Indoor gardening is gaining popularity among urban dwellers and health enthusiasts, and microgreens sit at the junction of this trend. The reason behind their popularity is three-pronged: they are highly nutritional, easy to grow, and provide a quicker harvest compared to traditional vegetables. Learn how to start your indoor microgreens gardening journey with this comprehensive guide.
Microgreens are the immature greens harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed. They are about 1-3 inches tall, harvested in just 1-3 weeks after planting, and pack a nutritional punch. Examples of microgreens include spinach, pea, beet, radish, broccoli, and many more.
Starting an Indoor Microgarden for Microgreens
Equipment Needed
Your success in growing microgreens starts with the right equipment. To start, you will need the following:
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Trays: The best trays for growing microgreens are those with drainage holes. If you buy without, you can drill a few holes. They should be at least an inch deep.
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Grow Medium: Microgreens thrive in a variety of mediums. You can use soil mixed with compost, coconut coir, biostrate felt, or a hydroponic mat.
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Light: Most microgreens need plenty of light. But if your indoor space lacks adequate sunlight, fluorescent or LED lights work well too.
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Water: Unlike traditional gardening, microgreens don’t need a lot of water. Your best bet is a spray mister.
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Seeds: These are the stars of the show. Go for organic, non-treated seeds.
Step-by-step Guide to Growing Microgreens Indoors
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Prepare The Tray: Start by filling your tray up to the top with the growing medium. Level it off without packing it down.
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Sow The Seeds: Sprinkle your seeds generously across the surface of the medium. Aim for a situation where seeds barely touch each other, ensuring there are no bare spots.
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Cover The Seeds: Take a bit more of your medium and sift it over the seeds. Alternatively, you can use another tray to press down and ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
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Water: Use your mister to water the tray.
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Place The Tray In A Dark Place: Most microgreens need darkness for germination. Place your tray in a dark place, and cover it with another tray or towel.
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Wait: Most microgreens will start germinating in 2-3 days. Check daily to ensure the medium is moist, misting as necessary.
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Move To The Light: Once your microgreens start sprouting, move them to the light. East or west-facing windows are ideal, but a fluorescent or LED light also works.
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Harvest: Depending on the variety, most microgreens are ready for harvest after 7-14 days. The ideal stage is just after the first set of true leaves have formed. To harvest, use a clean pair of scissors to cut just above the soil line.
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Enjoy: Rinse your microgreens and enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish for any dish.
Tips For Success
Indoor gardening for microgreens is pretty straightforward, but here are some tips to guarantee success.
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Avoid overwatering: Overwatering is an express ticket to mold, fungus, and other diseases. Water just enough to keep your growth medium moist.
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Quality seeds: Your greens are only as good as the seeds. Choose quality, organic, non-GMO seeds.
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Keep them snug: If using artificial light, keep the light source about 1 inch from the plants. Too far, and the microgreens will grow tall and spindly in search of light.
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Experiment!: Different microgreens have different flavors and nutritional profiles. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types. Plus, each variety will require slightly different care, so don’t get discouraged if your first few tries aren’t a huge success.
Microgreens are a delicious, healthy, and fun foray into indoor gardening. They don’t take up a lot of space, are fast to grow, and are an easy way to add extra vitamins and minerals to your diet. So why not give it a try? Once you get the hang of growing microgreens, you won’t be able to stop! Indoor gardening is a hobby that you’ll enjoy, and your body will thank you for the added nutritional benefits.
Remember to always use quality materials, from the growth medium, all through to the seeds, as they significantly determine your success. Above all, patience and consistency are key. Happy indoor gardening!
