How to Grow Microgreens for Beginners

Microgreens are a powerhouse of nutrients and a simple way to grow fresh, healthy greens at home. Whether you want to add a nutritional boost to your meals or enjoy the rewarding process of growing your own food, microgreens are the perfect place to start. This guide will walk you through the daily care schedule, the benefits of adding microgreens to your diet, how to store them, and even how to use the leftovers to feed your backyard chickens!

Daily Care Schedule for Microgreens

Growing microgreens is relatively easy, but following a structured care schedule is essential to ensure success. Here’s a breakdown of the daily routine, including some advanced techniques for optimal growth.

• Days 1-2: Stacking Trays with Pressure
  After soaking your seeds (depending on the variety) for 6-12 hours, spread them evenly on a tray filled with a thin layer of soil or growing medium. Once you’ve misted them with water, stack another tray on top of them and add about 10 pounds of weight. This added pressure encourages the seeds to develop strong roots as they push against the weight, leading to more robust microgreens.
• Days 3-4: Blackout Phase
  After the initial stacking phase, place your trays in a blackout period, completely blocking any light. During this phase, keep the trays in darkness until the sprouts reach the desired height (about 1-2 inches). Keeping them in this phase for too long can cause the microgreens to stretch too much and fall over, so monitor them closely.
• Day 5: Remove the Cover and Introduce Light
  Once the microgreens have reached the right height, remove the cover and place the trays under a grow light. We use T5 Barrina grow lights, which are ideal because they provide the correct spectrum of light for microgreens without using too much energy. T5 lights are compact, efficient, and promote fast, healthy growth, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced growers.
• Days 6-10: As your microgreens grow, mist them once or twice daily and ensure they are getting 6-8 hours of light each day. For a 17×10 tray, adding about 1 cup of water daily should be sufficient to keep the soil moist without overwatering. You’ll notice rapid growth during this period. Keep an eye on moisture levels in the soil and adjust as necessary.
• Day 10+: Depending on the variety, your microgreens will be ready to harvest in 7-14 days. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach 2-3 inches in height and have developed their first true leaves (the second set of leaves). Use clean scissors to snip the greens just above the soil line.

Choosing the Best Seeds to Grow

When starting your microgreen-growing journey, choosing the right seeds is crucial. Here are a few great options for beginners that are easy to grow and packed with nutrients:

• Radish: Radish microgreens are fast-growing, ready in about 7-10 days, and have a spicy flavor that adds a kick to salads and sandwiches.
• Broccoli: These are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them one of the most nutritious options. Broccoli microgreens are also easy to grow and have a mild taste.
• Peas: If you prefer a sweeter taste, pea shoots are a great choice. They are a bit larger than other microgreens and add a crunchy texture to your meals.
• Sunflower: Sunflower microgreens are packed with protein and have a nutty flavor. They take a little longer to grow (around 12 days), but they’re well worth the wait.

When choosing seeds, make sure to select varieties specifically labeled for microgreen growing. They should be untreated, as standard gardening seeds may contain chemicals that aren’t suitable for edible crops.

Nutritional Benefits of Microgreens

Microgreens are small but mighty when it comes to nutrition. These tiny plants are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Studies show that microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their fully-grown counterparts.

Some of the key nutrients found in microgreens include:

• Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and helps maintain healthy skin.
• Vitamin K: Supports bone health and aids in blood clotting.
• Vitamin E: Acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Beta-Carotene: Converts into vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune health.
• Iron: Helps transport oxygen throughout the body and supports energy levels.

Adding microgreens to your diet can help improve overall health, reduce inflammation, and provide an extra nutritional punch to your meals.

What Foods Can You Add Microgreens To?

Microgreens are incredibly versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes. Here are a few easy and delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals:

• Salads: Toss microgreens into any salad to add a fresh, crunchy texture.
• Smoothies: Blend microgreens like spinach or kale into your smoothies for a boost of nutrients.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a handful of microgreens to sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for extra flavor and crunch.
• Soups: Use microgreens as a garnish for soups, adding them just before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Egg Dishes: Sprinkle microgreens on top of scrambled eggs, omelets, or avocado toast for a vibrant, nutritious addition.

How to Store Microgreens

Microgreens are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, there are a few simple ways to keep them fresh for up to a week:

1. Harvest and Clean: After harvesting, gently rinse the microgreens in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
2. Store in the Refrigerator: Place the dry microgreens in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag lined with a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Store them in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
3. Freeze for Later Use: While freezing microgreens can cause them to lose some of their texture, you can freeze them for use in smoothies or soups where texture is less important. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to two months.

Using Microgreens Cuttings to Feed Your Backyard Chickens

One fun perk of growing microgreens is that you can recycle the leftovers by feeding them to your backyard chickens! The cuttings and leftover greens are safe and nutritious for chickens, providing them with vitamins and minerals. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also gives your chickens a tasty, healthy snack that they’ll love.

Conclusion

Growing microgreens is an easy and rewarding way to bring fresh, nutrient-dense food into your home. With just a little bit of care each day, you can enjoy a constant supply of greens that enhance your meals and benefit your health. Plus, you can even share the bounty with your backyard chickens, making this a sustainable and fun project for the whole family.

For more tips and cute videos of our microgreens and backyard chickens, follow us on TikTok @ProjectCharleston! Happy growing!