We have already discussed about aquaponics and hydroponics, and plants that can be grown via aquaponic or hydroponics system. Let’s discuss a bit more about Plants in Aquaponics / hydroponics.

Plants grown in aquaponics

The essential elementary purpose of growing aquaponics is to reduce cost, space and waste. Plants grown in aquaponics has a quick turnover rate as compare to fishes in there. According to a survey about 90% of respondents says that they generate more profit from plants as liken to fishes. According to US Department of agriculture aquaponics market was valued at $580 million – $630 million in 2020 as per business intelligence report. The report also forecast that the demand for such frow will rise up to CAGR of 14.5% -15.5% till 2025.

Aquaponics Plants

Plants in Soil-less environment (Aquaponics & Hydroponics)

But plants grown in soil-less environment, do they have same amount of nutrients as in soil? Let’s Discuss this.

The major difference among soil-less and soil-full planting is use of fertilizer. Plants need macro-nutrients like nitrogen, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and sulfur and micro-nutrients like zinc, copper, boron and manganese which is dissolved easily with multiple nutrient fertilizers directly in roots. But in soil-full planting it’s a bit difficult to assure delivery of nutrients due to intricacy in maintenance of soil. So, soil-less plants seem more nutrients. Right?

Plants in aquaponics / hydroponics can be grown monoculturally for years and years and years. Another difference is of fertility among soil-less and soil-full production. But because as soil-less production doesn’t have threat of losing fertility or being attacked by pest’s disease so can be grown with same fertility for years’, there can be water disease. There is no need to worry about it can be in control so easily. Growing monoculture plants need developed attention as liken to polyculture plants. Monoculture in aquaponics / hydroponics is quite sustainable.

Tomatoes:

Tomato grow with water

Tomatoes one of the most widespread option for aquaponics. But before going for this you need to get some deep knowledge about them.

They are tricker but easiest to grow. Temperature require for tomatoes ranges from 65-90 °F.

ideal ph. level is between 5.5-6.5. They grow better in warmer weather but entail adequately of nutrient rich water. They need about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.

Cucumber:

cucumber grow with water

A water lover vegetable. Cucumber is an ideal choice for aquaponics as it’s consisted of large roots size so they grow healthy if provided right medium.it loves sunlight as well. Isn’t it like a jackpot to grow your salad along with some flesh full of proteins throughout the year? Ideal temperature for cucumbers is 75 °F. it requires humidity level up to 75. 5-7 ph. level is ideal for cucumbers.

Watercress:

watercress grow with water

 A nutrients rich herb. Watercress has plenty of Vitamin K, C and A along with antioxidant properties with spicy flavor. Easiest way to plant is just add its seeds to medium. It grows best in 50-70 °F. Watercress needs ph. level between 6.5 -7.5. It grows up to 12 inches. It requires full sunlight. Tilapia is best type of fish to grow with watercress.

Cabbage:

Cabbage grow with water

A plant with requirement of just 1% care. It doesn’t need much attention for its maintenance. Best temperature to plants cabbage is 43-73 °F. it needs ph. level from 6-7.

Strawberries:

Strawberries grow with water

strawberries are one of the yummiest things to grow through aquaponics. There is no need to book large space for strawberry plant. They are available whole year if are grown in customize (indoor) environment. Idyllic temperature for this fruit is 60-80 °F along with ph. level between 5.4-6.5. strawberry need nutria t rich water is continuously producing by fishes in such system.

Mint:

Mint grow with water

Mint my favorite herb. There is no need to introduce mint such a healthy and refreshing herb. Mint is used worldwide in drinks and dips majorly and

In many other food items, even its so good for skin. It’s an herb with countless benefits and easiest to grow anywhere. It is easily grown in ph. level between 6.5 to 7 and same temperature require 65 to 70 °F. Best thing about this herb is it can be grown in both environments’ sunlight and shadow.

Lettuce:

Lettuce grow with water

Lettuce … yummy fresh salad in my backyard what else I want for a healthy living. It is almost a no demand leafy plant. It grows faster without any excessive demand for nutrient rich water. It is likely to grown in 70 to 78 °F temperature. It is one of commonly choice for such system.

Chilies and peppers:

Chili Plants grow in water

Pepper Plants grow in water

I love spicy food so growing chilies and peppers in my backyard would be so amazing for me. I just need fish and some chilies to make a delicious lunch yeah, some minor other items too.

They can be grown together and they don’t need much water but yeah sunshine they are so friendly to us in growing manner.

Summary:

There is wide range of plants, veggies and herbs to grow through this eco friendly system. But before going or the easiest one even you need to get some serious knowledge and some experienced person to initiate your system.

No doubt experimenting is good to grow but not every time specially at beginners’ level a guide will help you to start better so keep visiting our site to know more about plants in aquaponics. Till that Stay Home Stay Safe.

Thankyou for reading.