Aquaponics and Earth

In this section we are making a big switch from aquaponics to earth grow systems that are benefited by tilapia fish waste. In one way they are soil beds, but I still call them soilless living grow beds because they don’t have any “dirt or clay” to begin with. Eventually, the ingredients break down into a soil like substance.

John Musser Sprays the Soilless Mix with Fish Water

Thoroughly Turning the Soilless Mix is Essential

Our beds are made up of several ingredients: shredded paper from our home and office; shredded pine branches; old bales of hay (completely dry); dried, powdered cow patties; and aged compost. We may also add some perilite, vermiculite, or coco block shavings. All of the ingredients are  mixed right in the grow bed. The bed is then thoroughly soaked by fish waste and twice turned for a couple of weeks. Next, we throw a few handfuls of redworms into the beds. Note: this must be done early before you plant so that the ingredients can break down completely. You can use a chicken tractor on top of the bed for a few weeks if you choose to. And voila! You have a living grow bed.

* Special thanks to Patti Moreno, the “garden girl.” She gave us this idea, although we added a few things to her system.

We have fully detailed instructions and a DVD with a manual that can be ordered on how to construct these living grow beds. Every part is meticulously detailed and believe me, you need it. It took us a few months to perfect the process.

We have also added PVC tops that enable you to turn the grow beds into an Intensive Grow System that is remarkable. We offer a separate video on how to grow three times as many plants within the same amount of area.