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.