How to Grow Microgreens
Microgreens are young vegetables, herbs, or edible flowers that are harvested for eating when they are just 7 to 21 days old and one to three inches tall. Studies have shown that microgreens are at least as rich in nutrients as their full-grown counterparts. They are also known as "vegetable confetti," and they differ from sprouts in that consumption of microgreens does not include the plant's seed and root system.
What to Grow
Edible flowers, leafy vegetables, salad greens, and herbs can all be grown as microgreens. Beginners sometimes start with just one type of seed. A few that are easiest to grow are:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Mustard
- Chia
- Sunflower
- Buckwheat
- Basil
- Radish
- Salad greens specifically formulated for microgreen growing
Materials
Materials needed to grow microgreens vary depending on the seed, but generally, necessary supplies will include:
- A well-lit area for growing, such as a south-facing windowsill
- Grow light (optional)
- Warming mat to speed seed germination (optional)
- Shallow tray or container
- Organic seeds of your choice
- Spray bottle for misting the seeds
- A growing medium, such as a soil mix specified for raising seeds or peat moss
- Paper towel to line the container if it has holes
- Pen to mark the seed variety and date of planting
How to Grow Microgreens
- Soak larger seeds, such as sunflowers, for several hours or overnight before planting.
- Line the trays or containers with a damp paper towel so the growing medium doesn't fall through the drain holes. This is particularly important when using a soil-based growing medium.
- Fill the tray or container about three-quarters of the way full with moistened growing medium.
- Generously sprinkle the seeds over the growing medium, then press them lightly into the soil using something flexible, such as a rubber spatula.
- Water by misting lightly with a spray bottle. This will keep the seeds from being dislodged from the growing medium.
- Place the containers with planted seeds in a draining tray or saucer in a warm, well-lit area.
- Water one to two times daily, never allowing the seeds to dry out. Be careful not to over-water: The planting medium should feel like a damp sponge when you test it by touching it with your fingertips.
- Allow the seeds to grow until they're between one and three inches tall, at which time they're ready for harvesting. Then, you can snip them off with a pair of sharp scissors.
Additional Resources
- Healthy Food Trends: Microgreens: Learn about what microgreens are, their nutritional benefits, how to serve them, and where to find them.
- Broccoli Microgreens: A Mineral-Rich Crop That Can Diversify Food Systems: Broccoli microgreens can be grown even in urban settings, and they have been shown to be a rich source of minerals.
- Microgreens: Tiny Plants, Big Flavor: Find tips for growing microgreens outdoors on this page.
- Microgreens Guide: Gathering the Materials: One of the first steps in growing microgreens is gathering the needed materials.
- Go From Seed to Harvest in Just a Few Weeks: Find some helpful tips and a list of plants suitable for beginning microgreen growers on this page.
- How to Grow Microgreens: A variety of plants can be grown as microgreens.
- Easy Guide to Growing Microgreens: Look at this beginner guide to growing microgreens to find helpful advice as well as recipe ideas.
- The Ultimate Microgreen Cheat Sheet: Having trouble with your growing efforts? Check out these tips to make sure you're maximizing your odds of success.
- Introduction to Microgreens: Check out this practical advice originally presented to the Oregon Master Gardener Association.
- Dorm Room Microgreens: Microgreens can be grown in small spaces, including dorm rooms.
- Eat Your Microgreens: Explore a study showing that eating microgreens, particularly red cabbage microgreens, could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and help to maintain a healthy weight.
- Effects of Seed Density and Other Factors on the Yield of Microgreens Grown Hydroponically on Burlap: Read this detailed report to learn about how different factors can influence the success of your crop.
- Microgreens: Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts: Numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of eating microgreens.
- Top Four Healthiest and Tastiest Microgreens: Find recommendations of types of microgreens to grow on this page.
- Six Ways to Grow Better Microgreens: Try these tips to improve your crop.
This page was edited by Chad Kremp
