A local greenhouse will be opening the first commercial aquatic ponds in the area to grow natural vegetation.  Maas Floral and Greenhouse in Sturgeon Bay plans on having water gardens this summer with live fish providing fertilization. Owner Todd Maas says growing vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes in water gives them about 40 percent more nutrition.  He shares the challenge of managing the balance between water and fish.

Maas estimates that lettuce can be grown within a few weeks on the surface of the water, while tomatoes will take longer.  He says floating mats need to be aerated every four feet for optimum growing.  Plans are for peppers and herbs to be grown as well.  Community members will also be able to harvest the fish eventually, according to Maas.