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Local business support, YouTube videos help teens start aquaponic farming

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Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 07/13/2016 - 11:50

Friends and co-workers Hunter Boone (left), a junior at MFL MarMac, and Andrew Horner, a junior at Prairie du Chien, started a small aquaponic system, with a simple YouTube education and some assistance from their employer, Kemble’s Greenhouse. (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

Two local high schoolers have put their YouTube education to the test on a hand-built aquaponic farming system.

Both employees at Kemble’s Greenhouse in Prairie du Chien, Andrew Horner and Hunter Boone, both juniors at PdC and MFL MarMac, respectively, constructed a small arrangement of vegetable and herb plants in a symbiotic environment with 15 tiny bluegills. They started in mid-June and their project is maturing nicely.

Wendy Wachter, Kemble’s owner and the boys’ mentor, allowed them space for their aquaponic structure behind her greenhouse and encouraged them to follow their interests. Of course, she has the resources to help them along their way too. Jim Frey Fish Hatchery, of West Union, Iowa, also worked with the pair to provide their bluegills.

“It started off just hydroponic, but then we thought, ‘why not aquaponic?’” Horner said. “In aquaponics, its a greater and faster growing environment. It’s more organic and natural.”

“We learned it all by watching a bunch of YouTube videos. The only thing we have to do is feed the fish,” added Boone, holding a blue gill out for display. He explained that the waste from the fish being raised will accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity, and acting as fertilizer for the system.

Among the root crops growing in the friends’ system include broccoli, jalepenos, bell peppers, ghost peppers, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, parsley, chives, basil and sage.

Horner noted that they are selling systems like theirs to interested parties. He also shared that, as they master aquaponic production, they would like to incorporate more organic processes. “We hope to go all organic and use no pesticides,” he stated.

For more information, contact Kemble’s Greenhouse to get in touch with Horner and Boone.

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