Grow Microgreens at Home: A How To.

Microgreens are a powerful and tiny produce item. Many people have eaten them without ever realizing they are eating these mighty little delights. They can be used like salad greens to create a flavor packed healthy meal. Microgreens can be used to accent a food, on sandwiches or atop a pasta dish. There are endless ways to use them. Check our blog for ideas. 

Microgreens are nutrient rich foods that are also packed with antioxidants. Some particularly beneficial nutrients you find in microgreens which are harder to get in a mature plant include:  Vitamin D, the B complexes and iron. These nutrient rich foods will also contribute to a fuller feeling quicker ensuring proportion sizes are easier to adhere to. They can be more flavorful and easier to use than traditional full grown veggies. 

Microgreens are easy to grow and do well in low light situations, making them great for home growing indoors! Just clear a small space on your kitchen counter and get started. 

Here are some quick instructions-

Supplies:

To grow these hydroponically we will use

• 5”x5” slotted growing trays (2 trays per)
• Grow medium: For this explanation we will use Coir. It is more sterile than soil which prevents a lot of other issues.  
• Seeds of your choosing
• Reverse osmosis water

I have linked all the materials for purchase online. You are also able to purchase them on Urban Prairie Agriculture’s shop page in neat little kits. 

Steps:

1. Ensure that you are working with sterile equipment and your hands are washed. 
2. Fill one slotted tray with moist grow medium. 
3. Cover the grow medium with seeds. Spread seeds as evenly as possible. If you are using your own seed measurements, rather than the pre-portioned seeds that comes in a kit, be sure not to seed too densely. For most seed types, do not cover the seeds with the grow medium. 
4. Place the second 5”x 5” tray inside the tray containing the grow medium and seeds. This tray should be pressing gently on the seeds. This serves two purposes, it keeps light out during germination, and presses the seeds into the moist grow medium providing just enough pressure to spark the germination process. 
5. Keep covered in order to keep light out through the initial germination stage. (usually 3 days) 
6. During these days monitor moisture level closely. You want the seeds moist enough to sprout but not so wet that mold forms.
7. Once the germination has begun, take the inside tray out and flip it over to form a dome. This will keep the seeds dark for about 3 more days but allow the seedlings to stretch and grow upward. Expose to light and grow another 6-9 days. 
8. Take the dome off and let the light in. It doesn’t have to be a ton of light, but enough for them to green up and grow upright. A counter near a window or a window seal is just fine. 
9. During these days monitor moisture level. You want the seedlings moist enough to continue growing but not so wet that mold forms. 
10. Between days 10 and 14 (depending on seed variety), they will be ready to harvest.
11. EAT!! To enjoy, simply clip at the base of the microgreens above the grow medium with some kitchen scissors and prepare as you wish.