Organic Gardening In Your Own Backyard

Aquaponics = Aquaculture + hydroponics

Aquaponics combines fish farming (aquaculture) with the practice of raising plants in water (hydroponics). There is no soil; the plants sit directly in gravel that is continually flushed with water, and fish waste.  It's organic by definition: instead of using chemical fertilizers, plants are fertilized by the fish waste, and pesticides/herbicides cannot be used since they would harm the fish.  Since the plants don't need dirt, aquaponics allows gardeners to produce more food in less space. And in addition to the vegetables they grow, gardeners cultivate edible fish as well.  The most popular choice of fish is tilapia because it breeds well, grows fast, and can survive in poor water.  We use Red Tilapia because of it's more presentable appearance and better flavor.  If you search online there are plenty of kits available for those who want a ready-made option.  But, most backyard aquaponics farmers are very DIY.  You can use almost anything that will hold water and gravel to start your project.

Our very first system included a "fish tank" made from cement and an old bathtub for the plants to grow in.  Other systems use such items as I.B.C. containers or plastic 55 gallon drums.  People with limited space have even successfully used  "totes" to make their system.  There are many advantages to growing your own veggies and fish.  You will be amazed at the growth rate of your aquaponically grown veggies compared to those you can buy in the supermarket.  The flavor and freshness of your home grown veggies and fish will also amaze you.  We also find that tending our system can be a great way of relieving stress!  I will post more info in the future about how to create your system and keep it running smoothly.  Until then, happy gardening!