Aquaponics systems can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, and the best types of plants for a particular system will depend on a number of factors, including the climate, the size of the system, and the specific goals of the grower. Some common types of plants that are suitable for aquaponics systems include:
- Leafy greens: Leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and kale, are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are fast-growing. Leafy greens are also high in nutrients, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
- Herbs: Herbs, such as basil, cilantro, and parsley, are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are fast-growing. Herbs are also high in flavor and nutrients, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are high in nutrients. Tomatoes are also fast-growing, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
- Peppers: Peppers are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are high in nutrients. Peppers are also fast-growing, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are high in nutrients. Strawberries are also fast-growing, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
Overall, there are many different types of plants that are suitable for aquaponics systems, and the best types of plants for a particular system will depend on the specific needs and goals of the grower.
In addition to leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries, there are several other types of plants that are suitable for aquaponics systems, including:
- Beans: Beans, such as green beans and snap peas, are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are high in nutrients. Beans are also fast-growing, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are high in nutrients. Cucumbers are also fast-growing, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
- Melons: Melons, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are high in nutrients. Melons are also fast-growing, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
- Squash: Squash, such as zucchini and yellow squash, are a popular choice for aquaponics systems because they are relatively easy to grow, and are high in nutrients. Squash are also fast-growing, and can be grown year-round in an aquaponics system.
Some plants are not as suitable for aquaponics, root vegetables like carrots or potatoes is not ideal in a DWC, NFT or grow bed filled with rock media. Using aeroponics or a similar system, would work better for these types of crops. You can still implement this into your aquaponics system, but you would need good particle filters to not clog the nozzles of the aeroponic system and it would require more maintenance.
Nutrients requirements for heavy feeders like potatoes or tomatoes might also require a well established system and/or proper nitrate reducing filters to lower the nitrate compared to calcium and potassium. Other additives might also be required to get better harvest. If you long for potatoes and other heavy feeders you might want to go the hydroponic/aeroponic way instead using fertilizers.
Overall, there are many different types of plants that are suitable for aquaponics systems, and the best types of plants for a particular system will depend on the specific needs and goals of the grower. In a fresh system, green leafy plants is the way to start, they do not require too much and is easy to grow.