Microgreens are a fantastic way to dive into indoor gardening for several reasons. They are compact, grow quickly, and bring forth bountiful nutritional benefits that can add a healthful touch to any meal. Regardless if you are new to gardening or an experienced horticulturist, microgreens offer countless opportunities for experimentation and enjoyment, without leaving the comfort of the indoors.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that typically range in size from one to three inches tall. These small plants are harvested only 7 to 14 days after germination when the first true leaves emerge, called the cotyledon stage. The result is a lush green crop densely packed with nutrients, which chefs and food enthusiasts alike use to enhance the flavour, colour, texture, and appeal of dishes.
Microgreens vs Sprouts and Baby Greens
Sprouts, baby greens, and microgreens are different stages of a plant’s lifecycle. Sprouts are the earliest phase; harvested just a few days after germination when the seeds have sprouted. Microgreens follow, harvested just after the first true leaves appear. Baby greens are older and larger, typically harvested three to four weeks after germination.
Compared to their mature counterparts, microgreens contain a higher concentration of nutrition. According to the USDA, almost all microgreens have four to six times more nutrients than mature leaves from the same plant.
How to Grow Microgreens Indoors
Select Your Microgreens
The first step in indoor gardening with microgreens is selecting which types to plant. Almost any herb or edible plant can be grown as a microgreen, though some are more common and easier to cultivate than others. Beginners might consider starting with radishes, sunflowers, peas, or kale, as these varieties are particularly easy to care for.
Prepare Your Planting Tray
You’ll need a shallow tray to start your microgreens. The tray should be between one and two inches deep. Consider how much sunlight your microgreens will receive; light-colored trays will reflect light, maintaining lower soil temperatures, while dark trays will absorb light, promoting root growth by heating the soil.
Plant Microgreen Seeds
Spread the seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Aim for a density that allows the seeds to cover the soil without overlapping one another. This level of density promotes even growth and reduces the chances of mould or fungus. When your seeds are spread, lightly press them into the surface of the soil using a board or your hand.
Supplement with Light
Microgreens need a good amount of light to grow. A sunny windowsill can do the job, but for best results, supplement with a grow light. LED or fluorescent lights work fine. Put the lights on a timer for 16 hours on, 8 hours off.
Water Your Microgreens
Water your microgreens daily, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Misting with a spray bottle is an effective method that avoids overwatering.
Harvest Your Microgreens
Your harvest time will depend on the variety of microgreen. Most varieties take one to two weeks to reach the appropriate harvesting stage. When the first set of true leaves appear, your microgreens are ready! Cut them just above the soil line, and they’re ready to be washed and eaten.
Incorporate into Your Diet
Microgreens are extremely versatile. They can be eaten raw or added to a number of dishes. They are particularly common in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and as garnishes, providing a spicy or sweet touch depending on the variety.
Pest and Disease Management
One of the major advantages of growing microgreens indoors is minimal pest issues. However, they can still be subject to illnesses. The primary preventive method is effective circulation; this reduces conditions favourable to the development of diseases like damping-off, powdery mildew, or botrytis.
The Wonders of Composting
Once your microgreens have been harvested, don’t throw out the soil and roots. Instead, compost them. This creates nutrient-rich organic matter, a valuable addition to future planting efforts.
From Farm to Table: Sustainability
Whether you are interested in indoor gardening for your culinary pursuits, or as a pastime, growing microgreens reaps many benefits. By growing your food, you reduce your carbon footprint, eat farm fresh, know exactly what’s on your food, and contribute to waste reduction.
Starting your indoor garden may seem like a daunting task initially. However, once you learn the basic principles, it’s a rewarding experience that exposes you to the joys of gardening, ecology, and sustainability. Regardless of where you live, microgreens offer an accessible and enjoyable way to grow fresh, nutritious veggies year-round. Moreover, it empowers you to take your health into your own hands, bolstered with the satisfaction of watching your food grow from seed to harvest.
Remember, the best teacher is experience. Start small, grow different varieties of microgreens, and learn as you go. Happy indoor gardening!
