Apr 19, 2010 Posted by Tiffany

Medium-sized aquaponics how to — Preparation

A couple weekends ago, we decided it was time to start putting together our first aquaponics system. It’s a 500L fish tank with  200L sump pump and a grow bed which is 120x180cm large (30cm deep). Our intent is to grow either catfish or tilapia in it and crawfish in the bottom of the fish tank. The sump will only be used for water overflow and to flush the system. We will eventually add a few more... read more

Apr 12, 2010 Posted by Tiffany

Building our first Aquaponics system

Last weekend I had another one of those wild ideas that suddenly just manifests in your brain when you look at something. A little light goes off and you wonder why that thought never crossed your mind before. We get a lot of those around here. Pure moments of genius. Well, in our world anyway.  And we always share them with one another in an almost apprehensive way; knowing what we’re about to say... read more

Mar 26, 2010 Posted by Tiffany

Come on spring!

It’s hard to imagine that spring would suddenly be here in full force after such a long, cold winter, but we have had some absolutely incredible weather the last couple weeks. Highs in the 60′s (15-18°F) and plenty of sunshine. So I decided to get outside and slowly start getting things ready for the growing season here. The almanacs and forecasts are still predicting some pretty cold nights... read more

Oct 31, 2009 Posted by Tiffany

You need a salad table

Earlier this year, we decided to give up  the battle against the slugs and snails in our garden for fresh leafy salad. Seedlings stood absolutely no chance against the evil pests and we couldn’t stand the thought of throwing tons of chemicals down just to let the lettuce survive. So we came up with the idea of growing salad in our courtyard. We have a lot of space there for an expansive container... read more

Oct 22, 2009 Posted by Tiffany

How to save tomato seeds

As the garden season winds down here, it’s time for me to think ahead to next year’s planting. Starting seeds for seedlings will begin in just a few short months which means I better get going on my newspaper pots. But more important will be having seeds themselves. Because without seeds, what would I plant? I just put together a big order of Burpee seeds again which we’ll be splitting... read more

Oct 19, 2009 Posted by Tiffany

Our garden in 2009 – a wrap up

Some would argue that it’s a bit early to wrap up posts on the garden for the year; but as far as fruits and vegetables go, things are pretty much done out there. There are still a few chili peppers hanging on in this cool weather, doing surprisingly well actually. And we have a few zucchini and eggplant that should become something, not to mention our very first brussel sprouts which I imagine will... read more

Sep 11, 2009 Posted by Tiffany

That’ll take care of the algae – covering an IBC tank

Fall is setting in here in Frankfurt. The weather has cooled down a bit and it was raining a lot more last week. Been a bit overcast the last two days but no rain and I’m certainly not complaining. The fall weather has been absolutely glorious and I’m actually looking forward to the fire red, burnt orange and sunflower yellow leaves on the trees; even if it does mean winter is coming soon. Our... read more

May 27, 2009 Posted by Ayla the Newfie

Starting a window box container garden

We’ve recently decided that if we can’t eat it, we’re going to try to filter unnecessary plants out of our lives. Ivy that eats houses unless it’s trimmed for hours every month is one of those plants. Naturally, our house plants are not going to get the ax but we’re trying to stop adding more work to the farm that only reaps the benefit of being pretty every once in a while.... read more