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Microgreens

How to Grow

  • Microgreens are mini versions of full-grown plants - grow them in small spaces and harvest and eat them while they are still small.
  • Pre-soak large seeds (such as sunflower, peas) overnight for quick, even sprouting.
  • Moisten potting soil and place at least 1½ inches into a clean container (recycled berry, milk or mushroom containers work great).
  • Smooth the soil surface flat. Evenly sprinkle seeds closely together onto the soil. Gently press the seeds into the soil surface.
  • Mist the soil until it is just damp. Cover the container to block light out and hold in moisture. Aluminum foil or a dinner plate work well. Check and mist every 12 hours.
  • Once seeds have sprouted (around 3 to 4 days), remove the cover and place the container in a bright window or under a lamp.
  • Check moisture daily and mist if surface is dry. Rotate container to keep greens growing straight.

Planting Season and Location

  • Year-round planting indoors is best with light from a window or table lamp.

Indoor Lighting Tips

  • A lamp can be as close as 3 inches above the top of the plants and should be on during normal awake hours (15 hours a day is ideal).
  • Dim light will cause the microgreens to lean towards the light, creating “leggy” but edible plants.

Seed Tips

  • Seeds from past growing seasons work great for growing microgreens!
  • If you are unsure if old seeds will grow, test some of them out as microgreens. Plant extra seeds to help ensure some will grow.
  • To avoid wasting seeds, measure out a small amount, such as 1 teaspoon. See how much grows. For your next batch, adjust the amount of seeds as needed.

Key Pests and Diseases

  • Microgreen seeds and/or seedlings can rot or get moldy if the soil is too wet and cold.

What You'll Need to Grow Microgreens

  • Seeds
  • Cup to pre-soak large seeds
  • Potting soil
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • Light-lamp or window
  • Clean scissors
  • Flat, clean growing container 2 to 3 inches deep with drainage holes
  • A cover for your growing container

Some Types to Grow

  • Mild: broccoli, cabbage, cilantro*, chard, kale, peas, sunflower
  • Spicy: arugula, mustard greens, radish

* Might take longer to harvest, but worth the wait

Avoid using these seed types for microgreens: eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos

When and How to Harvest

  • Many microgreens are ready to eat in 10 to 14 days. Use clean scissors to cut off above the soil.

Storage and Cooking

  • Best plan is to harvest, rinse, and use right away. To store, wrap in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Microgreens are packed with nutrients, even more than their full-grown plant, and they add a burst of flavor, texture and color to meals.
  • Microgreens grow super-fast and are easy for kids’ hands to rinse and then sprinkle on meals to promote cooking and tasting!
  • Try growing and tasting different types of microgreens to find which type or mixture you like best!
  • Try this Food Hero recipe: Cilantro Lime Tuna Wrap
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