Microgreens (MGs) are young and tender, edible greens produced by growing the seeds of a variety of veggie species and herbaceous plants. They are nutrient-dense and might be grown year-round in a brief time and in minimal space. Growing microgreens indoors is fairly easy 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 7 to eight-day growth cycle. Cereal grains are likewise typical for sprouting such as barley, oat, wheat and corn, as are beans such as pea, alfalfa, bean, fava bean, lentil and chickpea. Seed companies likewise offer packets with mixes of veggies, cereals and legumes.Supplies needed 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 source. – Sanitized sharp knife or pair of scissors for harvesting.Alternatively, MG growing packages
are also readily available at your local garden center.Add seeds to the container with about 2
inches of growing medium. Because shoots are collected while they are immature, seeds require to be planted largely, about 1/4 inch apart or less. After broadcasting a layer of seed, spread out an extra thin layer of medium over the leading to cover seeds and press down lightly.Water the soil so it is damp, however not sopping damp. Fertilization is not required as the seed itself is a warehouse for all of the nutrients needed to produce the first
seed leaves (cotyledons )and emerging real leaves of microgreens.Check the container daily to ensure the medium remains wet, 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 gradually take up over several days.Microgreens need about six to 8 hours of light each day for ideal growth. A bright, south-facing window is chosen, or grow lights can be utilized. You desire MGs to extend towards a light source to form their distinct plant
structure. This elongation makes them various from typical herb and produce seed-starts. You desire MGs to be”leggy.”Microgreens grow finest around 70 degrees however will endure down to 50 degrees, although growing will be slower. A seed-starting heat mat can be utilized if temperatures are low.Most crops are collected when the plant is 2 to 4 inches high and any real leaves are just emerging
. Exceptions are pea shoots, lemongrass, wheat grass 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 using scissors or an extremely sharp knife.For more in-depth 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. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners-El Paso County. Send gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners-El Paso County.