Dreaming of fresh, peppery greens but don't have a big garden? rocket microgreens are the perfect solution! These tiny, nutrient-packed powerhouses are incredibly easy to grow right on your kitchen counter. In just a couple of weeks, you can go from seed to a delicious harvest.
What You'll Need
- Rocket Seeds: Look for seeds specifically for microgreens.
- A Shallow Tray: A standard nursery tray with drainage holes works well. You can also use a reusable plastic container and poke holes in the bottom.
- Potting Mix: A fine-textured soil designed for seed starting is ideal.
- Spray Bottle: To gently water your seeds without disturbing them.
- A Sunny Spot: A south-facing windowsill is perfect.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Tray: Fill your tray with about an inch of potting mix. Smooth the surface and press it down gently.
- Sow Your Seeds: Sprinkle the rocket seeds evenly across the soil. You want them to be fairly dense, but not piled on top of each other.
- Cover and Water: Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Mist the surface with your spray bottle until the soil is damp but not soaking wet.
- The Blackout Period: Place an empty tray on top of your planted tray to block out the light. This encourages the seedlings to grow strong and tall as they search for light. Check on them daily and mist if the soil looks dry.
- Let There Be Light: After 3-5 days, you'll see tiny sprouts pushing through the soil. Remove the top tray and move them to a sunny spot.
- Watering & Harvesting: Continue to mist the soil daily. In about 7-14 days, your microgreens will be 5-7cm tall and ready to harvest! Use a clean pair of scissors to snip the greens just above the soil line.
And that's it! You've successfully grown your very own rocket microgreens. Enjoy them immediately in salads, sandwiches, or as a peppery garnish.
