Microgreens (MGs) are young and tender, edible greens produced by growing the seeds of a variety of vegetable types and herbaceous plants. They are nutrient-dense and may be grown year-round in a short time and in minimal area. Growing microgreens inside is reasonably simple and it rewards you with fresh, delicious produce.Many edible plant types can be used to produce microgreens. The most popular are broccoli, radish, cauliflower, arugula, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, mizuna, cress, broccoli raab, etc which are characterized by a seven to eight-day development cycle. Cereal grains are likewise typical for growing such as barley, oat, wheat and corn, as are legumes such as pea, alfalfa, bean, fava bean, lentil and chickpea. Seed business also use packages with combinations of veggies, cereals and legumes.Supplies needed to
begin: – Shallow container with drainage, such as a plastic tray or pie tin. – Seeds. – Growing medium such as a
pre-made potting mix. – Source of light. – Sanitized sharp knife or set of scissors for harvesting.Alternatively, MG growing sets
are also offered at your local garden center.Add seeds to the container with about 2
inches of growing medium. Considering that shoots are collected while they are immature, seeds need to be planted densely, about 1/4 inch apart or less. After transmitting a layer of seed, spread an additional thin layer of medium over the leading to cover seeds and push down lightly.Water the soil so it is damp, however not sopping wet. Fertilization is not needed as the seed itself is a storehouse for all of the nutrients required to produce the very first
seed leaves (cotyledons )and emerging real leaves of microgreens.Check the container daily to make sure the medium remains damp, spraying it once or twice a day, or bottom water the container by placing the growing container in a tray with a shallow layer of
water, which it can slowly take up over numerous days.Microgreens require about six to eight hours of light each day for optimum growth. A warm, south-facing window is chosen, or grow lights can be utilized. You want MGs to stretch toward a source of light to form their special plant
structure. This elongation makes them various from normal herb and produce seed-starts. You want MGs to be”leggy.”Microgreens grow best around 70 degrees but will tolerate down to 50 degrees, although growing will be slower. A seed-starting heat mat can be utilized if temperature levels are low.Most crops are harvested when the plant is 2 to 4 inches high and any true leaves are simply emerging
. Exceptions are pea shoots, lemongrass, wheat turf and other grains that are delicious when taller.To harvest MGs, cut the stems about 1/4 inch above the soil line or grow medium utilizing scissors or a very sharp knife.For more comprehensive instructions for growing microgreens, see https://extension.psu.edu/a-step-by-step-guide-for-growing-microgreens-at-home and The ABCs of Microgreens at https://extension.psu.edu/downloadable/download/sample/sample_id/18101/Submit gardening concerns to [email protected] or call
719-520-7684. Discover us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners-El Paso County. Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. Discover us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners-El Paso County.