What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are vegetable greens that are grown in soil or in hydroponic growing pads. They can usually be harvested in one to three weeks, depending on seed germination. Microgreens also provide a higher concentration of nutrients and vitamins than mature plants. You can find microgreens in your local farmers market or at grocery stores. I am currently growing them at home since the pandemic the supplier that usually sells them at my local farmers market has decided to wait till the pandemic is over to attend the farmers market again.
Easy to grow soilless method.
Microgreens are extremely easy to grow at home. Some supplies you will need are two growing trays without holes and one with holes, microgreen seeds, hydroponic growing mats, microgreen nutrients. You will first need to soak your seeds for 24 hours or overnight in warm water. There are different methods for growing different microgreens but I am showing you the method I have had success with. After soaking your seeds fit your growing pads inside your tray with holes make sure you have the tray without holes under it to catch the dripping water. Add enough water to your growing pads to saturate but not soak. Spread your seeds evenly on the tray. Then spray the seeds with the nutrient water and place the other tray without holes on top of it. Set it in a dark place and allow to germinate. This can take one to three days. You can check on your microgreens daily to make sure every thing is going okay. Some microgreens can develop mold. However be careful not to confuse the roots normal white fuzziness with mold.
Microgreen seeds.
Some microgreen seeds you can grow are:
- Arugula
- Basil
- Beet
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cilantro
- Kale
- Mustard
- Pea
- Sunflower
What is the difference between a microgreen and a sprout?
The main differences are that microgreens are either grown in soil or in hydroponic mats. Sprouts are germinate in water. Microgreens are ready to harvest in one to three weeks while sprouts can be harvested in days. The leaves and stems of microgreens can be eaten while the stem and seed of the sprout can be eaten.
