Growing microgreens in jars is an impressive exercise that combines science and nature, leading to fresh, nutritious greens right in your home. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to grow your own microgreens in jars, utilizing all the space you have, and ensuring your indoor garden is fruitful regardless of the season.
Why Opt For Jars
Microgreens are plants that are harvested just after they’ve developed their first set of true leaves. They are rich in flavor and nutrients and can grow in containers as small as jars, making them an excellent choice for urban gardeners with limited space.
Jars, in particular, are cheap, environmentally friendly, and have aesthetic appeal. They can practically turn your living space into an Eden without breaking the bank, and they offer a controlled environment for the delicate microgreens to thrive.
Materials Needed
- Glass jars: Choose wide-mouth jars to provide ample space and proper aeration for the microgreens. How many and what size you choose will depend on the available space you have.
- Growing medium: Seed raising mix works well as it’s light and maintains the right amount of moisture.
- High-quality seeds: Microgreen seeds are available in garden stores or online. Select a variety based on taste preference, sunlight requirements, and growing time.
- Watering bottle or mist sprayer: This is needed to water your microgreens.
- Tightly woven cloth or paper towels: This acts as a natural filter, ensuring that only water gets in and out of the jars.
- Rubber bands: These are useful for securing the cloth or paper towel on the jar.
Choosing Your Microgreens
Some common microgreens you can consider include:
- Radish: Radish microgreens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. They add a spicy flavor to salads and sandwiches.
- Pea shoots: These are a popular microgreen that tastes like fresh peas. They are best served in salads or lightly sauteed.
- Red amaranth: This is a colorful and flavor-packed variety that’s high in antioxidants.
- Mustard greens: Another spicy option, mustard greens are high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium.
- Spinach: Spinach microgreens are easy to grow and highly nutritious.
Planting The Seeds
Before adding seeds to the jar, sterilize it to kill any potential bacteria or fungi which may harm your plants. Then, fill the jar with about an inch of the growing medium. Soak the seeds for few hours for better germination, but be sure to drain them well. Spread the seeds evenly across the surface, ensuring they are not overcrowded to prevent mold growth.
Cover the seeds lightly with more growing medium, making sure it remains loose and fluffy. Then, dip your finger into some water and moisten the surface without dislodging the seeds.
Creating The Microenvironment
Place the cloth or paper towel over the mouth of the jar and secure it with a rubber band. This transforms your jar into a self-sustaining ecosystem where water condenses on the walls and falls back into the soil, providing a continuous supply of moisture.
However, be sure to keep an eye on the humidity levels. Too much can promote the growth of mold or fungus that would harm the greens.
Location and Light
Microgreens need warmth and light to grow. Place your jars in a location that gets at least four hours of sunlight per day, perhaps by a south-facing window. If sunlight is limited, use grow lights to supplement. Aim for 12-16 hours of light per day for best results.
Growing And Harvesting
Moisten the cloth over the jar every day and keep the jar in a well-ventilated place. The seeds should germinate within 5-7 days. Once they sprout, remove the cloth and continue providing water and light.
Most microgreens can be harvested 7-14 days after sprouting. Harvest by slowing and gently pulling the microgreens out of the jar – a sharp pair of kitchen scissors works well for this task. Rinse the greens thoroughly and they’re ready to eat!
Caring For Your Microgreens
Proper care involves maintaining the right temperature, moisture, and light levels. It also includes ensuring your microgreens get fresh air, helping to prevent disease and encouraging strong growth.
When watering, make sure to keep the soil damp, not soaked. Overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal disease. Likewise, under watering can stunt their growth or cause the plants to wilt.
Dealing With Pests
However secluded the indoors might seem, it is not free from pests. Aphids, fungus gnats, and spider mites can cause damage to your microgreens. To tackle these, maintain proper hygiene and air circulation in the jars. If pests become a problem, consider using organic pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects into your growing space, or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Final Tips
Microgreens are a great way to add some greenery to your space, enjoy fresh herbs and leafy greens, and make your cooking adventures more exciting. From choice of seeds to proper aftercare, the process of growing microgreens is filled with learning and satisfaction.
Remember to be patient as your microgreens grow. Not all greens will sprout at the same rate, but with proper care, they will all eventually germinate. Most importantly, enjoy the process, revel in your green thumb, and indulge in the fruits of your labor.
