Microgreens, the small, vibrant sprouts of edible plants, have moved from the realm of gourmet dining to the ordinary household. Not only do these baby plants offer an aesthetic appeal with their diverse colors and textures, but they are also a powerhouse of nutrients, holding up to 40 times more vitamins and minerals than their mature counterparts. Typically, microgreens are grown in soil, but did you know that it’s possible to grow them without soil? Yes, you can, and in this article, we aim to guide you step-by-step on how to grow microgreens without soil.
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, where nutrients are delivered to the plants in a water-based solution, allowing them to grow optimally. Hydroponic cultivation of microgreens allows for a cleaner grow as it eliminates many soil-borne diseases and pests. It enables the microgreens to be harvested more quickly due to more efficient nutrient uptake and the farmers maintain greater control over the growing conditions.
The first step in preparing a healthy hydroponics system for your microgreens is to assemble the necessary materials. You will need microgreen seeds, a growing tray, a pH testing kit, nutrient solution, a spray bottle, and distilled water.
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Microgreen Seeds: Choosing the right seeds is the first step in growing soil-free microgreens. Some suitable options for hydroponic growth include broccoli, radish, peas, arugula, kale, and spinach.
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Growing Tray: The growing tray is perhaps one of the most crucial components for hydroponic culture. It should have no drainage holes as we want to keep the nutrient solution contained for the microgreens to grow.
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Nutrient Solution: A high quality hydroponic nutrient solution should have a balanced mix of micro and macronutrients that your microgreens will need for optimal growth.
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pH Testing Kit: A pH testing kit to maintain the room-temperature water in balance, as different plants have different pH requirements.
Before you seed, you need to soak the chosen medium with a mixture of water and the nutrient blend. After that, ensure the distribution of seeds evenly. The thicker the coating of seeds, the denser your microgreens’ crop will be. Use a spray bottle to mist the seeds after placing them and cover the growing tray for 3-4 days to allow for germination. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or light during this process.
Once your microgreens have germinated, you need to ensure the ideal growing conditions for your plants to thrive.
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Light: Microgreens need ample light to photosynthesize and grow. If you do not have enough natural light, you may need to invest in grow lights.
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Temperature: Most microgreens prefer a temperature range of 18-21°C (65-70°F) for optimal growth.
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Air Circulation: Proper air ventilation discourages the growth of pathogens and supports plant growth. It is essential to place your growing trays in a location with a gentle breeze or use a small fan for this purpose.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the water level in the tray. You don’t want the roots to become overly submerged, drowning the plants, or have the water level drop too low, causing the plants to dry out.
Your microgreens should be ready to harvest within 10-14 days. Use a pair of scissors to cut the stalks just above the level of the growing medium. Never pull out the roots as it can lead to the loss of the plant’s freshness and damage the remnant roots that can provide a new yield.
As you can see, the steps to raise soil-free microgreens within the comforts of your own place are relatively straightforward. Probiotic superfood microgreens can be nurturing to health-conscious individuals or a fun hobby turned potential career for urban dwellers with limited planting space. So, start your journey today and discover the endless benefits of growing your own diverse range of microgreens using hydroponic means.
