Aquaponics is a sustainable agricultural method that combines raising aquatic animals and growing plants in the same integrated system. Aquaponics is an efficient way to produce food with fewer inputs, less water, and no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. While vegetables are a popular choice for Aquaponics systems, it’s not completely uncommon to see some non-vegetable plants generate more profit than vegetables alone.
Herbs like basil, mint, oregano, rosemary and thyme have become increasingly popular as Aquaponic crops due to their high value on the market. These herbs require little space and labor yet offer good returns when sold fresh or dried. Other aromatic plants such as lavender and lemon balm also grow well in Aquaponics systems and have medicinal properties that further increase their value.
Fruit-bearing plants such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are great Aquaponics crops due to their high yields despite the small space they need. In addition to being sold fresh, these fruits can be processed into jams or juices for added profit. Aquaponics farmers can also grow mushrooms in an Aquaponic system; while mushrooms may not bring in as much money as herbs or fruit, they still offer a good return on investment.
Lastly, Aquaponic systems can also be used to raise fish for food. Commonly bred fish include tilapia, catfish, and carp which can provide income from both sale of the live fish and from their eggs. Aquaponics farmers can even raise ornamental fish such as goldfish, which have a much higher value than food fish due to their aesthetic appeal.
Overall, Aquaponics systems are an excellent way to produce non-vegetable plants that bring in more profit than traditional vegetable crops alone. Aquaponic farmers are able to generate income from high-value herbal and aromatic plants, as well as fruit bearing and ornamental plants. Aquaponics systems also provide the added bonus of being able to farm fish for both food and decoration. By embracing these non-vegetable Aquaponic crops, Aquaponic farmers can increase their profits while still maintaining an ecologically sustainable system of growing plants and raising aquatic animals.
