Fast Growing Microgreens at Home

Microgreens are tiny, edible greens grown from the seeds of vegetables and herbs. They are younger than baby plants and harvested within 1-2 weeks of germination when they are up to 2 inches tall. The flavor of microgreens depend on the original vegetable. They may be spicy or sweet, with flavors reminiscent of the vegetables they would become if they were allowed to mature.

Growing microgreens at home is a convenient and inexpensive way to have fresh greens at your fingertips. They require minimal space and equipment, making them an ideal option for urban dwellers or those with limited outdoor space. Beyond their taste and culinary uses, microgreens are believed to offer numerous health benefits, being loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients. By growing them yourself, you have control over their growing conditions, ensuring they are grown organically and without harmful pesticides or fertilizers.

In order to successfully grow microgreens at home, we will first explore the essential supplies you’ll need, followed by a discussion of the best microgreens to grow, then a step-by-step guide on how to grow them, and finally, some tips to ensure your microgreens thrive.

Essential Supplies for Growing Microgreens

You don’t need a green thumb or a large space to grow microgreens. All you need are a few simple supplies:

• Growing Medium: Microgreens need a growing medium, which could be a quality potting soil mix or hydroponic pad. Remember, healthy soil equals healthy plants, so choose organic soil to avoid any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

• Microgreen Seeds: These seeds are available in gardening stores or online, and there is a wide variety to choose from. Some popular options include radishes, spinach, arugula, and mustard greens.

• Container: Any shallow container with drainage holes will work, such as a plastic take-out dish or a nursery flat.

• Water Spray Bottle: This is necessary for lightly watering the seeds and young plants.

• Sunlight or Grow Light: Microgreens need plenty of light to grow. If you can provide them with a sunny windowsill, great. If not, a simple fluorescent or LED grow light will do the trick.

Best Microgreens to Grow

Microgreens vary quite a bit in taste, from spicy to sweet. They also grow at different speeds and may require different care. Some microgreens to consider include:

• Radish Microgreens: These grow quickly and have a spicy flavor.

• Sunflower Microgreens: A favorite among many, these microgreens have a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.

• Pea Shoots: Pea shoots grow slightly larger than other microgreens, but have a sweet flavor and are great in salad or stir-fries.

• Broccoli Microgreens: These microgreens have been found to contain especially high levels of nutrients.

How to Grow Microgreens

Growing microgreens is straightforward and requires minimal time commitment. Follow these steps to successfully grow your own microgreens:

• Step 1 – Prepare your Container: Fill your container with about 1-2 inches of soil. Flatten it lightly with a handful of empty containers or woodblocks.

• Step 2 – Sow your Seeds: Sprinkle your microgreen seeds evenly over the top of the soil. For small seeds, aim for about 10-12 seeds per inch. For larger seeds like peas, reduce that down to 6-8 seeds per inch.

• Step 3 – Cover the Seeds: Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. This helps to keep moisture, protect the seeds, and block out light to help them germinate.

• Step 4 – Water: Use a spray bottle to lightly water the seeds. Make sure not to overwater; the soil should be damp but not soggy.

• Step 5 – Create a Humid Environment: Cover the container with a clear plastic lid or a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.

• Step 6 – Germination: Keep your container in a warm, dark place until the seeds begin to germinate. This process usually takes 3-4 days for most varieties.

• Step 7 – Growth: Once the seeds have germinated, move them to a location with more light. Keep the soil moist by watering lightly every day or two.

• Step 8 – Harvest: When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves — usually about 1-2 weeks after germination— they are ready to be harvested.

Sound Tips for Growing Microgreens

To maximize your success growing microgreens at home, keep these tips in mind:

• Ensure a Clean Environment: To avoid problems with diseases and pests, keep your growing area, trays and tools clean.

• Rotate Crops : Just like in large-scale farming, you should also rotate the types of microgreens you grow. This prevents disease build up in the soil.

• Monitor Water Levels: Over-watering is the most common mistake. The soil should be damp, not soaked.

• Cut and Come Again: Some types of microgreens can be cut and will come again giving you a second or even a third crop.

• Keep It Light: Microgreens need ample light to grow, so ensure whether natural or artificial, your plants get enough light.

Growing microgreens at home is a small investment in time and space for a great yield of fresh, organic produce. They’re an excellent addition to any diet and are perfect for adding a little green to your home. And the joy and satisfaction of growing your own food, no matter how small, is genuinely rewarding!