Aeroponics has truly revolutionized the agricultural industry.
A few years ago, if someone had told us that plants could be grown without using soil, we would’ve deemed that person one of those bizarre conspiracy theorists.
You know, the who ones believe that Queen Elizabeth II is a lizard or Americans never landed on the moon… You get the point.
It turns out, you can grow fruits, vegetables, and even legumes using an aeroponic system.
So, if you’re looking for the best plants to grow in aeroponics by levels, continue reading this article.
After that, get your DIY gardening kits ready and plant away.
- Cucumber
Commonly grown in a hydroponic system, cucumbers can flourish in aeroponics as well. Since they’re climbing plants, they need plenty of vertical space.
So, use a trellis or a similar structure, which will give the vines ample room to sprout.
A significant advantage of cultivating cucumber plants in an aeroponic system instead of the traditional method is the variety.
For instance, you can grow field cucumbers as well as pickled cucumbers in aeroponics. That’s a benefit you won’t receive should you choose to plant cucumbers in soil.
- Lettuce
Another popular plant that you can grow in an aeroponic system is lettuce, among other salad greens. In fact, the method is so popular that a large number of production companies are growing lettuce on aeroponic farms.
And the reason is that blooming lettuce doesn’t require special care. It doesn’t shoot straight up and can be harvested in a month or even less.
With that said, while growing lettuce, remember not to expose it to too much light. Otherwise, the harvest will not be as pleasant, as the leaves tend to get bitter.
- Tomatoes
Like cucumbers, tomatoes also need a lot of space to grow, considering they can produce vines and shrubs. Additionally, you can control the shape and size of tomatoes by following a few simple pruning methods.
If you’re trying aeroponics for the first time, try growing small cherry tomatoes. They’re easier to manage. But if you want large tomatoes, you’re going to need a good aeroponic system setup.
Provided all things go well, you won’t have to visit the store to purchase red and juicy tomatoes. You can grow them right in your aeroponic garden.
- Strawberries
Let’s be honest.
Who wouldn’t want to sprout soft and delicious strawberries on their aeroponic farm? Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, strawberries happen to be as healthy as they are delicious.
But it isn’t as easy as producing other plants, say lettuce or cucumbers. You have to maintain steady growth throughout all stages.
- Pumpkins
Growing a pumpkin aeroponically might not be your first thought, but the classic autumn crop can do very well in an aeroponic system.
As you know, pumpkins and gourds can get really big, so make sure there’s a lot of space between the plants. While they may not flourish in vertical systems, that won’t be the case if you choose to place them in single-level aeroponic systems.
However, the biggest disadvantage of growing a pumpkin in an aeroponic garden is that it takes up a lot of water. And that’s ironic considering you’re growing plants aeroponically because the system consumes less water this way.
- Herbs
Last but not least, you can grow plenty of herbs in your aeroponic garden, such as:
- Thyme
- Mint
- Parsley
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Oregano
Most herbs require little care, which means they’ll thrive in an aeroponic system. Furthermore, they can be harvested anytime throughout the year. Even if you manage to grow more herbs than you need, they won’t go to waste.
You can use the dry leaves for seasoning.
(Also Read: All You Need to Know About Aeroponics Series)
Wrapping It Up
This list is just the tip of the iceberg. You can grow a lot of other plants aeroponically. And if you need a helping hand with that, let us know. We sell a comprehensive range of DIY garden kits specifically designed to help you enjoy all kinds of fruits and vegetables all year round.