Microgreens are an excellent source of nutrients and can be grown indoors throughout the year. The traditional approach of growing these miniature greens involves soil. However, soil-free growing methods are gaining popularity for a variety of reasons. A soil-free growth system uses a medium such as a biodegradable grow mat, made from hemp, jute, or wood fiber. This method offloads the messiness of soil plus it’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, water-efficient, and space-saving.
Understanding Soil-Free Growing
The term “soil-free” might sound odd, considering that plants and soil seem to be permanently linked in our imagination, but it refers to a method of growing that uses media other than traditional soil. Hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics are some of the more advanced techniques in soil-free cultivation. However, for microgreens, the most popular approach is using a growing medium like coco coir, biostrate felt, or hemp mats.
Choosing the Right Medium for Microgreens
The growing medium for soil-free microgreens should be able to retain moisture, provide a firm root support, and be dense enough to stick to the seeds’ roots. Coconut coir and biostrate felt are widely used choices. They are easy to use, come in different sizes, and can be cut to fit your tray.
Coconut coir is a sustainable and renewable resource made from the outer husk of coconuts. It holds water well and provides good support for the plant’s root system. Biostrate felt, on the other hand, is a thin and loosely woven fabric often made of organic materials. It is lightweight, absorbs water well, provides good air circulation, and promotes healthy root development.
Preparing the Growing Medium
Prepare your growing medium by soaking it in water. This pre-moistening allows the medium to retain enough moisture for the microgreen seeds to germinate. After soaking, allow the excess water to drain before sowing your seeds. The medium should be damp but not waterlogged.
Sowing the Seeds
Microgreens seeds should be sown densely to achieve a carpet-like growth. Spread them evenly across the surface of the growing medium. For tiny seeds, it might be helpful to use a seed shaker to distribute them evenly. For larger seeds, they can be scattered by hand. Ensure the seeds make good contact with the medium for moisture and nutrient uptake. After sowing, mist the seeds with water to set them in place.
Optimal Growing Conditions
After the seeds are sown, they need a suitable environment to germinate and grow. The growing environment should ideally have a consistent temperature of around 70-75°F (18-24°C) and high relative humidity. Place a cover over your seeds to keep high humidity. This simulates the earth covering the seeds in traditional soil planting.
The germination period of most microgreens ranges from one to three days. At this stage, the microgreens do not need light. Once the seeds have sprouted, they should be shifted to a location with adequate light, ideally under a bright but indirect light source.
Watering Your Microgreens
Since there is no soil to hold onto water, soilless microgreens will dry faster, and keeping them appropriately moist is crucial. However, microgreens also need air around their roots, so it can be harmful if they sit in water. To prevent overwatering, use a spray bottle or misting system to gently add moisture to the seedlings. Alternatively, you can water from below by pouring water into the growing tray and allowing the growing medium to soak it up.
Monitoring the Growth
During the germinating phase, inspect your microgreens daily to ensure they’re not drying out or infected with fungus or mold. Once the tiny plants are 1-3 inches tall and have developed their first true leaves, they’re ready for harvest, generally about 7-14 days after sowing.
Harvesting and Storing Microgreens
Harvest microgreens by cutting just above the medium surface using a sharp knife or scissors. Be sure to do this before the second set of leaves (true leaves) develop. Rinely rinse the harvested greens under cold water, then pat them dry or use a salad spinner. Store your harvested microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, but remember these power-packed greens are best when eaten fresh!
Conclusion
Growing microgreens without soil is an excellent way to expand your indoor gardening repertoire. It’s clean, efficient, and pretty straightforward. However, like any other agronomic practice, it requires careful monitoring, patience, and a bit of trial and error. With these tips and techniques in hand, you’re well equipped to start your soil-free microgreen growing journey. Happy planting!
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