How to grow Microgreens? – The fastest way.
A lot of people want to, but do not know how to grow microgreens. Apart from sprouts, microgreens are becoming increasingly popular among connoisseurs of fresh, quality and homegrown food. It’s completely understandable – growing microgreens is quick and easy. It can be done at any time of the year and in a very small place. They are a fresh and tasty addition to salads, soups, smoothies and sandwiches!
What are microgreens? How are they different from sprouts?
Microgreens are sprouted seeds of various vegetables, which are eaten when the first pair of true leaves of the plant develops.
The difference between microgreens and sprouts is their stage of development. Sprouts are the initial growth that emerges from the seeds as they grow. To grow sprouts you do not need sun or soil, only moisture and a suitable temperature are enough. In contrast, microgreens require soil, water and sunlight.
Why grow microgreens? Seven short answers:
1. It’s fast. From planting to eating it takes only 1 to 4 weeks.
2. You don’t need a garden or a lot of space to grow microgreens.
3. It’s easy – sow the seeds, water, a little patience and you’re done.
4. So that you can have fresh vegetables at any time of the year – even in winter.
5. They are useful – microgreens contain a high concentration of easily digestible vitamins, minerals and nutrients.Not to forget they have a high fiber content.
6. Nothing can get fresher than that – you pick and eat.
7. They are delicious and have a lot of variety – basil, broccoli, chard, chives, peas, coriander, alfalfa, arugula, watercress, radishes, spinach and more.
What do you need for your micro-garden?
You can grow microgreens in any shallow pot you have. Even plastic bowls in which you buy mushrooms will do the trick. Use good quality soil. It is best to use a compost substrate, but peat substrate for seedlings will do the job. It is important that the soil is light and loose. Microgreens are not grown for a long time, so you do not need to buy specialized soil for different types of microgreens.
The most important resource is seeds. Buy seeds specifically for microgreens from a specialty store / site to make sure they are not treated with pesticides. Or get seeds from a farmers bazaar – there are producers who grow and sell seeds free of artificial chemicals.
How to grow microgreens in a few easy steps –
1. Fill the container of your choice with 2-3 cm of soil.
2. Moisten the soil using a sprayer to make it even. Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
3. Spread the seeds evenly and densely and cover with a light layer of soil. Press lightly.
4. Place the container next to the window to allow access to sunlight.
5. Periodically spray the soil with a sprayer to keep it slightly moist.
6. Make a note of which plant you put in which pot so you don’t forget. For convenience, you can use sushi sticks, cocktail sticks or just a piece of cardboard stuck to a toothpick to mark.
7. Microgreens are consumed when they grow a second pair of leaves, these are the so-called “first true leaves”. The first pair of leaves are cotyledons and often do not even look like the typical plant leaves.
How long you will have to wait depends on the type of particular plant and the conditions you have provided. Microgreens that grow in about 2 weeks are radishes, cabbage, mustard, daikon turnips, and watercress. Those that need about 4 weeks are chard, coriander, parsley, basil, red beets, celery.
The photos in the article are from our last year’s experiments with microgreens. This winter we have planned to make a better microgreen garden with various micro vegetables.
Follow the Berry Berry Green page on how our micro plants grow. We will be happy if you send us photos from your micro gardens.:) Read our other articles on Home Gardening.
Until then, don’t forget – He who creates a garden, cultivates happiness!
