Most people assume that setting up a microgreen tray is a complex process. In reality, it’s a simple procedure that can even be done at home with the right tools. Microgreens are small, nutritious plants that can be grown in a specialized microgreen tray and consumed as part of your diet. This DIY guide will walk you through the process of setting up your microgreen tray, ensuring that you get healthy, fresh greens to incorporate into your meals.
# Chapter 1: Tools and Materials Needed
To get started, you’ll require a few basic supplies.
– Seed trays: These can be purchased from your local gardening center or online. They come in several sizes but a standard 10×20 inch tray is often sufficient.
– Growing medium: Options for this include organic soil, coconut coir, or a soil-less option such as hemp mats or biostrate felt.
– Microgreen seeds: Popular options are radish, kale, broccoli, and peas because of their flavor and high nutritional value.
– Light source: While sunlight is best, artificial lights like fluorescent or LED grow lights can be used in its absence.
– Spray bottle: For misting and watering your greens.
– Heating mat (optional): This accelerates the germination process but isn’t crucial for success.
# Chapter 2: Preparing the Tray
Start by cleaning your seed trays thoroughly to eliminate any bacteria or fungicides that may have lingered from previous use. Once clean, fill the trays with your chosen growth medium. If you’re using a soil-based medium, ensure it’s 1-2 inches deep for adequate root structure. For soilless media like hemp mats, simply fit them into the tray. It’s important to remember that different microgreen varieties may prefer different types of mediums, so conduct some research on your chosen seeds.
# Chapter 3: Tackling the Seeds
Now, it’s time to disperse the seeds. Using your hands, evenly spread the seeds across the top of your growing medium. Because microgreens are harvested at such early stages, they don’t need spaces for growth. Therefore, your seeds can be relatively close without causing issues. The goal is even coverage for a substantially robust yield.
# Chapter 4: Final Touches for Germination
After seeding, lightly mist your greens to promote the growth. A spray bottle works great for this as it doesn’t disrupt the seeds. Then cover your tray to create a dark and moist environment conducive to germination. Some seed trays come with a lid, but if yours doesn’t, you can use another tray or even a dark piece of cardboard.
# Chapter 5: The Art of Maintenance
Maintaining your microgreens is just as important as setting up them. During their initial germination period, they may need a bit more attention. Be sure to mist them 1-2 times a day to maintain humidity. Once you notice the first signs of germination, you can decrease watering.
After germination, expose your microgreens to light. If using sunlight, keep your trays near a bright window. For artificial light, maintain approximately six inches distance between the light and the greens for optimal growth.
# Chapter 6: Time for Harvest
Microgreens are usually ready to harvest in 1-3 weeks, depending on the variety. Aim to harvest right after the first set of true leaves appear for the best mix of taste and nutritional value. Using a pair of scissors or a sharp knife, cut the microgreens right above soil level. Do not pull microgreens out to avoid disturbing the medium.
# Chapter 7: Aftercare Tips
Post-harvest, the growing medium can be composted or re-used, depending on the initial setup. If you used an organic soil medium, simply compost it in your backyard bin. If using soilless mats, they can be recycled depending on local regulations.
Remember, setting up your microgreen tray is just the beginning. Tending to these plants requires consistency and patience. Monitor the growth of your plants, adjust light and water conditions as needed, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different growing mediums and seed varieties. The beauty of growing microgreens is that it’s a learning process, one that will provide you with a fresh supply of flavorful, healthy greens. Be sure to begin the next planting process a few days before harvesting so you can have a continuous supply of fresh microgreens. With the right practices in place, you’ll soon be a pro in setting up your microgreen tray, allowing you to enjoy fresh greens directly from your home garden.
