by Debbie Proctor
Most of us would like to grow our greens, but at the same time, we don’t have the patience to wait for them to grow or even a place to plant them.
These are just two reasons microgreens have become popular in recent times. They are the fastest food crop any gardener can grow, and it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a lot of space for gardening.
Even someone who lives in a small apartment can easily grow microgreens. They are the fast-food of the vegetable world, and not only are they loaded with nutrients, but they are also delicious.
Today we are going to talk about how to grow microgreens, even if you have limited space or few gardening skills.
How to Grow Microgreens
What are Microgreens
Everyone knows what sprouts are – germinated seeds that are delicious in salads and other dishes. These are baby plants, or the first shoots when a seed opens.
Do you think sprouts sound a lot like microgreens? They are similar, but where sprouts are seeds that have been soaked in water to germinate, microgreens are grown right in the soil.
During the germination process, the seed leaves (also known as cotyledons, the embryos of the seeds) come through the soil first. Photosynthesis allows the cotyledons to provide food that allows the leaves on the plant to develop.
The next stage in plant growth is microgreens. These can be harvested when seeds have grown tiny roots and the first of the true leaves.
One of the things many people like about microgreens is that in addition to offering similar health benefits to sprouts, they provide far more nutrients. You can also increase the value of the nutrients in microgreens by adding minerals to your soil. This will also help enhance the flavor.
The seedlings are harvested when they are smaller than baby leaves, and they are much more delicious.
Benefits of Growing Microgreens
Even if you have never been very good at gardening, you shouldn’t have any trouble growing microgreens. They go from seed to being edible in a matter of just one to three weeks, depending on which types you are growing.
Here are a few more benefits to growing microgreens.
- You don’t need a lot of space to grow a high yield of plants
- It doesn’t cost much to grow microgreens, and there is minimal effort required for the entire process. Microgreens are the healthiest fast food you will ever enjoy
- If you are an urban dweller with precious little space or time for gardening, you can still grow microgreens. You only need good light, water, a growing medium, and a shallow tray or another suitable container for growing microgreens.
- Microgreens can be grown in all climates. This cannot be said for other vegetables you may have considered growing in the past. You don’t need to worry about whether or not there is going to be frost. Your microgreens will grow and thrive, and you will always have fresh greens for salads, sandwiches, and other meals
- If you have always wanted to be an indoor gardener, growing microgreens is perfect for you. You can grow them inside, as long as you have good light. Many people grow their microgreens on sunny windowsills or benches in areas that receive a lot of light. If you have space to set up a mini greenhouse (can be on a balcony, covered porch, etc.) you can grow even more microgreens
- Microgreens are nutrient-dense foods that contain loads of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy. These nutrients provide many health benefits, and they are also high in living enzymes, flavor, color, and texture
- Microgreens can help you save money; because this is the type of crop that can be grown year-round, you don’t have to go shopping for foods that are inevitably going to be much more expensive during the off-growing season
Health Benefits of Microgreens
Maybe because they are young and just starting to grow, but microgreens are known to have much higher concentrations of vitamins and other nutrients than mature plants.
When you compare mature leaves to microgreens, you will find that the microgreens are much healthier, and they will provide your diet with the nutrients you and your family need to stay healthy.
As soon as you harvest most crops, the foods start to lose their nutritional value. This isn’t the case with microgreens. Harvesting microgreens helps boost the number of nutrients they already have.
You will find that the microgreens you grow at home are delicious, and they have a huge variety of textures and flavors. They are ideal in salads, or just to be used as garnishes for extra color and flavor.
Types of Microgreens Seeds You Can Grow at Home
You might be surprised to learn that there are several different types of microgreens you can grow right in your own home. These can include but are not limited to, broccoli, celery, kale, lettuce, parsley, peas, radish, spinach, chard, cabbage, beets, and basil.
The flavors of these microgreens can range from very mild to very intense. It all depends on the variety you are growing.
Keep in mind that not all types of seeds can be used to grow microgreens safely. It is recommended that you only use untreated seeds or seeds that are certified organic. When you get commercial seeds, they tend to be treated with pesticides and fungicides that will help to prevent mold or insects but can be harmful to our health.
Steps for Growing Your Own Microgreens
The most important thing you need to grow microgreens is good light, along with adequate moisture. You can grow them in a soil medium or a soil substitute, and they should be harvested before reaching maturity. You will also need to make sure that every seed has plenty of space for growing.
Microgreens are snipped at the soil level once you see the first true leaves beginning to grow out of the cotyledon, which is the embryonic leaf that is found inside the seed.
To grow microgreens, you will need a tray or container to grow them in, seeds that are certified organic or free of fungicides, a seaweed solution, a seed mix growing medium, a spray bottle, a paper towel to line the tray, and a label and pen to mark each plant with the planting date and their varieties.
If you are growing microgreens inside, you will first need to prepare your seeds. To help them germinate quickly, it is best to pre-soak the larger seeds in warm water. This should be done for a few hours, but preferably overnight. You don’t need to soak the smaller seeds.
Once you have your seeds and soaked the larger ones, you will need to take the following steps to grow delicious and healthy microgreens.
1. Prepare the Container and Seed Raising Mix
If you are using a tray, line the bottom of the tray with a moistened paper towel. This will stop the soil and seeds from falling through the bottom of the tray. The container should be filled about three quarters of the way with moistened growing mediums (about an inch deep).
You can make your home-made seed-raising mixes with ingredients that will help to give the germination process a boost. The more you can do yourself, the more you know the foods you are eating are going to be organic and healthy.
Another option is to use a certified organic seed-raising mix. Whatever mix you use, it should be spread evenly in the tray.
2. Sow the Seeds
The next step in the process is to sow your seeds. Do this by sprinkling the seeds over the seed-raising mix, and gently press them in.
If you are using smaller seeds, you may also want to spread a very thin layer of seed-raising mix over the compost so they are completely covered.
Give the seeds a little bit of water by misting them with the spray bottle. Do not pour water onto the seeds because you might end up dislodging them from the seed-raising mix.
Place the tray on a drainage tray or a saucer in a warm area, such as a windowsill. Water the seeds daily as needed. Touch the soil with your fingers. If it is dry, then you need to water immediately.
The seeds should never be allowed to dry out, but at the same time, if you overwater the seeds, they can drown. It is best to create an environment that is warm and humid, which is ideal for germinating seeds.
One good idea is to place a plastic bag over the top of the tray, cutting out a few small holes to allow for airflow.
3. Harvest Your Microgreens
Once the seeds germinate, it is time to start using the seaweed solution. This is to help increase their flavor, as well as their nutritional value.
Once the seedlings are one to three inches in height, it is time to harvest your delicious microgreens. Use a pair of scissors to cut the stems, close to the soil.