How to Grow Microgreens

What are microgreens? They are young vegetables or herbs that are grown from seeds and harvested at the seedling stage. They can have up to 40 times more nutrients than mature plants. Microgreens are considered baby plants that look like sprouted greens, also called cotyledons. They differ from sprouts in that you cut off and eat only the stalks and leaves, not the seeds and roots. Microgreens are ready to be eaten after seven to ten days, depending on the seeds and the season.

To grow microgreens, we need the following supplies:

• Two shallow containers of the same size (plastic yogurt cups, plastic trays, plastic fruit packages, disposable aluminum trays, or takeaway containers) 
• Microgreen seeds
• Potting soil
• Spray bottle 
• Spoon
• Sewing needles or forks to make the holes
• Plate to water the microgreens

Instructions:

At the bottom of each container, make 10-12 holes with a needle or fork. 

Add potting soil to one of your chosen containers. Microgreens do best in loose soil. The depth of the soil should be about one and a half inches. Gently tap the container to make the soil even, breaking up any lumps. 

Moisten the soil with water from the spray bottle

Use a spoon to evenly spread the seeds (dry or pre-soaked) on top of the soil.

Spray water on top of the seeds.

Loosely cover the container and place it in a well-ventilated area. Mist the seeds twice a day, morning and evening. Count to 10 when spraying the water to make sure all the seeds are moist.

When the seeds germinate, small sprouts emerge. Remove the cover and thoroughly water the sprouts through the roots: Pour water on a plate and place the container on it for a few minutes. Do this twice a day.

Your microgreens are ready to enjoy! They can be used to garnish a dish, and will enhance the taste and nutrient value of your food!

To learn more about microgreens check out these titles from the Mercer County Library System:

Indoor Kitchen Gardening Handbook by Elizabeth Millard

"Named one of the Best Gardening Books of 2014 by the Chicago Tribune, Indoor Kitchen Gardening is about creating a sense of play and nourishment. It takes just a few dollars and a few days for you to start enjoying fresh, healthy produce grown indoors in your own home."

Sprouts, Shoots & Microgreens by Lina Wallentinson

"Learn how to grow (and consume) sprouts, shoots, and microgreens at home without using expensive or complicated equipment--all you need is tap water and a glass jar, and you're ready to go! This is an easy, fast, and smart way to fit healthy greens into your diet. Following Lina Wallentinson's instructions, in just a few days, you'll see dry seeds transform into burgeoning green sprouts."

Microgreens by Fionna Hill

A guide to growing microgreens--tiny seedlings of herbs and vegetables--in container gardens, with information on twenty-five popular varieties, recipes for using them, and tips on care and cultivation.

Make Money Growing Microgreens by Harper Wells

Microgreens by Oliver Wilson

"'Microgreens' is your comprehensive, go-to guide for understanding how to grow microgreens at home in an exciting way even if you have no farming or gardening experience. Within the pages of this practical guide, you will discover how microgreens grow, how to grow microgreens, the best conditions for growing microgreens, the types of microgreens to grow at home, and the exceptional health benefits of consuming these tiny plants."

Microgreens and Greenhouse Gardening by Oliver Wison

If you're a person likes gardening who wants to know the secrets of Microgreens, Greenhouse Gardening, and Hydroponics, then you're about to discover how to be able to start your own microgreens and greenhouse garden right now!

Microgreens by Dion Rosser

- by Chetna, Ewing Branch