Growing root crops in media beds

[David Waite]

My system is about 26 weeks old as of sept 15 2011. I am having better than expected success with root crops. So far beets, onions, garlic, carrots and radishes all love the media beds. I think my success is partly to my gravel being round and not cracked. What successes or failures is other aquapons having. My system is flood and drain with affnan siphons. About 20 min cycles. My ph is at 7.8. I am having no luck with potatoes .That is the only root crop that has failed. Please be specific. Media type, cycle time, ect...ect.

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Kobus,

All root crops had previously failed in my constant drip sys. The garlic seems to be thriving in the F&D with 20 min cycle and this was planted only abt 1 month ago.

[David Waite]

Safwat I am feeding purina 4000 or aquamax 4000. I am adding Iron and seaweed extract on a monthly basis due to my ph is to high from selecting a poor gravel that has seashells fossilized to it. Nevada used to be an ocean. I am also adding epsom salt for magnesium once a month as well. Thats it so far.

Safwat Zaki said:

Hi David,

Can you tell us if you are adding any other oganic fertilizers to grow rootcrops in your aquaponics system? The other question is what kind of food you are feeding your fish? I know potatoes don't like wet feet, my suggestion is to grow it in a different GB into dry medium such as perlite or compost overlaid cocconut coir using its wick action to water the plants.

Thank you for any information. Safwat

[Safwat Zaki]

Thank you David for the info.

David Waite said:

Safwat I am feeding purina 4000 or aquamax 4000. I am adding Iron and seaweed extract on a monthly basis due to my ph is to high from selecting a poor gravel that has seashells fossilized to it. Nevada used to be an ocean. I am also adding epsom salt for magnesium once a month as well. Thats it so far.

Safwat Zaki said:

Hi David,

Can you tell us if you are adding any other oganic fertilizers to grow rootcrops in your aquaponics system? The other question is what kind of food you are feeding your fish? I know potatoes don't like wet feet, my suggestion is to grow it in a different GB into dry medium such as perlite or compost overlaid cocconut coir using its wick action to water the plants.

Thank you for any information. Safwat

[Allisyn Wood]

David, how did the French carrots do? Mine never really germinated... But my system is not nearly as well managed as yours is. I'm on a constant flood and drain. Recently had to bring my pH up from 5.5. I have organic carrot seeds going and the tops look great. Accidentally pulled one out and the root was orange, but about half the size of my pinky. They've been growing since March.

[David Waite]

Allisyn I am a little embarrassed that I forgot them. I dug them out when I read your reply and have planted them. Crap I am getting old. I completely redesigned my system and will post pics when I get my camera fixed. I will keep you posted on the progress. Take care

Allisyn Wood said:

David, how did the French carrots do? Mine never really germinated... But my system is not nearly as well managed as yours is. I'm on a constant flood and drain. Recently had to bring my pH up from 5.5. I have organic carrot seeds going and the tops look great. Accidentally pulled one out and the root was orange, but about half the size of my pinky. They've been growing since March.