Permaculture Pros

Imagine growing fish and plants together in one integrated system.  This is the promise of aquaponics.  For those who would like to take a quick first step toward self-sufficiency, aquaponics might offer the least expensive, least time-consuming path to creating your own sustainable ecosystem.

Aquaponics is a full simulation of nature where fish and plants are both kept healthy and productive through a balance supplied by each in a recirculating environment.  The aquaculture side offers nutrient-rich water that is provided as natural fertilizer for plants.  These nutrients are normally a disposal problem for fish farmers who need to eliminate the toxic waste.  On the other side, hydroponics desperately requires nutrient-rich water in order to grow in a soil-less environment, and the plants serve as a natural filter for the fish.  This mini ecosystem is surprisingly easy and relatively inexpensive to set up thanks to emerging science and technology.

The beauty is in the small scale.  Just as micro-farming has taken root in urban environments, aquaponics can utilize a home aquarium, a mini garden of herbs, vegetables, or even flowers.  This is known as Desktop Aquaponics and serves as a great showpiece, or as an educational microcosm of what is possible through the fusion of fish and plants. And, yet, according to Aquaponics.com it is possible to convert a backyard into a system that grows hundreds of pounds of fish and all the fruits and vegetables a family needs.  

For further education, visit Growingpower.org, a non-profit organization that has been instrumental in bringing this new concept to fruition mainly in urban settings.  They offer workshops in aquaponics and portable farms. 

Once you are ready to begin your own endeavor, take a look at BackyardAquaponics for full systems information.  The great news is that for less than $2,000 you can begin taking the step toward self-sufficient food production . . . no matter where you live.