Introduction to Backyard Aquaponic Gardening (Section B)

Event ID: P10453
Info: Jul 18 • Sat • 2:00-4:30pm • 1 mtg • Olomana Gardens, Waimanalo (go mauka on Kumuhau from Kalanianaole Hwy, then right onto Waikupanaha, continuing to 41-1140: park inside gate or on road) • $50, plus cost of materials (one person only), payable to Olomana Gardens, to take home the system built in class
With: Olomana Gardens

Learn the basics to build a backyard aquaponic system. Using methods developed by Dr. James Rakocy at the University of the Virgin Islands, discover how to create a simple integrated system that recirculates effluent from a fish tank or pond, runs it through a settling basin to remove suspended solids, through the container where plants are grown, and returns the filtered water to the fish tank, where the cycle repeats. Class builds a system with plastic barrels and locally available materials that one person can take home for an optional fee. Includes an opportunity to stay after class to watch a video about aquaponics and socialize with staff and students.

Glenn Martinez, Elizabeth "Liz" Mandeville Martinez, and the staff of Olomana Gardens are dedicated to serving the local community through their old-style Hawaiian tropical garden that is a model for modern, sustainable agriculture. Their diverse population of farm animals includes two horses; a hundred plus birds (chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese); goats; a rabbit; and thousands of composting worms, which turn organic waste and manures into natural fertilizer. They have natural, spring-fed aquaculture ponds, which are home to koi, tilapia, bullfrogs, and turtles. They grow organic fruit and vegetables and offer for sale natural chicken and duck eggs, selected exotic chicken pets, composting and tiller worms, worm compost, selected organic plants and produce, and organic pallet gardens for delivery. School tours featuring agricultural activities are a regular feature.