The Basics of Aquaponic Gardening
Aquaponics gardening has recently started exploding in popularity. But many people still don't fully understand exactly how this very effective way of growing plants really works.
Aquaponics is both hydroponics and aquaponics. Both of these systems are effective ways to grow food, but they both have some serious disadvantages. But it turns out that when you combine the two systems together, these disadvantages go away and you end up with a highly effective and low maintenance way to grow plants and fish. In as little as 20 square feet you can grow enough plants to supply your family with much of your food.
The core of an aquaponics system is maintaining healthy fish. They are the ones who will supply the plants with the nutrients they will need. The fish need to be kept fed and supplied with sufficient amounts of oxygen. Their water will also need to maintain the proper PH levels and be kept within an appropriate temperature range for the type of fish you will be growing. This no more difficult than maintaining a common home aquarium, which are popular in many homes. It can actually be easier maintaining an aquaponics system since the plants will help keep the water in good condition.
The gardening side of aquaponics is also typically easier than traditional gardening in the ground. With aquaponics you control the growing environment. You can place the grow beds at a comfortable working level. There is no need for digging and soil conditioning. No tilling in manure or compost. No weeds or gophers or other common headaches that typically come with gardening. If your system is indoors, you are no longer dependent on weather and you can grow your garden year round.
Unlike hydroponics and aquaculture, this type of gardening is very efficient with water and produces no toxic wastes. There is no need to regularly flush the system to remove toxic chemicals the way you would with the first two methods. This type of system is great for areas where water is scarce since it recycles the same water over and over. Flushing the system could actually be harmful to the system. The only significant water that is lost is the water that the plants use and from natural evaporation.
Aquaponics is growing in popularity so fast because people are discovering how simple and effective it really is. With very little effort and cost, it can provide you with an endless supply of fresh vegetables and fish.
You can get a full education about aquaponics with this aquaponics how to guide. Learn how to set your system up and how to maintain and get the most from it over the years.
Aquaponics is both hydroponics and aquaponics. Both of these systems are effective ways to grow food, but they both have some serious disadvantages. But it turns out that when you combine the two systems together, these disadvantages go away and you end up with a highly effective and low maintenance way to grow plants and fish. In as little as 20 square feet you can grow enough plants to supply your family with much of your food.
The core of an aquaponics system is maintaining healthy fish. They are the ones who will supply the plants with the nutrients they will need. The fish need to be kept fed and supplied with sufficient amounts of oxygen. Their water will also need to maintain the proper PH levels and be kept within an appropriate temperature range for the type of fish you will be growing. This no more difficult than maintaining a common home aquarium, which are popular in many homes. It can actually be easier maintaining an aquaponics system since the plants will help keep the water in good condition.
The gardening side of aquaponics is also typically easier than traditional gardening in the ground. With aquaponics you control the growing environment. You can place the grow beds at a comfortable working level. There is no need for digging and soil conditioning. No tilling in manure or compost. No weeds or gophers or other common headaches that typically come with gardening. If your system is indoors, you are no longer dependent on weather and you can grow your garden year round.
Unlike hydroponics and aquaculture, this type of gardening is very efficient with water and produces no toxic wastes. There is no need to regularly flush the system to remove toxic chemicals the way you would with the first two methods. This type of system is great for areas where water is scarce since it recycles the same water over and over. Flushing the system could actually be harmful to the system. The only significant water that is lost is the water that the plants use and from natural evaporation.
Aquaponics is growing in popularity so fast because people are discovering how simple and effective it really is. With very little effort and cost, it can provide you with an endless supply of fresh vegetables and fish.
You can get a full education about aquaponics with this aquaponics how to guide. Learn how to set your system up and how to maintain and get the most from it over the years.
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