Starting an Indoor Microgreens Setup
Microgreens, dubbed as the “next big thing” in the health and wellbeing industry, are seedlings of herbs, vegetables, and grains. Because they are harvested just after their first true leaves have sprouted, they often carry a concentration of essential nutrients several times more than their mature counterparts. You can harvest, eat, and enjoy a variety of microgreens, including radish, cabbage, mustard, kale, beetroot, and broccoli, all indoors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to setting up a microgreens garden inside your house.
Choose the Ideal Microgreens to Grow
As a beginner, opt for easy-to-grow microgreens such as alfalfa, broccoli, radish, and mustard. Once you’ve mastered the growing process, you can experiment with other types, including arugula, beet, and amaranth.
Select the Right Growing Medium
A suitable growing medium is crucial for the healthy and vigorous growth of microgreens. The most common growing mediums include a soil mixture (peat moss, compost, and vermiculite), coconut coir, and hydroponic mats. Soil is often preferred due to its ability to hold moisture and nutrients. Adding compost promotes microbial activity that aids the plants in absorbing nutrients better. For a soilless option, consider coconut coir or hydroponic mats ideally suited for indoor use due to their cleanliness and easier maintenance.
Arrange Pro-Environmental Light Conditions
Microgreens need ample light to grow well. Natural sunlight from a south-facing window is ideal, but artificial light can be a good substitute in indoor setup. Fluorescent lights or LED grow lights positioned 6-12 inches above the medium provide a consistent light source that encourages steady growth.
Maintain Proper Temperature & Humidity
Microgreens prefer temperatures between 60-70°F and humidity levels within 40-60%. It would help to monitor these conditions using a basic temperature and humidity meter as fluctuating conditions can negatively affect growth.
Sow the Microgreen Seeds
Start with moistening the growing medium. Next, scatter the seeds evenly across the surface. Some growers spread a thin layer of soil or compost over the seeds, but this isn’t always necessary, depending on the seeds’ size and type.
Watering & Monitoring Seeds
The need for regular watering is paramount for microgreens. Ensure the growing medium is consistently moist, especially during the germination phase, without making it excessively wet. A spray bottle can help water evenly without displacing or flooding seeds.
Hasty Harvesting
Microgreens are ready for harvesting when the first true leaves appear, usually between 7 to 14 days after sowing. Use a pair of scissors to cut them off just above the soil level. The quick turnaround time for harvesting microgreens means you can have a steady supply of nutrient-rich greens at your disposal.
Pest and Disease Control
Much like any indoor plant, microgreens can sometimes fall prey to pests and diseases. Aphids, gnats, and root rot are common threats. Natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic sprays, can mitigate these issues. Misting your plants with a solution of dish soap and water can also deter pests.
Reusing Trays
It’s possible to reuse trays if they are thoroughly cleaned between batches. This practice not only saves money but also promotes sustainability. Avoid reusing soil as it can carry diseases.
Succession Planting
Keep your indoor microgreens garden flourishing year-round with succession planting. It involves planting new seeds every few days or weeks, depending on your consumption. With this method, you’ll always have a fresh supply of microgreens at different stages of growth.
Benefits of Microgreens
What makes growing microgreens indoors especially worthwhile is their abundant health benefits. They’re loaded with vitamins C, E, and K, and are rich in beta carotene. They can amp up the nutritional content of any dish, whether it’s a salad, sandwich, or stir-fry. Besides their nutritional prowess, microgreens are visually appealing and add an aesthetic element to indoor spaces. They don’t require much space, making them a fantastic choice for urban dwellers.
In a nutshell, starting an indoor microgreens setup isn’t as hard as it might seem, even for beginners. From choosing the right seeds to harvesting the fruits of your labor, each step only requires a few materials and a little time, energy, and patience. Have fun embarking on your journey towards self-sustainability and improved health with microgreens.
