7 Easiest Vegetables to Start Growing in Your Aquaponics System

Starting an aquaponics garden can be a fun and rewarding way to grow your own vegetables.

However, beginners often make the mistake of starting with plants that require more attention and skill.

To set yourself up for success, here are 7 easy-to-grow vegetables that thrive in aquaponics systems.

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the best vegetables to start with in an aquaponics system. It grows quickly, is easy to maintain, and can be harvested continually. Lettuce thrives in water temperatures between 13-24°C.

Tip: Choose loose-leaf varieties for a continuous harvest and plant in succession every two weeks.

2. Basil

Basil is a hardy herb that does exceptionally well in aquaponics. It grows quickly and can be harvested regularly. Basil prefers water temperatures between 18-27°C. Loves warmth.

Tip: Prune basil regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.

3. Kale

Kale is a resilient leafy green that thrives in aquaponics systems. It can withstand a range of temperatures, ideally between 13-24°C. Kale can be harvested continually, making it a great choice for beginners.

Tip: Harvest the outer leaves first and let the inner leaves continue growing for a prolonged harvest.

4. Coriander/ Cilantro

A seasonal winter herb that needs full sun and lots of water can be easy to grow once you get started.

I find it easier to buy coriander at a local farmer market (supporting locals, and you know it is organic), that starting from seed. Many find it easy to grow from seeds, but if they are not treated correctly, or old, they may not grow.

A key thing with coriander, is to ensure that you only try growing it over winter, in the cooler months, or grow it inside ~ which I do (over my turtle tank), and this way I actually get coriander year-round in a sub-tropical climate.

5. Spinach

Spinach is another easy-to-grow leafy green perfect for aquaponics. It prefers cooler water temperatures between 7-24°C and grows rapidly, ready for harvest in about 40 days.

Note that there are many types of spinach from baby spinach up to the larger chard plants. Mostly preferring winter and cold months, there are types of spinach that prefer warmer climates and humidity, like New Zealand Spinach, Egyptian Spinach and Brazilian Spinach.

Tip: For a continuous supply, sow spinach seeds every 2-3 weeks and harvest leaves as needed.

6. Chives

Chives are a simple herb to grow in aquaponics systems. They require minimal care and can be harvested continually. Chives prefer water temperatures between 15-27°C.

Tip: Regularly snip the tops of chives to encourage new growth and prevent flowering.

7. Pak Choi (Bok Choy)

Pak Choi, also known as Bok Choy, is a fast-growing vegetable that does well in aquaponics. It prefers water temperatures between 10-21°C and can be harvested within 30-45 days.

Tip: Harvest Pak Choi when the leaves are tender and young for the best flavour.

Conclusion

Starting your aquaponics garden with these easy-to-grow vegetables can make your gardening experience enjoyable and successful.

These plants require minimal attention and are perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of aquaponics.

Remember to monitor your system, provide the necessary care, and enjoy the fresh, homegrown produce from your aquaponics garden.

Aquaponics is all about balance, so it is important to balance the amount of fish to plants. We do this by testing and understanding our water quality.

Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

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You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

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Want to help out and Feed my Fish?? (They don't drink coffee)

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.