You've undoubtedly heard of microgreens lately as they've been super trendy in all things food and cooking. Five star chefs use microgreens to sprinkle on salads, sandwiches, and other dishes, because it gives a dish a different taste as well as crunch. But did you know that microgreens are also packed with nutritious goods? Consuming microgreens is very healthy, and that's why today we're going to show you how to grow microgreens at home. You can enjoy the goodness of microgreens all year long!
How to Grow Microgreens
Source: Urbancultivator
If you go to a store that sells microgreens, you'll see that the prices are out of this world! Depending on the store and its location, a pound of microgreens can go between $30-$50! That's insane, and that's why everyone should grow microgreens at home!
So what exactly are microgreens?
Think of microgreens as tiny little leafy vegetables or herbs. They're basically a cross between a sprout and a baby leaf lettuce.
Harvest
Source: Mobiusmicrofarms
Your microgreens can be ready in as little as 2-3 weeks from planting! You can start harvesting once your microgreens reach 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length and they have at least 2-3 true leaves. Cut them off at the soil surface. Because they ARE micro, they obviously don't need a lot of time to grow, so your mini salad will be ready in no time! Did we mention how adorable they'll look on your windowsill?
Planting
- Use a shallow pot or container. The pot or container should be at least 2 inches deep, and must have good drainage.
- Fill the container with a sterilized potting mix up to about 1/2 inch from the top. Because microgreens contain a lot of energy within their seeds, they do not need fertilizer.
- Sprinkle microgreens seeds on top of the soil densely and cover with a light layer of soil. Pat the soil lightly into place.
- Sprinkle the soil with cinnamon to prevent damping-off disease.
- Water your microgreens by placing a pan of lukewarm water underneath the pot or container. Check the soil with your hand, and once it's damp, drain the pan of water.
- Place your microgreens in a sunny windowsill. Microgreens need a lot of sunlight, so make sure to place them where it will get the most!
Now your microgreens are ready to be harvested and used! You can use microgreens in pretty much any salads, soups, sandwiches, or simply as a garnish on top of any dish! They all a delicious flavor, an unexpected crunch, and best of all, a dose of nutrients!
You can find microgreens seeds at your local nursery or online. When choosing your seeds, try go to with an all-organic choice!
Below, we've compiled a list of the most common vegetables that are used as microgreens.
Most Common Microgreens:
Source: Vegfru
Abundance Kale
Amaranth
Arugula
Basil
Broccoli
Buckwheat
Bulls Blood Beets
Cabbage
Carrot
Celery
Chives
Cilantro
Collards
Cress
Dill
Dwarf grey sugar peas
Fennel
Fenugreek
Kohlrabi
Komatsuna
Lemon grass
Magenta Sunset Swiss Chard
Mizuna
Nasturtium
Onion
Orach
Pac choi
Purslane
Roji Leaf Radish
Russian Kale
Shiso (Red perilla)
Shungiku
Sorrel
Spinach
Sunflower
Parsley
Popcorn
Spinach
Now it's time to choose your variety and get to growing!
Happy Planting!
once you cut the microgreens- will they grow back or do you need to start the whole process over?
Hi Renee,
Unfortunately, once cut, most microgreens do not regrow. But, there is always a chance, that if there’s a leaf or two left, they might regrow again. It all depends on the variety and how you cut them.