A Journey into Sustainable Gardening in Spearfish: My Aquaponics Adventure
Sipping on my third cup of coffee that glorious Sunday morning, the aroma of freshly brewed java mingling with earthy garden scents wafting through the open window, I couldn’t shake off that flutter of determination. I was on a mission to create something extraordinary in my backyard: an aquaponics system. It felt grandiose—maybe even a little bonkers—and the thought excited my adventurous spirit, which often found itself drawn to odd projects in rural Spearfish.
Tackling the Idea
Where did the idea come from? I think it was that video I stumbled upon late one night while searching for ways to be more sustainable in my little plot of heaven. I got lost in a rabbit hole of aquaponics videos—people just like me coaxing life into balance with fish and plants working together, thriving in a closed-loop system. I knew I had to try it; after all, how hard could it be?
That naive optimism carried me through those initial days while I raided the shed for supplies. Old barrels, pieces of broken PVC piping, and some leftover mesh from a half-finished chicken coop project became the building blocks of my aquaponics tower. I guess you could say I was recycling a dream as much as I was repurposing materials.
The Fun (and NOT So Fun) Build
I spent days assembling my system, feeling like a kid again with my hands covered in dirt and a steely determination to make it work. I figured out how to set the water pump up with a solar panel I had left from my camping days—a true DIY moment that left me puffing my chest out with pride.
But then came the moment of truth. It was the first test run, and I could already sense the anticipation bubbling beneath my skin, like when you’re waiting for that first snowfall. I turned on the pump, and the water flowed! I thought I’d nailed it—until I saw the water start to turn green. Panic washed over me, my mind racing through the countless videos I had watched. Was it algae? Did I already screw this up?
The stench of decay wafted from the tank, pulling me back from my thoughts. I was really starting to sweat then, and not just because of the unseasonable heat. It was overwhelming, and I confess there was a moment of almost giving up. Maybe this idea was too ambitious for a novice gardener like me, but stubbornness has always been a strong suit of mine.
The Fishy Fallout
Ever the optimist, I forged ahead, thinking of all the video experts who promised success if you “just stay patient.” I finally selected fish for my setup—tilapia, because I read they’re hardy and grow quickly. Plus, they’re the kind of fish I could imagine grilling later in the summer, waving goodbye to simpler grocery-store meals filled with sour, plastic-tasting packaging.
I had to drive out towards Belle Fourche to find a supplier, leaving that cozy Spearfish coffee shop buzz behind. Upon returning home, knife in hand, I prepped the tank while thrilling at the sight of my disco-green water. In went the fish! They floundered around, joyfully exploring their new home. I could almost hear them singing my praises—or maybe that was just wishful thinking.
But as Murphy’s Law would have it, one by one, my vibrant fish began to disappear—into the depths of the great unknown, or maybe the pump got stuck again. I pulled it apart and found the pump was acting up. Of course! After all that work, it was a simple thing: a small piece of debris was gumming things up. After fiddling with it, I carefully found a way to get it working again, but the water was already looking murky, the smell now a mixture of desperation and dead fish.
Finding a Rhythm
So, amidst occasional setbacks—like water temperature spikes and the ever-present specter of algae—I began to find my rhythm. I learned how to cycle water properly, balance nutrients, and pray before feeding my remaining fish. One thing I discovered pretty quickly was that my garden was thriving too. Strawberries and herbs began to stretch toward the sun, perhaps oblivious to the tiny aquatic drama happening just a few feet away.
I settled into more of a routine, waking each morning to check on the fish and plants, nurturing them with the daily doses of love I often reserve for my family. I even started giving away excess herbs and vegetables to friends and neighbors in town—something that brought a sense of connection.
Wrapping It All Up
Reflecting on those chaotic early days, what stands out most is the tenacity of life and the beauty found in mistakes. Sure, I lost fish and had my fair share of green algae, but I learned so much more than I expected along the way. Gardening—just like life—isn’t about getting everything right; it’s about growth, understanding, and those spontaneous moments that ground you.
So, if you’re thinking about diving into your own sustainable project, don’t let perfection paralyze you. Embrace the glorious chaos. Experiment with aquaponics or maybe just a single potted plant.
Just start. You’ll figure it out as you go.
P.S.: If you want to learn more about sustainable gardening experiences in Spearfish, join the next session here to connect with others on this fantastic journey!
Leave a Reply