Microgreens: Grow and Harvest Nutritious Greens in Your Own Kitchen

Microgreens are a fantastic, nutritious addition to your diet and your home garden.

These tiny plants are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them a great way to boost your health.

Not to mention, they’re delicious, easy to grow and can be grown right in your kitchen.

In this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know to start growing your own microgreens at home, from selecting seeds and growing medium, to harvesting and incorporating them into your meals.

Let’s get started!

Selecting Seeds and Growing Medium

Growing microgreens successfully starts with choosing the right seeds and growing medium. When it comes to seeds, it’s essential to select those that have high germination rates and are appropriate for the type or mix of microgreens you want to grow. Some popular seeds for microgreens include arugula, basil, broccoli, kale, and sunflower.

As for the growing medium, you can choose between soil-based or hydroponic growing mediums. Soil-based mediums are a more traditional option that use potting soil or seed-starting mix. Hydroponics, on the other hand, is a soil-free method of growing plants that involves using a nutrient-rich water solution to provide plants with all the essential elements they need to grow.

While both methods can be effective, each has its benefits and drawbacks, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. For example, hydroponic systems allow for faster growth and higher yields, while soil-based systems offer the advantage of being more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Whatever medium you choose, be sure to do some research and select one that will help your microgreens grow to their full potential.

Preparing to Grow Microgreens

Now that you have your seeds and growing medium sorted out, it’s time to begin preparing to grow your microgreens. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

• Shallow tray or growing container: You can repurpose plastic containers or use seed trays, just make sure they aren’t too deep.

• Growing medium: The growing medium will depend on the type of microgreen you are growing.

• Spray bottle: This will be used to water the microgreens.

• A covering: This will be used to cover the seeds and keep them moist until they begin to germinate. You can use another tray, a plastic wrap or a paper towel.

Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin preparing your growing containers. Start off by making sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating, which can cause mold and disease to form.

Next, fill the container with the growing medium to about an inch below the top of the container. Level and water the growing medium till it becomes damp but not soggy.

You are now ready to sprinkle the seeds on top of the growing medium. Ensure that you spread the seeds evenly, neither too thinly nor too thickly.

Finally, cover the seeds with the cover you have chosen, ensuring it allows sufficient air circulation while also keeping the seeds moist.

There you have it, your growing containers are ready, and the seeds are set.

Planting and Growing Your Microgreens

Once you have selected your seeds and growing medium, it’s time to get started with planting your microgreens. Spread a thin layer of seeds over your growing medium, leaving a little space between each seed. Once you have spread your seeds, cover them with a thin layer of growing medium. Gently water your seeds to create a moist growing environment. During the growing process, ensure that your growing medium remains moist by watering it regularly. Make sure not to overwater, as this can lead to mold growth. Optimal growing conditions are a temperature of around 65-75°F and a humidity level of around 40-50%. As your microgreens begin to grow, it is important to provide them with enough light. Place them near a bright window or use artificial lighting to ensure they receive 12-16 hours of light per day. Rotate your growing containers regularly to make sure all sides of the microgreens receives light evenly. After about 7-21 days, depending on the seed variety, your microgreens should be ready to harvest.

Choosing the Right Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for growing healthy and vibrant microgreens. When choosing the right lighting for your microgreen growing operation, there are several things to consider.

Importance of lighting for microgreens

Microgreens require a lot of energy from light to grow and thrive. Without adequate lighting, they may become weak, leggy or fail to grow altogether. While natural sunlight is ideal, it is not always available or practical. This is where artificial lighting comes in.

Options for providing proper lighting

There are many different types of lights that can be used to grow microgreens, including fluorescent, LED, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lights. LED lights are usually the best option for growing microgreens because they are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and emit the right spectrum of light that microgreens need to grow.

When choosing LED lights, look for those with a spectrum of 400-700nm, which is suitable for the vegetative stage of growth. You should also consider the wattage and size of the light, depending on the number of plants you plan to grow.

Additionally, you can use reflective surfaces to maximize the amount of light your plants receive. Some growers use reflective materials, such as Mylar, white or aluminum foil, to line the walls of their growing space, which helps to direct more light onto their plants.

If you do decide to use natural sunlight for your microgreens, be sure to place your plants in a south-facing window with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, and rotate them every few days to ensure even growth.

By taking the time to select the right lighting for your microgreen growing operation, you can ensure that your plants receive the energy they need to thrive, even in low light conditions.

Harvesting Microgreens

Harvesting microgreens is a fairly simple process, but it is important to do it correctly to ensure you get the most out of your crop.

First, you need to determine when your microgreens are ready to be harvested. The best time to harvest is when the plants have developed their first true leaves, which will typically happen about 10 days after planting. To check if they’re ready, gently lift a few seedlings from the soil with a pair of scissors or tweezers and check if they have developed true leaves.

Once you have determined that your microgreens are ready to be harvested, you should cut them at the base of the stem with a pair of sharp scissors. It is essential to make sure your scissors are clean and sharp to prevent crushing or damaging the stems, which can cause the microgreens to wilt or turn brown.

After harvesting your microgreens, it’s essential to wash them thoroughly with cold water to remove any soil or debris. Gently shake or pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

You can store your microgreens in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Microgreens are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They are perfect for adding a burst of fresh flavor to salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. You can also use them as a garnish for your favorite meals to add an extra pop of color and flavor.

Overall, harvesting and using your microgreens is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple steps, you can grow and enjoy fresh, nutritious greens all year round.

Using Your Microgreens

Using your freshly grown microgreens is a great way to incorporate nutrients into your meals. Microgreens add texture, nutty flavour and colour to your dishes, making them both tasty and healthy. Here are some ideas for using your microgreens:

• Add them as a topping or garnish on your favourite dishes such as, avocado toast, pasta, omelettes or salads.
• Toss them into smoothies for a quick and easy way to get extra greens in your diet.
• Incorporate them into wraps or sandwiches for a boost of flavour and nutrients.
• Use microgreens as an alternative to lettuce in burgers or tacos.

Bear in mind that microgreens are fragile and are best used immediately after they’re harvested. Unused microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container or a plastic bag with a few holes punched in it.

Another great way to use your microgreens is as a garnish for cocktails or mocktails. Try adding them to a gin and tonic or a margarita for added flavour and nutrition. Remember to have fun with your microgreens and experiment with different recipes and flavours.

Microgreens are also incredibly nutritious. While they may be small in size, they are packed with vitamins and minerals. Broccoli microgreens, for example, contain up to 40 times more nutrients than mature broccoli. Additionally, studies have shown that microgreens may have cancer-fighting properties and can help reduce inflammation.

In conclusion, by growing your own microgreens, you can easily add flavour, texture and nutrition to your meals. Try out some of the ideas listed above and see how microgreens can enhance your cooking!

Troubleshooting

Microgreens are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow, but there are a few common issues that can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you prevent and resolve any problems:

If your microgreens appear wilted or droopy, it could be a sign of overwatering. Make sure you are not watering too frequently and that your growing medium is well-draining.

If the stems of your microgreens are weak and falling over, it could be a sign of insufficient light. Try increasing the amount of light they receive and see if this improves their growth.

If you notice mold or mildew growing on your microgreens, it could be a sign of high humidity. Make sure there is adequate air flow in your growing area and consider using a fungicide to prevent the growth of mold.

If your microgreens are growing tall and spindly, it could be a sign of insufficient light. Try using brighter or more direct light, or adjust the distance between the light source and your plants.

If you notice pests such as mites or aphids on your microgreens, use a natural insecticide or consider starting over with fresh seeds and soil.

By becoming familiar with these common issues and their remedies, you can prevent most problems from happening and ensure that your microgreens grow healthy and strong.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, microgreens are an excellent option for anyone looking to add some fresh, nutrient-rich greenery to their diet all year round.

By selecting the right seeds, growing medium, and lighting, and paying attention to the proper care and harvest techniques, you can easily cultivate these tasty greens in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Now that you have some tips for growing and using microgreens, which ones are you going to start with?

I’d love to hear about your experience with growing these little powerhouses.

Send me a message and let me know!

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By doing so, you’ll help to spread the word about the power of microgreens and inspire others to give this rewarding gardening practice a try.