Microgreens (MGs) are young and tender, edible greens produced by sprouting the seeds of a variety of vegetable types and herbaceous plants. They are nutrient-dense and might be grown year-round in a brief time and in restricted space. Growing microgreens indoors is reasonably simple and it rewards you with fresh, yummy 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, and so on which are defined by a seven to eight-day growth cycle. Cereal grains are also common 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 mixes of vegetables, cereals and legumes.Supplies required to
begin: – Shallow container with drain, such as a plastic tray or pie tin. – Seeds. – Growing medium such as a
pre-made potting mix. – Light. – Sanitized sharp knife or pair of scissors for harvesting.Alternatively, MG growing kits
are also available at your local garden center.Add seeds to the container with about 2
inches of growing medium. Given that shoots are gathered while they are immature, seeds require to be planted densely, about 1/4 inch apart or less. After transmitting a layer of seed, spread out an additional thin layer of medium over the leading to cover seeds and press down lightly.Water the soil so it is damp, but not sopping wet. Fertilization is not needed as the seed itself is a warehouse for all of the nutrients needed to produce the first
seed leaves (cotyledons )and emerging true leaves of microgreens.Check the container daily to ensure the medium stays moist, spraying it one or two times a day, or bottom water the container by putting the growing container in a tray with a shallow layer of
water, which it can slowly take up over numerous days.Microgreens need about six to 8 hours of light per day for optimum growth. A bright, south-facing window is preferred, or grow lights can be used. You want MGs to extend toward a light source to form their special plant
structure. This elongation makes them different from common herb and produce seed-starts. You desire MGs to be”leggy.”Microgreens grow best around 70 degrees but will endure down to 50 degrees, although growing will be slower. A seed-starting heat mat can be used if temperatures 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 yard and other grains that are tasty when taller.To harvest MGs, cut the stems about 1/4 inch above the soil line or grow medium utilizing scissors or a really sharp knife.For more detailed directions 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 questions to [email protected] or call
719-520-7684. Discover us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners-El Paso County. Send gardening concerns to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners-El Paso County.