Microgreens

Microgreens are young vegetable greens harvested just after the first true leaves have developed. They are packed with flavor, rich in nutrients, and relatively easy to grow at home.

Microgreens contain 40x more nutrients than fully grown/mature greens.

Size: They typically grow 1 to 3 inches tall.

Flavor: More intense than mature greens.

Nutritional Content: High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Microgreens are a great source of vitamin A, C, E, and K. microgreens generally appear to contain higher nutrient levels than more mature plants,

Microgreens are easy and convenient to grow, as they don’t require much equipment or time. They can be grown year-round, both indoor or outdoors.

What You’ll Need

Organic Seeds: Choose seeds specifically for microgreens, such as Kale, radish, sunflower, pea, broccoli, arugula etc.
Growing Trays: Shallow trays with drainage holes are ideal.
Growing Medium: Use soil, coconut coir, or a hydroponic growing mat.
Spring Water: A spray bottle for misting.
Light: Natural sunlight or a grow light.

if growing indoors it would be ideal to use an indoor green house…

you will need a tray with holes for the absorption of water…..

Instructions

Fill your container with soil, making sure you don’t over-compress it, and water lightly.
Sprinkle your organic seeds on top of the soil as evenly as possible.
Lightly mist your seeds with water and cover your container with lid.
Check on your tray daily and mist water as needed to keep the seeds moist.
A couple of days after the seeds have germinated, you may remove the lid to expose them to light.
Water once a day while your microgreens grow and gain color.
After 7–10 days, your microgreens should be ready to harvest.

Get your top trays and trays with holes for adding the Soil

Prepare the Trays:

Fill the trays with your growing medium to about 1-2 inches deep.
Level and moisten the medium evenly.

plant your seeds and cover them with your top tray for germination and blackout time

KALE

Kale microgreens are young, edible seedlings of the kale plant. They are highly nutritious and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Nutritional Benefits

Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, K, and E.
Minerals: Contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Fiber: Provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.

Sow the Seeds:

Evenly distribute the kale seeds over the surface of the growing medium. The seeds should be close but not overlapping.
Gently press the seeds into the medium, ensuring good contact.

Watering:

Mist the seeds lightly with water.
Cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create a humid environment.

Germination:

Place the tray in a warm, dark place for 2-4 days.
Check daily and mist with water if needed to keep the medium moist.

Blackout for 2 days

Light Exposure:

Once seeds have germinated, remove the cover.
Place the tray under a grow light or in indirect sunlight for 12-16 hours a day.
Maintain consistent moisture in the growing medium, I usually add 2 cups of spring water in the A.M and in the P.M

Growth:

Kale microgreens usually take about 7-10 days to reach harvest size, around 1-2 inches tall.

Harvesting:

When the first true leaves appear and the microgreens are about 2 inches tall, they are ready to harvest.
Use clean scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.

Storage:

Gently rinse the harvested microgreens and let them dry.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a few days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Clover

Clover microgreens are the young seedlings of the clover plant, known for their mild, sweet flavor and high nutritional value.

Nutritional Benefits

Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, K, and some B vitamins.
Minerals: Contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress.
Protein: Provides a decent amount of plant-based protein.
Fiber: Offers dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

Soak the Seeds:

Soak clover seeds in water for 4-6 hours or overnight to improve germination.

Sow the Seeds:

Drain the soaked seeds and evenly distribute them over the surface of the growing medium.

Gently press the seeds into the medium to ensure good contact.

Watering:

Lightly mist the seeds with water.

Cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create a humid environment for germination.

Blackout Time:

Place the tray in a warm, dark place for 2-4 days for blackout time.

Check daily and mist with water if the growing medium starts to dry out.

Light Exposure:

Once the seeds have germinated and small sprouts appear, remove the cover.

Move the tray to a location with indirect sunlight or under a grow light for 12-16 hours a day.

Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Growth:

Clover microgreens typically take 7-14 days to reach harvest size, about 1-2 inches tall.

Harvesting:

When the first true leaves appear and the microgreens are about 2 inches tall, they are ready to harvest.
Use clean scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.

Storage:

Gently rinse the harvested microgreens and let them dry.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a few days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Cilantro

Cilantro microgreens are the young seedlings of the cilantro plant, known for their distinctive, fresh flavor and aroma. These microgreens are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.

Nutritional Benefits

Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, E, and K.
Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Fiber: Provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.
Essential Oils: Contains beneficial essential oils like linalool and pinene.

Crack the seed coat with a rolling pin

2. soak over night or for 8hrs

Step 3

Sow the Seeds:

Drain the soaked seeds and evenly distribute them over the surface of the growing medium.
Gently press the seeds into the medium to ensure good contact but do not bury them.

Germination & Watering:

Lightly mist the seeds with water.
Cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create a humid environment for germination.

Step 4

Blackout Time:

Place the tray in a warm, dark place for 2-6 days.
Check daily and mist with water if the growing medium starts to dry out.

Light Exposure:

Once the seeds have germinated and small sprouts appear, remove the cover.
Move the tray to a location with indirect sunlight or under a grow light for 12-16 hours a day.
Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Growth:

Cilantro microgreens typically take 14-21 days to reach harvest size, about 2-3 inches tall.

Harvesting:

When the first true leaves appear and the microgreens are about 2-3 inches tall, they are ready to harvest.
Use clean scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.

Storage:

Gently rinse the harvested microgreens and let them dry.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a few days for optimal freshness and flavor.

My most difficult tray turned out to be the fullest and most beautiful tray of Microgreens.

Tips for Success

Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold growth.
Cleanliness: Clean trays and equipment thoroughly between uses to avoid contamination.
Light: Provide adequate light to promote healthy growth and vibrant color.

Overview of Steps to Grow Microgreens

Prepare the Trays:
- Fill the trays with your chosen growing medium, about 1-2 inches deep.
- Level the surface and ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Soak the Seeds:
- Some seeds benefit from soaking before planting. Follow specific recommendations for the seeds you’re using.
Sow the Seeds:
- Evenly sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the growing medium. Seeds should be close together but not piled on top of each other.
- Gently press the seeds into the growing medium but don’t bury them.
Watering:
- Lightly mist the seeds and growing medium with water. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged.
- Cover the tray with a lid or another tray to create a humid environment for the seeds to germinate.
Germination:
- Place the tray in a warm, dark place for 2-5 days, depending on the seed variety.
- Check daily and mist with water if the growing medium starts to dry out.
Light Exposure:
- Once the seeds have germinated and small sprouts appear, remove the cover.
- Move the tray to a location with indirect sunlight or under a grow light for 12-16 hours a day.
- Keep the growing medium consistently moist.
Growth:
- Microgreens typically take 7-14 days to grow to a harvestable size, about 1-3 inches tall.
Harvesting:
- When the first true leaves appear, the microgreens are ready to harvest.
- Use scissors to cut the microgreens just above the soil line.
Storage:
- Rinse the microgreens gently and let them dry.
- Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use them within a few days for the best flavor and freshness.
Culinary Uses:
- Salads: I enjoy Microgreens the most when I add a handful to my salad for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Smoothies: Blend into smoothies for a nutrient boost.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Use as a fresh, beautiful leafy look.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle on soups, pizza, pasta and other dishes for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Juicing: Some Microgreens, like wheatgrass, are popular for juicing, but not all have a great juicing flavor