Whether you are growing microgreens at home or looking to set up your own business, this quick guide highlights the 5 key steps to get you going.
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young, edible greens that are harvested early when they are about 2-3 inches tall - when the first cotyledons appear. They are grown from the seed of vegetables and herbs and can germinate in either soil or soilless mediums such as peat moss, coconut coir, vermiculite or perlite.
Microgreens contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants - depending on the variety, up to 40 times more nutrients than their full grown counterparts. Because micro herbs are harvested at such a young age, they are concentrated in both flavour and nutrition, thereby enhancing one’s diet and proving a popular addition for chefs and others in the culinary space.
How to Grow Microgreens?
Before you start growing microgreens, you will need to purchase some supplies. You will need the following:
- Seeds
- Growing medium (soil or soilless mix)
- Pots or trays
- Water
Once you have your basic supplies, simply follow the below steps to get you going.
Step 1. Calculate the number of seeds
When calculating the number of seeds, you have to take into account the germination rate. The germination rate relates to the seed's yield capacity, the development of a plant from the seed. Sourcing seed with a higher germ rate is desirable as not only will it result in higher yields but you will also be able to store the seed for longer without the germination dropping.
You can easily measure the germination rate by planting a small batch of seeds and counting how many of them actually grow. You can purchase a germination tray or use a small weighing scale for more precise results.
All seed lots purchased from Ausallium will have the germination rate listed on the packet. We have a minimum germination standard of 85% and all lots are tested every 6 months to ensure germ and purity standards are maintained.
Step 2. Choose your growing medium
The next step is to prepare the growing medium. The type and quality of the growing media can be key in determining the end result and general health of your microgreens. The growing medium holds moisture and nutrients around the roots and allows them to draw up the resources they require to grow.
It is important to research the varieties you intend to grow. For example, herbs such as chives and parsley require a higher moisture intake and would therefore benefit more from a growing media that has higher moisture retention. There are others however, that require good drainage or a medium with a more acidic pH. Whether you choose to use composted soil or an inert medium such as perlite or vermiculite, it’s worth experimenting in the beginning and customising your growing media according to the micro herbs you are growing.
Step 3. Prepare your trays and plant the seeds
Before filling your trays or pots with your chosen medium, ensure they are clean. Remove any organic residue and sanitise using boiling water, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Lack of cleaning or not disinfecting your equipment can contribute to plant failure or result in fungal and mould problems.
Once clean, fill your trays almost to the top. Flatten firmly and water before seeding.
To plant the seeds, ensure that your hands are clean. Then, take a small number of seeds and sprinkle them evenly over the growing medium's surface. After that, gently press the seeds into the medium. Make sure that the seeds are in contact with the medium, as they need it to germinate.
After seeding, you can apply a small amount of water using a spray bottle - just enough to keep the seed moist during the germination process. To further enhance the germination process and maintain moisture levels during this stage, it is important to cover the microgreens and store them in a dark environment for the first 3-4 days or until germination is complete. You can use a microgreen tray or a cloth - anything that blocks the sunlight.
Some varieties respond well to having additional weights placed on top - for example, covering them with a tray and placing a weight on top. This is beneficial mainly for larger seed types - sunflower and peas* for example. The additional weight ensures that the seeds remain in contact with the medium and also allows for easier detachment of the seed hulls from the cotyledons.
Step 4. Water the seeds
Microgreens can be watered in several different ways - these include top watering, bottom watering and automated flood and drain systems for growers producing on a larger scale. In most cases, the only time you would water from above is just prior to and after planting. It is important that your growing media remains moist - similar to that of a lightly wrung out sponge. A simple spray bottle would do the trick.
During the growth cycle, it is best to water from below - using a bottom tray (with no holes) is the easiest way to achieve this. Watering from the bottom and ensuring proper drainage reduces the risk of mould and protects the young sprouts from damage. It is also important to make sure there is enough air flow - enhanced circulation will avoid excess moisture. When it comes to the frequency there is no set rule. The amount of water required depends on the variety you are growing. At least once a day is a safe bet - the trays need to be moist, not wet.
Step 5. Place the pots or trays in a warm, bright location
Microgreens need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. Be aware of light direction and shade patterns when choosing your spot - the aim is to ensure the most amount of daily light possible. If you are from an area that has long winters and short days, you can use grow lights to provide the plants with the necessary light.
LED’s use a lot less power than fluorescent lights and are therefore a better option for an indoor set up. Some growers choose to keep lights on 24/7 whereas others rotate every 12 hours - 12 hours on and 12 hours off. This allows the plants to rest - just as they would at night.
Microgreens require warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature for microgreen production is between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius with humidity levels between 40 and 60%.
Step 6. Harvest the microgreens
After about 2-3 weeks, once the plants have developed a set of true leaves, your microgreens will be ready to harvest. To harvest them, simply cut the greens at the base of the plant using a sharp knife or scissors. Freshly harvested microgreens will last 7-14 days in the fridge.
When packing and storing your microgreens, ensure they are dry. Packing freshly harvested microgreens, while they are wet will significantly reduce their shelf life. To help absorb excess moisture, you can place some paper towel at the bottom of your storage container.
Best Microgreens to Grow at Home
Here are some of the best microgreens to grow at home:
Sango Radish
Sango's colour, taste and fast growing habit, makes it one of the most popular microgreens on the market. Other radish options include daikon and pink stem radish.
Easy and fast growing and very user-friendly in the kitchen! Its fresh green leaf and peppery taste make it a must for pizza, pasta and salads.
Broccoli
Broccoli is also known as a natural powerhouse as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Mild in flavour and ready in just 10 days.
If these don’t take your fancy, you can explore the full Ausallium range here.
