Fill Your Growing Trays With Soil. I'm Derek Victory. Some research has shown them to be 40 times more nutritious than their mature versions. Microgreens are typically grown in soil, but they can also be grown using coco grow mats. Now that you know how to grow microgreens in trays, give it a try! What types of microgreens to grow at home? Right: Example of teaspoon and tablespoon used to measure the amount of seed for a small tray. In order to grow healthy microgreens indoors in soil, these supplies are necessary. Many are rich sources of nutrients and serve as staple foods for various cultures. If you're still not sure if growing microgreens is right for your farm, consider a microgreens seeds kit. This can generally increase yields when you go to harvest as well because you can get a little more of the root system in your product. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You will want to seed evenly but on the heavy side so you get a full tray of microgreens. Keep the tray in a sunny location, water often, and within 7-21 days you'll have delicious, nutritious microgreens ready for harvest. To make a miniature greenhouse, cover your tray with another tray or plastic wrap. Water lightly and place the container in a sunny spot or under a grow light. Add your seeds. Depending on the species and the growing conditions microgreens may be ready to harvest in a few days or in a couple of weeks after germination is complete. Step 1.) The most popular varieties are produced using seeds from the following plant families: Brassicaceae family: Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, radish and arugula After harvesting your microgreens, if your growing medium is organic you can compost it, while you can wash and re-use your planting trays or containers. Place it inside the tray without holes to catch any runoff. Nightshade vegetables belong to the family of plants with the Latin name Solanaceae. We recommend that you soak your seeds in water for a couple of hours to twelve hours before planting. Its so easy; youll want to start your indoor Victory Garden today! Moisten your seeds with a spray bottle of water to promote germination. 403-432). You can follow her work on, beginner's microgreen growing kit from Hamama, 9 edible flowers to add a pop of color and flavor to any dish, How to identify and treat pesky root rot in your houseplants, 16 good-looking plants that thrive in open or closed terrariums, Rhubarb is the tart, unsung veggie of spring here's how to use it. There are several benefits to growing microgreens in trays. Seeds grown in the Perma-Nest Tray with the Humidity Domea professional heavy-duty grade growing tray that creates optimal growing conditions for microgreenshave improved germination and growth potential. Otherwise, Tesolin suggests supplementing with a fluorescent grow light. Repeat in the evening. If you are growing indoors soil can be messy and using coco grow mats is an easier and cleaner option. If you are new to growing microgreens, start with small batches and work your way up. We opt for speedier growth and a less messy plan. We recommend sturdy grow trays and plastic tray covers. Left: Example of a scale used to measure the amount of seed for a small tray. So dont grow them. Because microgreens are usually harvested when they are between two and three inches tall and have true leaves they are more nutritious than sprouts. Free shipping for many products! Planting Tray This tray or container must contain bottom holes that allow extra water to drain and are large enough to uptake water into the soil media when it's dry. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown microgreens all year long! We've been Growing Microgreens in Sprouting Trays and have had a lot of success using them! Good luck and happy growing! Growing microgreens in trays is a great way to get started with this fun and easy gardening project and you dont need to use any fertilizer to grow microgreens. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Photo: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. Microgreens are harvested when they are 2-3 inches tall and have their first set of true leaves. Since these plants aren't going to be in there very long (9-12 days), they won't develop a very intricate root system, which means you don't need a whole lot of soil. Look for the cotyledons the very first set of seed leaves as a sign that the microgreens are ready for harvest. For this reason, using 1020 seedling trays is a much better option. When To Put Weight on Microgreens Use weight during initial germination. Microgreens add a light, healthy touch to vegetables. They're used to add color, flavor, and nutritional value to meals. The planting tray is the container in which the microgreens will grow. Step by Step Guide to Growing Microgreens at Home Select your seed type Prepare your growing trays Plant your seeds with the correct seed density Keep your trays evenly moist Watch your beautiful microgreens grow Harvest and store Eat with delight Which Microgreen Variety is Right For You? Use window boxes, lightly layer the seeds with damp peat moss, keep the soil moist, and seeds will sprout within two weeks. After the germination process is complete and seedlings reach a certain height it is possible to uncover the trays and expose the sprouts to sunlight. It doesn't need to be very deep - just a couple inches will do. After harvesting, immediately rinse your microgreens with clean water and pat dry. They are organic and non-GMO. The back of a tablespoon or spatula smooths out the valleys. As a general rule, make sure they get at least 10 hours of sunlight and the soil stays moist in order for them to thrive. Microgreens grown in soil, can be planted in a basic growing tray or dish. . These nutrient-rich seedlings come with instant gratification because they can be harvested and eaten within just one to three weeks, says Lindsey Hyland, founder of the organic farming and sustainable food blog UrbanOrganic Yield. Microgreens usually need at least 1 inch of soil to grow properly, but you can increase that up to 4 inches. Part of our 7th Annual Westside Food Festival (May 23-July 10). If you have never tried indoor gardening, you may be wondering, How do I start growing my own microgreens indoors this winter (or summer)? Cucurbitaceae family: Melon, cucumber and squash. You can use any type of microgreen seed, but some of the most popular varieties include radish, kale, and arugula. You will place the tray with holes inside the tray that has no holes. To limit the contact between water and the greens it is recommended to water the trays from the bottom. Microgreens are mature sprouts that are allowed to grow slightly longer until their first true leaves start to develop. Usually, a window on the south side of the house or apartment will receive more sunlight than one exposed north. Preserve ideal circumstances The ideal environment is necessary for radishes to grow robustly and healthily. Microgreens vary in taste, which can range from neutral to spicy, slightly sour or even bitter, depending on the variety. Generally speaking, their flavor is considered strong and concentrated. Finally, growing microgreens in trays is a great way to get started with this type of gardening, since it is relatively low-maintenance and easy to learn. Microgreens are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meals, and theyre delicious, too. The weight helps make better seed-to-soil contact and improves germination. Follow our step-by-step instructions to grow microgreens indoors hydroponically, and you will be rolling in green in no time. Youve probably seen thick coco door mats. Left: Watering planting trays from the bottom. Place your tray on a windowsill or in a grow light stand. But you need a few tools to make it happen; they dont have to be fancy or expensive. Soak seeds well as directed on the package for 6-8 hours, or longer if necessary. Fill with 3/4" of soil. This is the site where we share how you can grow your own vegetables indoors, even in extreme environments. 2. Provide the proper growing environment 6. 1. Microgreens are easy to grow, and they can be grown in a variety of ways. Free for Seniors (50 and over; $5 materials fee only.). Victory Tip:Check moisture levels daily and lightly water as needed. Or just go for it and try a couple. Sow the seeds heavily and evenly over the surface of the potting mix. When the microgreens are 2-3 inches tall, they are ready to harvest. How to sow seeds for growing microgreens? Many popular vegetables are in the nightshade family. Similar to the setups above a hydroponics system uses water and sunlight . 3. Microgreens are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Complete germination. Its easier to have microgreens grow their roots in water mix instead of in an outdoor garden or soil, as Microgreens dont need a lot of food. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. The method is essentially the same as hydroponics, just using soil as the growth medium instead. Example of tools and material needed to start cultivation of microgreens at home: You will need 1) microgreens seeds, 2) small cups or containers to soak the seeds in water, 3) growth trays and 4) a growing medium (in this case is a peat and perlite mix), 5) measuring cups/spoons to measure the right amount of seeds per tray, 6) a small colander, Left: Brassica germinated seeds kept in dark 3 days after seeding. Living far up North in Canada, getting quality fresh greens and vegetables is challenging, especially in the winter months. The more frequent you snip, the shorter your growth time will be. Keep the coco grow mat evenly moist. And with the Espoma Seed Starting Mix, you'll have peace of mind knowing these young, tender greens were grown with 100% all-natural . Small carrot varieties can be grown indoors; they grow quickly in limited space. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Check moisture levels and lightly water daily as needed. Photos: Francesco Di Gioia, Penn State. While their nutrient contents vary slightly, most varieties tend to be rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. Microgreens are packed with nutrients. If you want to grow microgreens hydroponically, you will need indoor space, a light source, container, seeds and a growing medium. If you dont have a lot of space, or if you want to grow microgreens year-round, growing them indoors is a great option. With these tips, you can enjoy fresh and healthy microgreens no matter what time of year it is. They are a lot less messy than soil and much easier to store. With microgreens, instead allowing the plants to fully develop, you harvest them when they're young and only about 2 inches tall.