How Do You Grow Your Own Microgreens? Is it as easy as it seems?

                                                                                 

The versatile microgreen...where to begin? 

Well, for starters, microgreens are nutrient packed, and come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and tastes. Some are sweet, some are spicy, and some are nutty. But, how do you grow them? 

There are a variety of different trays or containers that can be used to grow microgreens in. Whether it be the 10-20 trays available from garden centers and stores, or to-go boxes from restaurants. As long as the container can have drainage holes put in the bottom, you can grow microgreens in it.                                                          

    In this picture, I am using a 10-20 tray, with half of a croissant box from Costco on top of the tray to create a "greenhouse effect." The biggest deal-breaker when it comes to microgreens is germination. The seeds and surrounding soil must stay wet to promote fast and even germination. 

Depending on the type of  microgreen, germination times range from a few hours up to a week. These quick germination and days to maturity make microgreens a great choice for both beginning gardeners or long-time gardeners. 

The first step to start growing microgreens is to obtain a potting mix and fill the tray. Depending on what kind of microgreen (lets say radish), you put about 2 oz of seed scattered throughout the tray. Next, press the seed into the soil, and then put paper towels across the whole tray (keeps the seeds in place, and holds moisture in). Next, thoroughly water the whole tray. After that step, all you have to do is keep the tray in the dark until the seeds begin to sprout. After they sprout, put them under a light or in a window and they will be ready to eat within 5-14 days (depending on variety).

The paper towel usually comes off a day or two after the cotyledons (stem and the first leaves; "baby leaves"). When pulling the towel off, some of them greens may come out, but that is OKAY. The microgreens will fill in any minor gaps in the "canopy." 

Some seed companies that you can check out for microgreen seeds, supplies, ect.. include: 

True-leaf market

Johnny's Selected Seeds

Kitazawa Seed 

As always, questions or comments are always welcome! Happy experimenting with greens!