Aquaponics is a farming method that marries aquaculture, (raising aquatic animals such as fish), with hydroponics, the cultivation of plants in water, to produce food efficiently and sustainably in just about any environment. Unlike traditional farming, it doesn't require soil or much land. You can grow food aquaponically on your kitchen counter.

 

Aquaponics proves that everything old is new again. This symbiotic approach to growing food was practiced by ancient peoples like the Aztecs, who used chinampas to grow tomatoes, peppers, beans and maize.

 

If you're having trouble processing how aquaponics systems work, picture your vegetable garden growing over a fish tank and you have an idea. The waste of fish, usually tilapia (the most popular for home and commercial systems), is broken down and feeds the plants, the plants process and clean the water, which is then returned to the fish tanks.