Frequently Asked Questions

Aquaponics – Plants

What plants can I grow in aquaponics?

We have yet to see a plant that doesn’t grow well in aquaponics, except for perhaps acid loving planst like blueberries. We know of people growing papayas, strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, and cantalope. Experiment and let us know what works for you!

Can I use potted plants/seedlings started in dirt?

Absolutely. Be sure to wash off as much of the dirt as possible and inspect closely for insects before adding a store-bought plant to your system.

Can I directly sow seeds into my aquaponics system?

In general, any small seeds that you would sow directly into the ground can be sown directly into a media-based aquaponics system. Examples are salad greens, radishes, and carrots. We have found that larger seeds that you would directly sow in soil (for example, beans, peas, cucumbers) don’t germinate as well . For these we recommend using starter plugs such as Rapid Rooter. See the post titled “Starting Plants In, and For, Aquaponics Systems” in our blog at AquaponicGardeningBlog.com for more detailed information.

Can I plant in my system right away?

Yes, it is imperative that you do in order to start providing filtration for the fish in your aquaponics systems.

How many plants can I grow?

That depends on the type of plant you are growing, but in general you can plant about twice as densely in aquaponics as you can in a traditional soil-based garden. This is because the plants are getting exactly what they need at the root zone (food, water, oxygen) so the plant doesn’t need to send it’s roots out searching for these things. The result of this is extremely compact, healthy roots and less competition for nutrients and water below “ground”.

What happens if I see bugs on my plants?

First, you are to be congratulated for your careful observation! One of the first rules of pest management is to be constantly looking out for harmful bugs. Second, identify what bugs you are dealing with. Most bugs can be eliminated by spraying them with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil (use sparingly: these are organic solutions but the fish still don’t like them). If your plants are small you can also try removing them from the media and letting them soak in the fish tank for at least 15 minutes. This drowns the bugs, and the fish get a treat. See the post titled “Aquaponics and the Battle of the Bugs: part 2″ in our blog  for more detailed information.