Microgreens are nutritious, flavour-packed baby plants that are easy to grow indoors. With only a small container and a bit of light, you can have fresh, vibrant greens in just 7-14 days. Here’s everything you need to know to grow your own microgreens from home.
1. Choose Your Microgreen
Microgreens come in a variety of flavours and textures. Here are a few great options to start with:
- Radish – Peppery and crisp, perfect for adding a kick to salads.
- Broccoli – Mild and nutritious, with a subtle cabbage-like flavour.
- Coriander – Delicate, citrusy flavour; a great addition to Asian-inspired dishes.
- Sunflower – Nutty and crunchy, ideal for sandwiches or as a salad base.
- Pea Shoots – Sweet and tender, a lovely garnish for soups or stir-fries.
2. Gather Your Supplies
To get started, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- Shallow Tray: Any shallow container (like a plastic tray, baking dish, or repurposed food container) with drainage holes works well.
- Potting Soil or Seed-Starting Mix: Use a light, well-draining soil for quick root growth.
- Spray Bottle: For gentle watering without displacing the seeds.
- Light Source: A sunny windowsill or grow light is ideal for microgreens.
3. Prepare the Growing Tray
Set up your container with about 2-3cm of potting soil.
- Smooth the Soil: Level the soil with your hands to create an even surface, ensuring that seeds have good contact with the soil.
- Moisten the Soil: Lightly spray the soil with water until it’s damp, but not soaked.
4. Sow the Seeds
Microgreens are densely planted, so you’ll want to sprinkle seeds liberally.
- Spread Evenly: Scatter seeds evenly over the soil, aiming for a light but full coverage.
- Press Down: Gently press the seeds into the soil using your fingers to ensure good contact.
5. Mist and Cover
To help seeds germinate, keep them moist and covered initially.
- Mist: Spray the seeds with water to moisten the top layer.
- Cover: Place a lid or another tray over the seeds to create a warm, humid environment. This helps speed up germination.
6. Place in a Light Spot
Once seeds start to sprout, usually within 2-3 days, remove the cover and place the tray in a sunny spot or under a grow light.
- Light Needs: Microgreens need about 4-6 hours of light daily. A south-facing windowsill works well.
- Rotate the Tray: If using a windowsill, rotate the tray daily for even growth.
7. Water Regularly
Microgreens need consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering.
- Misting: Mist with a spray bottle once or twice daily to keep the soil lightly moist.
- Check the Soil: If the soil feels dry, give it a light spray; avoid letting the soil become waterlogged.
8. Harvesting Your Microgreens
In 7-14 days, your microgreens will be ready to harvest once they’re about 5-10cm tall and have opened their first leaves.
- Cut Above Soil: Use clean scissors to snip microgreens just above the soil line.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse gently under cool water and pat dry on a kitchen towel.
9. Enjoy Your Microgreens!
Microgreens add a vibrant, fresh flavour to many dishes. Here are a few ways to use them:
- Salads: Mix into salads for a nutrient boost.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Layer on sandwiches or wraps for extra crunch.
- Smoothies: Add a handful to green smoothies for added vitamins.
- Garnish: Top soups, stews, or scrambled eggs with fresh microgreens for flavour and presentation.
10. Reuse and Replant
Once harvested, compost the soil and plant a new round of seeds to keep a continuous supply of microgreens.
With just a small tray and a bit of care, you’ll have a fresh supply of microgreens in no time, adding vibrant colour and flavour to your meals while growing your own food year-round. Happy growing! 🌱🥗