Winterization at Lindsey Street

In order to prepare for snow we have completed the winterization of the aquaponics system at 32 Lindsey Street. Our research will continue over the colder months with our indoor systems (WApU) and the testing of our solar panels. Beginning January 22nd, we will be working with students at the Boston Architectural College through two Gateway Initiative project teams and one advanced architecture workshop on the design of this systems greenhouse enclosure, along with other exciting sites and partners!

WApU as Living Machine

Here's a great representation of how the WApU operates within our own home. 

WApU Update!

We've got a few changes to the fish tank and some good growth from the plant beds:

The two WApUs - Inman and Davis - allow us to test a number of aquaponics system variables such as plant productivity, aesthetics, and lighting, and water quality control from two locations at once.

Today we welcomed (3) more fish to the WApU Davis (11 total!) including an algae eating sucker. We've also got a few more aquatic top plants for varying light conditions and fish hideout.

The hops root we claimed from Alex's in-ground lot pre-freeze has sprouted. The root was submerged for about a month and found its way to the sun (and our artificial light fixtures!) - We're looking forward to it taking over the living room.

Speaking of a take-over, the mint plant has clearly become the most productive  member of our grow beds. So much so that we harvest a good third of it this weekend and plan to make some tea/use it in our juice recipes. 

Nearing the End of the Season

CITY GROWERS POST!

http://citygrowers.wordpress.com/2012/11/14/nearing-the-end-of-the-season/

Our 2012 Season Draws to a Close

We're now approaching the end of our growing season. With enough produce for a few more weeks of sales, we are cleaning our fields, getting our tools and supplies into sheds for the winter, and starting to plan for 2013. We had wild successes growing for market this year (see our restaurants page for a list of places to buy or eat our produce). We love growing food for markets so close to us, so connected to Boston residents. We're looking forward, in the year's to come, to expanding our markets beyond restaurants to include neighborhood grocers, farmers markets, and schools...

Congrats to Maa-Bara!

The Project Maa-Bara: Catalyzing Economic Change & Food Security by Designing Decentralized Aquaponics Production has won a 2013 SEED Award! Congrats!

Portable Farms Aquaponics

20,000 lbs of Fish + 70,000 Vegetables per 1/4 Acre ... Portable Farms Aquaponics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCCN4nq7BlQ

Almost Aquaponics...

A Google Search of 'Nitrate Cycle' while researching your WApU yields some great late night graphical comedy... just close the loop already! Nice gradient arrows. good fishes.  

To me, The PC's investment in aquaponics and productive urban form necessitates 'design-thinking'; identifying an opportunity within an existing complex condition, visually communicating its value, and introducing responsibly it to the build environment.