How to Grow Fresh Food at Home Without a Backyard (Using Aquaponics!)
How to Grow Food Indoors, on Balconies, or in Courtyards with Aquaponics
Many people believe that growing fresh food requires a backyard, raised garden beds, or lots of outdoor space. But what if you could grow herbs, leafy greens, and even strawberries or broccoli right in your home, on a balcony, patio, or small indoor space?
With small-space aquaponics, you can!
Aquaponics is a low-maintenance, space-saving way to produce fresh food without needing a traditional garden.
Whether you're a busy mum, a renter with no backyard, or just looking for an easier way to grow food, aquaponics makes it possible.
What is Aquaponics? A Quick Overview
Aquaponics is a self-sustaining system that combines fish and plants in one cycle:
Fish produce waste that is rich in ammonia.
Beneficial bacteria convert ammonia into nitrates (plant food).
Plants absorb the nutrients, cleaning the water for the fish.
Clean water cycles back into the fish tank.
This natural ecosystem means no soil, no weeding, and no synthetic fertilizers—just fresh, healthy food grown with minimal effort.
Watch my video to get an introduction into the wonderful world of aquaponics for small spaces:
Aquaponics in Small Spaces: How It Works
You don't need a farm or even a backyard to start an aquaponics system. Here are some space-friendly options:
1. Balcony Aquaponics Systems
Ideal for apartments and small units with limited outdoor space.
A small vertical aquaponics system or grow bed on a shelf can fit neatly into a balcony.
Grow lettuce, basil, mint, and strawberries in a compact system.
2. Small Patio or Courtyard Aquaponics Setup
A bathtub or barrel system can fit into a small outdoor area.
Works well for growing larger plants like tomatoes or capsicums.
Can be a great way to teach kids about sustainable food growing.
3. Indoor Aquaponics for Home Gardeners
A small desktop or fish tank system works well inside your home.
LED grow lights allow plants to thrive even without sunlight.
Perfect for growing herbs like coriander, parsley, or chives in your kitchen.
Check out my video on the benefits of aquaponics (even a small system) for you and your family:
Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?
This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your own organic food in a productive, sustainable way..
You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.
Sign up HERE
Why Aquaponics Is Perfect for Busy Mums and Small Homes
As a busy mum, I know how hard it is to juggle work, kids, and meal planning while still trying to eat healthily. That's why I love aquaponics, it practically takes care of itself!
1. Minimal Maintenance
No daily watering—just check on the system once or twice a week.
No weeding or digging like in traditional gardening.
Feeding the fish is quick and easy (and kids love to help!).
2. Teaches Kids About Nature and Sustainability
Kids can help feed the fish and harvest greens for dinner.
They learn about ecosystems and sustainable food production.
It encourages a love for fresh, homegrown food.
3. Fresh, Organic Food at Your Fingertips
Say goodbye to supermarket herbs that wilt in days.
No pesticides or chemicals—just clean, fresh, homegrown produce.
Always have fresh basil, mint, or spinach ready for cooking.
Find out more about what makes aquaponics so attractive to mums looking to grow their own food.
Busting Common Myths About Aquaponics in Small Spaces
Despite its benefits, many people assume aquaponics is too complicated or too big for small homes. Let’s bust those myths!
Myth #1: Aquaponics Needs a Lot of Space
Truth: You can start small with a fish tank and a few plants on a shelf.
Even a 20L (5-gallon) tank can support a mini aquaponics system.
Myth #2: It’s Expensive to Set Up
Truth: DIY setups using bathtubs, barrels, or second-hand fish tanks are budget-friendly.
Small starter kits are available for under $200.
Myth #3: It’s Hard to Maintain
Truth: Once established, the system mostly runs itself.
Checking water quality once a week and feeding the fish daily is all it takes.
Get more common aquaponics myths busted in this blog.
How to Get Started with Small-Space Aquaponics
Choose Your Setup – Decide whether you want a balcony, patio, or indoor system.
Pick a Fish Tank – A small aquarium, barrel, or bathtub works well.
Select Your Plants – Start with leafy greens, herbs, or strawberries.
Cycle Your System – Allow the beneficial bacteria to develop before adding plants.
Enjoy Fresh Food – Harvest fresh produce in as little as 4-6 weeks!
Ready to Build Your Own Backyard-Free Aquaponics System?
Our Simple Courtyard Aquaponics online course might be the perfect solution for you.
Not only does it show you how to build the aquaponics system, but also how to care for it to get the best harvests and pet fish for the kids.
This one-of-a-kind online course gives you a full blueprint to follow, with simple tools and steps for the whole family.
Check it out HERE
Start Your Own Small Space Aquaponics System
You don’t need a backyard, a big budget, or advanced gardening skills to grow fresh, pesticide-free food. Aquaponics is a simple, low-maintenance way to provide your family with healthy, homegrown produce, even in the smallest of spaces!
Whether you're growing basil on your kitchen counter, lettuce on your balcony, or tomatoes on your patio, aquaponics makes it possible. Why not start your own system today?
Check out my YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'
Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.
Here are the next 2 videos I recommend you watching to create your ecosystem ~ before you add any fish
Getting the kids involved
The setup costs vs weekly shopping
Is aquaponics more convenient than shopping?
Learn More About Aquaponics
Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.
Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?
This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.
You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.
Sign up HERE
Want to help out (donate some fish food) and Feed my Fish?? (They don't drink coffee)
Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.
Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.
She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.
Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.
