Hydroponics

Hydroponics, no to be confused with Aquaponics.  This is a technique I have used with great success over the years.  Anytime some vegetable or another in my pantry begins to sprout new growth I give it a mason jar of water to grow in.  In a few weeks time the plant is usually ready to be moved to soil, either in a pot or in the garden.  Many plants can be propagated with this approach.

In previous years I have used this technique on sprouting onions, sweet potatoes, some vines, and even avocado pits.  This year, as you can see, is more of the same.  I have some potatoes started, and plan to add a sweet potato later.  The vine is a clipping from the ivy on the north side of my house which I plan to use as a house plant before removing the ivy entirely from the side yard.

With onions, I have never planted with the intent of harvesting the onion itself. I have only ever used it to clip the green growth and use it in various dishes much like one might use store bought green onions.  Since I have never tried to produce a fresh onion, or even seeds, I don't know what the results of such an attempt might be.  I have however, had great success planting sweet potatoes from this technique.

Aquaponics, with which I have no experience, is a more elaborate adaptation on this technique which incorporates the use of a fish tank into a closed system that cycles the water from tank to your plants and back again.  Currently I am unable to invest such resources, though I am interested in learning more regarding aquaponics eventually.

New Beginnings

I have decided to revive my blog and shift its focus.  I recently purchased a home and am finally able to delve into gardening and landscaping.  I will, on occasion, include other projects from around the home, but primarily will focus on sustainable gardening and living.This initial entry will be a bit of a data dump as I cover everything I have noticed and done over the last several months since purchasing the home.

The home itself was built in 1974, and sits on a little less than 0.2 acres of land.  The front of the home faces West.  On this side of the house I have two mature, if ill cared for, Honey Locust trees.  Sadly I recently learned that the tree on the south side of the yard has a beetle infestation and will need to be cut down soon.  Much of the yard has been neglected over the years, leaving the soil badly depleted in most parts, and some poorly maintained flower beds in various locations.  The back yard has a decent porch, and several grape vines growing on the east fence consisting primarily of a seeded green grape, and one vine of concord grapes  -- all in need of proper pruning.  The South side of the home has a large RV pad and a small strip of lawn against the fence that appears to be the healthiest soil in the yard.

The area does have a diverse aviary population.  To date I have seen crows nearby, and found various finches and pigeons in my yard as well as a Northern Flicker and a Downy Woodpecker.  A couple magpies have ventured into our yard on occasion as well due to the feeders I have hung on one of my trees.

There are also various bulbs in the soil and flower beds that I have stumbled upon, so this spring should be interesting as these flowers come to life.

Going forward, I intend to plant some fruit tree guilds and other shrubs with principles from permaculture.  I also want to eliminate the grass from the strip and replace it with a variety of flowers and drought tolerant plants.  I will be trading sprinkler heads for drip tape systems where-ever possible, and generally trying to restore health to the depleted soil.  My goal is to create a more sustainable landscape that consumes fewer outside resources and benefits humans and animals alike.

Downy Woodpecker

Magpie and Northern Flicker picking seeds from the snow.