If you’re reading this, you probably know what aquaponics is and how it uses fish and water to grow healthy plants and vegetables. Aquaponics has seen a surge in popularity all over the world with more and more people jumping on the aquaponics bandwagon. There are hobbyists with just a small setup in their backyard to grow vegetables and there are also huge commercial farms producing huge amounts of vegetables using aquaponics.
So why should you choose aquaponics over traditional gardening or hydroponics?
This article will give you 5 reasons and the time you are done, you will have all the info you need to make an informed decision.
1. Ease of operation
This is the number one reason most people choose aquaponics. Unlike traditional gardening that involves daily watering, weeding and other back breaking work, aquaponics is a relatively hands off system.
The most difficult part is only at the beginning when you are constructing the system and getting everything in place. Once you get over this hump, the rest is a piece of cake. The most important thing is to get the setup right and do it well. This will prevent future problems from occurring.
You will only need to keep an eye on your fish and the pH levels of the water. Ensure that your fish are happy and healthy and the pH is stable at a range of 6.8 to 7.0.
2. The plants grow faster
It has been proven that the aquaponics system makes plants grow much faster than traditional soil based gardening or even hydroponics. It has been reported that plants grow twice as fast and the yield can be 10 to 20 times more than with normal gardening.
So, not only do you save space, but you also save time. It doesn’t get better than that, does it? Actually, it doesÂ… See the next reason.
3. It is cheaper than traditional gardening
So, not only do you save time and space and effortÂ… but you also save money. Why?
Aquaponics uses much less water than normal gardening because the water is cycled. Furthermore, nutrients and fertilizers are not necessary, thanks to the fish waste. You will also save money if you construct the whole system from scratch by yourself.
There is an excellent video course at www.aquaponics4you.com that will guide you on setting up an aquaponics system quickly, easily and cheaply.
You will have to spend money on electricity costs, buying the fish, fish food and seeds. However, these are not really expensive and will not make you lose your shirt.
4. Tastier and healthier produce
The vegetables you grow with your aquaponics system will be fresher, healthier and taste better. Most commercially produced vegetables have chemicals and all kinds of other substances sprayed on them to ward off insects and make the plants grow bigger. Your produce however, will be organic and much healthier. You will also have a sense of pride from knowing you cultivated your own vegetables.
These 4 reasons are good enough to make most people decide to setup a system in their backyard. Providing food for oneself can be a very rewarding experience and it’s fun too.