Grayson West
Mars might seem far off, but growing food there is already a reality. As we look beyond Earth’s limits, farming on Mars could change how we view agriculture here at home. Ideas tested for the red planet can offer solutions for our own growing challenges. Here are some crops ready for this extreme test.
Lettuce
Rapid growth and minimal light requirements make lettuce a front-runner in closed-growing systems. Astronauts on the ISS already harvested it successfully. For future missions, it provides fresh greens, boosts morale, and fits perfectly into hydroponic setups with tight timing and planetary constraints.
Strawberries
In hydroponic and vertical farming systems, strawberries show great potential for space missions. Compact and fast-growing, they would thrive in limited space while offering a fresh, nutritious food source for long-duration space travel.
Potatoes
Martian simulations proved that potatoes can take the heat—and the lack of it. Their calorie load, storage longevity, and tolerance for rough soil make them ideal for extended missions. For gardeners, few harvests match this level of food security per square foot.
Garlic
Small-scale and low-maintenance garlic handles temperature shifts and nutrient-poor soil without hesitation. It also stores for months and enhances bland meals—critical in long-term space missions. Not many food plants match its shelf life and punch-per-inch in a closed food system.
Onions
Onions’ adaptability earns them a spot in advanced farming tests. Their ability to thrive in varying light and soil conditions makes them suitable for Martian domes and backyard boxes. Gardeners love their long shelf life, but space crews value their versatility even more.
Peppers
Having been cultivated in orbit, peppers can thrive in confined spaces and under artificial lighting. This ability positions them as a promising food source for Martian habitats, where growing land will be scarce and precious.
Barley
Thick stalks and fast ripening make barley a practical grain for environments that don’t allow second chances. Early tests show it can perform well in closed-loop systems. For future Mars bases, that means hearty calories without waiting half a year.
Buckwheat
Barren soil doesn’t stop buckwheat. It grows fast, resists pests, and leaves soil better than it found. Plants like this serve a dual purpose: feeding people and prepping the next round of planting in the same small grow space.
Amaranth
One plant, two meals; amaranth provides edible greens and grain. Built for heat and drought, it adapts to growing conditions surprisingly easily. Its high protein content and low maintenance nature place it in future closed-environment crop rotations.
Chickpeas
Water shortages won’t stop chickpeas. Their roots mine moisture deep below, and their nutrition profile meets key dietary needs. They offer a potent protein source in environments where meat won’t be an option, both on Mars and in remote terrestrial outposts.
Sorghum
Blistering heat and barren ground are no match for sorghum, which is widely grown in arid regions with poor soil and uses very little water. It delivers dependable harvests of energy-rich grain in enclosed grow units.
Millets
Compact, quick, and drought-resistant, millets are built for survival. Their ability to mature rapidly with minimal input makes them an efficient grain choice for tight growing environments. Gardeners rarely consider them, but researchers know their value is sky-high.
Sweet Potatoes
These nutrient-packed tubers proliferate, tolerate poor ground, and yield generously. NASA-supported tests using Martian soil simulants showed promising early results—especially in low concentrations—hinting at their potential for future colonies seeking reliable food with minimal fuss.
Kale
Thick leaves, cold tolerance, and vitamin density put kale on the shortlist for survival crops. While it prefers full sun and fertile soil, it can still grow under dimmer light and cooler temperatures. Whether in space habitats or remote Earth stations, this powerhouse delivers dependable harvests under pressure.
Carrots
Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained soil, with their tapered roots easily breaking through. They’ve grown well in Martian soil simulants, especially when enriched with compost. Their compact growth makes them ideal for small, controlled farming environments.
Radishes
Growth measured in weeks, not months, puts radishes in a league of their own. Their roots perform best in fertile, loose soil, not compacted or rocky terrain. However, radishes could thrive in Mars’ simulated conditions due to their adaptability.
Peas
Peas’ nitrogen-fixing roots and fast growth cycle make them a brilliant inclusion. While full-scale Martian yield trials are limited, early soil simulant tests show promise. Paired with their protein value, they tick multiple boxes for anyone building a balanced space menu and long-term soil fertility plans.
Tomatoes
Fruit-bearing vines with flexible growth patterns give tomatoes serious potential. In Martian soil simulant, they’ve grown successfully—with help from added nutrients and compost. Their fast-growing nature makes them a promising crop for space farming.
Spinach
Shady corners and cool air don’t slow spinach down much, though it prefers more light to thrive. Quick to sprout and rich in iron, spinach is a strong contender for nutrient-dense harvests in partially lit Martian dwellings. It also adds its compact footprint and stays on the researchers’ radar in orbital farms.
Beets
Deep red roots and edible leaves give beets an edge. They grow best in enriched, fertile soil but can tolerate cooler conditions indoors. With a short maturity window and impressive nutrient yield, they’re perfect for compact farming modules where efficiency and reliability are essential.