Aquaponics, gardening and bees, oh my!

Come spend a few days on my high desert homestead, where I'm starting aquaponics, gardens and bees in early spring.

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "Aquaponics, gardening and bees, oh my!" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video Aquaponics, gardening and bees, oh my!

🔍 Aquaponics updates reveal successful germination of carrot starts despite cold conditions.

🌾 Duckweed within the aquaponics system is thriving, indicating a healthy aquatic environment.

🌳 A relocation of hybrid Willows and poplars is underway, with careful identification to prevent mixing species.

🛠️ The Hyper Chainsaw Sharpener is presented as a cost-effective and efficient tool for maintaining sharp chainsaw chains.

🔌 Solar panels have been directly wired to batteries with a BMS (Battery Management System) to regulate electricity, improving the performance of the aquaponic system.

🐝 Bees have been successfully integrated into the greenhouse ecosystem with external entrances to mitigate confinement issues.

🌱 Despite problems with mice affecting sprout growth, clear water in the aquaponic system suggests good progress without significant algae issues.

🐠 The aquaponic system is approaching a point where it can sustain trout, indicated by improving water quality with decreasing ammonia levels.

💡 Practical frugality is demonstrated by repurposing irrigation tubing as air supply for the aquaponic system, with upgrades like bubblers planned to increase oxygen in the water.

🍇 Diversity in plant cultivation is increasing, with the introduction of mint, Sunbelt grapes, and blueberries within the greenhouse.

Timestamped Summary

00:08 Aquaponics update, showing carrot sprouts coming up despite recent cold temperatures.

00:35 Hybrid Willows and poplars have been moved outside with references to their previous condition.

01:09 Carrot and radish sprouts are emerging; some sprouts are noticed outside of the container, hinting at a problem with mice.

02:01 Presentation of a chainsaw sharpener kit that is being promoted as helpful for keeping chainsaw chains in optimal condition.

03:01 Direct wiring of solar panels into batteries is discussed to improve the efficiency and functionality of the aquaponic system.

03:36 Addressing concerns about the placement of beehives in the greenhouse and the adjustments made to accommodate the bees' needs.

04:53 Plans for adding more beehives in strategic locations to capitalize on the greenhouse environment for bee activity.

06:01 Eggs accumulating in sufficient quantities to consider large-scale omelette making.

08:02 Observations of beehive behavior in the greenhouse throughout the day, noting the relaxed state of bees in the cool mornings and increased activity as temperatures rise.

09:01 Plans to inspect the queen bee's status in the hive to confirm successful release and egg laying.

09:09 Water quality in the aquaponic system showing increased clarity and plans to test for ammonia levels.

10:12 Potential for planting hybrids of Willows and poplars around the homestead, emphasizing a thoughtful irrigation strategy for the new plants.

13:21 Plans to replace temporary tubing with bubblers for improved oxygenation in the aquaponic system.

14:24 Mention of different types of plants around the greenhouse, such as mint, Sunbelt grape, and blueberries.

14:46 A swarm of friendly bees observed around the hives, with some bees seen entering and exiting the greenhouse.

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Q&A

What can I expect in terms of growth from carrot starts in cold weather?

You can expect carrot starts to grow even in cold weather. As observed in the update, despite the cold last night, carrot starts are coming up, indicating a good start.

How do I differentiate between hybrid Willows and poplars in my aquaponics system?

You can differentiate hybrid Willows from poplars by using little rubber bands around the bottom of the poplars, which helps ensure they are not lost in the mix among nearly a hundred of both types of plants.

What should I do if my chainsaw chain becomes dull?

You should sharpen your chainsaw chain when it becomes dull. The hyper chainsaw sharpener with six files can be less expensive and is also a handy tool for keeping chains sharp.

How do you deal with beehives in a greenhouse environment?

If placing a beehive in a greenhouse, ensure there's an entrance on the outside to allow bees to exit and enter freely. This prevents the issue of bees trying to escape through a sealed greenhouse.

How can I tell if the water in my aquaponics system is safe for fish or plants?

To ensure the water is safe for aquaponics, you should test the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates using a water testing kit. After ensuring these levels are appropriate (e.g., zero ammonia for several days), the environment should be safe for aquatic life like fish.

What steps should I take before adding trout eggs to my aquaponics system?

Before adding trout eggs, confirm that the ammonia is at zero parts per million for an extended period. This indicates the system is properly cycled and safe for the eggs.

Why are my sprouts disappearing and how can I prevent it?

If sprouts are disappearing, it could be due to mice eating them. Consider setting up a trap like a bucket trap to catch the mice, or get a cat to naturally control the rodent population.