Living well and eating well just seem to go hand in hand, don't they? Part of eating well, for most people, is having access to fresh, healthful, nutritious food. 

Green Phoenix Farms has scheduled a two-part Introduction to Ponics seminar for Sunday, November 15. A one-hour Hydroponics Overview will be from 9 to 10 a.m., at the firm's headquarters in Mansfield, 1285 N. Main Street. It will be followed by Introduction to Aquaponics -- AP101, a three-hour workshop beginning at 10.30 a.m. The session not only offers a basic overview of aquaponics, but also provides students with a manual, materials list and instructions for building a simple backyard system.

Cost for the Hydroponics class is $25; the fee for the Aquaponics class is $75. Attendance at both is offered at a discounted rate of $90. Space is limited; register now to reserve a seat. If you would like additional information, call 214-662-9767 or email info@greenphoenixfarms.com.

There is something wonderful about picking ripe tomatoes and cucumbers off a vine, having "just cut" lettuce and fresh herbs to use in creative recipes, and harvesting your own beans, okra, eggplant, strawberries, melons, squash and kale as the seasons parade by. If you don't currently have a garden, you may be yearning to start one. If you have a garden, you might be interested in ways to prolong the growing season, expand the variety of produce, or experiment with soil-free growing systems.

These introductory classes allow you to do all of that by providing the options available for growing some of your own food without a great investment in time, space or money.

No Dirt Required

While hydroponics is an established method of non-dirt growing, aquaponics is relatively new on the scene, at least in the United States. It incorporates aquaculture, or the raising of fish, with hydroponics, resulting in an efficient and mutually beneficial natural environment that allows both plants and aquatic animals to thrive. Green Phoenix Farms is a respected North Texas educational and systems design firm, primarily focused on aquaponics, according to CEO David Cohen. He notes that an increasing number of people have asked about hydroponics, because it requires minimal equipment and little oversight, but promises good crop yield even in small spaces. A small system can be perfect for apartment dwellers, he adds.

Victor Justice, with extensive experience in large-scale farming, as well as with both hydroponics and aquaponics, will also be available to answer questions and to offer advice based on his personal experience.

As any outdoor gardener can testify, farming in Texas can be challenging in the heat of summer, and with unpredictable conditions the rest of the year. With a small system, however, families have access to fresh, naturally-grown produce at any time. Strawberries, fresh herbs and favorites like cherry tomatoes thrive in small hydroponics systems or in vertical towers, and they can be designed as creative focal points as well. Maintenance and care requirements are minimal.

Learn by Doing

Backyard aquaponics systems can supply a variety of fresh produce for an individual family, and are innovative educational tools for families with children. In fact, according to educators, gardening in any form is a great way to engage students in academic work. A number of school districts are using "ponics" as a multi-disciplinary approach to learning. Green Phoenix Farms works with area schools and non-profit organizations as well as designing large-scale commercial systems in Texas and the surrounding region.

Classes are offered throughout the year. In addition, a "First Saturday" gathering is open to anyone in the DFW Metroplex who would like to learn more, meet other "ponners" or work on individual projects. The November Gathering, a work party to build a hoop house frame at Green Phoenix Farms property in Burleson, was postponed because of weather, and will be held on November 14, this month's second Saturday. More information about this free, voluntary learning and sharing experience is available through DFW Aquaponics.