The DIY Ecosystem That Can Feed Your Family & The World
by Kelsie Paige
With ancient roots in Chinese and Aztec culture, one of today's most efficient ways to grow food has many calling it "the gardening of the future." What contributes to this method's timeless success? Where traditional farming techniques require constant maintenance and ample space, this does not. You can grow more food, with less resources, and in places where conventional gardening is impossible. Whether you live in the country, the desert, or a one bedroom apartment in Chicago, growing food is easy and achievable with aquaponics.
WAIT, AQUA-WHAT?
Aquaponics is a gardening technique that combines fish farming (aquaculture) with soil free plant farming (hydroponics). It can provide both an abundance of organic veggies and fresh fish for your table. Aquaponics is becoming increasingly more popular today due to its unmatched capabilities in producing food. What makes it so special? An aquaponics garden:
- uses 90% less water than traditional gardening methods, making it perfect for drought stricken environments
- grows plants up to 50% faster than other farming techniques
- yields up to 10X more produce using the same amount of space
- can grow food all year round
- doesn't require soil or fertilizer
- creates zero waste and pollution
- can be assembled anywhere and scaled to feed your family or an entire community
- is a self sustained system meaning there is almost NO maintenance necessary