Have you ever heard someone say, “If they wanted to, they would?” This advice is not only relevant to the dating world. It’s about your garden ambitions, too.
Many of us would love to grow fresh food but lack a backyard, balcony, or even a sunlit windowsill. If that sounds familiar, it’s time to meet microgreens—tiny greens with a mighty impact. These are perfect for anyone who wants to bring a little green indoors, no farm or sprawling garden needed.
What Are Microgreens, Anyway?
Microgreens are miniature versions of your favorite plants. Harvested just after they sprout, they’re flavorful and nutrient-dense, adding vibrant color and taste to meals.
Microgreens are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as garnishes, in salads, sandwiches, or even as a main component in dishes. The best part?
Growing them indoors means you can harvest fresh greens all year round.
Sounds nice, right?
Then let’s see how it’s done.
DIY Microgreens Gardening: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting your microgreens garden is simple and affordable. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you set up and succeed on your first try.
Materials You’ll Need
- Container: Any shallow container works—plastic trays, small pots, or even upcycled food containers. Just make sure it has drainage holes unless you’re going hydroponic.
- Growing Medium: Good quality potting soil works best for beginners, but you can also use coconut coir, paper towels, or grow mats. For those interested in hydroponics, specialized hydroponic trays are available.
- Seeds: You can find microgreens seeds at garden centers or online. They’re often sold as mixes, which is perfect if you want variety.
- Water Mister: A gentle misting bottle keeps soil moist without displacing seeds.
- Lid or Weight: Something to cover the container while seeds germinate, like a tray lid or a piece of cardboard with a light weight on top.
- LED Grow Light (optional): If natural light is limited, an LED grow light can ensure your microgreens get the light they need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Container: Choose a container about 1-2 inches deep and ensure it has drainage holes. If not, add a layer of pebbles to help with drainage.
2. Fill with Growing Medium: Add about an inch of soil or growing medium. Level it out with the back of a spoon, then spray lightly with water until moist but not soggy.
3. Plant the Seeds: Scatter seeds evenly across the soil surface. Microgreens don’t need much room, so you can sow them densely, aiming for a carpet-like coverage. Press them gently into the soil but don’t bury them.
4. Mist and Cover: Mist the seeds again lightly, cover the container with a lid, and place something light but heavy enough to press the seeds down slightly. This helps with even germination.
5. Germination Period: Keep the container in a dark, warm spot. Check the moisture daily, misting as needed to keep the soil from drying out. Within 2-3 days, you’ll see tiny sprouts.
6. Light Exposure: Once you see sprouts, uncover the container and place it in a spot with indirect sunlight. If sunlight is limited, position an LED grow light about 12 inches above the greens, setting it on a timer for 10-12 hours a day.
7. Daily Care: Mist the microgreens daily to keep them moist. They’ll grow rapidly, and in about 7-14 days, depending on the variety, they’ll be ready to harvest.
8. Harvesting: Use scissors to trim the greens just above the soil line when they reach 1-3 inches in height. Rinse gently, and they’re ready to enjoy!
9. Consuming: Your delicious microgreens are now ready to become a part of your plate, adding a richer taste to your meals!
What Can You Grow as Microgreens?
Microgreens come in a variety of flavors and textures, from mild to spicy, crunchy to tender. Here are some popular choices for indoor microgreens:
- Clover & Alfalfa: Quick-growing and mild in flavor, ideal for beginners.
- Radish & Mustard: Spicy, with a satisfying crunch—great for those who like bolder flavors.
- Peas: Sweet, tender, and perfect for snacking or adding to salads.
- Sunflower: Nutty, crunchy, and packed with protein.
- Cress & Arugula: Spicy, peppery greens for salads and sandwiches.
- Broccoli: A nutrient powerhouse, broccoli microgreens are mild and easy to grow.
If you’re ready to experiment further, try beets and carrots—these take longer to grow but have unique colors and flavors. Beets are especially striking with their bright red stems.
Common Microgreen Growing Problems
Growing microgreens is straightforward, but occasionally, issues arise. Here’s how to fix them.
I Found Mold On My Microgreens!!
Mold can be a problem in humid or poorly ventilated spaces. If you see mold, it’s usually a sign of excessive watering moisture or poor airflow. Solution: Let the soil dry out between waterings and place a fan near the microgreens to improve air circulation.
My Microgreens Are Not Growing At All!
Microgreens should grow rapidly, so slow growth is often a sign of too little light or excess water. If using grow lights, ensure they’re on for 10-12 hours daily. Avoid overwatering, and allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between mistings.
Some Seeds Turned Out Great, While Some Didn’t Grow At All!
Uneven germination might mean seeds weren’t evenly distributed or had too little pressure on them. To avoid this, try adding a bit more weight on top of the lid during the germination phase, ensuring consistent soil contact.
My Microgreens Look Yellow
If microgreens look yellowish, they likely need more light. Move them closer to a light source or increase the time under an LED grow light.
Going Pro: Scaling Up Your Indoor Microgreens Setup
So it started as a hobby, and now you can’t get enough?
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you may want to invest in a more advanced setup. Here are a few items to consider if you’re ready to grow microgreens more efficiently or even commercially:
- Organic Soil: This enhances the flavor and nutrition of your greens, plus it’s better for the environment.
- Harvesting and Seeding Schedule: Plan multiple trays so you can have a constant supply of fresh microgreens. As a pro grower, you need to keep track of everything you grow and their distinct needs.
- Light Timer: Automate your grow lights with a timer to ensure consistent light cycles without the need for daily adjustments.
- Rotary Fan: Keeping air moving prevents mold growth and strengthens your microgreens.
- Vertical Pallet Racks: These allow you to stack trays, making the most of limited space, especially if you’re growing for profit.
- LED Bar Lights: Use adjustable LED bars for even lighting across all trays.
- Farm Management Apps: Apps like FarmNovo offer guidance on crop growth, water usage, and other vital metrics to streamline indoor farming. To learn more, Join our exclusive beta testing phase!
Follow Your Green Dreams—Start Growing Microgreens Today
Microgreens offer an accessible, fun way to bring gardening indoors, even if you’re limited on space. They’re not just for personal use; many people find microgreens lucrative, selling to local restaurants, farmers’ markets, or through subscription boxes. So, why wait? Start with a simple setup and grow your skills—your indoor garden is only a seed tray away from success!