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Perch and Tilapia are raised in a tank of water. Water from the tank is drained into a gravel bed where the fish waste it contains is broken down by good bacteria, and turned into Nitrogen. The water is also filtered by watercress in the bed. This filtered water is pumped into the growing beds, with crops like greens and tomatoes.

The growing beds are stacked in a vertical arrangement, making the most of their 2.5 acres. Coir, a by product of coconut shells, wicks the nutrient rich water to the plant roots. The water used by the plants will go back to the fish tank- its a closed system.

The fish are fed worms, ground up salad greens, algae from the side of the tank, and some commercial feed. Growing Power sells fish to local restaurants.

Growing Power Farm uses red wiggler and red earthworms to aid in the decomposition of their collected composts. The compost is made up of food waste, coffee grounds, and brewing waste-(beer manufacturing). Worms and bacteria break the compost down.

Worm castings contain ideal amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The benefits of vermiculture are tremendous! Soil structure is improved. Water holding capacity is improved. Nutrients and enzymes are produced by the worms as they process the compost!

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Growing Power Farm has raised beds that they describe as Living Biological Worm Systems. These beds are made with a layer of raw compost, worms, and then are topped with castings and topsoil. Growing Power reports that these beds need little or no amendments and maintain fertility for 5 years!

Founded in 1993 by Will Allen to give youth a place to do good work and provide learning opportunities. Growing Power Farm has grown to become a recognized leader in the Urban Farming landscape. Education in growing food and sustainable techniques continue to be the vital mission of Growing Power Farm.

For More Information Go To: www.growingpower.org.