Aquaponics How To

There have been over 300 different plants that have been tested that will be happy in an aquaponic system. The major group that will not grow in an aquaponic system are root vegetables.
Basically the list is too long to write and is dependent on your location. If it is an above ground plant that grows well in your area and does not mind getting its roots wet then you should give it a go.

Our plants absolutely thrived in the aquaponic system with the water from the fish supplying nutrients directly to the roots of the plants. We have found that the plants grow and produce faster in the system than in a traditional garden.

A trial conducted by Dr Nick Savidov in Canada, found that aquaponic growth rates can exceed hydroponic plant growth by up to four times with some vegetables and herbs. The advantage of aquaponics is that, during warm weather the plants get as much water as they need. Plants grown in the ground use the water very quickly in hot weather. Plants in an aquaponic system are continuously being watered constantly through the continuous flow or flood and drain system.

Herbs and green leafy vegetables are the most common plants grown in an aquaponics system. Different areas can also produce different results. Climate is another important factor as is whether your system is open to the elements or in a green house.

But try anything and see how the results go. We have had great success with the obvious salad varieties of tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, shallots, celery, capsicum, chilli, snow peas and red salad onions. Vegetables like, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, beans, egg plant and all the choys for stir fries. We also use the companion planting logic and had flowering plants. The roses went absolutely crazy and added wonderful colour.

Then you have your herbs like basil, parsley, watercress, coriander, sage, lemongrass, the list goes on. If you not sure give it a go, there is nothing to loose.