The Costs and Ease of Soil-less Gardening
The expenses and challenges of setting up aquaponics, hydroponics, and other soil-less gardening systems have significantly decreased over the past few years. Nowadays, you can establish a complete garden at a fraction of the previous cost.
What Is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a method of growing plants in a controlled environment using recirculating water instead of soil. It shares similarities with hydroponics, as both are soil-less gardening techniques that utilize recirculated water to nurture plants. In hydroponics, nutrients are added to the water to support plant growth. In aquaponics, these nutrients are derived from animals living in the water.
In an aquaponic system, fish or other aquatic animals reside in one part of the system. Their waste is transported to the plants, which use it as fertilizer. This process detoxifies the water, allowing it to be safely recirculated back to the fish. When properly maintained, this symbiotic loop can continue almost indefinitely.
Why Choose Aquaponics?
The fundamental concept behind aquaponics is not new; it dates back to ancient times and the early days of human agriculture. Aquaponics offers several advantages over traditional farming methods. It allows growers to have greater control over the nutrients supplied to the crops and reduces costs since no nutrients are lost to ground absorption. Additionally, the absence of soil makes it easier to harvest crops and manage pest infestations.
In the past, early adopters of aquaponics had to spend considerable time designing and building custom systems. Today, however, you can purchase high-quality, ready-to-use aquaponic products. The best part is that aquaponic gardening enables you to grow your favorite produce year-round, and it often results in larger, healthier, and more nutritious foods.
How to Create an Aquaponic System
Certain foods are easier to grow using soil-less gardening techniques like aquaponics. Tomatoes and leafy green vegetables thrive particularly well in aquaponic systems. Popular fish choices include tilapia, perch, and cod, while crustaceans such as small crabs and crawfish are also well-suited for these systems.
Although there may be some initial costs associated with building an aquaponic garden, these expenses are quickly offset by the food it produces. Knowing the exact origin of the food you and your family consume provides invaluable peace of mind.
