Harvesting Tips
Microgreens, as their name implies, are young seedlings of leafy green vegetables and herbs. They also contain nutritional benefits, like antioxidants and vitamins C and K, which are used in various dishes, including salads, smoothies, soups, pesto, and sandwiches.
Microgreens are different because most of their energy comes from the seed, which means they have more nutrients than their larger counterparts. Because of this, they are ideal for growing on a sunny, south-facing windowsill or beneath a tiny grow light. So, growing them in smaller places with some natural sunlight is perfect. There are numerous advantages to growing these plants yourself. You can cultivate microgreens quickly in small pots in your home window. If taken care of, microgreens can be produced and provide a good source of nutrients.
Indoor Microgreens Growing Instructions
Microgreens are easy to cultivate indoors since they don’t require a lot of light or room. They will also only need a little space to grow. You can have some edible greens growing right there in your home. Be sure to keep them watered and allow some sunlight for optimal plant growth. Make sure your microgreens are not over- or under-watered.
What You Will Require
- A waterproof shallow tray with no drainage holes
- The growing medium (potting soil or a grow mat)
- Seeds
- Bottle of water spray or mist
- A sunny location or a grow-light system
- A temperature that is higher than 60 degrees
- Shears or scissors for gardening
How to Plant Microgreens
Use a growing mat instead of garden soil to stop mold and fungus from growing on your microgreens as they grow. You can also use all-purpose potting soil. Once your microgreens get to a size where you need to repot them, be sure to do so for increased, healthy growth. If your pot or container is too small, you should repot the plant for maximum growth potential.
Lay down your pre-soaked grow mat or distribute your potting soil in your growth tray, leaving at least a half-inch from the top. Pour 2 cups of water into your tray, filling it with potting soil. You will have a higher chance of preventing waterlogging if you place your soil on top of the water. You may want to lay down a drop cloth or similar to keep the area clean and organized while working with the soil and water.
Next, spread the seeds out over the surface of the soil or mat in a comprehensive, even pattern. Don’t let them bunch up, and don’t bury them. If they bunch up, they will be competing for space while growing and decreasing both plants’ survival. So, the best way to lay the seeds out is with some room between each seed on all sides.
Use a spray or misting bottle to water the seeds gently. You’re only attempting to offer some moisture. This will give the plant an even coat of moisture. Remember not to overwater or underwater the plant in the beginning, especially to enhance plant life.
For two to three days, your seeds must germinate in a dark place with temperatures above 60 degrees. Be sure to maintain the temperature during the early stages of plant life, which are crucial for the plant to continue living.
As they start sprouting, relocate them to a well-lit spot, such as a windowsill with indirect sunlight or under a grow lamp for 12 hours per day. The faster the microgreens develop, the lighter they become.
How to Grow Microgreens in the Garden
If you’re determined to use microgreens in your culinary beds, follow the procedures above while keeping a few things in mind. If you want a cold frame or a very protected setting, don’t sow seeds directly into the soil in your garden. It would be best to shield seedlings from severe weather like heavy rain, frost, wind, excessive heat, and sun. While it is possible to grow microgreens outside, it is not ideal: Managing your surroundings might take a lot of work. If your microgreens are on the windowsill, be sure to keep a watch on the amount and intensity of sunlight exposed to the plant.
Making a temporary greenhouse out of old windows, plexiglass, or other recycled materials for the best outdoor growing will let the seedlings get enough light without getting too hot, cold, or wet. Cover the pans in sheer gardeners’ netting to keep insects, birds, rodents, and dogs away from your microgreens.
Growing Instructions for Microgreens
Microgreens come in various kinds, with some requiring more sophisticated care to develop. The most popular microgreens are peas, broccoli, sunflower, radish, buckwheat, and vegetable mixes, which usually include kale, cabbage, broccoli, kohlrabi, and other cruciferous varieties. Each has a unique nutrient profile and flavor and is simple to grow.
Buckwheat, peas, and sunflowers
Big seeds, such as peas, sunflowers, and buckwheat, benefit from a six-hour soak in cold water before planting. Promoting all sources to germinate simultaneously reduces growing time by roughly a day.
Basil and popcorn
Certain microgreens, such as Basil and popcorn, are grown differently. Popcorn microgreens can be eaten after only eight days and are incredibly delicious when grown in complete darkness but bitter when exposed to light. The plant usually puts the trays in a dark room with good airflow to grow popcorn. For a tasty, nutritious treat, turn off the lights till harvest.
On the other hand, Basil is a mucilaginous seed that must be stored in a bright light, covered by clear plastic wrap, and misted daily for five days before uncovering.
How to Choose Microgreens
As your sprouts arrive, you’ll probably want to try them right away—but you’ll need to be patient before you can use them in your cooking. As your seedlings appear, uncover and spray them regularly until harvest. Depending on the seeds you plant, this could take one to three weeks.
Seedlings are ready to harvest when they have their first pair of genuine leaves. To avoid infection, cut them above soil level and thoroughly wash them. Clean them properly before eating to pull them out and consume their roots.