In this article, we will introduce you to the best plants to grow in aquaponics. Of course, these are only suggestions, you can choose other plants.

The best plants to grow in aquaponics are leafy greens

So, the best plants to grow in aquaponics are leafy vegetables, that is to say all the plants whose leaves are eaten: lettuce, spinach, etc. Leafy vegetables are really a very adapted to the colony and it likes water in general. It is therefore in these vegetables that we will make our selection.

You should know that all these fruit vegetables will require a lot of nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, etc.) So in aquaponic systems that have just started, as everything is not yet installed and the rates of nutrients are quite low, it is better to grow leafy vegetables. In addition, there is a high rate of low-harm success in planting leafy greens. There is a high success rate, whether in germination when we sow or when we plant.

It's still growing steadily and we don't have to bother with tons of pests like aphids etc. And that's very nice. Then, if we make the right crop choice, we can grow it all year round. So there are species that are adapted more for hot weather, others more for cold weather. Obviously, if you are in a greenhouse, it will be even easier. But it's always nice to have these culture containers that are full because in aquaponics, we have little surface area, so we have to make a profit.

And finally, the advantage of having rapid growth is that you have immediate results.

If you choose to grow eggplant or zucchini, it can take a long time to grow more or less fruit. But if there are none, it's because you waited two or three months for nothing. With leafy greens, we know that right away, so that's a huge plus.

1 - The first good idea is to make aromatics.

Whether it is chives, parsley, basil, you will have fresh aromatics. For an affordable price, you can have small quantities purchased organically. And if managed well, it will give you astronomical amounts.

2 - The essential in aquaponics and hydroponics is lettuce.

You can grow it on vertical towers, in clay pebbles , on DFT rafts whatever you want, it grows great. There will be very few pests and you can expect full growth or leaf clipping.

3 - There are also mustards.

Something a bit spicier compared to lettuces. You can take Tokyo Bekaa for example. It produces very well and it tastes quite mild. You can grow Red Giant mustard, which also makes large leaves that look great in salads.

4- To make various salads, add lettuce and mustard.

5- Watercress.

It is a plant that loves water. The seedlings take well, we can regularly harvest the watercress. A very good idea for aquaponics.

6- Then there is the chard

Or also called perry Swiss chard. It is a super food packed with nutrients. There are several varieties: orange, rainbow… This brings color to your vegetable gardens and to your plates! You will have very few pests and therefore little work with a lot of yield.

7- Green cola

In French, it gives “collé chou” or “chou cavalier”. It is therefore a cabbage that is not headed. We eat the leaves because they are also full of nutrients. We can grow it hot, cold, in a raft, in a culture tower, etc…

8- Cabbages that she stamps

Still in the cabbage category, but this time the cabbage that she stamps as a super food. Why super food? Well, because it's loaded with nutrients and vitamins. There are different varieties, purple or green. You can cut the bottom leaves to always have tender leaves.

9- Mint.

If you like mojitos, if you like mint tea, then in aquaponics you are bound to make mint. It grows very well, but watch out for the roots! It is not recommended in a culture tank on clay feet because it will invade your tank. It's extremely productive.

10- And finally, we can also grow strawberries in aquaponics and/or hydroponics.

Strawberry works very well. So grow strawberries so that you have at least red and sugar!