How to Grow Microgreens

Want to grow microgreens at home? This step-to-step guide will help you to grow microgreens at your home. Just keep scrolling!

Are you a plant aficionado? Do you have a strong desire to improve your health by eating nutrient-dense microgreens?

If you answered yes, this article will provide you with all of the information you need to know about how to start microgreens gardening at home and why they’re so good for you.

Microgreens are these tiny greens that can provide nutrient-dense superfood to your diet. Furthermore, they are micro versions of completely developed plants.

These small greens are easy to produce and considerably cheaper than their grocery store counterparts, as they can be ready to harvest in as little as two weeks.

I mean, aren’t they adorable? Wraps, salads, and sandwiches are just a few of the things you can prepare with them. They not only provide a splash of color to the cuisine, but they also add a burst of flavor.

If you are still not convinced to start microgreens gardening at home, keep on reading and we are sure once you read the whole article, you will have your own microgreens garden at home.

Another healthy vegetables that you can grow in your home garden are Spinach. We have written a guide on where you can grow spinach without seeds.

Also, check out Brocolli growing methods which is another healthy vegetable to grow at home.

What are Microgreens

Microgreens are miniature of several popular plants and herbs that are grown from seedlings. Microgreens, often known as “Vegetable Confetti,” have become a standard in the culinary world during the previous decade.

They’ve become fashionable in fancy dining establishments since they appear to be popular with healthful foods.

Within 2-3 weeks, microgreen seeds are sown, grown, and harvested. Microgreens are typically 34″ to 2″ tall, depending on the variety planted. Microgreens can also be grown all year round, both indoors and outdoors.

Microgreens are mature seedlings with a more intense flavor and are jam-packed with concentrated nutrients and health benefits.

A few examples of plants that can be grown as microgreens are listed below. Radishes, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, turnips, celery, spinach, arugula, Amarnath, lettuce, chard, basil, parsley, beets, and other vegetables fall into this category.

These plant species give a fantastic pop of texture and taste to your dish. Microgreens often contain around five times the quantity of vitamins and carotenoids as their counterparts.

As a result, microgreens are extremely beneficial to your health, as they reduce your chances of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and high cholesterol. It also improves heart rate, antioxidants, and mineral absorption.

Now, I’m pretty sure that you are convinced how beneficial microgreens are? Right? Want to grow microgreens at home? Keep reading!

Difference Between Microgreens and Sprouts

Microgreens and sprouts are frequently misunderstood by the general public. But did you realize there are some significant distinctions between them?

Sprouts are germinated seeds that are typically grown in dark, moist environments. What are the differences? Sprouts are eaten for their seed, root stem, cotyledons, and any undeveloped leaves.

Microgreens, on the other hand, are cultivated in soil and require a few days of sufficient air movement and light. After that, they’re ready to be harvested. You only consume the stem and leaves this time, leaving the roots in the soil.

What to Grow as Microgreens

Microgreens can be grown as herbs, leafy vegetables or salad greens, and even edible flowers. Though some varieties are better suited than others.

If you are a beginner, you can start with a pre-packed seed mix such as broccoli with the highest minerals and vitamins. However, few varieties can grow on a Mat. They are

Tatsoi
Radish greens
Watercress
Mizuna
Peas
Cabbage
Basil
Lettuce
Mustard
Kale
Endive
Arugula
Beet greens
Sunflower
Amarnath
Chia
Cilantro
Chard
Fenugreek

Sunflower sprouts must germinate in the soil. Microgreen blends that combine suitable flavors with equal growth rates are the most common.

After harvesting, you may simply collect different microgreen seeds in other containers and mix your greens. Microgreens with a smaller form of huge seed are the easiest to grow.

Furthermore, because not all seeds are healthy for microgreens, it is vital to select certified organic or untreated seeds. Because most commercial seeds are treated with insecticides and fungicides to prevent molds and insects, they are often chemically treated.

Microgreens can be cultivated in the garden under the shade if your climate allows it. You must, however, protect them from drying and harsh weather conditions, as well as plant pests.

What you Need to Grow Microgreens

Microgreens are simple to grow and inexpensive when grown from seeds in bright light with plenty of water.

Each seed, on the other hand, requires its place to grow and harvest in as little as two weeks.

Here’s everything you’ll need to start growing microgreens at home. Materials needed are

Glass container/Ceramic tray, a container with a lid.
Spray bottle
Grow a mat or pad (coconut jute, natural fiber, or paper towel/chux cloth to line tray)
Sprouting certified seeds free from fungicide.
Seaweed solution
Water
Window
Pen to mark date and variety
A small kitchen scale or measuring cups
A pair of scissors or a sharp knife

Checklist all these items before you start growing microgreens gardening at home.

How to Grow Microgreens

A key element of growing and producing microgreens is the growing medium. Following these are simple steps to start microgreens gardening to ensure success.

Once you get familiar with growing microgreens, you can slightly try growing medium microgreens and harder microgreens like carrot, basil, and Amaranthus.

So, here’s the step-to-step guide that will help you start microgreens gardening at home.

1. Secure a Location

Clear an area where you wish to grow your microgreens. Ensure that the surface is not misted or flooded by drain holes.

2. Purchase Seeds

It is critical to determine and measure the exact number of seeds required to grow.

You can use several colors in your blend. Microgreens can also be grown quickly using fenugreek, basil, mustard, and other herbs.

Now, using a measuring cup, count how many seeds you’ll need for a tray or container.

3. Prepare the Container

Microgreens can be planted in any tray or container. They should be grown in flat trays with a capacity of up to 2 inches of soil.

It is also feasible to recycle prior purchases’ punnets or shoeboxes. You can also use tetra pack cartons if one of the sides is chopped off.

The most important thing is to use a food-safe container with a sound draining hole. If you’re going to reuse a container, be sure it’s clean and dry.

4. Fill a Shallow Tray with Soil

Soak the seeds in water for 5-6 hours. Place the growing mat in the container once it has been soaked in water.

After filling the soil, flatten the soil surface using cardboard. During the germination process, the moist medium will keep the small seeds moist. Then, evenly distribute the seeds across the entire growing area of the soil.

A thin layer of seed growing mix or compost should be put over the top of little seeds. In the end, mist with a spray bottle to lightly water the plants.

Do check our guide on how to prepare the soil for planting in pots

5. Give Your Budding Plants Light and Water

It’s recommended to keep the tray in a dark place. It’s covered in domes to keep the sun out. Plastic bags or a punnet lid can be used to hide the dirt.

This will also help to provide a warmer temperature for the soil. Using a spray bottle, mist the seeds with water. Many seeds do not need to be exposed to sunlight to germinate.

For certain species, such as pea and sunflower, it is recommended to exert some weight on the seeds throughout the germination phase to keep the seeds intact with the soil.

After germination, seedlings reach a certain height. You can uncover the tray and expose it to sunlight on the third or fourth day.

6. Cover and Wait

Put them where there is more light. However, it must be in direct sunlight to prevent the tiny leaves from drying out.

Spray the microgreens with water as needed. Mold can be avoided by allowing water to drain. Open the window to allow air to circulate, which may help to prevent excess wetness.

7. Harvesting Time

Depending on the species, microgreens can be harvested on the ninth or tenth day. Harvest the stems slightly above the soil level using a clean, sharp knife.

Rinse them before you use them. However, because microgreens are delicate little greens, handle them with care.

Microgreens lose half of their shelf life after being washed. Use a salad spinner or a paper towel to gently tap to dry them.

It is super easy to grow microgreens at home. We are sure you must find it easy too. Will you start microgreens gardening at home?

Things To Keep in Mind While Growing Microgreens

There are some points to remember that will help you to grow microgreens at a rapid pace with great results.

Water your seedlings on a regular basis. In order to prevent them from drying out. Use a watering can or a spray bottle.

By initially touching the earth with your fingers, you may determine how wet it is. Overflowing water into the soil should be avoided at all costs.

You can reuse your planting trays or containers after harvesting your microgreens if your growing media is organic.

Harvesting your microgreens shouldn’t take too long. As a result of the delay, they will become bitter and their flavour will change.

In the same tray, you can grow different types of microgreens. However, look for those that have similar rates of growth.

This could take one to three weeks to grow, depending on the temperature and type of microgreens.

Immediately use your microgreens after harvesting. As it provides enough nutrients when it is consumed fresh.

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge.

Benefits of Microgreens

Microgreens add vital nutrients and are considered a superfood. They are popular in the health food movement for many reasons.

There’s a huge list of benefits among health benefits if you include microgreens in your diet. These are:

Essentially they are easy to grow since they are harvested at the first genuine leaf stage, depending on which variety you choose.

It is said that these tiny greens are incredibly nutritious because they contain higher levels of active nutrients, vitamins, and compounds found in mature plants.

Microgreens are fast-growing that are loaded with nutrients and enzymes. That helps us fight cancer cells and radical damage.

Betel leaf is another plant that helps in reducing the chances of cancer.

Other plants that you can grow for health benefits are rambutan trees and permissions without seeds.

They are high in minerals which promote total-body wellness than their vegetable counterparts.

Microgreens have a lot of advantages, one of which is that they need very little time, money, and effort to grow.

This is an ideal alternative for city dwellers who don’t have time or space for a garden. Furthermore, because you don’t have to worry about space or pot up, you can grow in a small space ratio with proper care.

Microgreens may be grown in any living setting and are therefore ideal for all climates. In the heat of summer or the cold of winter, it yields fresh living greens.

Growing microgreens is fun as it can be a neat activity or even a science experiment for the kids or the whole family.

When compared to mature plants, microgreen cotyledons have a higher concentration of nutritional densities.

Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, and antioxidants are five to six times higher in the nutritional content of 25 different species of microgreens.

There are various other studies found that broccoli has significant levels of Sulforaphane, a compound that suppresses cancer cell proliferation.

The mineral composition of lettuce microgreens is higher than that of mature lettuce, with more calcium, iron, zinc, lettuce, and magnesium.

Microgreens provide numerous health benefits, including the prevention of serious ailments such as chronic diseases, high blood pressure, and so on.

Microgreens have a delicate crisp feel and can easily be cultivated on a kitchen bench or a sunny windowsill. Many microgreens varieties will regrow and produce several harvests. Furthermore, microgreens aid in weight loss.

Microgreens have the added benefit of being able to grow in windy and cold winters. Microgreens thrive in pots or garden beds and require little maintenance

We are sure these are enough benefits to start microgreens gardening at home right away.

Conclusion

Microgreens require little maintenance and are simple to grow at home. Make that they don’t dry out too quickly.

To keep the soil moist, sprinkle or spray the microgreen tray with water once a day. So go ahead and cultivate your microgreens at home. Add a handful to sandwiches, salads, chili soup, or sautéed vegetables.

Microgreens are wonderful for adding nutrients and crunch to everything, so the possibilities are unlimited. So, now that you know how to start microgreens gardening in your yard, let’s get started.

If you have any questions on how to start microgreens gardening at home, do ask us. We will cover this in our article.