Starting your own microgreens garden may seem daunting at first, especially if you are new to gardening. Nonetheless, microgreens are quite easy to grow, requiring minimal space, supplies, and time, making them perfect for beginners. This beginner’s guide to microgreens garden setup will help you get started on this fruitful journey.
Understanding Microgreens
Microgreens are tender, young vegetable greens harvested just after the plant’s cotyledon leaves have developed. They’re usually about 1–3 inches tall and bring a unique blend of flavor and nutrients despite their size. Microgreens can add color and texture to dishes, be they salads, sandwiches, or even smoothies.
Popular types of microgreens include arugula, spinach, radishes, basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, chard, chervil, coriander/cilantro, kale, mustard, parsley and salad rocket.
Essential Supplies for Your Microgreen Garden
Several tools are necessary for setting up your microgreen garden. These include:
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Seed Trays: A standard 10 x 20 inches tray is commonly used. You can also use any wide, shallow container with drainage holes.
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Grow Medium: Organic potting soil or a coconut coir-based grow medium is good. Avoid garden soil or yard dirt as they can contain pests and diseases.
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Seeds: Purchase organic and non-GMO seeds designated specifically for microgreen production.
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Spray Bottle: This will come in handy when watering the tiny plants.
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Growing Lights: If you don’t have access to a sunny spot, high-output fluorescent or LED grow lights will help your microgreens thrive indoors.
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Heating Mats: An optional accessory, but they can speed up germination during cooler months.
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Vermiculite: Optional as well, but it helps to cover seeds and promote growth.
Setting Up Your Microgreens Garden
Begin by saturating your chosen grow medium with water, ensuring it’s not soggy, but thoroughly moist. Fill your container with this moistened medium, leaving about half an inch space from the top edge.
Sow your seeds sparsely across the surface of the grow medium. You want to avoid overcrowding which can lead to inadequate air circulation and stimulate mold growth. For optimum seed distribution, you can use a seed shaker or your hand for larger seeds.
Next, lightly press the seeds into the growing medium to ensure they make good contact for water absorption. Additionally, you can sprinkle a thin layer of vermiculite over your seeded tray that can aid in retaining moisture and providing dark conditions perfect for sprouting.
Tightly cover your seeded tray with a plastic dome or another tray. This will create a mini greenhouse effect, retaining moisture and warmth to aid germination.
Positioning Your Microgreens Garden
Microgreens love the sun and require at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. A sunny windowsill is a perfect place for them. However, if your indoor conditions don’t allow for this, utilizing growing lights can help. Position the lights around six inches above the tray and leave them on for 12–16 hours each day to mimic sunlight.
How to Water Your Microgreens
Before seeds germinate, mist them gently using a spray bottle. Always spray enough to ensure the grow medium is moist but not waterlogged. Once germinated, watering from the bottom is the ideal method. Add water to the tray until the soil surface becomes moist then remove any excess water.
Harvesting Your Microgreens
Microgreens are ready for harvest when they have grown two true leaves – generally in about 10-14 days. To harvest, simply cut the greens just above the soil using kitchen scissors. After harvesting, they should be consumed as soon as possible to enjoy their nutritional benefits. If storage is required, they can be kept in the refrigerator for about 5–7 days.
Pest and Disease Management
In an indoor setting, your microgreens garden is less prone to pests and diseases. However, mold, fungus gnats, and aphids can sometimes be problematic. Proper watering, good sanitation, and appropriate airflow can reduce these issues. If you’re faced with a persistent pest or disease issue, utilize organic pest control strategies to restore health to your garden without the use of harsh chemicals.
Rotating Your Crops
Microgreens are a quick crop. As such, many gardeners implement a planting rotation schedule to ensure a constant supply. Plant new seeds every week or every other week for a continuous harvest.
With this detailed guide on setting up your microgreens garden, you’re well on your way to becoming a microgreen grower. Remember, like all gardening endeavors, growing microgreens requires patience and practice. But the joy of harvesting your own nutritious greens is invaluable. Happy planting!
