Choosing the Perfect Grow Media for Your Microgreens
Whether you are a commercial grower looking for high yields, a hobbyist seeking a mess-free kitchen setup, or an eco-conscious gardener prioritizing sustainability, your choice of grow medium is the foundation of your success.
At Natural Yield, we’ve tested may substrates and here we bring you the best convenient options for Australian growers. Here is how to choose the right fit for your next harvest. You may be wondering what media we use at Natural Yield on our farm operations. Well, we use Coco Coir. We find it produces the most consistently reliable yields. However, this does not mean that other methods are not valid - coir is just what works best for us.
Grow Media Shop
1. Reusable Silicone Mats
Best for: Hygiene Enthusiasts & Cost-Saving Hobbyists
If you hate the mess of soil and the recurring cost of single-use pads, our Food-Grade Silicone Mats are the answer. These are designed for those who put cleanliness as their first priority.
- Who it’s for: Indoor/kitchen growers and those looking for a long-term investment.
- Key Advantage: Totally inert and sterile. Dishwasher safe and lasts up to 6 months.
- Best Seeds: Large to medium seeds like Pea Tendrils, Radish, Broccoli, and Sunflower.
- Top Tip: Use with Liquid Science Microgreen Plant Food to provide the nutrients that this inert substrate doesn't naturally contain.
2. Hemp Grow Mats
Best for: Eco-Warriors & Hydroponic Beginners
Natural, biodegradable, and incredibly easy to handle, Hemp Mats are the "set and forget" choice for hydroponic grow media.
- Who it’s for: Growers who want a "soilless" experience but prefer a natural, compostable fiber over silicone.
- Key Advantage: High water retention and excellent root anchoring. Once you harvest, simply toss the mat into your compost bin.
- Best Seeds: Arugula, Kale, Mustard, and Broccoli.
- Top Tip: Hemp can hold a lot of water—ensure good airflow in your grow room to prevent damping off.
3. Coco Coir (Bricks & Loose)
Best for: High Yields & Commercial Consistency
Coco Coir is our preferred medium at Natural Yield. Derived from coconut husks, it provides the "feel" of soil with the cleanliness of hydroponics.
- Who it’s for: Everyone from absolute beginners to professional farmers.
- Key Advantage: Pathogen-free, pH neutral, and offers the best balance of aeration and moisture. It results in the heaviest harvest weights in our side-by-side tests.
- Best Seeds: Everything. From tiny Amaranth to bulky Corn Shoots.
- Top Tip: Buy in compressed bricks to save on shipping and storage space—just add water to expand!
4. Coco / Perlite Blends
Best for: Expert Growers & Large Seed Varieties
For those who want to optimize their root zone even further, our Coco/Perlite blend adds volcanic glass (perlite) to improve drainage.
- Who it’s for: Growers in humid climates or those growing "thirsty" crops that require frequent watering.
- Key Advantage: Prevents compaction and ensures roots always have access to oxygen, significantly reducing the risk of root rot.
- Best Seeds: Beetroot, Swiss Chard, and Sunflower.
- Top Tip: Perfect for "top-watering" systems where drainage is critical.
At-A-Glance Comparison
| Medium | Reusable? | Mess Level | Water Retention | Best For |
| Silicone | Yes (6 Months) | Very Low | Low (Requires monitoring) | Cleanliness |
| Hemp Mats | No (Compostable) | Low | High | Ease of use |
| Coco Coir | No | Medium | Excellent | Max Yields |
| Coco/Perlite | No | Medium | High (Great drainage) | Healthy Roots |