Solar-Powered Aquaponics

Aquaponics is arguably the most eco-friendly - and coolest! - method of growing any plant, including cut flowers.

You may have heard of hydroponics, which refers to growing crops in soilless waste. Aquaponic systems are similar, however it takes advantage of a natural ecosystem between plants and fish. Instead of adding plant food (like hydroponic farmers must do), the grower relies on fish waste to provide a rich nutrient source for the plants. In turn, the plants naturally clean the water for the fish.

The science behind this ecosystem is simple, albeit a little stinky: When the fish poop and pee, toxic ammonia is released in the water. Beneficial bacteria break it down and turn it into nitrates. This nitrate-rich “dirty” water is pumped slowly from the fish reservoir into a nearby growing tray or table. The water nourishes the plants, and then trickles out back into the fish reservoir. It is a recirculating system that is inherently organic and uses 90% less water than traditional flower growing.

While the science is easy, the actual implementation isn’t always. Aquaponics is hardly used in the cut flower industry - in fact, we’re only aware of a handful of US-based flower farms that engage in the practice, and hardly any do it on a commercial scale. It’s both difficult and expensive to scale, and specialty cut flowers tend to be more finicky than their leafy vegetable counterparts (which is what most aquaponic farmers grow).

Lastly, we’re seeking to solely use a system and water pump that is electricity-free and powered entirely by the power of the sun. It hasn’t been without some challenges, but the third solar panel system we tried was a charm, and we’re excited for more sunny days ahead!

Curious to learn more? Click here for more aquaponics info!