Cox's Green Thumb

06/26/2025

Haven't posted in a bit as progress has been slow with the heat and people not feeling well. These are just under 4' and got a big weekend ahead cleaning beds up

06/11/2025

Fenced all in, pears starting to come in, garlic shapes forming, lots of herbs and beds forming up nice... new tour coming this weekend after another clean up and even more added in

06/11/2025

Quick tour with photo dump of past few weeks of upgrades... we've been quite busy

06/07/2025

Hostas are a popular choice among gardeners for their lush foliage and shade-loving nature.

05/14/2025

Lots of transplanting and setting up the room. A couple weeks behind on tomatoes but peppers are ready to go!

Peppers- poblano, Anaheim, peppercinis, dragon (think shish*to), carribean red habanero and jalapeños

Tomatoes - Rutgers, Black krimm and black cherry

Yes there's lots more going out but they will all be direct sow!

04/27/2025

Great people and great for your yard!

🌸 20,000+ Premium Seeds

03/23/2025

Haven't shared in a while but things are coming along and super excited fot a couple new items to the garden this year. Have one set of garlic going and once it's up these will go in.

Then there's the fig tree... its a gamble in the right direction. It'll stay in a big pot and get moved around a bunch. Hoping to gwt some figs to go with our coo k ing pears to start making jellies/jams

02/17/2025

Probably a week later than normal, but let's get to transplanting! Poblanos are first...

02/04/2025

From yesterday

01/31/2025

The asparagus has begun!

01/27/2025

Look at our seedling go... tomatoes going bonkers, peppers peaking out, marigolds busting out and asparagus is the teenager not outta bed yet!

01/26/2025

How to Build and Maintain a Home Aquaponics System
What You Need
Fish tank (20-50 gallons)
Grow bed for plants
Water and air pumps
Grow medium (clay pebbles or gravel)
PVC pipes/tubing
Fish (tilapia, goldfish, catfish)
Plants (lettuce, herbs, tomatoes)
pH test kit (optional)
Light source
Steps
1. Set Up the Fish Tank: Choose a location with electricity and light. Fill the tank with dechlorinated water and set up a pump to circulate water between the tank and grow bed.
2. Build the Grow Bed: Place the grow bed above the tank. Fill with grow medium and use PVC pipes to channel water from the tank to the bed and back.
3. Add Fish and Plants: Introduce hardy fish like tilapia or goldfish. Add plants that thrive in water, like lettuce or herbs.
4. Monitor Water Quality: Regularly test pH (6.8-7.2) and check ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels. Adjust as needed with buffers or partial water changes.
5. Maintain the System: Feed fish daily, remove uneaten food, check pumps, and keep water clean. Remove dead plants or fish immediately.
Tips for Success
Start Small: Learn with a small system first.
Choose Compatible Species: Match plants and fish with similar needs.
Balance Ratios: Avoid too many fish or too few plants.
Ensure Proper Lighting: Provide enough light for plants.
Benefits
Sustainable: Uses 90% less water.
Space-Efficient: Ideal for small areas.
Organic Produce: No need for chemicals.
Continuous Harvest: Year-round supply.
Troubleshooting
High Ammonia/Nitrite: Reduce feeding and let bacteria establish.
Slow Plant Growth: Check light, pH, and nutrients.
Fish Health Issues: Ensure good oxygen levels and remove sick fish.