How to Grow Microgreens in Your Home

The microgreens trend is a recent phenomenon. They are similar to sproutsIt does not require sunlight or soil (or a growlight) but it will need both.

What are Microgreens?

Microgreens are miniature plants that can be made from herbs, greens or vegetables. Because of their rapid growth, microgreens are also a concentrated source of nutrients and enzymes.

Though they are often seen in dishes at gourmet restaurants because of their delicate flavor and sophisticated presentation, they are simple to grow on your own and cost very little once you have the supplies. The right tools can help you have an abundance of vegetables on your counter all year long.

Microgreens are also available. Identify and eliminate the bacteria that can grow in sproutsThey are rare (but still exist) as they are grown outdoors and in soil. The stem and leaves of sprouts are not eaten.

What is it that you want to grow?

The following plants are commonly used to grow microgreens:

• Lettuce
• Kale
• Spinach
• Radish
• Beet
• Watercress
• Herbs
• Greens
• Cabbage
• Mustard
• Chia
• Sunflower
• Buckwheat

Technically, any edible plant (root to leaf) is edible. However, the above plants are the most popular and have the best taste. Microgreens can add color, flavor and texture to salads.

Microgreen Growing Supplies

How to Grow Microgreens

1. Install an inexpensive growlight in a south-facing windows that receives plenty of sunlight. I’ve found that a growlight mounted under kitchen cabinets works perfectly for growing greens on the counter if you have the space to do it. During the summer, you can easily grow these outside.
2. Pour an inch of organic soil into the bottom of shallow planters or trays and smooth it out as evenly as you can. Alternately you can clear an area for microgreens in your garden.
3. Sprinkle seeds evenly on the soil surface. The seeds will grow only 1-2 inches high, and you’ll want to get as many seeds as you can from each tray. TIP: Soaking seeds overnight can speed up the sprouting process, but it will make them more difficult to spread.
4. Spray the surface of the seeds with clean, filtered filtered water. I use an upcycled vinegar bottle with a misting top.
5. Place the plant on the heating mat if you are using one, under the grow lights or near a window.
6. As you wait for the seeds, mist them a couple times a week to keep the soil moist.
7. Greens can be harvested in 2 to 4 weeks depending on the type and size of seed.
8. For a second crop, you can either remove the roots of the first and replant it or place the entire tray on the compost pile and add more soil. You can usually get some seeds to grow if you put the compost in.

Use: Cut microgreens with kitchen shears just above the soil level. Add to salads, or use as a garnish on any dish. Rinse microgreens with filtered water.

Have you ever grown anything in your home?