Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Would it be less maintenance if I use edible perennial plants in my media beds? I am not getting younger and should start thinking about working smarter with aquaponics

The idea is, I wouldn't need to replace the plants and with their evergreen leaves they can suck the nitrate all the time.

In our cool climate in Canberra, I currently have perennial basil, perennial spinach, carrot herb, chocolate mint, sorrel, perennial leek, oregano, garlic chives (it dies back but comes back up in spring). They stay green throughout the winter. We see -7 Celsius degree here.


I can also add a sage, elderberry, raspberry, grape, thornless blackberry in their own buckets.

I guess in couple years when the plant roots established, it would clog the media beds.

What do you think?

I don't see why you couldn't do this as long as the roots don't become a problem. Some perennials will plug up the bed over time. Some members of the mint family and asparagus come to mind. Onions, leaks, chives and garlic all work without problems. Some of the spices would work but I think Sage and Rosemary would get pretty large and might become a problem. Oregano and Thyme you could probably do for at least a couple of seasons before cleaning out.

I am thinking may be I can use pots or grow bags for each to minimize the root invasion.

And certain plants known to invade the media beds can be kept in their own bucket.

How long do you think the average grow bag will last in an AP system? I also want to try this, but have been unable to source any decent bags at an affordable price so far. Wouldn't want to spend money on something that will only last a year or so.

Interesting idea Gurkan. Aren't the grow bags made of felt? It seems hair doesn't biodegrade very quickly at least according to Hollywood. Mine are now three years old. I don't see any degradation even after dragging the big ones full around the yard. I guess the thread used to sew them together would rot first. Before I understood how a wicking bed worked I was going to put grow bags in a flooded trough.
Brian

I make my own grow bags with contrator weed cloth and heavy duty poly thread. I can make about 30 for $25. The thread wont rot if you use poly.

Bags are may be felt, it says PET bottles recycled and mixed with natural fibers. That "natural fibers" may be felt. Yes they are a bit pricy. I used shopping bags but they perish in a year under sun. I give workshops on sustainability and write at PRI. I am using the money I earn from them on grow bags and other sustainable and ethical produced things.



That is a good idea Tpaine84. Do you hand sew or use a sewing machine? Aren't they thin?

I use a machine. They are as thin as contractor weed cloth, so yes a bit thin. I'm on my 4th growing season with the same ones though. You can see them on my system thread.