be worthwhile in aquaponics, for a couple of reasons:

1. only harvest for 6 or so weeks a year
2. have a totally dormant crop in winter
3. root system is massive and woul clog pipes etc. Won't be pulling tem out all the time because crowns take a few years to get to harvest size and then last for about 20 years. I suppose you could however remove in winter for dormant period

I have thought that the aquaponics system could however be used to grow out the asparagus to say 1 year crown size. I planted a couple of seedlings I found in my asparagus garden into my little test grow bed and they haven't died - so that is something.

That was me - Veggie Boy. Login problems still.

I think your spot on there VB, my thoughts exactly...