hello from cent cali coast - purslane & veggies

[johnlvs2run]

Hi,
I've grown veggies till 6 years ago when the city started dumping fluoride in the water.
Since then my gardens have been sparse, as the only watering has been by reverse osmosis.
Also recently a persistent and elusive gopher has been destroying the yard.

I'm especially excited to see the AP systems and being able to keep using the same water.
This is a huge attraction for me. Another important aim for me is to keep expenses to a minimum.
The positives that I see are the savings in water, protection of the plants, and greater production.

My plan is to focus on my favorite veggie, purslane, zucchini, cukes, and maybe sunflower greens.
The climate is quite moderate here, and veggies can usually be grown at all times of the year.
It would be nice to get a system in place and then show others how to do the same thing.

[Ironfish]

Welcome,

You've come to the right place. Have any questions just ask.

Ironfish

[davidstcldfl]

Hi johnlvs2run.... :) ....wewlcome !

[JCO]

Welcome to the show....pull up an easy chair, relax and stay awhile. New voices are always a welcome addition to our family..! Whatever questions you have on you mind, this is the place to get the answers. :mrgreen:

[johnlvs2run]

Thanks for the welcome.
My main planting area is 6x28', which I've usually planted in three 4x8' sections.

I'd like to get the veggies going before getting any fish, if that's possible.
I'm a little confused about the sequence, and how long it takes a system to get functioning.
My idea is to get a small reservoir and grow bed to start, then expand to a larger stock tank and grow beds.

Would it help to grow clover in the beds, to help get nitrogen fixing bacteria established?

[davidstcldfl]

I'd like to get the veggies going before getting any fish, if that's possible.
You can add your veggies first. You could add something natural for the plants to use, in the mean time....like Maxicrop. I buy it, with the iron in it.

I'm a little confused about the sequence, and how long it takes a system to get functioning.
You can cycle the water 'without fish'...adding ammonia is one way. You have to have soap free/perfume free, which can be hard to find. Doing it ,'without fish' can be less stressful too.
Some people try to get water and the used filters from established aquariums. Of course, there is a small risk of getting diseases from the aquarium's fish, into your system.

The 'cycle' can take up to 6 weeks.

A good test kit is a 'must' have.

..and you must post a picture ,of the look on your face, when your water turns 'pea soup green'... :shock: ..... :lol:

[badflash]

I vote for the used filter approach. Just be sure it is from a disease free system. That gets you an instant cycle. Waiting a long time just plain sucks.

Fish first. Once the nitrate levels rise to around 5 ppm, add the plants. No need for nitrogen fixing bacteria. Fish produce all the nitrates and phosphates you need.


Thanks for the welcome.
I'd like to get the veggies going before getting any fish, if that's possible.
I'm a little confused about the sequence, and how long it takes a system to get functioning.
My idea is to get a small reservoir and grow bed to start, then expand to a larger stock tank and grow beds.

Would it help to grow clover in the beds, to help get nitrogen fixing bacteria established?

[johnlvs2run]

..and you must post a picture ,of the look on your face, when your water turns 'pea soup green'... :shock: ..... :lol:

That will be a happy moment. :)

Should I post ongoing developments and questions on this thread or start a new one?

[JCO]

Please start a new thread under Backyard Systems and by all means, post often and include photo....we love active threads with photos to document progress and show us new and innovative ways of doing things. :mrgreen: