Aquaponics permit a very wide range of produce, from leafy greens such as the traditional lettuce, to cucumbers, broccoli, strawberries, cranberries and even pineapples! Although it’s more challenging, dwarf fruit trees are definite options, and corn is well established in smaller operations. And yes, root vegetables do very well in aquaponics systems. It’s important to understand that, while there are both fish and plants involved, and the water is circulated between them, the plants are not submerged. Root vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes) and even potatoes or peanuts, are planted in a separate grow bed that allows nutrient-rich water to flow past on a schedule that fits that particular plant’s needs. Since the vegetables aren’t actually submerged, they can develop normally without risk of becoming waterlogged or rotting.
The setup options for growing crops like these are endless and amazing. One of the greatest advantages of soilless growing is that many more crops can be grown and harvested within a specific plot of land. Carrots planted in 100 square feet of a traditional garden only produce 100 square feet worth of food (about 1800 carrots). Aquaponic farms can grow carrots in trays stacked 5 levels high (or more), for example, so long as adequate light can reach them. So 100 square feet of ground can produce 5x the usual amount, or 9000 carrots. There’s lots of information on setups that work well for root vegetables. A little bit of research and imagination will get you started on some delicious food!
