In recent years, microgreens have been making a buzz among foodies and scientists alike. They’re incredibly nutritious even in such a small size, plus they’re also quite delicious. These young vegetables are harvested after they grow their first set of leaves, growing one to three inches in height in only a few weeks.
Microgreens offer an excellent chance for beginners to get into gardening indoors, plus they can serve as garnishes that bring more flavor and nutrition even by adding just a little. Here’s how you can grow your own, even if you have a brown thumb!
The Best Seeds for Growing Microgreens
Stay away from commercial microgreen seeds as they tend to include chemicals to preserve them. You want organic seeds that grow veggies like amaranth, red cabbage, radish, and arugula. Herbs like cilantro and fenugreek are also good though they may take a little longer to grow.
How to Start Growing Your Microgreens Garden
Even if you’ve never grown anything before, you will find growing microgreens is a simple process. First, you’ll want to gather all the materials you’ll need. That includes organic seeds, shallow containers that have those drainage holes at the bottom, and soil (if conventional growing). If your interior space doesn’t have a sunny windowsill, you’ll want a grow light too.
Next, you’ll soak your microgreen seeds. Keep in mind that some may need to soak in water overnight. After the soaking, you’ll plant your seeds. You’ll fill those growing trays with about one to two inches of potting soil mixed with peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite for the best growth. Then gently push the seeds into the potting mix. You’ll follow that by covering them up with a thin layer of the soil on top.
Once you’ve planted your microgreens, you’ll water them. You want that potting soil to stay moist. A spray bottle is a handy way to do this during the germination process. You’ll also want to cover the growing trays with either another shallow tray or plastic wrap until those seeds start sprouting.
After the germination process has completed, which is within a few days, you’ll uncover the growing trays and put them in a bright place. Ideally, you’ll want them on a sunny windowsill of a south-facing window, but if not, use a grow light.
In about two to three weeks, your microgreens will be just right for harvesting. Using a pair of scissors/snippers/pruners, all you need to do is snip them right above the soil line. You can keep them in a plastic bag between damp paper towels for about a week in the fridge, using them to garnish your meals with more taste and nutrition. It’s best to add them as a finishing touch so they uphold their nutritional profile and give you the best benefits
