If you’ve ever wondered why you should Grow Microgreens at home, then the answer might surprise you. These tiny plants grow on coconut coir, paper towels, and even hydroponically. While you’re growing them, make sure to have a light source nearby so they can begin photosynthesizing. Growing in dark cabinets or cupboards will cause your plants to grow unevenly and yellow leaves, but you can quickly fix this by adding a few light bulbs.
Growing on paper towels
To grow microgreens on paper towels, first soak the towel in water and then squeeze it out. Only squeeze out a few drops; too much water will drown your seedlings. Next, spread a thin layer of microgreen growing mix over the towel. Fold the paper towel over the soil and tuck the sides into the tray. Water the paper towel well to keep it moist but not soggy that it will cause mold.
After seven days, the microgreens should sprout and feel moist. You can leave them in the dark for another two days, but they will eventually die out and be too small to be eaten. After about seven days, harvest the microgreens by pulling them gently. Try to leave the roots and seed hulls intact. Continue the process for a few days to get a fresh supply of microgreens. When they reach the height of a few inches, you can harvest them.
The main disadvantage of growing microgreens on paper towels is that the soil doesn’t hold moisture as well. Therefore, you may need to water your plants more frequently. Paper towels are also susceptible to damage, so make sure to keep an eye on them. Soil is a better choice if you live in a dry climate because it provides a stronger anchor for roots. Moreover, growing microgreens on paper towels is easy and pest-free.
Growing on coconut coir
Coconut coir is a great option for growing Microgreens. It is similar to soil in texture and can be used in the outdoors, where it can be mixed with soil for a variety of growing mediums. Since coconut coir can be composted, it is also a great choice for outdoor gardening. It also works well for growing Microgreens, and is a natural product. It can be purchased in brick or bag form.
The first thing you should know about coconut coir is that it is highly absorbent. Coconut coir holds water well, and it is great for mixing with soil. It also doesn’t produce any foul odors. Unlike soil, coconut coir is bacteria and weed seed free. Unlike soil, coconut coir is also an excellent growing medium because it promotes strong root growth and has good air exposure.
Coconut coir absorbs water well, and once the growing medium has been removed, you can recycle the coir as a soil amendment or mulch. However, if you choose to use it for microgreens, it is best to remove the coco coir and let it dry out before discarding it. Afterwards, you can simply discard the coco coir in a bucket, allowing it to dry out before using it again.
Growing in soil
Microgreens are usually grown in shallow layers of soil, one to four inches deep. The depth of the soil must be such that it hardly streams when squeezed between your fingers. For better growth, the soil should be evenly distributed in the cell tray. You can count out the number of seeds per cell depending on how quickly you plan to harvest the crop. After determining the density, carefully spread the mix over the area where you want to grow microgreens.
Microgreens grow quickly. Microgreens are a single-use crop that requires daily watering and ventilation. If you choose to compost the soil, you can recycle the soil. Microgreens are not only edible and beautiful, but also compostable. Besides, they have no pesticide or herbicide residue. If you don’t want to compost your microgreens, buy reusable planting containers. Growing microgreens at home in soil is a great way to experiment with different varieties and flavors.
The growing medium for microgreens is one of the most important parts of the process. Some varieties prefer peat-based mixes or coconut coir, while others prefer mats made from rockwool. The growing medium affects moisture levels in the soil, and therefore, the frequency of watering will depend on its composition. Also, the nutrients in the growing medium will affect the quality of your microgreens, so choose a medium that is easily accessible and clean.
Growing in hydroponically
Growing microgreens at home hydroponically is not as difficult as you might think. You will need to prepare one tray that has no holes. After you have prepared the soil, you will need to add a couple of tablespoons of seeds to it. Spread the seeds out evenly and gently press them into the soil. You will need to water them twice a day or so to keep them moist. Once they take root, you can open the tray and expose the seeds to the light.
Adding nutrients is the most effective way to increase yields and consistency of your hydroponic system. You can purchase specific nutrient solutions for growing microgreens. Some of these nutrients are MaxiGro, FloraGro, Liquid Kelp, and OceanSolution. You can also use a spray bottle to evenly moisten the growing media and seeds. For general hydroponic growing, you should avoid using wicking systems.
Harvesting microgreens is easy. Cut the leaves cleanly with scissors and rinse well. Let them dry before storing them in the fridge. You can eat them immediately or store them for later. Microgreens grown hydroponically contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for our daily diet. They are the perfect addition to any meal. The taste and texture of these edible greens will make you a fan of them!
Harvesting
To grow microgreens at home, you can use any kind of potting soil. The size doesn’t matter either. Microgreens don’t need deep roots, so a shallow container is perfect for these seeds. You should cover the seeds with additional soil to mimic the environment in which they will grow. After the seeds have germinated, the soil should be slightly dampened. The seeds will need about a week to germinate before they are ready for harvest.
To grow microgreens at home, you need to purchase a variety of seeds. Beyond Roots sells a variety pack of USDA organic seeds, including dill, arugula, broccoli, daikon radish, and more. You’ll need a shallow dish, which is about half an inch deep. You can also use terracotta pots for microgreen growing. Just make sure that you water your microgreens before harvesting them.
Once you’ve harvested the microgreens, you’ll need to wash them well and store them in the refrigerator. When harvesting, remember to rinse them well and keep them dry, as they don’t store well if they are damp or mushy. You can use part of the crop immediately, and leave the rest to grow. Too much growth, however, will mature into full plants. To avoid this, you can use some of the soil as fertilizer for your next crop.
Nutritional value
The nutritional value of microgreens has recently been studied in detail. There are several types of microgreens available in the market, and some have higher nutritional values than others. In a study, scientists found that the green daikon radish, garnet amaranth, red cabbage, and incilantro microgreens had the highest vitamin C and lutein content. These compounds are beneficial for the eyes and skin and can even help prevent cancer.
Some studies have revealed that microgreens contain a high concentration of antioxidants. The kind of antioxidants contained in microgreens will depend on the family in which the plant is. Brassica microgreens are rich in vitamin E, a type of phenolic antioxidant. Asteraceae microgreens, on the other hand, contain high amounts of vitamin A and carotenoid antioxidants. Research is ongoing, but the benefits may be beneficial for a variety of health conditions.
Food sustainability is an urgent issue for the world, and contemporary agricultural practices have negatively affected the environment and are affecting food production. Underlying this is the need to rethink our food systems to ensure that they can provide adequate nutrition to all human populations. Mineral malnutrition affects two-thirds of the global population, and affects people of all economic status. Microgreens are the perfect solution to this problem. These edible cotyledons of a variety of plants can be grown almost anywhere.
Cost
The cost of growing microgreens at home is minimal – seeds and organic potting soil, which is inexpensive and easy to find, are all you need. You’ll also need a watering can with a fine spout. The average flat can produce up to 50 pounds of microgreens, and this can be worth as much as $20 a flat. In general, you can expect to turn a profit in just a few weeks or months. Microgreens growers should expect to make around $150 a week if they have a consistent client base.
The cost of soil for growing microgreens at home is negligible, with prices dropping with the number of crops produced per tray. Packaging is another matter entirely – some companies use minimal packaging to save on plastic, while others use more durable packing to prevent microgreens from getting crushed or damaged. Most growers spend a few cents per pack, meaning you can expect to grow an eight-ounce serving of microgreens for less than $4.
Buying the right tools and materials is another consideration. Seeds are essential for growing any plant, so it’s important to determine how many you’ll need to grow the best microgreens. Microgreens are best grown in trays that have drainage holes and are level. The larger your microgreens are, the more seeds you’ll need. You can also purchase growing trays to save money and space.
