Understanding the Microgreens Tray System
The microgreens tray system is deceptively straightforward when you’re just starting your gardening journey, but it becomes complex once you delve into it. This system is essential for growing microgreens, plants that are harvested just after their first leaves appear. These small-sized plants are packed with nutrients that surpass their mature counterparts. Knowing the types of trays available and how to utilize them effectively is key to cultivating successful microgreens.
Types of Microgreens Trays
There is a wide range of trays available, with different sizes, materials, and designs. Two types are mainly used in microgreen growth: planting trays and watering trays.
Planting Trays: These contain the growing medium (soil or another suitable substance) and the seeds. Ideally, the trays should not have drainage holes to prevent the medium from leaking.
Watering Trays: These are used to provide water to the seeds via bottom watering, a more effective method than top watering as it avoids overwatering and water disruption of seeds.
You may also come across standardized 1020 trays, named for their dimensions – 10” by 20”. These are popular for their ease of use and compatibility with a variety of microgreens.
Choosing High-Quality Trays
Selecting top-quality trays behooves beginners as they stand the test of time and promote better growth. Here’s what to look out for:
Material: Seek out trays made from food-grade plastic to ensure safety. Avoid thinner plastics as they can tear or crack easily.
Size: The size depends on your growing needs. A common choice is 1020 trays, but smaller ones like 1010 trays can also work if you have limited space.
Depth: A depth of 1” to 2” works well for most microgreens. Deeper trays may hold too much water, leading to overwatering.
Drainage: If using a soil-based medium, purchase trays without holes. However, if you’re using a hydroponic system, trays with holes are necessary for adequate water drainage.
Growing Medium
Choosing the right growing medium for your tray is crucial to microgreen growing success.
Soil-Based Medium: This traditional medium includes potting soil, compost, coconut coir, and others. It’s generally the most straightforward method for beginners and ensures good nutrient content.
Soilless Medium: This option includes mediums like peat moss, Rockwool, biodegradable grow mats, and perlite. These can be effective but may require additional nutrient inputs.
Hydroponic Medium: For those who want to avoid soil entirely, hydroponics systems substitute water and specific nutrient solutions. It’s essential to choose trays with drainage holes when using a hydroponic medium.
Planting and Watering Microgreens
Microgreens have different planting and watering needs, but there are some general guidelines to follow:
Seeding: Evenly spread your preferred microgreen seeds across the surface of your chosen growing medium filled in your planting tray.
Covering: Consider covering the planting tray with a second tray (also known as a blackout dome) to mimic the darkness of soil cover. This promotes healthy germination and protects the seeds.
Watering: Water your microgreens using the bottom watering method. Add water to the watering tray, then place your planting tray inside it, allowing the water to wick up from the bottom.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Creating the best growing environment is vital for successful microgreens cultivation.
Light: Microgreens don’t require as much light as fully matured plants, but they still need adequate light to grow. Natural sunlight is great, but artificial grow lights can work too, especially for indoor gardens.
Temperature: Microgreens thrive in temperatures between 60°F – 70°F, but some have more specific temperature requirements.
Humidity: High humidity can cause mold or unwanted bacteria, so ensure your grow space has good ventilation.
Harvesting Microgreens
You can harvest your microgreens when they’ve grown their first set of true leaves, typically around 7-14 days after planting. Use clean scissors to snip the microgreens at soil level, being careful not to uproot the plant. The cut microgreens can be stored in a perforated, unsealed plastic bag in the fridge.
In summary, understanding the essential details about microgreen trays is the first step towards successful microgreen gardening. By choosing appropriate trays and growing media, maintaining ideal growing conditions, and knowing when to harvest your plants, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your very own nutrient-rich microgreens.
