Microgreens are the garden’s crown jewels, potent packages of nutrients that can naturally boost your health. Growing your own is a simple process that doesn’t require a large space or an expert’s thumb. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of growing a variety of microgreens such as kale, radish, and broccoli.
## Step 1: Selecting Your Microgreens
Start by choosing the type of microgreens you want to grow. The assortment ranges from radish, kale, mustard, beetroot, basil, chervil to broccoli, and many others. Choice factors to consider include flavor, nutritional value, and grow speed. Since all microgreens are nutrient-dense, the selection primarily depends on personal preference.
Remember that each plant has unique needs. For instance, peas need a longer soaking time and a larger growing container than radish. For beginners, fast-growing varieties like radish or broccoli are recommended.
## Step 2: Acquire Quality Seeds
After plant selection, purchase high-quality, organic seeds, preferably non-GMO from a reliable supplier. Ensure your seeds are specifically marked for becoming microgreens to ensure their compatibility for this purpose.
## Step 3: Soaking the Seeds
Once you have your seeds, soak them in water for a few hours or overnight to jump-start the germination process. However, this step is not necessary for all seeds. Smaller seeds like broccoli, radish, and kale do not need soaking and can be sown directly.
## Step 4: Preparing the Growing Medium
While soil is the common medium, microgreens can also thrive in hydroponic setups or a fine-textured soilless organic mix. A growing medium should be two to three inches deep.
If you choose soil, opt for a sterile, well-draining, and nutrient-rich potting soil. A hydroponic mat is a convenient alternative, especially for indoor growers. It needs to stay moist and should provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
## Step 5: Sowing the Seeds
Now comes the fun part – sowing the seeds. Spread your seeds evenly across the entire surface of the growing medium to get a dense, even microgreen crop. Gently press them into the growing medium without covering them.
## Step 6: Watering and Covering
Gently mist water over the seeded area using a spray bottle. To create a dark, moist condition similar to being under the soil, place a tray or domed lid over the sown seeds.
## Step 7: Germination
Place the setup in a location that remains between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds do not require sunlight at this initial stage. Within a few days, depending on the variety, germination will occur. Mist daily to maintain moisture but avoid overwatering. Too much water can cause mold and mildew or “dampen off.”
## Step 8: Uncovering
Once the sprouts start hitting the lid or have turned yellow, they are ready for light. Remove the cover and place the tray where it can get plenty of indirect sunlight. A south-facing window or under grow lights should suffice.
## Step 9: Growing Phase
During the growing phase, water from the bottom to prevent moisture buildup on the leaves which can lead to disease. Add water to the tray itself, and the roots will uptake what they need. Ensure your setup has good air circulation to protect the greens from fungal diseases.
The greens need light for photosynthesis and growth. If sunlight is insufficient, supplement with a grow light.
## Step 10: Harvesting
Around 7 to 14 days, most microgreens are ready for harvesting. To harvest, either cut the stems with scissors just above the soil line or pull up the plants by their roots.
After harvesting, the greens can be rinsed and dried. Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator where they can last for about a month.
When harvested at the right time, microgreens are highly nutritious, delicious, and enhance both the taste and aesthetic of dishes.
## Step 11: Crop Rotation
Don’t wait to finish harvesting before you sow another tray. Stagger your plantings for a continual supply of fresh greens. Once the microgreens have been harvested, replenish the soil or growing medium and begin anew.
Microgreens are a year-round crop, but with proper management, they can also be a sustainable source of fresh greens in the winter months. Whether added to salads, garnishing a main dish, or blended into smoothies, the usefulness of microgreens is limited only by your culinary creativity.
Growing microgreens is indeed a rewarding endeavor. This step-by-step guide makes it easy to join the ranks of urban farmers who have discovered the joy and benefits of growing microgreens. Remember that practice, patience, and experimentation are the keys to becoming a successful microgreen grower.
Happy Microgreen Farming!
