Since the introduction of microgreens at cafés and restaurants, the tiny green vegetable herbs and seedlings have been in high demand among foodies. This is why many people now a days are trying to grow microgreens in their home for personal use and for profit.
Microgreens have been appearing in grocery stores and marketplaces for a few years, but there is no denying the recent surge in interest that has drawn a large number of people to them. You’d be hard pressed to find a good restaurant that doesn’t serve microgreens to accompany a beautifully prepared entrée.
This article will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of not only how to get started growing microgreens, but also how to produce high-quality greens.
Read Here:
- What is a Microgreen? Definition, Height, Color, Health Benefits, FAQs
- 87+ Types of Microgreens – The Complete Microgreens List for Beginners
- Are Microgreens Safe to Eat? (During Pregnancy, Home Grown, Raw)
Along the way, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step procedure for growing microgreens and share my pearls of wisdom that I’ve picked up along the road so you don’t have to.
You’ll be growing vitamin-rich and fresh microgreens in no time!
Which Microgreens to Grow?
Begin by picking out your favorite microgreens. Though you may be undecided about which one to choose and have no idea how they will taste, here is the “tasting list.” It’s also difficult to choose because there are over 87 different types of microgreens.
Don’t worry; I recommend starting with the more beginner-friendly microgreens like sunflower, broccoli, arugula, kale, and chickpea.
These microgreens grow quickly, are simple to care for, and will not cause you any problems. It takes around 7-10 days for them to mature and be ready to harvest.
You can try growing some difficult microgreens once you’ve gotten a handle on them, for instance, flaxseed and chea. When these mucilaginous seeds get wet, they form a sticky glue-like membrane, which causes seeding and one of the six difficulties listed here.
Similarly, some microgreens, such as oregano and lovage, require longer germinating than others. These are herb-type microgreens, commonly referred to as “Microherb.”
Then…
You may purchase microgreen seeds from any gourmet grocery store. local farmer or online once you’ve chosen your decision.
Here’s a terrific source to acquire all your microgreen seeds if you don’t want to leave your house. They have a large selection of non-GMO microgreen seeds.
Of course, you can grow everything in one 1020 tray and harvest everything at the same time.
Microgreens: How to Grow Them (Step by Step Process)
Let’s get into more depth on how to grow microgreens now. We’ll go over the step-by-step procedure I employ to grow microgreens.
Step # 1
How do you make Soil for Microgreens?
You can choose from a number of soils in which to cultivate your seeds. You can use a soilless media, a soil-based media, or even hydroponically cultivate your microgreens.
Read Here:
- Best Growing Medium for Microgreens (Soil or Hydroponic/Soilless)
- Best Soil for Microgreens – Recipe for a Perfect Microgreens Potting Soil
Coconut coir or peat moss are good medium for growing seeds in, but you can use whatever potting soil you wish.
Most individuals also enjoy incorporating additional nutrients into their soils. Though microgreens do not require a nutrient-rich substrate, I have observed that if they are given some nutrients, they produce a greener plant.
To prevent water logging of the roots, the soil must be placed in a shallow planting tray (typically 10 x 20 inches) with drainage holes.
Regardless of the size of the seed developed, you will only require 0.75 inches of soil in this microgreen tray.
Once the soil is in the tray, it should be leveled out so that the seeds are evenly distributed throughout the tray, with no troughs or peaks in the soil.
Step # 2
Water the Soil – Top Watering vs Bottom Watering
Before planting the seeds, keep the soil moist and humid. Attempting to water after the seeds have been spread on the soil can result in significant seed displacement and areas on your tray becoming overloaded while remaining bare in other locations.
Underneath watering will reduce seed displacement and allow for more equal moisture dispersion in your tray if you use the two tray arrangement.
It’s best to use filtered water because tap water can stifle microgreen growth.
Note: You can use a Soil Moisture Meter to check the Soil Moist level.
Step # 3
How to Plant Microgreen Seeds?
It’s time to start planting the seeds now that the soil media has been prepared.
Should you soak microgreen seeds before planting?
When seeds are pre-soaked before sowing, they germinate much better. If you do need to soak your green seed variety, it should only take 12 to 48 hours. You can prepare your soil media while the seed is being pre-soaked.
The seeds merely need to be evenly distributed over the top of the soil and gently pressed into the soil to ensure good contact.
Depending on the seed kind, you’ll need a different amount of seed each microgreen tray.
Step # 4
What do you cover microgreens with? (To Protect from Direct Sunlight)
Light is not required for the germination of microgreen seeds. For the best outcomes, we put our seedlings in a blackout phase for a few days.
Darkness can help the seeds germinate more quickly, but you’ll still need to water them and keep the soil moist while they’re hidden from the sun. If the soil dries up at this stage, the germination of the seeds will be inconsistent and delayed. Water your plants at least twice a day to keep them moist.
There are a few ways to keep seeds from absorbing light.
- The first method is to lay a covering mat over the soil’s surface.
- The second method is to cover the soil with the bottom of a different microgreen tray, which is what I do.
Actually, if you’re growing microgreens, you can simply stack them on top of each other.
The seeds are ready to take sunlight and move on to the next stage of germination after 4-5 days.
Step # 5
Should Microgreen seeds be covered with soil?
Because the seeds are distributed over the earth’s surface rather than dug in, it’s critical that they make good contact with the soil.
Putting some weight on top of an empty microgreen tray that is sitting on top of soil is an excellent solution. Make sure your weight is equally spread across the tray’s whole surface. While the germination is taking place, a landscape paver would be a perfect weight and offer a uniform distribution.
Step # 6
Storing the Microgreens Trays for Seed Germination
During the blackout phase for seed germination, the trays can be stacked on top of one another to save space while also providing weight to the growth surface.
Because space is limited inside, most individuals cultivate microgreens in a vertical storage arrangement. The vertical storage system could accommodate a number of shelves, each with its own fan and light source.
We Recommend: Best Lights for Microgreens – An Ultimate Guide for Selecting the Best
Step # 7
How Often Should Microgreens be Watered During Blackout time
During the blackout time, watering is necessary to keep the soil moist during the germination process.
During this time, there are two different ways to water the microgreens.
- The first method is to remove the blackout protection and moisten the soil lightly from the top.
- The alternative technique is to water the microgreens in the tray they are sitting in, allowing the water to soak up into the soil.
Either method is great, but I recommend under soil watering because it reduces the risk of mold developing in your microgreens. If the above soil begins to dry up, supplement the below watering by spraying a little mist directly onto the soil.
Step # 8
When should you expose Microgreens to sunlight?
It’s time to expose your seedlings to specific light once they’ve started growing. Because your seedlings develop vertically while they are not exposed to light, I usually wait a few days before exposing them to light (giving you good height for the microgreens). When they are exposed to light, they begin to mature and grow in height.
Lighting can be provided by artificial or natural sources. Extra light may not be necessary if you are growing microgreens in a location that receives direct sunlight. Otherwise, you’ll need to install an appropriate artificial lighting source.
Read here: Best Lights for Microgreens – An Ultimate Guide for Selecting the Best
There are several artificial lighting alternatives available, however most individuals will choose between fluorescent and LED lights. Grow lamps are used by professional growers. Standard fluorescent T5 light or LEDs are acceptable for an initial setup because these might be somewhat costly.
Your microgreens should be about 12 inches away from the light source, depending on the light source.
Step # 9
How do you ventilate a Microgreens Grow Room?
Mold might grow if there isn’t enough ventilation through your microgreens. Growing outside reduces this risk because the natural wind keeps mold at bay.
Read Here: Can you Grow Microgreens Outside? – Indoor vs Outdoor (A Comparison)
If you’re growing microgreens in a vertical garden inside, you’ll need to set up an artificial airflow system. A low-cost option is to place a tiny fan on each shelf. These are available for purchase here.
Step # 10
Harvesting the Microgreens
Harvesting your final greens might take anywhere from 7 to 14 days after planting, depend on the type of microgreen.
About an inch above the earth, the microgreens are sliced with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. As a result, the end product is not polluted by soil.
Rinse the microgreens in water and dry them before storing them.
After harvesting the microgreens, store them in a refrigerator with a semi-open lid to allow for some ventilation.
Read Here:
- How to Harvest Microgreens? & When to Harvest Microgreens?
- How to Store Microgreens? (4 Simple Ideas for Beginners)
Step # 11
What do you do with the soil after harvesting microgreens?
The soil can be used to grow seedlings once the microgreens have been harvested fully. Many seedlings do not regenerate, despite the fact that some do.
Composting the soil allows the plants and roots to break down, enriching the soil and allowing it to be used again.
Read Here: Can you reuse Microgreen Soil after Harvesting? (2 Simple Solutions)
Growing Microgreens FAQs
Why would you want to grow these tiny super foods?
The majority of people wonder why I cultivate these delectable tiny greens at home. Don’t be fooled by their little size; microgreens provide a lot of health benefits as well as a lot of possibilities for increasing your revenue.
Let’s have a look at some of the benefits that cultivating microgreens at home can provide.
- They are, as you might expect, extremely nutrient-dense. Microgreens have 5% more nutrients than other mature veggies, according to research. Minerals and vitamins abound in these tiny greens. Magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and copper are all abundant in them. Furthermore, they are abundant in antixoxidants, which are necessary for your health. Including these greens in your drinks, such as juices, shakes, and smoothies, is an excellent method to boost your immune system.
- Microgreens are really simple to grow. Unlike their mature cousins (adult vegetables), you may acquire a fresh harvest in a short amount of time indoors without having to contend with outdoor variables like heat, bugs, and other environmental conditions. Grow them inside and using the same formula in different producing circumstances eliminates a lot of worries, making growing these greens very stress-free.
- They are low-cost to grow! Microgreens can be grown on a budget. The initial setup cost of growing these greens is very low. Once you’ve got everything set up, your ongoing costs will be little compared to the amount of nutritious, vitamin-rich greens you’ll be producing. It is a low-cost nutrient source for your family. Furthermore, because you may pick inside after only a week, I find that my family has a consistent supply of these delectable microgreens on a weekly basis.
What you need to grow microgreens at home
Growing microgreens has the advantage that, while they are a very healthy food alternative, the initial investment is not prohibitively high. To create your first run of greens, you’ll need to invest in the following items:
- Microgreen Trays
- Soil
- Lighting Source (T5 light or LEDs)
- Microgreen Seeds
- Cost of Electricity
Microgreen trays come in a variety of sizes, but the 10 inch by 20 inch tray is the most prevalent. Because these trays are shallow, they are just approximately one inch tall. They are available in a variety of quality, ranging from thin brittle plastic (which tends to shatter after a few uses) to more durable plastic. I prefer to use mid-range trays since they provide a decent blend of durability and cost.
Two trays are required for each batch of microgreens cultivated. The first tray, which holds the soil and seeds, has drainage holes on the bottom. This will be placed within the second tray, which will allow for below-ground watering. There are no perforations in the second tray.
As there are so many various varieties of seeds used for microgreens, the cost of seed varies from seed to seed. It is frequently suggested that seeds be purchased from well-known suppliers in order to ensure seed quality.
It’s crucial to choose the correct soil for the microgreen trays. The soil with small particle size is a suitable choice. Because compacted coco coir is less expensive and easier to store, I prefer to use it. The best part about this soil is that it can be used again, saving you money!
Where to Grow Microgreens – Indoors vs Outdoor?
The location of where you should cultivate your microgreens might spark a heated dispute among specialists. Depending on whether your greens are produced indoor or outdoor, there are advantages and disadvantages in the home setting.
Growing microgreens outdoors takes a great deal of care and protection. Although sunlight is abundant and inexpensive, you will be subject to variations in the atmosphere. Humidity fluctuations, temperature bugs, and moisture can all make growing outside more difficult.
Microgreens may be grown inside, which gives you greater control over the environment and is my preferred method of cultivating greens. To make indoor gardening successful, you’ll need to put up a system that maintains a consistent temperature and humidity. Indoors, good lighting will be even more vital to control.
Read Here: Can you Grow Microgreens Outside? – Indoor vs Outdoor (A Comparison)
How long does it take to Grow Microgreens before we can Harvest it?
Microgreen’s growth time is determined by a number of factors, including the type of seed used and the amount of time spent in light. Harvesting is usually done when the seedlings’ first set of leaves develop.
As previously said, the length of time varies depending on the type of seedling. To assist new growers, I’ve produced a chart featuring a wide range of seedlings and their harvest dates.
What microgreens are the easiest to grow?
Radishes, according to farmers and study, are one of the easiest microgreens to grow.
Is growing microgreens in a Mason jar possible?
You can produce sprouts and microgreens in a jar using a variety of approaches.
Is it possible to get microgreen kits?
Microgreen kits are available for purchase online, or you can make your own.
Are you able to commercially grow microgreens?
Microgreens sell for a lot of money; therefore you can make a lot of money growing them commercially.
Do microgreens grow back after being cut? (As well as how to regrow)
Many microgreens do not regrow at all. The microgreen, on the other hand, has a decent chance of regrowing and surviving if at least one healthy leaf remains.
The reason for this is that the seedling can still undertake photosynthesis with light. However, the rate of growth would be much slower than before, resulting in stunted growth in some cases.
Furthermore, the taste of the second-harvest microgreens will be slightly different. For the sake of avoiding losing their microgreens business, many commercial producers rationally discard them and start over.
Is there a higher chance to regrow…?
Pea-type microgreens have a better probability of regrowing. Snap peas, snow peas, green peas, speckled peas, fava beans, and field peas are examples.
In general, the rate of regeneration isn’t significant enough to be concerned about.
You could potentially be mistaking late-sprouted seeds for regrown microgreens in some circumstances. Over-seeding the tray, for example, will result in a lot of late germination, which is why microgreens fall over.
In any case, going for a second harvest isn’t worth it.
Instead, here’s what you should do…
Most gardeners’ standard procedure is to toss the harvested remnants into the compost heap straightaway.
Why do we need to cover the microgreens (or seeds) in darkness?
Covering the microgreens in darkness is a vital step in ensuring that they grow into long, gorgeous seedlings.
Microgreens will have little choice but to extend out actively in search of a light source in the dark. In the end, your microgreens will be slimmer, longer, and more sensitive. However, because the starch content of seed endosperm is limited, the microgreens will fall over after the energy supply has been depleted.
As a result, most growers would leave the blackout phase in place for 3-5 days (1-3 days) after germination, but not for too long.
When they are exposed to light, photosynthesis begins, and the microgreens become healthier and thicker.
But hold on…
That being said, some microgreens are naturally short and do not grow tall.
When should microgreens be exposed to light?
Growers often blackout microgreens for 3-5 days before exposing them to light, as previously said.
Your microgreens should be yellowish and pale at this point. However, not all microgreens should be stored for so long.
However, it is dependent on a few factors…
Slow-growing microgreens like oregano and thyme, for example, take more time in the dark to stretch — ideally, 5-8 days. Fast-growing microgreens like kale and broccoli, on the other hand, require only 2-3 days maturing.
Also, your habitat, seed quality, and cultivars may have an impact on the rate of growth.
You must keep a watch on frequent problems like these in order to prevent them.
After that, the microgreens will turn green very quickly after coming into contact with light. The shoot becomes thicker as more glucose is produced.
To avoid mold problems, you’ll need to give them with additional water and a better air ventilation system.
When should microgreens be watered?
Following up on the last question, we’ll go over when and how to properly water your microgreens.
Microgreens grow densely in a tiny space; hence water capacity is critical for their survival. The most common cause of microgreens falling over is a lack of water.
In order to keep your microgreens tray moist, you need water it twice a day.
However, it is dependent on your local weather (temperature and humidity) as well as your soil combination.
The golden rule…
A fine soil mix will swiftly drain water to avoid a wet atmosphere while still retaining enough moisture for the microgreens.
To lighten the soil, you’ll need to add 20% perlite to the mix. This allows more air to enter the root and aids in water retention.
So, how do you do it…?
Make sure the upper and bottom soils are moist but not saturated. The bottom-watering strategy is required for feathery and petite microgreens. You’ll need to water them every other day or longer with this method. Make careful you check the tray by lifting it up.
Few microgreens, such as the dun pea and sunflower, require extra water naturally, while others, such as broccoli and cress, do not. Microgreens require more water as they mature.
