Hydroponics & Aquaponics Zimbabwe

23/04/2024

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15/08/2023

15/08/2023

Is aeroponics better than hydroponics?
Unlike in hydroponics, plants will not have to compete for nutrients in aeroponics, and this translates to faster growths and higher yields. Also, availability of the nutrients throughout and the efficient absorption also contributes to the higher aeroponics yields. Maximum nutrient absorption.

15/08/2023

How do Bato buckets work?
There is one large bucket/reservoir that holds water and nutrients. A submersible pump is placed into this reservoir to pump the nutrients onto the drip/irrigation line and drop onto the plants via the drip emitters. The drip emitters are fixed to the irrigation line and are pointed to each bucket to feed the plants.

15/08/2023

What is better aquaponics or hydroponics?
One argument that prospective growers might hear is that aquaponics is a cheaper system to operate than hydroponics. While fish food is usually cheaper than nutrient solutions, it is also used in greater amounts and usually has to be paired with other supplements for nutrients that aren't available in the feed itself.

26/07/2023

25/07/2023

What is a Plant Marker?
A Plant Marker is very useful when growing multiple plants to help identify which plant is which (especially when they are young). This is a great way to keep track of the type of plant, date planted and any other details. Use with a pencil, whiteboard marker or permanent marker.

What are plant markers used for?
Plant Markers can be beneficial when you are:
Growing food and having other people harvest it. Learning how to identify plants. Trying to save seeds or bulbs. Sharing a plot of land and want to keep everything separate from your neighbors.

We supply a pack of 5 white plant markers @ R10,00 per pack.
WhatsApp 068 188 8191 to place an order or for more information.

19/07/2023

NFT Grow Channel

The NFT grow channel system comprises of individual NFT channels. Each channel accommodates 10 plants.

The NFT grow channel system has been designed for ease of installation. No drilling is required, simply pop-out the cut-outs for the netpots, attach some irrigation piping to the inlet and outlet points and you're ready to start growing vegetables and herbs.

The NFT grow channel is made from UV resistant material and is suitable for outdoor use.

Add as many NFT grow channels side by side or lengthwise to grow as many plants as you want.

R500,00 per NFT Grow Channel.

WhatsApp 068 188 8191 to place an order or for more information.

18/07/2023

Microgreen Growing Tips.

How to Get Started?

1). Soak Cocopeat Brick in Water.
Soak The 600-gram cocopeat brick into a bucket of water and allow it to fully hydrate to loosen the fibers. Use your hands to gently break up the brick in the water.

2). Pack Loose Cocopeat Into 30mm Deep Mesh Tray.
Spread the loose cocopeat, evenly across the whole of the mesh tray. Cocopeat must be filled to be almost level with the top of the tray. Place another tray on top of the cocopeat and press down with your hands to compact it.

3). Add water to the 30mm Deep Tray Without Holes.
Add water to the 30mm tray without holes. Only fill to around 10mm deep. The Tray with cocopeat will then fit on top of this tray so that it can wick the water from the bottom.

4). Stack Mesh Tray with Media on Top of Tray with Water.
When you stack the media tray onto the tray with water, ensure that the water level in the bottom tray makes contact with the bottom of the mesh tray above, to ensure proper water wicking by the cocopeat.

5). Sprinkle Seeds.
Sprinkle Seeds evenly over the cocopeat. 20-40 grams of seed (depending on variety) should be enough to cover one tray. Make sure that the seeds do not form clumps. Use one of the trays to press down on the seeds so they sink a little into the cocopeat.

6). Mist Seeds with Water.
For the first day or two use the mist sprayer to spray the seeds from above. Once the seeds germinate and the roots are formed, there is no need for further spraying from the top, as water will be wicked up by the cocopeat, from the bottom tray. Ensure the bottom tray always has enough water. A hand pump mist sprayer is included with this kit. Simply screw it on to any 500ml plastic water bottle or soft drink bottle.

7). Cover Seeds with 50mm Deep Tray.
To speed up germination the seed tray must be covered with the 50mm tray or black plastic. Leave it covered for at least 5 days. When uncovered do not leave under direct sunlight.

8). Harvest after 7-14 Days.
Depending on the seedling variety, you can start harvesting after 7 days. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the seedlings at the bottom of their stems. Make sure to disinfect the scissors.

Once you have fully harvested your tray, make sure you clean it thoroughly and also disinfect it with a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide. This will prevent mould and other issues in future crops.

Here are some additional tips for growing microgreens:

*Use a high-quality seed variety.
*Keep the microgreens moist, but not soggy.
*Harvest the microgreens when they are young and tender.

Microgreens are a great way to add nutrients to your diet. They are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Microgreens are also a good source of fiber.

Now that you have mastered growing your own microgreens with our starter kit, it's time to start experimenting with different seeds. Please search our website for our range of microgreens seeds.

R295,00 per Microgreen Starter Kit.

WhatsApp 068 188 8191 to place an order or for more information.

17/07/2023

Barley Seeds for Fodder
If you use barley for your fodder make sure that it is unhulled. Unhulled barley has the hull/husk still intact and whole. It still has the germ which in turn will germinate, allowing it to grow and sprout.

Barley seeds can be used for human or animal consumption and is very nutritious and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Many people grow fodder for their animals, such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, chickens... and even your cat.

You can grow Barley in our fodder trays, or the professional microgreens trays.

Recommended Growing method

1). Soak two cups of barley seed overnight in water with a cap full of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. The vinegar/hydrogen peroxide helps to stunt mould growth
2). Spread out the seeds in one of our fodder trays or microgreens trays so it covers the bottom of the tray evenly. Trays should have drainage holes to prevent excess water accumulating in the tray, which could lead to mould.
3). Use a mister to water 2-3 times a day, making sure that the seeds are moist and not soaked.
4). You can cover the tray with another tray or other cover during the first 3-4 days. Introduce light after the 4th day so fodder turns green
5). Barley seeds germinate very quickly in a room-temperature environment and you should be able to harvest within 7-9 days

You can now feed the whole fodder including roots to your animals.

We supply barley seed for fodder in 5KG and 25KG bags
WhatsApp 068 188 8191 to place an order or for more information.

17/07/2023

What is Greenhouse Repair Tape?
This is a UV-resistant, polyethylene tape. It is used to effectively repair tears in greenhouse sheeting. It is a heavy duty tape designed for interior and exterior applications.

What tape is best for greenhouses?
Polyethylene repair tape is used for repairing cuts or holes in greenhouse Polyethylene covers. Repair tape is UV stabilized with a highly adhesive backing, which enables it to last as long as the cover it adheres to

WhatsApp 068 188 8191 for more information.

14/07/2023

What are Tomato Clips?
Tomato plant clips are essential tools for providing sturdy and reliable support to your tomato plants throughout their growth cycle. Tomato plant support is very important at the start of a new crop. Young tomato plants are very vulnerable and can therefore break or damage very easily in the beginning.

What do you use tomato clips for?
Tomato clips are perfect tools for growing vertically. They are fastened to twine trellises in greenhouses, which enable vertical growing. With growing vertically, plants cover less area while growers harvest more yields. Vertical growing makes leaves and fruits reachable for pruning and harvesting.

Are tomato clips good?
Tomato plants can get heavy, especially when they are laden with fruit, so using tomato clips is a great way to ensure that your tomatoes stay healthy and undamaged. Tomato clips for trellising help to support the tomato plant as it grows, preventing the fruit from being damaged by the weight of the plant.

We supply tomato clips in packs of 10 @ R20,00 per pack
WhatsApp 068 188 8191 to place an order or for more information.

14/07/2023

What is a bobbin for tomatoes/cucumbers?
A Bobbin with Twine allow tomato plants to be lowered without having to lift the total weight of the plant. Designed to hang from the overhead crop support wire. The UV stabilized plastic allows the bobbin to be reused for years.

We supply the bobbin for tomatoes and (or) cucumbers in packs of 10 @ R20,00 per pack.
WhatsApp 068 188 8191 to place an order or for more information.

09/07/2023

What is a propagation/humidity dome?
A Propagation Dome is a high quality propagator/cloner. It features high lid and adjustable ventilation panels. Additional height ensures your seedlings won't run out of space to grow to a healthy size before transplanting. Plant direct in grow media, rockwool blocks, or in seed trays and pots.

What does a humidity dome do?
Humidity domes work like a mini greenhouse keeping warm air and moisture in so seeds germinate faster and you don't have to water as often. I've put together a list of the best humidity domes for seedlings in several different price ranges.

How long should seedlings stay in humidity dome?
Humidity domes are meant to stay on the tray until the first sign of germination or once you begin to see the tray sprout. After this, remove the dome and place your trays under light, with proper air circulation. If brought under light too late, seedlings can get leggy.

Do you need a dome to start seeds?
To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate.

Do you water a plant after propagation?
Place your stem cutting in your vessel with enough water to cover the node. The water level will drop due to evaporation, so you should add water every 3-5 days as needed. You can watch the roots develop if you have chosen a clear vessel for your cutting.

Should humidity dome be open or closed?
A good humidity dome comes with a vent you can open and close to conserve or vent moisture and heat. Remove the dome once all your seedlings have germinated and begin to produce green growth. If you keep it on too long, fungal diseases or rot could set in.

Do seeds need humidity dome?
While you're waiting on the seeds to germinate, it's essential that the soil is kept moist for them so the germination process can trigger properly- that's one of the reasons why it's so important to provide that humidity dome for them.

What is the best humidity for germinating seeds?
A relative humidity of about 95% is recommended to maintain growing media moisture levels. Seed germination and growth to transplant size are usually the most critical stage of plant development. Providing an optimum environment with a germination cart or growth room will give uniform high quality plants in less time.

Should you put fertilizer in water when propagating?
Without fertilizer, cuttings can become chlorotic and root development can be delayed. One way to deliver nutrients to cuttings is to incorporate a light rate of fertilizer (such as 40-50 parts per million nitrogen) into the water used for misting.

How humid should a propagation box be?
We recommend maintaining the relative humidity in a propagation house at a minimum of 85 percent. This can be done with steam or fog delivered by either high pressure or a fan-driven water atomizer.

Propagation Dome 3 piece (drip tray, grow tray and dome) R325,00 each
WhatsApp 068 188 8191 to place an order or for more information.

08/07/2023

R95,00 each

08/07/2023

R55,00 each