Living in an urban environment doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying fresh, organic produce. Microgreens are packed with vitamins and minerals, and they can easily be grown in your own home. In this article, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to grow microgreens in the comfort of your own kitchen. From choosing the right containers and soil to harvesting and beyond, we’ll provide all the tips you need to become a microgreen-growing master.
Supplies Needed
Growing microgreens indoors in a city apartment or townhouse is a great way to enjoy fresh produce all year round. The microgreens you produce will be packed with vitamins, minerals, and flavour, and take up very little space. To get started with growing microgreens, you will need the following materials.
Growing Containers
Growing microgreens indoors requires larger containers than those typically used for potted plants. The containers need to be at least 4 to 6 inches deep as well as wide enough to accommodate the varieties of microgreens you plan to grow. Trays, window boxes, and other similar containers can be used. If you opt for plastic containers, make sure they are free of chemicals that could leach into the soil and damage the delicate microgreens.
Soil Mixture
The soil you use for your microgreens should be light and well-draining, but do not use soil from your garden, as it may contain fungi and bacteria that you don’t want to bring inside your home. Instead, opt for seed-starting mix or potting soil with no added fertilizers. Commercial microgreen mixes are also available if you don’t wish to make your own.
Seeds of Choice
Once you have your soil and containers, you can select the type of seeds you would like to grow. You can find specialty mixes that contain a variety of microgreens, or you can choose individual varieties such as sunflower, radish, and pea shoots. Many seeds can be purchased in bulk, so you can find the right mix for your needs.
Water and Light
Microgreens need a moderate amount of water and plenty of light, but you won’t need a greenhouse to grow them. Be sure to water them regularly and provide enough light so they can photosynthesize and grow. A window that gets enough natural light should be enough, but you can also opt for a grow light if you want to make sure they are getting enough light.
Harvesting Your Microgreens
Once your microgreens have grown, it is time to harvest them. You can do this by snipping them with scissors, leaving an inch or two of stem attached so the plant can regrow. Make sure to rotate your crops often and harvest in the morning to preserve the most nutrients for your microgreens. Enjoy your freshly harvested microgreens on salads, sandwiches, and other recipes!
Preparation
To successfully grow microgreens in your urban home, you’ll need the right supplies. Gather basic growing items like seed starters, planting trays, dirt, and grow light. If you don’t want to invest in extra equipment, you can also find microgreen starter kits that contain everything you need. Look for high-quality organic seeds, as these will produce the best-tasting microgreens.
Clean the Grow Space
Before you begin to grow your microgreens, it’s important to clean the space where they’ll be growing. This will reduce the risk of introducing any unwanted pests or diseases. Once the space is clean, set up your grow light and trays so that you’ll be ready to plant when the time comes.
Pre-Moisten the Soil
Before planting your microgreens, it is important to pre-moisten the soil. This will help the microgreens to take root easier and faster. To pre-moisten the soil, add in a few tablespoons of water and mix it in. The soil should be slightly damp. Avoid over-watering the soil, as this can lead to root rot.
Sprinkle the Seeds Evenly
Once the soil is pre-moistened, sprinkle the seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. You’ll want to use a light hand, as too many seeds can lead to overcrowding. Make sure the seeds are evenly spread and then use your fingers to lightly press the seeds into the soil.
Provide Adequate Light
Microgreens love light, so it’s important to provide plenty of it. If you’re using a grow light, make sure it is placed close to the soil and adjusted as needed. Natural light is also an option, but you’ll need to make sure the microgreens are getting enough in order to grow properly.
Optimize Humidity
The humidity in your urban home can make a big difference when it comes to growing microgreens. Too much humidity can lead to fungus growth and mold, while too little can cause the microgreens to dry out. Place a humidifier near the microgreens to help maintain their optimal level of humidity.
Monitor the Microgreens
Once the microgreens are planted, it’s important to monitor them regularly. Look for signs of disease, pests, or any other issues. Make sure the soil remains damp, but not wet. You may need to water the microgreens every few days depending on the conditions. Harvest your microgreens once they have reached a desired size and enjoy!
Planting Microgreens
Growing microgreens at home is an easy way to enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed greens year round. All you need is a few simple supplies and a little bit of space. First, gather the necessary supplies for planting microgreens. You will need a shallow container, some trays or flats, soil or a soil-less mix, tweezers, and seeds. Make sure the container and trays are clean to avoid introducing anything unwanted into your growing environment.
Preparing the Growing Environment for Planting Microgreens
Before planting your microgreens, prepare the growing environment. Fill the container and trays with the soil or soil-less mix and make sure the soil is moist but not soaking wet. Microgreens need light to grow, so make sure the container is placed in an area that receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
Planting Microgreens
Once the soil is ready, it’s time to plant your microgreens. Use tweezers to gently scatter the seed over the top of the soil, ensuring that you spread the seeds evenly. The seeds should be planted about ¼ inch apart and should be covered lightly with soil to ensure proper germination.
Providing Proper Care for Planting Microgreens
Once the seeds are planted, it’s important to provide proper care to ensure that your microgreens grow to their fullest potential. Make sure the soil remains moist but not soaking wet, and if the topsoil begins to dry out, mist the soil with water. Provide your microgreens with eight hours of a direct light source every day and they should begin to sprout within five to seven days.
Harvesting Microgreens
When your microgreens reach a height of two to three inches, they are ready to harvest. Carefully cut the microgreens at the base of the stem with scissors or a knife and serve them fresh. Harvesting your microgreens at the peak of freshness ensures that they are packed with flavor and nutrition.
Maximizing Nutrient Content from Planting Microgreens
There are several ways to maximize the nutrition from your planted microgreens. Planting several different varieties of microgreens together can provide a great diversity of tastes and textures. Soaking the seeds before planting can help to make the nutrients in the microgreens more available, and fertilizing with an organic liquid fertilizer can increase the nutrient content in the microgreens.
Caring for Microgreens
Growing microgreens at home is a great way to gain fresh produce without having to rely on a grocery store. To ensure that your microgreens are healthy and successful, you will need to properly care for them. Caring for microgreens involve giving them the right amount of water, adequate ventilation, and optimal temperature.
Providing Adequate Ventilation
Proper ventilation is essential for the growth of microgreens. The soil should not be too wet, as this will lead to mold growth which can destroy your plants. Make sure to adequately water the soil, but not too much; the perfect amount of water should be just enough to dampen the soil. Ventilation is also important for preventing fungus from growing in your microgreen trays. To provide sufficient ventilation, keep the tray away from any walls or furniture and place a fan near the microgreen tray.
Maintaining Ideal Temperature
Microgreens need temperatures between 16°C and 18°C in order to thrive. Temperatures higher than this will cause the microgreens to heat up quickly, while cooler temperatures may stunt their growth. To ensure that your microgreens have the best chance of growing successfully, maintain the temperature of their environment as close to this range as possible.
Providing Sufficient Lighting
Microgreens need a good amount of light in order to grow. If you are growing microgreens indoors, invest in a grow light to provide enough light for your plants. They should receive at least 16 hours of light every day to ensure proper growth.
Harvesting and Storing Microgreens
Microgreens are ready for harvesting after about 1-2 weeks. You can harvest them by cutting the stem at the soil level with a sharp pair of scissors. Once they have been harvested, they should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. Microgreens will last up to a week when stored properly.
By following the above steps, you can ensure that your microgreens have the best chance of growing successfully. With a little time and dedication, you can enjoy fresh produce in your urban home.
Harvesting
Growing microgreens successfully in an urban home requires preparation prior to the harvesting process. It is essential to start by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all of the materials used for growing and harvesting. This includes the tray, soil, scissors and other tools. To ensure maximum hygiene, it is important to use fresh and uncontaminated materials to avoid any bacterial or fungal infections.
Cutting and Collecting the Microgreens
Once the microgreens are ready for harvesting, the cutting and collecting process begins. Using a pair of scissors or a sharp blade, cut the greens just above the soil surface. When harvesting the microgreens, it is important to avoid any damage to the roots. After the greens are cut, collect them gently in a bowl or tray.
Storing and Refrigerating the Microgreens
Once the microgreens are collected, they must be stored and refrigerated to preserve their freshness and avoid any spoiling. Place the greens in a plastic or glass container, with the lid tightly sealed. To keep the microgreens fresh, store the container in the refrigerator, preferably in the upper shelf. To ensure maximum freshness, consume the microgreens as soon as possible.
Cleaning the Growing Trays
After harvesting the microgreens, it is important to clean the growing trays and discard the soil. This prevents any bacterial or fungal diseases from spreading or entering the next crop. It is also essential to keep the growing trays clean to avoid any contamination.
Re-planting the Microgreens
Once the microgreens have been harvested, it is possible to re-plant them and grow more. Re-planting the microgreens is relatively simple and can be done in the same tray. To start the process, remove the old soil, replace it with a fresh batch of soil and then add the microgreens back in. This process can be repeated several times until you no longer want to re-plant the microgreens.
Reap the Benefits of Microgreens
Microgreens are a unique type of crop that is popular in urban settings. Growing them in your home is surprisingly simple and requires minimal space. Planting your own microgreens is a great way to supplement your diet with a nutrient-rich food. With the proper techniques and care, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful microgreens year-round. Plus, the satisfaction of watching your own crop grow is a fun and rewarding experience. Start growing your own microgreens today for a nutritious and sustainable snack.