How to Grow Nutritious Microgreens at Home
Microgreens are tiny powerhouses of nutrition, containing four to forty times more vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, and beta carotene than their fully grown counterparts. These small greens are not only packed with nutrients but are also easy to grow and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to boost your diet or add a flavorful garnish to your meals, microgreens are a perfect choice.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens fall between sprouts and baby greens. Unlike sprouts, which include the seed and root, microgreens are grown in a growing medium and harvested when they’re about two inches tall and have their first true leaves. They’re smaller than baby greens, which grow for about a month. Popular options for growing microgreens include kale, radish, broccoli, and sunflower.
Equipment You’ll Need
To grow microgreens, gather these essentials:
- Seeds: Bulk seeds are more cost-effective than seed packs.
- Growing trays: Wide, shallow trays like seedling flats work well.
- Growing medium: Choose a soilless seed starting mix or a baby blanket (a grass mat).
- Sprayer: Keeps the growing medium damp.
Before planting, sterilize your trays and soil to prevent fungal or bacterial contamination. Clean the trays thoroughly, spray them with white vinegar, and let them air dry. If using soil, bake it at 180°F for 45 minutes to sterilize.
Planting and Growing Microgreens
- Line your tray with a damp baby blanket or add 3/4–1 inch of damp, sterilized soilless medium.
- Seed the tray densely but evenly to avoid overcrowding. Cover the seeds lightly with unbleached paper towels or a thin layer of soil.
- Mist the seeds with water and place the tray in a sheltered area at 60–70°F. Keep the tray moist throughout the growing period.
Most microgreens are ready to harvest within 1–3 weeks, depending on the variety.
Harvesting and Using Microgreens
Harvest microgreens when they reach about two inches tall and have their first true leaves. Use scissors or long-bladed snips to cut them just above the growing medium. If grown on a baby blanket, simply lift the mat and snip the greens. Harvest in the morning on the day you plan to use them for the freshest flavor.
Microgreens are incredibly versatile. Add them to salads, sandwiches, soups, or even juices. For juicing, a wheatgrass juicer works perfectly.
Growing microgreens is a simple and rewarding way to boost your meals with nature’s own superfood. Start growing your own today and enjoy their flavor, nutrition, and freshness!
In this video, Tricia will show you how easy it is to grow your own superfood - microgreens!
