Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture, which is raising fish in tanks, with hydroponics which is cultivating plants in water.  The by-products from the aquaculture are broken down by nitrogen fixing bacteria, then filtered out by the plants as nutrients, after which the cleaned water is re-circulated back to the fish.

The system uses just 10% of the water needed for conventional growing and therefore, is perfect for use in the tropics.  In fact, the very first aquaponics system was developed right here in the Caribbean.  The nature of aquaponics is such that it must be managed organically.  No chemical pesticides are used because they would harm both the fish and the bacteria that are essential to the system.  There is no weeding to be done because there is nowhere for weeds to grow.

The first aquaponics system at the Lowlands Community Garden is now complete.  It includes a variety of growing systems that range from troughs with 1″ plugs, pipes with 2 1/2″ plant spaces, vulcanized rock media beds and wicking beds using coco fibre in net pots.  We’re currently growing tomatoes, pak choi, microgreens, baby leaf greens, lettuce, fennel, celery, cucumbers, summer squash, onion, okra, rainbow chard, watercress, basil, mint, dill, marjoram, oregano, chives, catnip, amaranth, spinach, passion fruit and strawberries.