Growing Microgreens in Winter at Home
Microgreens are rapidly becoming a lucrative venture for many gardening enthusiasts due to their nutritional value, versatility in culinary uses, and the fact that they’re relatively easy to grow. Just because winter arrives doesn’t mean you have to put your green thumbs away until spring. Growing microgreens in the winter is not only possible, but it also provides a fun and satisfying gardening project when outdoor gardening is not an option.
Microgreens are young, tender plants harvested usually two weeks after planting. They are typically used as garnishes or salad components owing to their intense aromatic flavors and high-nutrient content. They include plants like sunflowers, radishes, peas, beets, and a host of others. Their allure lies in their easy cultivation and high germination rate, making them ideal for indoor winter cultivation.
Selecting The Right Microgreen Varieties
The first decision to make is what type of microgreens you want to cultivate. Since the growth conditions are indoors, you can go beyond what would usually thrive in your outdoor garden. A great idea is to start with a variety pack to identify which microgreens you prefer in terms of flavor, growth habits, and aesthetics. Consider choosing varieties that are ideal for winter growing, including mizuna, mustard greens, radish, arugula, broccoli, cilantro, and kale.
Strikingly, some super-hardy microgreen varieties like kale and broccoli can even tolerate cold windowsills in winter. Other varieties like cilantro might require additional heat sources to thrive. Hence, when selecting your microgreen varieties, it’s crucial to consider the temperature of your growing area.
Ideal Growing Conditions
To grow microgreens in winter at home, you need to provide ideal growing conditions. This involves a balance of the right temperature, light, humidity, and ventilation.
Most microgreens prefer a temperature range between 60-70°F. During winter, you might have to complement your home’s heating system with heat mats placed under the sowing trays, particularly for heat-loving plants like cilantro.
Just like in any other season, microgreens need a lot of light in winter. Most households don’t get enough natural daylight in winter months. Thus, installing artificial grow lights can be crucial for successful microgreens cultivation. Many growers have found success in LED grow lights due to their energy efficiency.
For humidity, a plastic lid on your planting tray should suffice in maintaining the humidity necessary for optimum growth. However, be keen to remove the lid once the seeds have germinated to facilitate proper airflow and prevent mold growth.
Soil and Planting
A high quality, fine-textured potting mix is perfect for microgreens as it facilitates seed-to-soil direct contact crucial for germination. Fill your seedling tray with soil, making sure it is flat, loose, and about an inch beneath the top of your container.
Next, spread your seeds uniformly over the soil. Your seeds should be dense but not layered on top of each other. Afterward, lightly cover the seeds with the potting mix. Thoroughly mist the soil using a spray bottle and cover your tray.
Watering and Harvesting
Consistent moisture levels are critical for seed germination. Keeping the soil too dry or too wet will impede germination. It’s important to use a mist sprayer rather than a watering can when watering your microgreens to prevent disruption of the soil or seed displacement.
Around the second week, your microgreens should be ready for harvest. You should look for the first set of “true leaves”—the leaves that appear after the initial sprout. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stems just above the soil level.
Pest and Disease Control
Although microgreens typically have fewer pest and disease problems than full-grown plants, keeping a keen eye out for any issues can save your crop. Fungus gnats and mold can sometimes be a problem, especially in low-light, high-humidity conditions. Good air circulation, proper watering, and keeping grow lights a proper distance from the plants can help prevent these issues.
In conclusion, growing microgreens in winter at home is not only feasible but can be a dynamic and rewarding gardening activity during the cold season. It offers a year-round supply of fresh, organic, and nutritious greens right at the comfort of your home. Furthermore, cultivating your microgreens is an excellent way to flex your gardening skills during a season when outdoor gardening can be quite challenging. So why not get your green thumbs rolling and embark on the exciting journey of growing microgreens this winter!
