7 Easiest Vegetables to Start Growing in Your Home Aquaponics System

Easy Plants to Grow in Your Aquaponics Systems and Their Growing Requirements

Starting an aquaponic garden can be a fun and rewarding way to grow your own vegetables. Along with nailing the aquaponic system setup or system design, you must also choose the right fish and plants.

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

To set yourself up for success, here is a beginner's guide to 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's market (supporting locals, and you know it is organic) than 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). 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 to 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.

There You Have It: The Best Plants for Aquaponics Especially for Beginners

Starting your aquaponic journey with these easy-to-grow vegetables, along with a simple aquaponics system, can make your gardening experience enjoyable and successful. The success of your aquaponics system requires you to ensure fish and plants work together, which is easier with easy-to-grow plants.

These plants require minimal attention and are perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into the gardening method of aquaponics and cultivate a thriving aquaponic garden.

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 these 5 tips for a successful aquaponics system!

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.

Learn More About Aquaponics

Check out the COURSES page to learn how you can get started with aquaponics now. Click HERE.

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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.