How to Grow Microgreens at Home

Do you want fresh garnishes to go with your meal whenever you want? Then look no further than growing microgreens. You won’t need fancy tools or hours of work either. Just basic supplies and a little patience.

Not only will you save trips to the store, but you’ll also develop healthier eating habits and get that satisfying feeling of growing something yourself.

These tiny sprouts are full of nutrients and are perfect for adding to any meal. And if you’re wondering how to grow microgreens, it all starts with picking the right seeds.

Choose the Right Seeds

Picking the right seeds makes or breaks your microgreen garden. Radish, broccoli, and sunflower varieties stand out for their intense flavours and nutritional punch.

Source quality seeds exclusively from dedicated microgreen suppliers or established online merchants with organic certification. Not all vendors carry specialised options like sunflower, which demands specific growing conditions.

Pre-soaking jumpstarts germination effectively. Soak larger seeds like sunflower and pea for 8-12 hours before planting. Small seeds need minimal preparation. Test different approaches to discover what works best in your unique environment.

Consider trying seed blends that provide balanced nutrition and complement regular vegetable dishes.

Select Suitable Containers

Indoor microgreen success largely depends on choosing appropriate containers that ensure optimal growing conditions. 

Flat containers create perfect microgreen habitats. Upcycled plastic food containers or biodegradable growing trays yield exceptional results. Add drainage perforations to prevent soggy soil and root decay.

Common kitchen items serve brilliantly without extra cost. Choose vessels at least 25 cm by 15 cm for your first attempt. This size accommodates adequate root systems while fitting neatly on windowsills or countertops.

Proper dimensions ensure successful cultivation without taking excessive space. Multiple containers allow consistent harvesting throughout the year while adding creative flair to your home gardening project.

Lastly, repurposing existing materials reduces unnecessary expenses yet maintains engagement with this rewarding endeavour.

Use Quality Soil

Setting up properly matters tremendously when growing microgreens. Select lightweight soil specifically formulated for microgreens or premium potting mix. This supports robust shoot development without excessive container weight.

Pre-mixed growing media deliver reliable outcomes for newcomers, though budget-minded cultivators can mix their own. Try equal portions of coconut fibre, vermiculite, and rich compost for a blend that holds moisture perfectly while staying airy for delicate roots.

Spread your medium uniformly throughout your container to encourage free root expansion. Moisten the medium lightly before planting to achieve ideal moisture levels. Microgreens flourish in minimal soil depth, which encourages rapid development.

Consider incorporating coconut coir into your growing medium. This ingredient excels at moisture retention and helps microgreens develop quickly and vigorously. Adding this component can enhance the entire cultivation process substantially.

Planting Seeds

Space seeds properly to prevent fungal issues from overcrowding. Aim for 75-80% soil coverage with most varieties. Efficient spacing ensures airflow while maximising harvest potential.

Different seeds require different densities—experiment to find optimal arrangements for your preferred varieties. This density allows sufficient airflow while maximising your harvest.

Press seeds gently into the soil to establish strong root systems. Larger varieties like sunflower benefit from a light soil covering, while smaller seeds can remain uncovered but with good soil contact.

Water carefully to maintain seed positioning. Certain types, such as peas, require gentle pressure to assist root development.

Some varieties, particularly peas and sunflowers, benefit from added weight during germination. Place a second tray or lightweight on top of freshly planted seeds for the first 2-3 days to encourage stronger root development.

Remove this weight immediately once sprouts appear to prevent damage. Label your plantings for simple identification. These practices ensure a bountiful harvest of fresh, nutritious greens.

Watering Techniques

Mist the soil lightly with a spray bottle to maintain consistent dampness. Never soak the medium. Try bottom-watering as an effective alternative—simply place trays in shallow water and let capillary action work.

If you’re finding it tricky to manage watering schedules, an expert gardening service can help set up a simple routine or even automated systems.

This technique strengthens roots while protecting fragile seedlings from disruption. Monitor for telltale signs of excess moisture: yellowing foliage or foul smells.

Early morning irrigation allows surface evaporation before nightfall. Adjust the frequency according to your home’s humidity levels. Daily watering suffices in most environments.

Lighting Essentials

Microgreens thrive with 12-16 daily hours of illumination. Northern hemisphere growers benefit from south-facing windowsills that capture maximum sunlight. Winter months often necessitate supplemental lighting options.

Position LED or fluorescent grow systems roughly 30 cm above plant surfaces to prevent heat damage while ensuring adequate light intensity. This distance prevents heat damage while providing sufficient light intensity.

Rotate trays regularly to ensure uniform light exposure, promoting even development for culinary use.

Harvesting Techniques

Microgreens are ready for harvest at 1-3 inches tall, typically within 7-14 days after planting, depending on variety and growing conditions. This timing represents the peak balance between flavour development and nutritional concentration.

Harvest during early morning when leaves contain maximum nutrients by cutting just above soil level with sanitised, sharp scissors.

It’s important to treat your tiny plants gently to protect their neighbours during collection. In addition, clip during dawn hours to capture peak nutritional content in your harvest. Follow these simple steps to get them ready for use:

• Give them a quick, gentle rinse under cool tap water.
• Remove any seed husks that may remain attached.
• Spread on clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.

Store refrigerated microgreens for approximately one week to maintain freshness for meal enhancement. Wrap them loosely in slightly damp paper towels inside partially-sealed containers that allow minimal air exchange.

Reusing the growing medium reduces waste while maintaining a continuous supply of fresh microgreens.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Microgreen cultivation presents occasional challenges to overcome. Mould development often results from excessive moisture or inadequate air circulation. 

White fuzzy growth on soil or seedlings indicates fungal development. Address this immediately by:

• Reducing watering frequency and amount.
• Improving air movement with small fans or strategic container placement.
• Spacing containers to allow better airflow between plantings.
• Using a sterile growing medium and thoroughly cleaned containers for each planting.

Leggy, stretched seedlings indicate insufficient light exposure. These plants typically develop weak stems that are unable to support themselves properly. Relocate plants to brighter locations or position grow lights approximately 30 cm above containers.

Pest problems rarely plague microgreens, but applications of neem oil (1 teaspoon oil + a drop of mild soap in 1 quart of water) provide effective prevention. Regular monitoring helps identify issues early, ensuring healthy harvests consistently.

Conclusion

Home microgreen cultivation offers numerous advantages worth exploring. These plants provide concentrated nutrients while adding vibrant flavours to various dishes. You’ll reduce grocery expenses while enjoying constant access to fresh greens.

Even novice gardeners succeed easily with these forgiving plants, making it an enjoyable, creative pursuit.

Commit to trying just one variety as a starting point, and you’ll likely discover a rewarding practice that evolves into a sustainable source of fresh, nutritious greens year-round.