How to Grow Microgreens Indoors
As a vegan, I’ve consumed my fair share of sprouts, microgreens, and salad greens. I used to buy them at the grocery store, until I found out how easy it is to grow them. I wish I’d known how to do this years ago, not only would I have been growing them myself all this time, but I would have also been encouraging everyone to grow their own at home. The problem with grocery store produce is not so much the crops themselves, but with the modern agricultural growing methods. You can avoid any trouble by simply growing your own at home.
“Microgreens: How to Grow Nature’s Own Superfood,” by Fionna Hill provides detailed information on how to grow microgreen indoors-from planting and harvesting-for 35 popular varieties, along with recipes and ideas on how to use them. There are also chapters on troubleshooting, the nutritional value of microgreens, and how to encourage children to grow and enjoy them.
What’s the difference between sprouts and microgreens?
- Sprouts are basically germinated seeds. You eat the seed, root, stem, and underdeveloped leaves, usually grown in dark, moist conditions.
- Microgreens are planted and grown in soil. They are the edible seedlings of herbs and vegetables. They are larger than sprouts and smaller than baby salad greens.
Personally, I prefer to grow microgreens and baby salad greens indoors, over sprouts because I eat more salads than sandwiches. If you want a really simple gardening project to do with kids, microgreens are great because they are both very fast-growing and edible. Plus, the delicate taste and actual size of the greens seems to appeal to my littles ones.
What types of seeds can I grow as microgreens?
Here’s some options recommended by Botanical Interests:
| Amaranth | Corn | Mustard |
| Basil | Cress | Parsley |
| Beet | Endive | Purslane |
| Bok Choy | Fennel | Radish |
| Broccoli | Fenugreek | Arugula |
| Cabbage | Flas | Shungiku |
| Celery | Kale | Sorrel |
| Chives | Lentils | Sunflower |
| Clover | Mizuna | Wheatgrass |
How long do microgreens take to grow?
Most varieties are ready in a week or so. Some take a few weeks.
Where can I grow microgreens?
Anywhere you have room for a container. Outdoors on a balcony, patio, or terrace, or indoors on a windowsill or under grow lights.
Do microgreens regrow after cutting?
Yes, if you harvest them right, they can regrow. The proper way to do this is to trim the microgreens just above the soil, leaving enough of the tiny stems with the roots intact so that growth can resume. I do the same thing with all my leafy salad greens: I harvest them with clean, sharp scissors, and the base will regrow leaves, sometimes several times over.
How can I eat microgreens?
Although you could cook them, microgreens are best enjoyed raw.
Related: How to Grow Herbs Indoors
Tips for Growing Microgreens
- Read your seed packets and provide recommended sowing and growing conditions.
- Use shallow, lightweight containers with drainage.
- Sow only one type of seed in each container.
- Some seeds benefit from presoaking (peas, corn, and wheatgrass).
- Use organic growing medium intended for food crops. Keep soil moist (neither dry nor soaking wet).
- Microgreens can grow close together but do allow room for each seed to root.
- Keep warm and covered until sprouted or germinated.
- Once germinated, provide light, air circulation, and maintain moisture.
- Avoid harsh light or heat or they will dry out, wither, and die.
Ideas for ways you can eat your microgreens include:
- Salads
- Sandwiches
- Smoothies
- Dips
Source:
How to Grow Microgreens Indoors
https://empressofdirt.net/grow-microgreens/
March 2, 2016 by Melissa J. Will