Microgreens are young, edible seedlings of vegetables and herbs, harvested just after the cotyledon leaves have developed, and often before the true leaves emerge. They are distinct from sprouts, as they are grown in soil and harvested above the root, and are known for their intense flavors and high concentration of nutrients, making them a popular addition to culinary dishes for visual, flavor, and textural enhancement.

For beginners, radish, broccoli, and rocket are among the easiest microgreens to cultivate due to their rapid growth, resilience, and minimal care requirements. Radish microgreens, in particular, are known for their exceptionally fast growth cycle, often ready for harvest within a week, and their tolerance to variations in watering and lighting. Broccoli microgreens are also simple to grow, offering a mild flavor and notable nutritional benefits. Rocket  brings a peppery zest and is relatively straightforward, though it takes slightly longer to mature. These varieties offer a great starting point for anyone looking to begin growing microgreens at home.

To begin growing microgreens at home, you'll need a shallow tray, a suitable growing medium like potting mix or coconut coir, and seeds specifically for microgreens. Start by evenly moistening your growing medium and spreading your seeds densely across the surface. Gently press the seeds into the medium, then lightly mist with water and cover the tray to maintain humidity. Place the tray in a warm location with adequate light, either natural or from a grow light, and continue to mist regularly to keep the medium moist. Once the microgreens have developed their first true leaves, remove the cover and allow them to grow until they reach a height of about 1-3 inches, then harvest them by snipping just above the soil level.

For growing microgreens, a fine-textured, soilless growing medium is ideal to ensure good drainage and prevent disease. Options like coconut coir, seed-starting mixes, or a high-quality potting mix without added fertilizers or slow-release nutrients work well. These mediums provide the necessary moisture retention and aeration for young seedlings, while minimizing the risk of fungal growth and other soil-borne issues that can hinder microgreen development. Avoid using garden soil, as it can contain pathogens and weeds that are detrimental to microgreens.

Microgreens thrive with ample light, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or 12-16 hours of artificial light daily for optimal growth. Insufficient light can lead to leggy, weak stems and pale, underdeveloped leaves, while adequate light promotes strong, vibrant growth and intensifies flavor and nutrient content. If using artificial light, LED grow lights are recommended for their energy efficiency and ability to provide the necessary spectrum for healthy microgreen development, placed a few inches above the growing tray. Consistent light exposure ensures that microgreens develop their characteristic color, flavor, and nutritional density.

Microgreens require consistent moisture to thrive, so watering should be done frequently, typically once or twice daily, to maintain a consistently damp, but not soggy, growing medium. The key is to mist or gently water from below, avoiding overhead watering that can damage delicate seedlings and promote fungal growth. The frequency will depend on factors like temperature, humidity, and the type of growing medium; a simple test is to check the moisture level by touching the surface – if it feels dry, it's time to water. Ensuring proper drainage is also crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other issues.

he growth time for microgreens varies depending on the specific variety, but generally, they are ready for harvest within 7 to 21 days. Faster-growing varieties like radish and mustard can be harvested in as little as a week, while slower-growing types like basil and cilantro may take up to three weeks. Factors such as temperature, light, and the specific growing conditions can also influence the growth rate. Microgreens are typically harvested when the cotyledon leaves are fully developed and before the true leaves emerge, ensuring optimal flavor and nutrient content.

Wilting microgreens are often a sign of inadequate watering, excessive heat, or poor air circulation. Underwatering is the most common culprit, as microgreens need consistent moisture to support their rapid growth; if the growing medium dries out, the delicate seedlings quickly wilt. Overheating, whether from direct sunlight or overly warm grow lights, can also cause wilting by increasing transpiration and moisture loss. Additionally, stagnant air can contribute to wilting and increase the risk of fungal diseases; ensuring proper ventilation is crucial. Occasionally, transplant shock, if they were transplanted, or root damage can also lead to wilting, though this is less common in typical microgreen growing.

Mold growth on microgreens is typically caused by excessive moisture and poor air circulation, creating an environment conducive to fungal proliferation. Overwatering, insufficient drainage, and high humidity can lead to damp conditions that encourage mold development. Densely sown seeds and lack of airflow further exacerbate the problem by trapping moisture and preventing proper evaporation. Contaminated seeds or growing mediums can also introduce mold spores. To prevent mold, ensure adequate drainage, maintain proper air circulation with a small fan, avoid overwatering by misting only when necessary, and use sterile growing mediums and clean seeds. If mold appears, remove affected areas immediately and improve ventilation to prevent further spread.

Slow growth in microgreens can be attributed to several factors, primarily insufficient light, inadequate temperature, and nutrient deficiencies. Lack of adequate light, whether natural or artificial, hampers photosynthesis, slowing down growth. Temperatures that are too low can also impede germination and development, as microgreens prefer a warm environment. While microgreens don't require heavy fertilization, a poor-quality growing medium or a lack of essential nutrients can also contribute to sluggish growth. Other potential issues include overwatering, which can lead to root rot and hinder nutrient uptake, or using old or poor-quality seeds that have low viability. Ensuring optimal light, temperature, moisture, and using a suitable growing medium will help promote healthy and rapid microgreen growth.

Distinguishing between mold and root hairs on microgreens is crucial for healthy cultivation. Root hairs are fine, white, and hair-like, extending directly from the plant's root system, and they appear on the lower part of the stem and roots, contributing to water and nutrient absorption. Mold, on the other hand, often appears as fuzzy, web-like patches on the surface of the growing medium or the leaves, and it can be white, gray, or other colors. Mold tends to spread irregularly and may have a musty odor, while root hairs are consistently located at the root base and are part of the plant's natural growth. If you are unsure, gently touch the suspected growth; root hairs will feel firm and part of the plant, while mold will typically feel soft, fuzzy, and easily disturbed.

Among the most nutritious microgreens, broccoli, red cabbage, and pea shoots stand out due to their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Broccoli microgreens are particularly rich in sulforaphane, a potent compound with anti-cancer properties. Red cabbage microgreens offer high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which contribute to heart health. Pea shoots are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber. These varieties offer a concentrated source of nutrients, often exceeding the nutritional content of their mature counterparts, making them valuable additions to a healthy diet.

es, microgreens can be successfully grown hydroponically, offering a soilless and often faster cultivation method. Hydroponic systems for microgreens typically involve using shallow trays or mats placed over a nutrient-rich water solution, allowing the seedlings to absorb the necessary moisture and nutrients directly from the water. This method eliminates the need for soil, reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests, and can provide a cleaner growing environment. Hydroponic microgreens often exhibit rapid growth and vibrant colors due to the consistent access to nutrients and water, making it a popular choice for commercial and home growers seeking efficient and clean production.

Growing microgreens for profit involves several key steps: start by selecting high-demand varieties and establishing a consistent growing system, whether soil-based or hydroponic, ensuring optimal environmental conditions for rapid growth. Develop a reliable market by targeting local restaurants, farmers' markets, or direct-to-consumer sales through online platforms or community networks. Maintain consistent quality and freshness through careful harvesting and packaging, and comply with any local regulations regarding food production and sales. Efficiently manage costs, including seeds, growing mediums, and utilities, to maximize profitability. Building strong relationships with customers and consistently delivering a superior product are essential for long-term success in the microgreens market.

Best practices for sanitizing microgreen growing equipment involve thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces to prevent the spread of diseases and mold. Begin by removing any debris and washing trays, tools, and surfaces with hot, soapy water. Follow this with a disinfectant solution, such as a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or a food-grade hydrogen peroxide solution, allowing the disinfectant to remain in contact for the recommended time. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual disinfectant, and allow the equipment to air dry completely before reuse. Regularly sanitize growing areas, tools, and containers between each batch of microgreens to maintain a hygienic environment and ensure healthy growth.

Larger, hard-coated seeds generally benefit from pre-soaking to jump-start germination; these include peas, sunflower, beet, and cilantro (whole seed). Conversely, small seeds like broccoli, radish, kale, and those with mucilaginous coatings (arugula, basil, chia) should not be soaked, as they can become overly sticky or develop mold. Essentially, larger seeds with tougher outer shells benefit from soaking, while smaller seeds or mucilaginous seeds do not.

Choosing between 1010 and 1020 microgreen trays primarily comes down to space efficiency, yield management, and personal preference. 1010 trays are smaller, making them ideal for limited spaces, such as apartment balconies or small indoor setups, and allow for greater variety in a compact area. They're also easier to handle individually, making them suitable for smaller harvests or experimenting with different microgreen varieties. Conversely, 1020 trays offer a larger growing surface, maximizing yield per tray and are more efficient for commercial growers or those with larger growing spaces. They often fit standard shelving units more effectively, streamlining larger-scale operations. The decision ultimately hinges on the grower's space, desired yield, and operational scale.

Whether or not you should use a humidity dome or tray depends on your growing environment and the specific needs of your microgreens. Humidity domes or trays are most beneficial during the germination stage, as they help maintain consistent moisture and warmth, which are crucial for seed sprouting.

They are particularly useful in dry climates or during colder months when indoor humidity levels tend to be low. However, once the seeds have germinated and the microgreens have developed their cotyledon leaves, excessive humidity can increase the risk of mold and fungal diseases. In environments with naturally high humidity, or if you're experiencing mold issues, you may want to avoid or remove the humidity dome or tray. In essence, use them judiciously, primarily during germination, and monitor your microgreens closely to adjust as needed

Whether or not to use a blackout dome (or a period of darkness) for microgreens depends on the specific variety and the desired outcome. Some growers find that a blackout period, typically for 24-72 hours after sowing and initial watering, can promote more uniform germination and longer, more tender stems, particularly for varieties like sunflowers and peas.

 This technique encourages the seedlings to stretch upwards in search of light, resulting in taller, more visually appealing microgreens. ² However, not all microgreens benefit from a blackout period, and some, like radish and broccoli, may grow perfectly well without it. If you're aiming for taller, more etiolated stems or if you're working with varieties known to benefit from darkness, a blackout dome can be helpful. Otherwise, providing consistent light from the start is sufficient for most microgreen cultivation

To start growing microgreens with the absolute minimum equipment, you'll need:

Trays:  Two trays: one with drainage holes and one without (to act as a water reservoir). Alternatively, any shallow container can be used.  

Growing Medium: Seed starting mix, coco coir, or even paper towels can work.

Seeds: Microgreen seeds of your choice.

Water: We recommend bottom-watering - watering the bottom tray once a day on average, just to the level of the raised bevels.

Light:  A sunny windowsill, or for more consistent results, an artificial grow light.

Essentially, you need a container, something for the roots to grow in, seeds, water, and light. While more equipment can enhance your results, these basic items will allow you to begin growing microgreens.