How to Grow Microgreens in Just 3 Easy Steps!
If you’ve ever wanted to add a burst of nutrition and freshness to your meals, then you’re reading the right article. That’s because you’re about to discover my easy 3-step method for growing healthy microgreens at home.
And the good news is that this method works even if you have no gardening experience or a very small space to work with.
Read on…
Step 1: Select Your Seeds and Growing Medium
Many people who’re new to microgreen gardening don’t even realize that they need to do this step before they can prepare their planting area. And that’s why a lot of people who try to grow microgreens end up failing – they’re simply missing this crucial step.
So, the first thing you need to do is decide on the types of microgreens you want
to grow (such as radish, arugula, or broccoli) and choose a suitable growing medium
(soil or a soilless mix).
You’ll find that this part of the process goes much more smoothly
if you apply these tips and tricks:
⦁ Opt for organic, non-GMO seeds to ensure the best quality microgreens.
⦁ Consider using coconut coir or a peat-based mix for soilless growing,
as they provide excellent moisture retention and aeration.
⦁ Start small by selecting two to three varieties that are known for being
beginner-friendly. You can find out more about choosing seeds from
our "Microgreen Types" section of our website.
Once you’ve selected your seeds and prepared your growing medium, then you can move on to the next step…And yes, as you see in the picture, you can simply spread microgreen seeds of your choice on a metal pan, mist them with water and they will grow.
Step 2: Sow Your Seeds and Provide Adequate Light
The next thing you need to do is evenly distribute your seeds over the surface of your chosen medium and lightly mist with water.
When I first started trying to grow microgreens, I made a lot of mistakes. And now that I’ve helped others do it, I see a lot of people have a tendency to make the same mistakes. So let me share with you the top 2 mistakes and how to avoid them:
⦁ Overcrowding the seeds, which can lead to poor air circulation and mold. Spread the seeds evenly and avoid clumping.
⦁ Inadequate lighting, which can result in leggy, weak microgreens. Ensure your greens get 12-16 hours of light daily, using natural sunlight or a grow light if necessary.
This step may seem a "little scary". I mean, what's is adequate light?
It's really not that scary. When I first started growing my own microgreens, I grew them in two mason jars, with no soil and put them on top of my refrigerator. There was a small window nearby, but it didn't get morning sun. So, don't overthink this step and don't be scared to try. You'll be amazed at just how easy it is to grow your own microgreens.
Step 3: Harvest and Enjoy Your Microgreens
At this step you’re likely to notice your microgreens have sprouted and reached 1-3 inches in height. So, what you need to do is carefully cut them above the soil/root line using clean scissors.
I still remember the first time I was doing this step and trying to enjoy my harvest. I accidentally pulled out some microgreens by the roots. It was a learning curve to gently snip them at the base without disturbing the growing medium or roots - but it's not rocket science either!
Remember to wash your microgreens gently under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel before use.
Easy Peasy!
And there you have it – a simple 3-step method for growing healthy microgreens. Now that you know how to cultivate these nutrient powerhouses, there’s just one thing left for you to do: take action.
So get to it, and soon you too will enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of home-grown microgreens!
