Aquaponics is a revolutionary system for growing plants by fertilising them with the waste water from fish in a sustainable closed system. A combination of the best of aquaculture and hydroponics, aquaponic gardening is an amazingly productive way to grow organic vegetables, greens, herbs and fruits, while providing the added benefits of fresh fish as a safe, healthy source of protein. On a larger scale, it is a key solution to mitigating food insecurity, climate change, groundwater pollution and the impacts of overfishing on our oceans. Aquaponic Gardening is the definitive do-it-yourself home manual, with an introduction by Charlie Price, head of Aquaponics UK.
Aquaponic Gardening focuses on giving you all the tools you need to create your own aquaponic system and enjoy healthy, safe, fresh and delicious food all year round. Starting with an overview of the theory, benefits and potential of aquaponics, Aquaponic Gardening goes on to explain: system location considerations and hardware components; the living elements – fish, plants, bacteria, and worms; and, putting it all together – starting and maintaining a healthy system.
Aquaponics systems are completely organic. They are four to six times more productive and use 90 percent less water than conventional gardens. Other advantages include no weeds, fewer pests, and no watering, fertilising, bending, digging, or heavy lifting – in fact, there really is no down side! Anyone interested in taking the next step towards self-sufficiency will be fascinated by this practical, accessible and well-illustrated guide.
Sylvia Bernstein is the president and founder of The Aquaponic Source. An internationally recognised expert on aquaponic gardening, Sylvia speaks, writes and blogs extensively about this revolutionary technique.
"This isn't just another book for dummies; this is a comprehensive handbook on how to grow real food [...] so meticulously documented, that failure is not an option."
- Jeff Edwards - President, Progressive Gardening Trade Association (PGTA)
"I have always wanted to put my money where my mouth is and figure out how to do sustainable aquaculture in the context of my home garden. Finally I've got the book to help me do it."
- Paul Greenberg - Best Selling Author of "Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food"
"This is a delightful book to read! [...] I've been involved with hydroponics and aquaculture for 30 years and still learned from reading this very thorough how-to book."
- Henry A. Robitaille, PhD - Former General Manager, The Land Exhibit, Epcot Center