Plant Gardens 101

Contrary to common belief, biological filters do not process or filter the solid waste of fish in your koi pond. They continue to build up and putrefy, creating a breeding ground for harmful species of heterotrophic bacteria which are pathogenic to koi fish. As stated, the biological filtration process utilizes Nitrosomonas bacteria to break down ammonia into nitrite and nitrobacter, further converting nitrites into nitrates, which is less harmful to koi fish.

Plants now utilize the nitrate and phosphate for fertilizer; if you have not provided an adequate ratio of water plants to koi fish, “hard” algae (growing on rocks and koi pond walls) and “free- floating” algae use nitrate and phosphate to reproduce. The key to preventing this condition, called “algae bloom,” is to provide enough nonsoil bearing plants such as water lettuce and hyacinths to compete for the nitrate and phosphate. Since these two plants are tropical and can only survive in warm climates, hardier varieties such as Elodea and Anacharis will perform well in cold climates. These plants are commonly used in bio-filter ponds.

A bio-filter pond is used in conjunction with shallow koi ponds with small populations of koi fish. It will also eliminate the need for a mechanical bio-filter and a second pump to operate it. The bio-filter pond is located higher than the main pond for two reasons. It prevents the koi fish from eating the plants and it allows the water from the waterfall to be filtered as it passes through the plants prior to spilling into the lower koi pond.

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A larva that feeds on leaves of grass.

The advantages of growing in soil indoors

The difference here is similar to the difference between indoor and outdoor cultivation. Soil growing requires less equipment, investment and, generally, less work to control the various factors influencing growth.

The only specialist equipment required for the simplest indoor soil set-up would be seeds, organic nutrients, a light and a timer. The remaining equipment – soil, pots, fans, reflective materials and such should be easily available in most countries.

As an organic compound, soil is less sensitive to changes and small variations than a synthetic medium like rockwool. It could be called a self-regulating environment. Thus, pH testing equipment is usually not required. (more…)

There are a number of things that you need to consider when buying a portable greenhouse. One of the most important considerations when buying this type of greenhouse is size. Before you buy anything, you need to see to it that you have ample space at home to accommodate it. To determine how small or how big your greenhouse can be, get a measuring device and measure the space you have available for the greenhouse. When measuring your space, give allowance for pathways and breathing spaces. You need to have a minimum of two feet wide pathway leading to the entrance of your greenhouse.

If you’re interested in growing vegetables throughout every season, but don’t want to throw out a load of money to build a large greenhouse, portable greenhouses are the perfect solution. Portable greenhouses offer the same benefits as larger non-portable versions, but at less cost. They can also be taken from place to place, if necessary. They can be found for under $500 and often come easy to assemble. Many local home improvement stores and gardening shops carry these items, however they’re also available online. (more…)