Sweet Leaf Aquaponics

January 21 the husband and I traveled to Melbourne, FL to attend a workshop at Sweet Leaf Aquaponics, led by David Lindemann.  What a great experience! 

David lives in this cute little 1950's house on a half acre lot that backs up to a golf course with his significant other Nancy, two dogs, at least one cat and LOTS of worms and lizards.  He's managed to turn his back yard into a fantastic garden, both aquaponic and otherwise. 

Dave talks to us about his growing beds

Salad anyone?

This tomato plant has escaped the bed and invaded the walkway.

The aquaponics section is less than a year old, but is already quite prolific!  Greens, okra, basil, mint and more are growing like weeds.

Dave shows us the root system growing in the nutrient-rich water.

Dave told us that he and Nancy have even enjoyed a couple of fish dinners, courtesy of their Tilapia tank.

Part of the day was spent hands-on, building portions of the Aquaponics system.  We drilled holes in blue board for rafts, drilled holes in PVC to attach air lines and learned Dave's special folding technique for the bed liner.

The weather was beautiful, the company was good and we learned so much!  We were also treated to a delicious, home cooked, vegetarian lunch courtesy of the Sweet Leaf garden and Nancy.  It was so good I had to ask for the quinoa pie recipe and have already made it at home!

So, plans are developing for our balcony aquaponics garden and seeds have been ordered.  But more on that next time...