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How To Grow Microgreens At Home (Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide)
How to Grow Microgreens at Home
Microgreens have taken the culinary and health world by storm, transforming windowsills and kitchen counters into miniature farms bursting with flavor and nutrition. These tiny greens pack up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts while requiring minimal space, equipment, and gardening experience. Whether you’re looking to enhance your meals with fresh, flavorful greens year-round or simply want to try your hand at indoor gardening, growing microgreens at home is one of the most rewarding and accessible ways to start.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cultivating these nutritional powerhouses in your own home, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting your first crop in as little as 7 to 21 days.
What Are Microgreens?
Microgreens are young vegetable and herb seedlings harvested just after the first true leaves have developed, typically when they’re only 1 to 3 inches tall. Despite their small size, these diminutive greens are completely different from sprouts, which are germinated seeds eaten whole including roots and seeds, usually within just a few days of germination.
The key distinction lies in their growth stage and how they’re cultivated. Microgreens are grown in soil or a growing medium, require light for photosynthesis, and are harvested by cutting the stem just above the soil line. This allows them to develop their first set of cotyledon leaves and often their first true leaves, creating a more complex flavor profile and higher nutrient density than sprouts.
Common microgreen varieties include arugula, basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cilantro, kale, mustard, radish, and sunflower. Each variety offers distinct flavors ranging from mild and sweet to peppery and bold, making them versatile ingredients for salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and garnishes. Research has shown that microgreens can contain up to 40 times higher levels of vital nutrients compared to their mature plant versions, particularly vitamins C, E, and K, as well as beta-carotene.
Why Grow Microgreens at Home?
Growing microgreens at home offers numerous advantages that make it an appealing project for gardeners of all experience levels.
Nutritional Superiority and Freshness
When you grow microgreens at home, you’re guaranteed the freshest possible produce. Unlike store-bought greens that may have traveled hundreds of miles, home-grown microgreens go from your growing tray to your plate within minutes, preserving their maximum nutritional value.
Cost-Effectiveness
Purchasing microgreens from grocery stores can cost between $3 to $6 per ounce. A single packet of seeds costing just a few dollars can produce multiple harvests worth dozens of dollars in retail value. Once you’ve invested in basic supplies, your ongoing costs are minimal.
Year-Round Production
Unlike traditional gardening limited by seasons, microgreens thrive indoors throughout the year. Whether it’s winter or summer, you can maintain a continuous harvest cycle on your kitchen counter, ensuring fresh greens are always available regardless of outdoor weather conditions.
Minimal Space and Time Requirements
Microgreens require remarkably little space. A single 10×20-inch tray can produce enough microgreens to supplement your diet for a week or more. The entire growing cycle takes just 7 to 21 days depending on variety, and daily maintenance requires only minutes for watering and monitoring.
What You Need to Grow Microgreens at Home
Getting started with microgreens requires minimal equipment and investment.
Growing Containers
Standard 10×20-inch nursery trays are ideal because they’re affordable, reusable, and perfectly sized for home growing. You’ll want both solid trays (without drainage holes) to use as watering trays and trays with drainage holes for planting. Containers should be 1.5 to 2 inches deep to accommodate growing medium and root development.
Growing Medium
Potting soil or seed-starting mix is the most versatile and forgiving option for beginners, providing nutrients and good moisture retention. Look for organic, fine-textured mixes without added fertilizers. Coconut coir is another excellent choice, offering sustainability, good drainage, and resistance to mold. Avoid using garden soil, which may contain pathogens and pests unsuitable for indoor growing.
Quality Seeds
Success starts with quality seeds specifically labeled for microgreens or sprouting. These seeds are untreated with fungicides or other chemicals. Purchase from reputable suppliers who test for pathogens and offer high germination rates. Start with beginner-friendly varieties like radish, broccoli, or sunflower.
Lighting
LED grow lights are highly recommended because they’re energy-efficient and provide the full spectrum of light microgreens need. Position lights 6 to 12 inches above your trays and provide 12 to 16 hours of light daily using an inexpensive timer. A basic LED grow light setup costs between $20 to $60.
Spray Bottle or Watering Can
Proper watering is crucial. A spray bottle works well for initial watering and misting during germination. Once plants are established, a small watering can with a narrow spout or bottom-watering method is preferable to avoid damaging delicate stems.
Additional Helpful Supplies
A plastic cover helps maintain humidity during germination. Small weights encourage even germination during the blackout period. Sharp scissors are essential for harvesting. A small fan promotes air circulation, reducing mold risk.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Microgreens at Home
Step 1: Prepare Your Growing Medium
Fill your drainage tray with about 1 to 1.5 inches of pre-moistened growing medium. Press the medium down gently to create a smooth, level surface without compacting it too much. The surface should be even for uniform germination and growth.
Step 2: Sow Your Seeds
Microgreens are planted densely—use between 1 to 2 tablespoons of seeds per 10×20-inch tray. Distribute seeds evenly across the entire surface. For larger seeds like sunflower or peas, soak them in water for 4 to 8 hours before planting. After spreading seeds, gently press them into the medium to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Step 3: Water Initially
Using a spray bottle, thoroughly mist the seeds and surface until everything is evenly moist but not waterlogged. This initial watering is critical for successful germination.
Step 4: Create a Blackout Period
Cover your seeded tray with an inverted tray or humidity dome. Add light weight on top for gentle pressure that encourages stronger germination. Keep seeds in this dark environment for 2 to 5 days depending on variety, checking daily for progress.
Step 5: Monitor Germination
Check your tray daily during the blackout period. Most seeds germinate within 2 to 4 days. When seedlings are pushing against the cover with their first leaves starting to emerge, it’s time to remove the cover and introduce light.
Step 6: Introduce Light
Once seedlings are about 1 inch tall with cotyledon leaves visible, remove the cover and move the tray to your light source. Set your timer for 12 to 16 hours of light per day. The seedlings will quickly develop green color through photosynthesis.
Step 7: Water Appropriately
Check moisture levels daily. Many growers prefer bottom watering, where you pour water into the solid tray underneath and allow the growing medium to absorb moisture from below. This keeps leaves dry and reduces disease risk. Add about 0.25 to 0.5 inches of water and allow absorption over 15 to 30 minutes before draining excess.
Step 8: Provide Air Circulation
Good airflow prevents mold and strengthens plant stems. Use a small fan on low speed to gently circulate air around your microgreens.
Step 9: Watch Them Grow
Over the next week or two, you’ll witness rapid daily growth as your microgreens develop true leaves and reach harvestable size.
Best Microgreens for Beginners
Radish Microgreens
Radish microgreens are the best choice for absolute beginners. They germinate in 2 to 3 days, grow rapidly, and are ready to harvest in 6 to 12 days. They offer a pleasant, peppery flavor and are remarkably resilient to variations in watering and lighting.
Broccoli Microgreens
Broccoli microgreens contain concentrated levels of sulforaphane, linked to cancer prevention and anti-inflammatory benefits. They have a mild flavor, germinate reliably, and reach harvest in 8 to 12 days.
Sunflower Microgreens
Sunflower shoots produce substantial, crunchy stems with a pleasant, nutty flavor. While they require soaking for 8 to 12 hours before planting, they’re otherwise straightforward and ready in 7 to 14 days.
Arugula Microgreens
Arugula microgreens deliver a peppery punch with delicate texture. They germinate quickly and are ready to harvest in 7 to 10 days, adding wonderful flavor to salads and pizzas.
What to Avoid as a Beginner
Basil and cilantro have mucilaginous seed coatings that become slimy when wet, making them trickier. Beet microgreens have slow and uneven germination. Save these until you’ve gained confidence.
How Long Microgreens Take to Grow
Most microgreens reach optimal harvest size within this window:
- Fast growers (7-10 days): Radish, arugula, mustard, and cress
- Medium growers (10-14 days): Broccoli, kale, cabbage, sunflower, and peas
- Slower growers (14-21 days): Beets, chard, cilantro, and basil
The ideal harvest time is when cotyledon leaves are fully developed and the first true leaves are just beginning to emerge. To ensure continuous harvests, start a new tray every 3 to 7 days.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Mold Growth
White, fuzzy growth is common, but not all white fuzz is mold. Root hairs are often mistaken for mold. True mold appears in patches on soil and has a musty smell. Prevent mold with adequate air circulation, avoid overwatering, and use bottom watering. If mold develops, increase airflow and reduce watering.
Leggy, Weak Growth
Thin, weak stems indicate insufficient light. Move grow lights closer (6 to 8 inches) or increase light duration to 14 to 16 hours daily.
Yellow or Pale Leaves
Persistent yellowing indicates insufficient light. Adjust positioning or duration. Less commonly, it results from overwatering.
Slow or Uneven Germination
This can result from old seeds, insufficient moisture during germination, uneven seed coverage, or temperatures outside the ideal 65 to 75°F range.
Damping Off
This fungal disease causes seedlings to suddenly collapse. Prevention is key: use sterile growing medium, ensure good drainage, provide adequate airflow, and avoid overcrowding.
How to Harvest Microgreens
When to Harvest
Harvest when microgreens have fully opened cotyledon leaves and the first true leaves are just beginning to emerge. They should be 1.5 to 3 inches tall with vibrant color and strong stems.
Harvesting Technique
Using clean, sharp scissors, hold a small bunch gently and cut stems just above the soil line, about 0.5 inches above the medium. Harvest only what you’ll use within a few days.
Cleaning and Storage
Rinse gently in cool water, drain well, and pat dry. Excess moisture reduces storage life. Store dry microgreens in an airtight container lined with paper towel in the refrigerator for 3 to 7 days.
Can You Get a Second Harvest?
Most microgreens don’t regrow after harvesting. After harvesting, compost the used medium and start a fresh crop.
FAQs About Growing Microgreens at Home
Do microgreens regrow after cutting?
No, most microgreens don’t regrow effectively after harvesting. For continuous supply, start new trays on a regular schedule.
Can I grow microgreens without soil?
Yes, using coconut coir, hemp mats, or hydroponic growing pads. These soilless methods are often cleaner and more convenient.
Do microgreens need fertilizer?
No, microgreens rely on energy stored within the seed and don’t require fertilization during their brief growing cycle.
How much light do microgreens need?
Microgreens require 12 to 16 hours of light daily. LED grow lights positioned 6 to 12 inches above plants provide optimal results.
What’s the difference between microgreens and sprouts?
Sprouts are eaten whole within 2 to 5 days, grown in water without soil or light. Microgreens are grown in soil for 7 to 21 days, require light, and only the shoot and leaves are consumed.
Are microgreens expensive to grow at home?
Initial investment ranges from $30 to $100. After setup, ongoing costs are minimal—a $3 packet of seeds can produce microgreens worth $20 to $40 at retail prices.
What are the easiest microgreens to grow?
Radish, broccoli, and sunflower are the easiest for beginners, germinating quickly and reliably while tolerating minor variations in conditions.
How do I prevent mold when growing microgreens?
Use bottom watering, ensure good air circulation with a fan, avoid overwatering, don’t overcrowd seeds, and maintain clean growing conditions.
Growing microgreens at home is an accessible, rewarding practice that provides fresh, nutritious greens year-round with minimal space and investment. With the knowledge and techniques outlined in this guide, you’re fully equipped to transform your kitchen into a productive microgreens farm, enjoying fresh, flavorful harvests in as little as one week from today.