Microgreens have gained widespread popularity in recent years due to their nutritional value, visual appeal, and ease of growing. These tiny, vibrant greens are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a seasoned plant enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process for growing microgreens at home, including a list of the best edible microgreens and their benefits. Ready for making indoor microgreen garden
? Our “How to Grow Microgreens” guide makes it simple! Boost your cooking and health with colorful, nutrient-rich microgreens.
What is Microgreens?
Microgreens are a type of young, edible plant that is harvested at an early stage of growth, usually after the first true leaves have sprouted. These delicious greens are grown from a variety of vegetables, herbs, and even the seeds of some grains. Microgreens are popular for their vibrant colors, rich flavors, and delicate texture. Typically, they are harvested when they reach about 1 to 3 inches tall, making them larger than sprouts but smaller than baby greens.
Benefits of Microgreens
- Nutrient Density: Microgreens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some have 6 times more vitamin C than their mature plants.
- Flavor Variety: Microgreen recipes are used as garnishes, in salads, or added to wraps because they come in a variety of flavors from spicy to sweet.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant colors and delicate look have a way of beautifying dishes, making them a popular choice among chefs and home cooks.
- Indoor Gardening: Microgreens mainly grow indoors and can be suitable even in small spaces which is the best option for urban living microgreens farming at home.
- Antioxidants: With a great source of antioxidants, microgreens fight stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Nutritional Diversity: Different types of microgreens offer various benefits. For instance, broccoli microgreens are known to contain anti-cancer sulforaphane, while sunflower microgreens provide vitamin E and healthy fats.
- Growing Options: There are two main ways to grow microgreens: using soil or hydroponics. Hydroponic systems are great for controlled environments.
- Health Potential: Regular consumption of microgreens may have health benefits such as helping in digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation.
(Read More: How to Grow Vegetables Easily From Seeds At Home…)
List of Edible Microgreens To Grow At Home
Here are some of the best edible microgreens to consider growing:
- Radish Microgreens: Radish microgreens are fast-growing microgreens and are a popular choice because of their peppery flavor and vibrant red or purple stems.
- Broccoli Microgreens: These microgreens have a mild, slightly spicy flavor similar to mature broccoli. Broccoli Microgreens are famous for their high concentrations of sulforaphane, a compound known for its potential health benefits.
- Sunflower Microgreens: Sunflower Microgreens are rich in nutrients like Vitamin E and B complex with a mild and nutty taste. They are popular for their attractive appearance with long stems and small green leaves.
- Pea Shoot Microgreens: Pea shoots are rich in vitamins and add a delicious crunch to dishes. Add these microgreens to the list of best edible microgreens because they have a fresh, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of fresh peas.
- Arugula Microgreens: Arugula microgreens food offers a peppery, tangy flavor similar to mature arugula. These microgreens are widely popular for their fast-growing ability.
- Basil Microgreens: These micro herbs are perfect for adding freshness to dishes. Basil Microgreen are a staple in Italian cuisine, you should definitely include them in your microgreen growing list.
- Beet Microgreens: Beetroot microgreens have a mildly sweet and earthy flavor. They often grow red or pink stems and can be a colorful addition to any dish.
- Mustard Microgreens: Mustard microgreens are a popular choice for adding zest to salads and other dishes. They provide a spicy, tangy flavor similar to mature mustard greens.
Other than this you can also consider growing some other tasty micro greens including red amaranth microgreens, coriander microgreens, alfalfa microgreens, wheatgrass microgreens, salad microgreens, mixed microgreens, sesame microgreens, flaxseed microgreens, moong microgreens, corn microgreens, chickpea microgreens, pak choi microgreens, chia microgreens (chia seed microgreens), and fenugreek microgreens (methi microgreens).
How To Grow Microgreens At Home
After knowing the list of the best edible microgreens and their benefits, it is time to learn about how to plant microgreens at home with soil or without soil along with their harvesting details. Follow the following guide to learn how to sprout microgreens at home:
Selecting Microgreens:
Choose from the list of some popular varieties of microgreens or microgreen kits, including arugula, basil, radish, sunflower, broccoli, and more. Different microgreens offer distinct flavors, colors, and nutritional benefits, so consider buying the best seed for microgreens and intended use when making your selection.
(Read More: How To Germinate Seeds Successfully…)
Materials You’ll Need:
Gather the necessary materials before you start growing microgreens in your kitchen:
- Shallow containers or trays
- Best Quality potting soil mix or soilless growing medium
- Seeds of your chosen microgreens
- Spray bottle for misting
- Light source (natural sunlight or grow lights)
- Sharp scissors for harvesting
Preparation:
- To planting microgreens, choose a microgreens growing tray 2-4 inches deep and make sure it has proper drainage holes.
- Choose a growing medium such as a potting soil mix or you can grow in a soilless medium such as peat moss, seed starting mix, coconut coir, or rock wool.
- Fill the containers/trays with the potting soil mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Press the mixture gently to form a hard, even surface.
- Mist the potting mix evenly with a water sprayer until it is damp but not waterlogged.
Sowing Seeds:
- Scatter the microgreen seeds evenly over the moist potting mix.
- Press the seeds lightly into the mixture using your hands or a flat tool.
- Optionally, you can cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting mix to encourage germination.
Germination:
- Place the tray in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight or under a grow light.
- Keep the soil consistently moist using a spray bottle.
- If using plastic wrap or humidity domes, cover the tray to create a greenhouse effect that helps with germination. Remove it when the seeds start sprouting.
Care and Maintenance:
- To keep the soil consistently moist, water your microgreens regularly but avoid overwatering, which can lead to mold growth.
- If using plastic wrap or humidity domes, provide adequate air circulation by removing them periodically.
- Rotate the containers daily to ensure uniform growth, as the microgreens lean toward the light source.
- If using grow lights, keep them on for about 12-16 hours a day, while maintaining a distance to avoid overheating.
(Read More: How to Choose the Perfect Organic Soil for Your Garden…)
Harvesting:
- Most microgreens are ready to harvest in 1-3 weeks, depending on the variety.
- Use clean shears or a sharp knife to cut microgreens just above the soil line.
- Gently wash and pat dry the harvested microgreens before use.
Troubleshooting:
- Some common problems you may encounter when growing microgreens include mold growth, uneven germination, and insufficient growth.
- To overcome this, you can address these problems by adjusting your watering methods, improving air circulation, and ensuring proper lighting.
Conclusion:
Growing microgreens at home with soil or without soil is a beneficial and great way to add freshness and nutrition to your meals. By following this full microgreen growing guide from how to grow microgreens to how to harvest microgreens at home including a list of edible microgreens and their benefits, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to grow a colorful array of microgreens in the comfort of your own home and taste home-grown microgreens.