BWS: Aquaponic Gardening Is Within Reach

For those who enjoy growing their own food and eating organic — or just maintaining a beautiful outdoor garden, Board of Water Supply’s Halawa Xeriscape Garden will sponsor an economical aquaponics workshop from 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at 99-1268 Iwaena St. in Halawa Valley.

Staff members from HappyPonics Farm will discuss this sustainable method of agriculture and demonstrate how residents can build their own system at home.

Aquaponics systems utilize 90 to 95 percent less water than traditional gardens, and also eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.

So, how does it work? Small fish feed and swim in nutrient-rich water, which is pumped into a grow bed. According to the Xeriscape Garden staff, grow beds serve as a filtration system, where plants absorb nutrients from the water.

The recharged, oxygenated water is then returned to the fish tank, and the cycle continues to repeat itself.

Workshop fee is $5, and registration is due by Nov. 7 to Diane Moses at 748-5363 or by email at workshops@hbws.org.