Microgreens are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, C, and E. Theyre also a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can help to protect your cells from damage. Photo: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. Dry the greens completely by spreading over a towel or paper towels and air dry. Theyre also low in calories and fat-free, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! Growing microgreens indoors is easy and so rewarding! Di Gioia, F., Renna, M. and Santamaria, P., 2017. Growing microgreens indoors is a great way to save space, have fresh produce year-round, and grow nutrient-dense greens. Let sprouts grow to microgreens with small leaves, which will take about 7-10 more days. 2. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State, Left: Seeding peas after pre-soaking in water for about 10 hours. Water should be provided only if necessary, avoiding excess moisture and allowing drainage to prevent the development of mold. . If youre eating them raw, you may want to chop them up into smaller pieces. About two inches worth should be more than enough. Coco coir is a better choice both environmentally as well as horticulturally. These may be more expensive, but they're specially formulated to have a shorter germination time so you can grow and harvest them faster. To help keep moisture in, place a cover over the grow tray. Having a cover means that you can preserve heat and moisture, making the microgreens grow faster. The watering tray is the container used to water microgreens from the bottom. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Sprouts, on the other hand, are harvested when they are just a few days old. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State, Use a spray bottle for misting water on the seeds after seeding. Bigger seeds like peas and sunflower seeds do better with a good pre-soak. But you can grow microgreens without soil too with coco grow mats. Place it inside the tray without holes to catch any runoff. If you want to opt for a hydroponics setup, you don't necessarily need a tray with holes. Start with one tablespoon of seed mix for a small personal tray about 16 inches x 12 inches (or 400 square centimetres). Because they grow longer and have green leaves, microgreens have significantly more taste and possibly more nutritional benefits than baby sprouts. A key element necessary to produce microgreens is the growing medium. Microgreens are harvested when they are 2-3 inches tall and have their first set of true leaves. You dont need to cover them with soil, since they will germinate in the light. When harvesting, you can cut the entire plant at the soil line. According to Tesolin, many of the easiest microgreens to grow belong to the Brassica family, like cabbage, broccoli, and mustard. Some require more than others, so read up in advance to determine how much is needed for each plant! Left: Seeding mustard microgreens. You'll prepare your own microgreen tray to take home! Caring for the microgreens Because microgreens grow so fast there is no need to fertilize them. However, for some species characterized by larger seeds or by a hard seed shell the germination process may be accelerated if seeds are pre-soaked in water. To grow microgreens, you'll need a tray, seeds, soil, water, and scissors. Water your microgreens once or twice per day, depending on how dry the air is. Hope y'all enjoy it! Most growers have discovered that 1 to 1-1/2 inches of soil should be enough to fill the trays. -Then, cover with your plastic tray cover or clear plastic bag or film to keep the moisture in. Hope y'all enjoy!! Microgreens are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups to sandwiches. An alternative could be to bag and store microgreens at low temperatures and wash them right before they are used. Its easier to harvest microgreens when they have been sown one type only. 7. 3. Coco coir is often used like soil but it is actually a hydroponic growing medium. Now that you know how to grow microgreens in trays, give it a try! These nutrient-rich seedlings come with instant gratification because they can be harvested and eaten within just one to three weeks, says Lindsey Hyland, founder of the organic farming and sustainable food blog UrbanOrganic Yield. Give it a try! If you dont have a lot of space, or if you want to grow microgreens year-round, growing them indoors is a great option. Living far up North in Canada, getting quality fresh greens and vegetables is challenging, especially in the winter months. Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the greens just at or above the soil level so as not to disturb the roots. Depending on the species and the growing conditions microgreens may be ready to harvest in a few days or in a couple of weeks after germination is complete. Photo: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State, Left: Growing trays may be stacked to put some weight on larger seeds and kept in the dark. While their nutrient contents vary slightly, most varieties tend to be rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. Microgreens are some of the easiest seeds to grow and can earn a substantial profit. Add the lid to maintain a warm, moist environment and place the container in a low-light area. If you do overwater you can drain the bottom tray. A container with drainage holes in the bottom for water to drain out of. We recommend and use sturdy Heavy Duty Potting Trays. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. Sprinkle your microgreen seeds evenly over the surface of the coir, or place them in rows. They're used to add color, flavor, and nutritional value to meals. Good luck and happy growing! The seeds will be kept warm and moist as a result, which will promote germination. Help me give my students a hands-on learning experience through the experimentation of growing various types of microgreens using different growing methods and mediums. Make sure to leave room to put a thin layer of soil on top after planting the seeds. 4. Free for Seniors (50 and over; $5 materials fee only.). Cucurbitaceae family: Melon, cucumber and squash. Take the cover off for a few hours to a day if it is too moist. My current goal is to grow 80% of our vegetables in my indoor Victory Garden. Cooked microgreens can be added whole or chopped up, depending on your preference. Microgreens are best eaten within a few days of being picked or harvested from your indoor garden. For this reason, using 1020 seedling trays is a much better option. Make sure the coco grow mat is well-drained. For best growing results, soak the mat in the tray for several hours before seeding. Microgreens can be added to sandwiches, salads, sushi, and smoothies, and can be used as a pretty garnish for really anything, from pizza to avocado toast. Repeat in the evening. You can also find seed mixes for salads specially selected for microgreens that combine greens with comparable growth rates, compatible flavour and beautiful colour. The first step is to create the seed bed by filling your trays with the growing medium of your choice. Most of the microgreen's seeds do not require any treatment. After seeding It is enough to apply some water occasionally using a spray bottle just to keep the seed moist during the germination process. Some people like to use a cover to help conserve moisture and hasten sprouting. How to Grow Microgreens for Beginners: Planting Instructions Using your scale, measure your seeds into a plastic cup. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Growing microgreens in trays is a great way to get started with this fun and easy gardening project and. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. While microgreens planting trays of different sizes may be purchased from different sources, it is also possible to recycle containers deriving from food packaging. It can also save time and produce better results in less space. Water or mist the microgreens regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Coco coir is often used like soil but it is actually a hydroponic growing medium. Look for the cotyledons the very first set of seed leaves as a sign that the microgreens are ready for harvest. Heat mats. 2. After selecting the species of microgreens you would like to grow and purchasing microgreens seeds, calculate the amount of seeds you need for your square, rectangular, or circular planting trays following the instruction provided here or using the Microgreens Seed Density Calculator developed to make things very easy for you. Microgreens are mature sprouts that are allowed to grow slightly longer until their first true leaves start to develop. Reinforced sides and lips, thick plastic and UV treated for durability and long term use. In order to grow healthy microgreens indoors in soil, these supplies are necessary. 3. Plus, theyre easy-to-grow plants that dont need as much space or time! Select a pot or tray size for the number of plants you want to plant. Planting them this way will ensure that they all get the light and nutrients to grow well. This weekend you'll be learning how to grow your own delicious, nutritious microgreens. Given the circumstances, with the arrival of the spring, many are reviving the idea of "Victory Gardens" and are investing in their home garden to grow their own fresh vegetables, while re-discovering the beneficial de-stress effects of gardening. Bari: ECO-logica srl. Moreover, some species may be grown in a dark environment and do not require any light from sowing until harvest. Think of it as giving your greens a haircut. And you can use the seed sprouter and storage tray to grow multiple types of seeds, including soybean, mung bean, black bean, wheat, and more. They can sprout just as well in the light. This is probably the most frequently asked question, and unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer. However, keep in mind that they do come with their own set of challenges compared to the 1020 trays because they are not intended for growing Microgreens they are meant for sprouts aka sprouting - hence why they're called \"sprouting trays\" Since we had a few of are followers reach out saying they were experiencing issues with their crops laying over, we decided to make a step by step tutorial on How To Grow Microgreens in a Sprouting Tray and achieve successful grows using these trays like we do! Drain the water (I pour the seeds into a fine mesh strainer ), rinse the seeds and drain well. Enjoy your fresh and healthy microgreens! A basement with no windows may work, but you will need some artificial lighting installed, such as LED grow lights as they get bigger. But you can use standard 1020 seedling trays. Choose a sunny spot to grow your microgreens or use a grow light. The natural growing media is used in hydroponics, to grow microgreens, or for seed starting. How many seeds you use will depend on what type of microgreens you are planting. Washing microgreens in fresh drinking water before consuming them is always recommended, however, be aware that microgreens plant tissues are very gentle, and their shelf life may be substantially reduced after washing. In general dark leafy greens such as arugula, kale and spinach will do well in the light conditions found inside a home. Generally speaking, their flavor is considered strong and concentrated. If you cant find any trays with holes you can easily add them to a tray with a drill or sharp knife. Put the tray in a warm, sunny location, but away from the sun. We tend to do a complete harvest and then replant rather than trying to regrow, but personal preference is up to you. Fill Your Growing Trays With Soil. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. You can use a low-tech grow light for small plants, or they can sometimes grow well on a sunny windowsill. See policyhere. The harvesting window for each type of microgreen varies depending on the vegetable, how it was grown, the humidity levels, the temperature, and how mature the plant is. As long as they have soil, water, light and a place to grow, they dont need soil. I recommend using a LED grow light for your microgreens. The more frequent you snip, the shorter your growth time will be. 3. We carry a huge selection of vegetable garden seeds, herb seeds & flower seeds, including heirloom, organic and asian seeds.We also carry specialty seeds including seeds for microgreens, sprouting, wheatgrass and even cover crop & specialty seeds. Keep the tray in a sunny location, water often, and within 7-21 days you'll have delicious, nutritious microgreens ready for harvest. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Spread the seeds evenly across the surface of the growing medium. 2. For best growing results, soak the mat in the tray for several hours before seeding. Next, use an appropriate tray for indoor and outdoor growing. You can follow her work on, beginner's microgreen growing kit from Hamama, 9 edible flowers to add a pop of color and flavor to any dish, How to identify and treat pesky root rot in your houseplants, 16 good-looking plants that thrive in open or closed terrariums, Rhubarb is the tart, unsung veggie of spring here's how to use it. If you're still not sure if growing microgreens is right for your farm, consider a microgreens seeds kit. These usually fall off once the second set of true leaves appears. Plants in coco grow mats need at least six hours of sunlight per day. There are more than 80 different types of microgreens, and each type varies in appearance and care. Since these plants aren't going to be in there very long (9-12 days), they won't develop a very intricate root system, which means you don't need a whole lot of soil. Many popular vegetables are in the nightshade family. Microgreens require sunlight, are harvested above the soil line, and take over a week to grow. Usually, a window on the south side of the house or apartment will receive more sunlight than one exposed north. They need a lot of bright light to grow right and not etiolate (get leggy) and most windowsills will not have enough light in the winter. Proper spacing will ensure proper moisture and nutrient absorption resulting in good growth. Opening the window occasionally to enhance air circulation may be beneficial as well to avoid excess moisture. Some regular agricultural seeds may be treated with fungicides so avoid those. I used store bought organic chia seeds. They are a lot less messy than soil and much easier to store. Di Gioia, F. and Santamaria, P., 2015. Each pack includes 20 grow mats made from 100% natural coconut coir fibers. Its easier to have microgreens grow their roots in water mix instead of in an outdoor garden or soil, as Microgreens dont need a lot of food. Microgreens usually need about seven days before being ready for harvest, but they can be harvested every day or twice a week depending on what you are growing them into. What are the benefits of eating microgreens? Growing microgreens in trays is a great way to get started with this fun and easy gardening project and you dont need to use any fertilizer to grow microgreens. Place the tray or pot in a warm location. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/microgreens#different-types. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Free shipping for many products! After distributing the seeds on the growing medium surface, it is not necessary, and it could be better to not cover the seeds with soil so that the sprouts remain clean. While you can grow them in less, you might not get as good a yield at the end of the growing period. You can grow your own microgreens at a fraction of the cost. In a nutshell, microgreens are the seedlings, or young plants, of everyday garden plants. The growing time for microgreens varies depending on the type of seed, but on average, they are ready to be harvested after 10-14 days. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please check the ABCs of Microgreens to learn more about what microgreens are, how they are used, the species that are suitable to grow as microgreens, and where to source seeds. When the radish microgreens start to grow into sprouts, they'll push up the tray, which is your cue to move on to the next step. Most Microgreen crops grow well at lesser temperatures, so there is no requirement to put a heating mat or pads on after germination. Please enter your email address below to create account. They prefer a temperature range of 50-55F at night and 60-65F during the day. Right: Growing trays kept in dark during the germination. Finally, growing microgreens in trays is a great way to get started with this type of gardening, since it is relatively low-maintenance and easy to learn. Preserve ideal circumstances The ideal environment is necessary for radishes to grow robustly and healthily. You can use any type of microgreen seed, but some of the most popular varieties include radish, kale, and arugula. Here are some tips for growing microgreens in coco grow mats: How To Grow Microgreens In Soil Sowing Seeds. First of all, you will need to choose a tray that is shallow and has good drainage. Not only do they provide nutritious and delicious food, but they also add some nice colour to our kitchen for those grey, cold days. 3. If you don't have a cover, you could use either a newspaper, or a piece of clean, breathable fabric such as cotton. Right: Seeding sunflower after pre-soaking in water for about 10 hours. Store in a container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. This can generally increase yields when you go to harvest as well because you can get a little more of the root system in your product. Microgreens are easy to grow and make a great addition to any meal. Lightly pat down the soil to make a flat seeding surface but without compressing it too much. You can tell they are sprouted by the small root that is visible. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State, Mustard microgreens from seeding to harvest. Fill the container with good quality potting soil and level it out to have a flat surface across the top of the dirt, then water it to help settle any loose bits. 5.9K 134K views 2 years ago Is the cost of Microgreen trays too much for you? To make a miniature greenhouse, cover your tray with another tray or plastic wrap. 2. Covering them restricts airflow and can lead to damping off or other diseases. . The kits contain the seeds, soil, and usually a self-watering tray, giving you a good introduction to the world of microgreens. You can also use peat moss or coco coir. Harvest your microgreens when they are 2-3 inches tall. 8. When growing microgreens you want to cover the entire tray with plants so its important to sow your seeds evenly. Is the cost of Microgreen trays too much for you? Growing On day 3, remove the cover tray to check on your seeds. Many are rich sources of nutrients and serve as staple foods for various cultures. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Once you have your tray and soil, youre ready to sow the seeds. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Prepare the growing tray. It is best if the container has small drainage holes to prevent standing water (or mold), so you might want a second drip tray to catch runoff below. Microgreens are nutrient-dense tiny greens that may be grown in limited space, in a relatively short time, even on a windowsill or in your kitchen. To avoid root rot, Tesolin recommends using a standard growing tray or an upcycled shallow container with drainage holes, like a produce clamshell.