Micorgreens with bioponics. Sprouting technique. No water, no synthetic fertilizers.

This is an experiment in raising microgreens without dirt, chemicals or synthetic media with our Bioponica garden system. The bed itself is optimized for 10" standard sized trays. The water levels are set to fill to the top of the rocks and can be adjusted with drain valve to any level.

I am using burlap as a saturation media to keep moisture close to seeds. On top of the burlap is fiberglass screen. This keeps seeds off the burlap, adding an air layer so they don't mold. It also allows roots to be easily separated; the screen keeps roots separate from stem and also easy to pull up from beds without losing plants to the rocks when trays are lifted from the bed. No dirt means no dirt on the microgreens and a lot less cost and labor in handling.

These materials are entirely recycled and reused. Burlap is dried, fiberglass is stable, safe for fish and people too. Seeds set on top of this layer are sandwiched between the bottom and a second covering screen. I put the rocks on top to keep the pressure evenly onto the burlap so all seeds germinate simultaneously.

These trays are growing mustard greens, alfalfa, dill and fennel. Next we're doing celery and clover. I'll be reporting on the yum factor as they spring to life. The mustard seeds were nice like spice.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• microgreens
• bioponics
• aquaponics
• hydroponics
• organic
• dirt
• synthetic
• bioponica
• how to
• diy
• clover
• celery
• alfalfa
• mustard
• dill
• fennel
• sprouts
• soil-less
• farm in a box

[hydroplanting]

Interesting technique. Bioponics is a really new subject to me. This is actually the first time that I have encountered that technique. Is it the same with hydroponics? I am just a bit lost when you said that there is actually no need for water or synthetic fertilizer to germinate seeds with this type of grow bed. From what I understood, you're just using burlap and fiberglass screen to sprout the seeds, how is this possible without the use of any water or fertilizer? Thanks.

[esidrdave]

@hydroplanting microgreens don't prticularly require nutrients. most are all stored in seed for first phase of growth, though I like the nutrients once roots take hold. could be same with hydroponics and aquaponics. just that we use our beds for ebb flow or deep water, using tray rock media. more on site bioponica org

[budmonkies]

Is it easy to clean the screens of stems and roots? What do you think would happen if the burlap wasn't used?

[esidrdave]

@budmonkies without burlap the seeds were drying out too quickly. to clean the screens I drop burlap and roots with rocks into a sock within our incubator, decomposing the organics away from rocks for later reuse. also keeps nutrients in system as part of closed loop nutrient cycle.

[greenhouse4thearts]

I can see that you have moisture, which i assume is water. Interesting technique! One question...did you hold your camera sideways on purpose, or did you rotate your video before processing? I felt like I had to turn my head to the side to see it properly. Just curious is all. Thanks for the info!