In our quest for sustainable food sources, homesteading without much acreage, and urban/suburban agriculture, aquaponics and hydroponics are leading the charge. Both are innovative farming techniques that defy traditional methods, emphasizing growth without soil.
Hydroponics grows plants directly in nutrient-rich water, ensuring they receive precisely what they need. This leads to faster growth and increased yields compared to traditional farming. On the other hand, aquaponics combines this idea with aquaculture. Here, water from fish tanks, brimming with nutrient-rich fish waste, nourishes the plants. As the plants extract these nutrients, they simultaneously purify the water, which is then circulated back to the fish. This creates a sustainable cycle where plants and fish support each other. Both aquaponics and hydroponics eliminate the need for fertile land, making them suitable for urban settings, small homesteads, or regions with poor soil quality. Both systems require an initial investment in infrastructure, like tanks and pumps, but they can lead to significant savings in water and resources in the long run.
While both methods bypass the need for fertile land, aquaponics offers an added benefit: a dual yield of both plants and fish. This balance, however, requires knowledge of both plant and aquatic life care. Juneberry Ridge in Norwood is a testament to the potential of aquaponics and boasts two aquaponics greenhouses that demonstrate real-world applications with large stock tanks for fish and vegetable production. You can taste the results in their incredible produce.
As global issues like urban sprawl and climate shifts continue, the adoption of techniques like hydroponics and aquaponics becomes even more crucial. Embracing these methods means fresh, local produce with a reduced environmental footprint, heralding a new era in agriculture. If you want to nerd out about modern gardening practices, feel free to swing by The Gathering Garden in Mount Gilead at the corner of W Allenton St and School St, if you want to discuss gardening with us, you can find out more about or workdays on our facebook page.
In these weekly columns, I will share the science of gardening and so many more interesting tidbits. Check back here every week for tailored Montgomery County garden advice, sharing our garden updates, and more.
Let’s grow together!
This article was originally published in the Montgomery Herald and is reused here with permission by Mary Poplin.