Tag: Fish pond

Why I think Everyone should get into Gardening: A Path to Mental and Physical Well-Being

Aug 30th, 2023

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology and constant connectivity drive us, the need to occasionally disconnect for the sake of our well-being cannot be underestimated. Amidst it all, there exists a simple yet profoundly rewarding activity that offers the much-needed respite – gardening. The act of cultivating and nurturing plants goes beyond merely beautifying our surroundings, or filling our belles with food; it’s a transformative journey that bestows immense joy, nurtures mental well-being, and even contributes to physical health. Join me as we embark on a journey to uncover the myriad reasons why gardening is a treasure trove of benefits, waiting for everyone to unearth.

The Delightful Journey from Seed to Harvest

In the garden, a magical transformation unfolds – the journey from a tiny seed to a thriving plant adorned with vibrant blooms or succulent fruits. The sight of this metamorphosis ignites an unparalleled sense of joy. The fulfilment that accompanies caring for these plants, observing them flourish under your attentive watch, and eventually savouring the literal “fruits of your labour” is a reward like no other.

Gardening and Mental Well-Being

In a world often burdened with stress and anxiety, gardening offers me a therapeutic escape. Delving into the soil, planting seeds, and nurturing plants provides a serene refuge for calming the mind. The rhythmic routine of tending to the garden promotes mindfulness, allowing worries to dissipate and making room for positivity to flourish. Moreover, the embrace of nature’s beauty acts as a mood enhancer, a natural balm for the pressures of daily life. Personally, whenever work stress becomes overwhelming, a stroll to my greenhouse is a rejuvenating remedy that never fails.

A Physical Workout Wrapped in Greenery

As someone who doesn’t naturally gravitate towards exercise, the thought of traditional workouts can be exhausting. Yet, for individuals like me who find conventional exercise routines daunting, gardening offers an alternative route to physical health. Activities like digging, planting, weeding, and watering engage muscles, elevate heart rates, and enhance flexibility. Engaging in these tasks within the garden’s nurturing environment transforms what would be a chore into a fulfilling endeavour, making consistency a joy rather than a struggle.

Connecting with Nature

Gardening for me is a direct avenue to reconnect with the natural world. Nurturing plants deepens my understanding of changing seasons, the significance of nurturing, and the intricate balance of life. An enlightening moment came from realizing how pivotal the Sun is to our existence as humans, through its importance to plant growth and the subsequent sustenance of the food chain. This connection also fostered a responsibility for the environment, sparking sustainable practices that benefit not only my garden but the planet as a whole. Furthermore, I’ve become more mindful of recycling, particularly repurposing food waste as nourishment for plants and local wildlife.

Nurturing Your Creativity

Gardening is an art form, and for me, integrating technology into the process amplifies this creative dimension. It’s akin to wielding a canvas where colors, shapes, and textures are embodied by plants. Crafting the layout of my garden unleashes a surge of creativity, as I experiment with various arrangements, plant pairings, and decorative elements. Even though my focus leans towards fruit production, the very arrangement of crops to optimize yield is an art form in itself. Whether it’s a small balcony garden or a sprawling backyard haven, the power to design a space that reflects your personality and elicits joy lies within your grasp.

Conclusion

Amidst a world that incessantly demands hustle, gardening extends an invitation to tranquility. It serves as a sanctuary to escape the constant demands, a realm where the wonders of nature are close at hand, promoting mindfulness and embracing the physical rewards of a fulfilling endeavour. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or pondering the leap into this enriching journey, always remember that a garden is more than a collection of plants – it’s an oasis of well-being awaiting your exploration.

Gardening is a journey open to all, regardless of your experience level. If, after reading this, you find yourself intrigued by the idea of gardening but uncertain about where to begin, remember that you don’t need an expansive yard or elaborate setup to dive in. Starting small, perhaps with a few plants in pots, is an excellent way to dip your toes into this world. Watching those initial seedlings sprout and thrive right in your own backyard is a magical experience that ignites a passion for nurturing life. The key is to take that first step, and I’m confident that once you do, you’ll discover the immense joy and fulfilment that gardening brings. So why wait? Let the journey begin, and may your garden be the canvas of well-being that you nurture and enjoy!

If you are experienced, I invite you to share your own gardening experiences in the comments below. After all, the world of gardening is brimming with benefits that continuously unfold, providing joy and enrichment to all who engage in this cherished activity. Happy gardening!
Why I am Considering Building an Aquaponic System

Jul 5th, 2023
Introduction

In recent years, the concept of aquaponics has gained significant attention as a sustainable and efficient method of cultivating plants. As an avid gardener seeking environmentally friendly alternatives, I have found myself drawn to the idea of building an aquaponic system in the near future. Not only that, I am really looking forward to applying technology in helping me manage the entire setup. In this blog post, I will explore what aquaponics entails, highlight its advantages over traditional hydroponics, and discuss why I believe my existing fish pond and sun-drenched south-facing garden provide an ideal foundation for this innovative gardening approach.

Understanding Aquaponics

Aquaponics combines aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-less plant cultivation) in a mutually beneficial symbiotic system. In simple terms, the waste produced by fish is converted into nutrients that nourish the plants, while the plants naturally filter and purify the water, creating a balanced ecosystem. Right now I don’t even have a filter for my fish pond anyway, so the thought of using this to clean my pond gives me more reasons to venture into it. This closed-loop system reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and promotes sustainable food production.

Aquaponics vs. Hydroponics

While hydroponics allows for efficient plant growth in a controlled environment, aquaponics takes it a step further by integrating fish cultivation. Here are a few reasons why aquaponics has an edge over traditional hydroponics:
- Natural Fertilization: In aquaponics, fish waste serves as a natural fertilizer for plants. Unlike hydroponics, which relies on synthetic or commercial fertilizers, aquaponics provides organic nourishment to plants, resulting in healthier and more flavourful produce if done right.
- Enhanced Sustainability: Aquaponics embodies the principles of sustainable agriculture. By using fish waste as a nutrient source, we minimize waste and create a self-sustaining ecosystem that conserves resources and reduces environmental impact.
- Ecosystem Resilience: The integration of fish and plants creates a resilient ecosystem that can adapt to changes. The plants help filter and cleanse the water, creating a healthier environment for the fish. Additionally, the presence of fish in the system introduces the potential for additional protein sources.
Utilizing Existing Resources

One of the main reasons I am drawn to aquaponics is the compatibility with my existing fish pond and my sun-drenched south-facing garden. Here’s how these elements come together to support my aquaponic endeavours:
- Fish Pond as a Nutrient Source: By utilizing the fish waste from my existing pond, I can effectively recycle and repurpose it as a natural fertilizer for my plants. This synergy reduces waste and maximizes resource efficiency.
- Vertical Gardening for Space Optimization: With limited ground space, the vertical gardening aspect of aquaponics becomes invaluable. By growing some plants vertically against my back wall, I can make efficient use of the available sun coverage and maximize my growing area. This allows me to reserve precious ground space for crops that are better suited for traditional cultivation.
- Organic Approach: By avoiding the use of commercial liquid fertilizers, I can ensure that my aquaponic system remains as organic as possible. The reliance on fish waste for plant nutrition aligns with my desire to ensure I keep to sustainable and chemical-free gardening practices.
A Section of my Back Wall at 7am in the morning

Conclusion

Building an aquaponic system offers a range of benefits, from sustainable food production to space optimization and organic gardening practices. With the integration of my existing fish pond, a sun-drenched south-facing garden and some technological innovations, I am excited to embark on this journey and explore the potential of vertical gardening while utilizing the natural synergy between fish and plants. I know Its not going to be easy, and I can see its going to be a lot of work as a new greenhouse will need building. I will also be investing in additional fish to supplement my pond’s population, as having just 2 little ones will not be enough. But I believe by doing this, I can create a thriving ecosystem that provides nourishment for both plants and animals, all while contributing to a greener and more self-sufficient lifestyle.
How I Feed My Plants: Organic Methods for Optimal Growth

Jun 28th, 2023
Introduction

As an aspiring organic gardener, I have discovered effective organic feeding methods that provide my plants with the nourishment they need to thrive. In this blog post, I will share my personal approach to utilising banana peels and eggshells, as well as fish waste, to create nutrient-rich concoctions that promote robust plant growth.

Banana Peels and Eggshells Combo

When I started my gardening journey, I was looking for a cheap way to get my plant food that didn’t entail me purchasing anything. It was to my delight in my research, I came across the benefits of the banana peels and egg shells combo. In my home, we consume a significant number of eggs and bananas, which inspired me to explore their potential as organic plant food. Combining banana peels and eggshells creates a potent mixture that benefits plants in the following ways:

Banana Peels

Being rich in phosphorus and other essential nutrients, banana peels provide crucial elements for plant growth. They contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which promote root development, flowering, and fruit production. Additionally, the organic matter in banana peels enhances soil structure and moisture retention.

To prepare this beneficial mixture, I do the following:
- Collect around 3-4 banana peels.
- Rinse the peels to remove any pesticide residue (when I remember).
- Cut the peels into small pieces for easier blending.
- Blend the banana peels with 6-8 crushed eggshells using a blender.
- Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Transfer the mixture into an empty 2L milk bottle (well got kids, so go through a lot of milk bottles) and allow it to ferment for at least a week before application. Mine usually last for up to 4, since I use them only every 2 weeks. Not yet noticed an adverse effect as at the time of writing.
Eggshells

Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, a vital mineral for plant growth and cell development. Calcium strengthens cell walls, helps prevent diseases, and facilitates nutrient absorption. By incorporating eggshells into the organic manure, this provides an essential mineral supplement for the plants.

Stash of milk bottles with the mixture

Harnessing the Power of Fish Waste

In addition to the banana peel and eggshell mixture, I also utilise the nutrient-rich waste produced by my fish pond to feed my plants. The banana peels and egg shells mixture doesn’t really give the plants enough nitrogen, and so I supplement this using the fish waste. Fish waste, particularly their ammonia-rich excretions and leftover food, provides an abundant source of nitrogen and other vital nutrients for plant growth.

Here’s my process for utilising fish waste:
- As my fish consume food, they produce waste in the form of ammonia, enriching the water with valuable nutrients.
- Once a week, I collect a portion of this nutrient-rich water from the fish pond.
- I use the collected water to nourish my plants, ensuring they receive a sufficient nitrogen supply.
- In the future, I plan to possibly construct a fish pond filter to efficiently gather fish waste, especially the leftover food, for an enhanced plant feeding regimen.
Conclusion

By adopting my personal approach to organic plant feeding, which involves utilising the powerful combination of banana peels and eggshells, as well as incorporating fish waste from my pond, I have witnessed remarkable growth and vitality in my plants (at least so far). These sustainable practices not only benefit my garden but also contribute to an environmentally friendly approach to gardening. Embrace these methods and enjoy the flourishing beauty of your plants. Happy gardening!
How I cleaned my Fish Pond

Jun 7th, 2023

Introduction

One of the nicest features, in my opinion, to have in a garden is a fish pond. Watching the fish swim around, caring for them, and feeding them is a great way to destress. So when we were planning to buy a home, I always had it in mind that we would build a fish pond in the garden. As luck would have it, the home we purchased came with a small fish pond that already had two small Japanese Koi fish.

At first, I simply fed the fish without doing much else. However, after about four months in our new home, I began gardening extensively. As I spent more time in the garden, I realized that the water from the fish pond could be used to water my plants. That’s when I discovered just how dirty the bottom of the pond was. As I dug deep into the pond, the water turned dark green due to the accumulated algae at the bottom. With summer approaching, I decided to turn the pond into a feature and took on the task of cleaning it myself.

Draining the Water

Initially, I tried using a pond scoop net to remove the algae, but I only managed to get rid of a small amount. Every time I removed some algae, the rest scattered around, making it difficult to remove a significant portion. That’s when I decided to drain the water from the pond so that I could access the algae at the bottom more effectively. However, I didn’t want to waste the water because fish pond water contains beneficial minerals like ammonia (NH3) from the fish waste, which is good for plants. I took my time watering my plants with the pond water, especially the greenhouse and grow bed, which had become dry from lack of use. After a couple of weeks, the water level in the pond had significantly decreased, making it easier to see and access the fish.

Pond after draining the water

Moving the Fish

With the water level low, the fish became stressed as their movement became restricted. The next step was to move the fish out of the pond and into my old baby bathtub, where they would have more space to swim. I also added a small pump to the bathtub to help aerate the water until I was ready to move them. I couldn’t imagine how long the fish had been in such dirty water, so I was determined to help them improve their condition.

Fish in bathtub

Disposing of the Algae

Now that I could access the algae, it was time to remove them from the pond and dispose of them. Since I didn’t have a pond vacuum or any specialized equipment, I improvised using a rubber-ended sweeping packer. With it, I was able to scoop out a significant amount of algae, which turned out to be quite abundant and smelly. I collected the algae in a bowl, wondering where to get rid of them. The algae I scooped out contained lots of organic matter that could be beneficial to plants. For example, the smelly part was due to Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), which, in moderation, can also be good for plants. I decided to bury some of the algae in the soil of my greenhouse to help retain water and some in my grow beds. However, there was still a significant amount left. Fortunately, there were some large drums of soil left behind by the previous owners, which I had been using to grow vegetables. Unfortunately, the soil had become hydrophobic. That’s when I saw the algae as a solution to this issue. I simply poured the remaining algae and water into these drums of soil, thoroughly mixing them to ensure the algae was evenly distributed throughout the soil. The after-effects of this process will be the subject of another blog post, but suffice to say, it was a success.

Cleaning the Pond

With the fish and algae out of the way, I could now focus on cleaning the pond thoroughly. I started by using a water jet to remove the thick strands of algae stuck to the walls of the pond. I repurposed a broken sweeping brush for gardening and used it to clean the lining of the pond. Throughout the process, I used the packer to remove the dirty water from the pond, which I simply disposed of in the garden. I avoided using any chemicals, as it is essential not only for the pond but for the entire garden’s health.

Conclusion

When keeping live pets, it is important to maintain clean and tidy environments for their well-being and our own. This is especially crucial for me as I have children, and I want their surroundings to be as neat as possible.

The entire process of cleaning the pond was highly satisfying, and witnessing the final result was truly remarkable. I will share another blog post about the new setup I am currently working on, which includes installing a fountain with a pump, underwater lights, and integrating a control system. I look forward to completing this project and sharing the details. Until then, Godspeed.

Tag: Fish pond

Why I think Everyone should get into Gardening: A Path to Mental and Physical Well-Being

Introduction

The Delightful Journey from Seed to Harvest

Gardening and Mental Well-Being

A Physical Workout Wrapped in Greenery

Connecting with Nature

Nurturing Your Creativity

Conclusion

Why I am Considering Building an Aquaponic System

Introduction

Understanding Aquaponics

Aquaponics vs. Hydroponics

Utilizing Existing Resources

Conclusion

How I Feed My Plants: Organic Methods for Optimal Growth

Introduction

Banana Peels and Eggshells Combo

Banana Peels

Eggshells

Harnessing the Power of Fish Waste

Conclusion

How I cleaned my Fish Pond

Introduction

Draining the Water

Moving the Fish

Disposing of the Algae

Cleaning the Pond

Conclusion