Here's An Introduction To The World Of Microgreens

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Microgreens are small plants of seeds and sometimes beans. They look like sprouts, but they are often much smaller. They are very nutritious and rich in vitamins such as C, D and E, as well as minerals and antioxidants. The plants are small and cute, and the taste of the microgreens is similar to that of the fullgrown versions of the same plants.

Choosing your seeds

From the moment you sow the seeds until they start growing, they supply their own nutrients, water and light. It is best to choose organic seeds or seeds that are intended for being grown as microgeens. What matters most is that they haven’t been sprayed with anything or altered in any way.

Growing microgreens

There are a few ways to grow microgreens.

• You can use a potassium-rich gel that absorbs fluids and prevent bacteria from growing. Not any gel, but one that has been created for this purpose.

• You can grow them on a fibre mat, such as a coconut fibre one.

• You can grow them on fibres such as coco coir.

• You can mix sowing soil with sand.

• You can mix soul and fibres.

Some also like to incorporate 10% coffee grounds into the mix.

Further instructions

• When sowing microgreens, you sow them much closer together than you would if you were sowing fully grown plants.

• You mustn’t get the medium to wet, because that can act as a breeding ground for bacteria.

• The microgreen plants enjoy a temperature of 18 to 22 degrees C. You can use a heated mat underneath them, but it isn’t necessary during the warmer months. However, it does speed things up and it is therefore a nice thing to have during the colder and darker months. If you have a garden, you sow your seeds for spring during the colder months, and a heated mat will come in handy then as well.

• Never water the leaves. Water the microgreens from below.

• Their growing stage is so short that there is no need for any additional nutrients.

• Before the microgreens have sprouted, they like to be in the dark. It will likely take 3-5 days, but it depends on what seeds you are growing.

• Once the seedlings have emerged, they do require light. Daylight is good, but not if it is coming in from the south. No plant wants burnt leaves.

• A grow light is recommended during fall and winter. They require 12-15 hours of light and 9-12 hours of darkness. You can purchase grow lights with energy efficient lights online and in most gardening stores.

The harvest

It is recommended to harvest the microgreens using a small scissor. There are scissors that have been made for microgreens, sprouts and herbs. A kitchen scissor is not recommended. Some seeds will give you a few harvests.

If you are growing such seeds, you will want to keep a few things in mind. When you harvest for the first time, cut the microgreens above the lower leaves. The following harvests may not be as bountiful or flavourful, but well worth harvesting and eating.

Caring for the harvest

Microgreens are eaten raw and needn’t be cooked in any way. They’re excellent in salads, as a sandwich topping or to simply be sprinkled over any meal. You can also use them in juices and smoothies.

If you have a particularly large harvest, you can store some of it in a glass jar with a lid. Keep it in the refrigerator for no more than three days.

When it is time to sow your new batch, use a new growing material and place the used ones in your compost.

Good luck!