Outside a greenhouse just south of Aiken, the leaves are turning brown; but inside, tomatoes are ripening from green to orange on the vine, and pale pink strawberries soon will be full red and ready to eat.
Using aquaponics, Tommy Robinson and Joel Hanson, partners in Aiken Aquaponics, are extending the local growing season year-round for lettuce, herbs and other fruits and vegetables. Aquaponics, which has ancient roots, merges two farming technologies: hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil) and aquaculture (fish farming). Together, the processes produce fresh produce that is all-natural and chemical-free in a system that is environmentally friendly.
“And an added benefit – no weeds,” Hanson said, joking.